Scandinavian design has captivated homeowners worldwide with its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty. However, choosing what art fits Scandinavian decor can feel challenging when you’re faced with countless options. The key lies in understanding the fundamental principles of Nordic aesthetics: clean lines, muted colour palettes, natural materials, and an appreciation for negative space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting art prints that complement and enhance Scandinavian interiors, ensuring your walls reflect the calm, purposeful elegance this style embodies.
The answer is straightforward: Scandinavian decor pairs beautifully with minimalist abstract prints, nature-inspired artwork, coastal themes, and pieces featuring soft, muted colour palettes. Look for prints with plenty of breathing room, organic shapes, and subtle colour transitions rather than busy patterns or vibrant contrasts. Line art, botanical prints, and abstract landscapes work exceptionally well, as do pieces that incorporate the natural textures and earthy tones characteristic of Nordic design. The most successful choices maintain visual simplicity whilst adding warmth and personality to the space, creating that coveted balance between minimalism and livability that defines contemporary Scandinavian homes.
Understanding Scandinavian Design Principles
Scandinavian design emerged from the Nordic countries’ unique relationship with nature, light, and functionality. The long, dark winters and brief, brilliant summers created a design philosophy that maximises natural light whilst bringing warmth and comfort indoors. This approach, known as “hygge” in Danish culture, emphasises creating cosy, inviting spaces that feel both calming and purposeful. Understanding these foundational principles helps you select art that truly belongs in a Scandinavian setting rather than clashing with its carefully curated aesthetic.
The philosophy centres on several key elements: functionality without sacrificing beauty, quality over quantity, and a deep connection to natural materials and landscapes. Scandinavian interiors typically feature pale wood flooring, white or light grey walls, and furniture with clean, simple lines. The colour palette draws from nature—think soft greys, warm whites, gentle blues, and earthy browns. When selecting art for these spaces, you’re looking to complement rather than compete with this restrained elegance. Your artwork should feel like a natural extension of the room’s existing elements, adding visual interest without overwhelming the sense of calm.
Another crucial aspect is the concept of negative space, which Scandinavians embrace rather than fear. Empty wall space isn’t something to fill frantically; it’s an intentional design choice that allows each selected piece to breathe and be appreciated. This means your art selection matters even more—each piece needs to earn its place through thoughtful consideration of scale, colour, and subject matter. For deeper insights into selecting appropriate abstract pieces, you might find our guide comparing abstract and figurative art particularly helpful in understanding which style suits Nordic aesthetics best.
Colour Palettes That Define Nordic Aesthetics
The Scandinavian colour palette is deliberately restrained, drawing inspiration from the Nordic landscape’s natural beauty. Think of the pale blues of coastal waters, the soft greys of winter skies, the warm beiges of sand dunes, and the deep greens of pine forests. These colours create a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature, which is precisely what makes them so effective in creating restorative interior spaces. When choosing art, prioritise pieces that work within this spectrum rather than introducing jarring contrasts or overly saturated hues.
That said, Scandinavian design isn’t about creating cold, sterile environments. Warmth comes through carefully selected accent colours—dusty pinks, soft terracottas, muted mustards, and gentle sage greens. These warmer tones prevent spaces from feeling clinical whilst maintaining the overall sense of calm. In your art selection, look for pieces that incorporate these warmer accents against neutral backgrounds. A print with subtle coral tones or gentle blush pinks can add personality without disrupting the colour harmony you’ve established throughout your space.
Monochromatic and tonal approaches work exceptionally well in Scandinavian settings. Rather than seeking high contrast, look for art that explores subtle variations within a limited colour range. Prints featuring gradual colour transitions, soft washes, or layered tones create visual interest whilst maintaining the peaceful atmosphere characteristic of Nordic design. Black and white prints also have a natural home in these spaces, particularly when they feature organic shapes or natural subjects rather than harsh geometric patterns. For more guidance on colour coordination, explore our comprehensive guide to matching artwork with room colours.
Minimalist Abstract Art for Scandinavian Spaces
Minimalist abstract art represents perhaps the most natural fit for Scandinavian interiors. These pieces distil visual elements to their essence, using simple forms, limited colour palettes, and abundant negative space to create impact through restraint rather than complexity. The beauty lies in what’s suggested rather than explicitly shown, inviting contemplation and allowing the viewer’s eye to rest. This approach mirrors the Scandinavian design principle of removing everything unnecessary until only the essential remains.
When selecting minimalist abstract pieces, consider works that feature organic rather than rigid geometric forms. Soft, flowing shapes that suggest natural phenomena—clouds, water, landscapes—tend to feel more at home in Scandinavian settings than hard-edged, mathematical compositions. Look for pieces with generous amounts of white or neutral space, allowing the composition to breathe. The artwork should feel effortless, as though it could exist nowhere else but on your wall, perfectly integrated into the room’s overall design narrative.
