Light in the Nordics: lighting that elevates art in Scandinavian homes
Nordic light is both our greatest asset and our greatest challenge when decorating with wall art. The low sun, the long twilights and the bright summers mean that the same painting can be experienced completely differently over the course of a day – and over the course of a year. At Artiley, we have hung hundreds of canvas paintings in homes from Luleå to Lund and seen how the right lighting transforms a work from beautiful to unforgettable. Here we share our best insights.
What makes Nordic light unique?
In Scandinavia, the color temperature and direction of light vary greatly. North-facing rooms are bathed in even, cooler daylight, while south-facing rooms get warm peaks and clear shadows. This means that your lighting needs to complement – not compete with – the daylight. A simple rule of thumb: balance the natural light with the opposite character indoors. Is the room cool from daylight? Add warmer lamps (2700–3000 K). Do you get a lot of evening sun? Supplement with more neutral tones (3000–3500 K) to keep the colors in your painting stable.
Principles that make art shine
- Color temperature: Choose 2700–3000K for a soft, intimate atmosphere (perfect for warm, earthy subjects). Go up to 3500–4000K when you want cool tones, silvers, and blues to feel precise without being clinical.
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): Go for CRI 90+ to ensure pigments, gold tones, and subtle nuances are accurately rendered. The difference is especially noticeable in abstract paintings with a muted palette.
- The 30° rule: Aim the accent light at the painting at an angle of about 30 degrees. This minimizes glare and creates a smooth, sculptural modeling of the surface.
- Light layers: Combine general light (ceiling), mood light (table/floor) and accent light (directed at the board). The accent light should be about three times brighter than the room's basic light to create focus without glare.
- Surface and material: Canvas prints without glass can withstand more directed light than framed works with glass. If you have glass – choose anti-reflective or increase the side angle to avoid reflections.
Example: when metallic tones meet Nordic light
We often work with neutral, textured motifs that respond nicely to small adjustments in the light. A favorite in Scandinavian environments is Echoes of Silver – a canvas painting in gray and gold tones that works equally well in a living room as in a sober hallway. During the day, a more neutral light lifts the cold shades and gives the work architectural sharpness. In the evening, with 2700–3000 K from a directional spot, the gold deepens and the room takes on a warm, sophisticated shimmer.
If you want to delve deeper into how motifs and light interact in Nordic homes, we also recommend our guide Paintings that reflect Nordic light: How art can enhance your home .
Placement and technology that makes a difference
- Hanging height: The gallery standard is that the center of the painting is approximately 145–150 cm above the floor. This allows the work to be experienced naturally in the living room and along walkways.
- Distance from light source: If you are installing a track on the ceiling, start 50–90 cm from the wall and direct the spot at 30°. Adjust until the entire painting is illuminated evenly, without hot spots.
- Dimmer: With a dimmer, the painting can follow the rhythm of the day. Soften the intensity after sunset for a more intimate expression, especially for large paintings.
- Directional versus wall-washers: A focused spot adds drama and depth to textures, while a wall-washer bathes the entire wall in a soft light – perfect if you have a wall of paintings with several smaller works.
Room-specific advice
Living room: Choose 3000K with CRI 90+ and a pair of directional spotlights towards your main painting. Combine with a floor lamp in the corner for soft contrast. Work with an abstract painting or a large canvas that complements textiles and wood – not the other way around.
Kitchen/dining area: Here, the art can handle more light. A narrow-beam spotlight over a painting with metallic elements creates an elegant focus without stealing the spotlight from the table lamp.
Hallway: Narrow hallway? A light, neutral wall and a 3500 K wall-washer visually lengthen the room and make wall art feel airy.
The seasons – make light your partner
The blue twilight of winter can make cool subjects feel cold. Then a warmer evening scene is worth its weight in gold. In the summer, when daylight is everywhere, let discreet accent lighting define the surface of the painting rather than overpower the room. Smart light sources with adjustable Kelvin make it easy to tune the feel to the weather and time.
Quick checklist
- Choose CRI 90+ and 2700–3500 K depending on the subject.
- Use the 30° rule for minimized glare.
- Dim in the evening for a softer experience.
- Combine light layers: general, mood, accent.
- Match the light to the tone of the subject: warmer for gold/earth, more neutral for silver/blue.
Our experience is simple: the right lighting allows your wall art to be itself – but at its best. Whether you prefer large paintings, abstract paintings or calm wall art in neutral tones, light is the link that makes the whole in Scandinavian homes feel natural.