Scandinavian interior design is often talked about as something bright and simple. But what really makes the colors work is the interplay between undertones, textures and well-chosen artwork. When we at Artiley help customers choose canvas prints, it's rarely about one painting dominating – rather, it's about it reinforcing the mood that already exists. Here, we share our most accurate methods for building a Scandinavian color palette and choosing wall art that lifts the whole.
What do we mean by Scandinavian palettes?
Scandinavian palettes are often restrained but never flat. The base revolves around off-white, greige, misty gray and soft earth tones. Then come small doses of contrast: jet black lines, muted forest green, sea blue or metallic accents in brushed brass and matte nickel. The key is the undertones – a warm greige requires different companions than a cool gray. A rule we often use in rooms with natural daylight from the north (colder light) is to add something that adds warmth: a texture, a warmer shade or subtle metallic tones.
How to match wall art without taking over the room
Think about the big picture: the wood of the floor, the undertone of the walls, and the room's most important textiles. Let the art capture two or three of these elements. Abstract paintings do this particularly well because they move between colors and shades rather than providing a clear motif that demands total attention. Also consider the format. Large paintings above a sofa or bed create calm if they have calm color transitions, while a smaller group can be more expressive without feeling cluttered.
Three color tracks that work – and what you can get behind
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Warm greige + oak + brass. Here, an abstract painting that ties together neutrals with a hint of metal wins. Echoes of Silver does just that with gray and gold tones that create sophistication without being flashy. It works equally well in living rooms as in hallways where you want to add depth and elegance without sharp color shocks.
- Cool gray + white + teal textile. Choose wall art with cool transitions and clear horizons or soft layers. It provides a quiet focus and anchors teal accents in the room. Abstract sea scenes or misty landscapes are often hits here.
- Beige + linen + terracotta. Turn up the heat with art in earthy tones and soft, organic shapes. One tip is to let the painting reflect the texture of the rug or curtain – not necessarily the color – to avoid everything being too tone-on-tone.
Undertones, Texture, and Why Metal Works
When we installed art in a two-bedroom apartment in Malmö with cool gray walls and black details, the feeling of warmth was missing despite the beautiful architecture. The solution was a painting with subtle gold accents and soft gray fields. Metal accents act as “light traps” – they reflect just enough to bring the surface to life, without stealing the focus. That’s why paintings like Echoes of Silver often land so nicely in Nordic homes.
Tone by tone – when is it right?
Tone on tone is a favorite when you want to create peaceful spaces where the eye can rest. But it requires nuance and tactility: matte versus glossy, smooth versus woven. If you want to delve deeper into how to build harmonies without monotony, read our guide Tone on tone: How to use similar color shades in art and interior design .
Location, height and light
Hang the center of the painting about 145 cm from the floor in rooms where you stand a lot (hallway, kitchen) and slightly lower where you sit more often. Always test in existing light – morning and evening. Scandinavian light changes greatly throughout the day, and a painting with subtle metallic elements may shimmer beautifully in evening light but feel cool in the morning. Photograph the wall at different times of day to see how the colors behave.
Quick expert tips when choosing wall art
- Tape up paper the size of the painting and get a feel for the proportions in the room for 24 hours.
- Match undertone, not exact color. A warm gray painting in a cold gray room is jarring – change to a cooler shade.
- Repeat a detail three times: a metallic tone in the painting, a frame detail and a small interior item are enough to create balance.
- Dare calm color, strong form. In restrained palettes, abstract paintings with clear composition carry the room without the color dominating.
Scandinavian palettes aren't about "less color" - they're about conscious choices. With the right wall art, you'll have a home where every hue feels natural, from first coffee to evening light.