Colour field paintings and subtle abstract expressionist works also complement Nordic aesthetics beautifully. These pieces use colour and texture to evoke emotional responses without relying on recognisable imagery. The gentle gradations and soft boundaries between colours create a meditative quality that enhances the restful atmosphere you’re cultivating. Avoid pieces with aggressive brush strokes, dramatic contrasts, or busy compositions—these introduce visual tension that conflicts with the Scandinavian emphasis on calm and order. Understanding the principles of abstract composition can help you identify pieces that will work harmoniously within your space.
Nature-Inspired and Botanical Prints
Scandinavian culture maintains a profound connection to the natural world, and this relationship extends seamlessly into interior design. Nature-inspired artwork brings the outdoors inside, creating visual connections to the landscapes that shape Nordic identity. Botanical prints, abstract florals, and stylised natural subjects all work beautifully in these settings, particularly when rendered with the characteristic Scandinavian restraint. Rather than photorealistic or overly detailed botanical illustrations, look for simplified, artistic interpretations that capture the essence of plants and flowers.
Abstract floral prints offer an excellent middle ground between decoration and artistic expression. These pieces suggest rather than depict, using colour, shape, and composition to evoke flowers and foliage without slavish replication. The “Banksia Blush – Australian Abstract Floral Art Print” exemplifies this approach, with its soft colour palette and organic forms that feel both contemporary and naturally connected to the botanical world. Such pieces add warmth and organic beauty whilst maintaining the clean aesthetic essential to Scandinavian design.
Landscape abstractions also deserve consideration, particularly those that evoke Nordic environments—coastal scenes, fields, forests, or mountains. These don’t need to be literal representations; in fact, abstract interpretations often work better because they allow individual viewers to project their own experiences and memories onto the artwork. Pieces that capture the quality of light, the sense of space, or the atmospheric conditions of natural environments resonate deeply within Scandinavian interiors. For Australian homes embracing Nordic style, you might explore our collection of Australian botanical prints that bridge these two design aesthetics beautifully.
Coastal and Beach-Inspired Artwork
Given Scandinavia’s extensive coastlines and maritime heritage, coastal-themed artwork feels particularly authentic in Nordic-inspired spaces. However, this doesn’t mean nautical clichés or literal beach photography. Instead, look for abstract interpretations of coastal elements—the movement of water, the texture of sand, the play of light on waves, or the colours of sea and sky. These pieces capture the essence of coastal living without resorting to obvious symbolism like anchors or ships.
The key to successful coastal art in Scandinavian settings lies in colour selection and compositional simplicity. Choose pieces that feature the soft, muted blues and greys of Nordic coastal waters rather than the saturated turquoise of tropical seas. Look for artwork that emphasises horizontal lines and open compositions, mirroring the expansive quality of seascapes. Abstract coastal pieces work particularly well in bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas where you want to cultivate a sense of tranquillity and connection to water. The “Reef Shadows – Coastal Abstract Painting Print” demonstrates how coastal themes can be interpreted with the restraint and sophistication that Scandinavian design demands, using gentle tones and abstract forms to suggest rather than depict.
Coral and underwater-inspired abstracts offer another coastal avenue worth exploring. These pieces bring organic textures and gentle colour palettes that complement Nordic interiors beautifully. The natural patterns found in marine life—the branching structures of coral, the flowing forms of seaweed, the rippling textures of water—translate wonderfully into abstract compositions that add visual interest without overwhelming. When selecting coastal artwork, ensure it maintains the characteristic Scandinavian restraint; avoid anything too busy, too colourful, or too literal in its depiction. If you’re decorating spaces with specific moisture considerations, you might also reference our guide to bathroom-appropriate art prints.
Line Art and Geometric Compositions
Line art represents another perfect match for Scandinavian aesthetics, offering maximum visual impact with minimal elements. These pieces use simple lines to create sophisticated compositions, often featuring faces, figures, or abstract forms rendered with elegant economy. The stark contrast of black lines on white backgrounds aligns perfectly with the Nordic preference for clarity and simplicity. Line drawings work exceptionally well in gallery wall arrangements, where their uniformity creates cohesion whilst individual pieces provide variety.
Geometric abstract art also has a place in Scandinavian interiors, though with important caveats. The geometry should feel organic rather than mechanical—think rounded forms and flowing shapes rather than rigid grids and sharp angles. Soft geometric compositions that suggest architecture, landscapes, or natural patterns work better than mathematical precision. The goal is to create visual interest through shape and form without introducing the visual complexity that disrupts the calm you’re cultivating. Pieces that balance geometric elements with plenty of negative space typically perform best in these settings.
When incorporating line art or geometric pieces, consider scale carefully. In Scandinavian design, fewer, larger pieces typically work better than many small ones. A single substantial line drawing or geometric abstract can anchor a wall beautifully, providing a focal point without cluttering the space. If you’re creating a gallery wall, maintain generous spacing between pieces—remember that the wall space between artworks is as important as the artworks themselves. This principle of negative space distinguishes thoughtful Scandinavian design from more maximalist approaches. For additional insights on using geometric elements effectively, explore our complete guide to geometric art placement.
Placement and Styling Strategies
Even perfect artwork can fail if poorly placed or styled. Scandinavian interiors handle art placement with characteristic intentionality, treating each piece as a carefully considered element within the overall composition. The most common approach involves selecting a single statement piece for each wall rather than covering every available surface. This restraint allows each artwork to be properly appreciated and prevents the visual clutter that undermines the calm, ordered atmosphere you’re working to create.
Height matters significantly in Scandinavian design. Unlike some decorating approaches that place art at eye level regardless of furniture, Nordic styling considers the room’s overall proportions and sight lines. In living areas, art often hangs slightly lower than traditional recommendations, creating an intimate relationship with seating arrangements. Above sofas, maintain 15-20 centimetres between the furniture and the frame’s bottom edge. In dining areas, artwork should relate to the table and chairs rather than arbitrary wall measurements. The goal is creating visual harmony between all elements in the space.
Framing choices significantly impact whether artwork succeeds in a Scandinavian setting. Light wood frames—particularly oak, ash, or birch—create natural connections to Nordic furniture and flooring. White or natural wood frames maintain the light, airy quality essential to this aesthetic. Black frames work well for line art or high-contrast pieces but can feel heavy if overused. Avoid ornate or gilded frames entirely; they introduce visual complexity that conflicts with Scandinavian simplicity. For pieces that don’t require glass protection, consider floating the print without a frame, securing it directly to the wall with clips or magnetic systems for an ultra-contemporary look. If you’re struggling with coordination, our guide to coordinating abstract art with furniture offers practical strategies for creating cohesive spaces.
Creating Gallery Walls the Scandinavian Way
Gallery walls can work in Scandinavian interiors, but they require more restraint than typical maximalist approaches. Limit your collection to 3-5 pieces rather than covering entire walls. Maintain generous spacing between frames—at least 5-8 centimetres—to prevent the arrangement from feeling cluttered. Stick to a cohesive colour palette and similar frame styles throughout the arrangement. Symmetrical or grid-based layouts typically work better than organic, salon-style arrangements, as they maintain the sense of order that defines Nordic aesthetics.
Consider creating thematic coherence within your gallery wall rather than mixing disparate subjects and styles. A collection of botanical abstracts, a series of coastal scenes, or a group of complementary geometric pieces will feel more intentional than a random assortment. Think of your gallery wall as a single artistic statement composed of multiple elements rather than several unrelated artworks sharing space. This unified approach creates visual impact whilst maintaining the clean, purposeful aesthetic that makes Scandinavian design so appealing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding what doesn’t work helps prevent costly mistakes. One common error involves choosing artwork that’s too small for the space. In Scandinavian design, fewer, larger pieces almost always work better than many small ones. A tiny print on a large wall creates an unbalanced composition and fails to provide the visual impact you need. When in doubt, size up—a piece that’s slightly too large feels more intentional than one that’s too small.
Another frequent mistake involves introducing too much colour or pattern. Whilst Scandinavian design isn’t completely monochromatic, it does require restraint with bold colours and busy patterns. If your room features neutral walls, pale wood floors, and simple furniture, a vibrant, multi-coloured abstract print will feel jarring rather than complementary. Save saturated colours for small accent pieces and cushions rather than large wall art. Similarly, avoid artwork with excessive detail or busy compositions that demand constant visual attention—these create mental clutter that undermines the restorative quality you’re cultivating.
Hanging art too high represents another common pitfall. The traditional “eye level” rule often places artwork too high in contemporary Scandinavian interiors with lower furniture profiles. Additionally, many people underestimate the importance of negative space, attempting to fill every wall rather than embracing the breathing room that makes Scandinavian design so effective. Remember that empty wall space isn’t wasted space—it’s an intentional design element that enhances the pieces you do display. According to design historians, this principle of restraint defines authentic Nordic aesthetics more than any single element.
Balancing Personal Style with Scandinavian Principles
Perhaps the trickiest aspect involves maintaining your personality whilst adhering to Scandinavian design principles. The key lies in understanding that these principles provide guidance rather than rigid rules. You can absolutely incorporate pieces that reflect your individual taste and experiences—just ensure they work within the overall aesthetic framework you’ve established. A single, meaningful piece that breaks the “rules” slightly can add character without undermining your design vision, as long as it’s a deliberate choice rather than a random addition.
Consider how the artwork makes you feel rather than whether it checks every Scandinavian design box. If a piece brings you joy and creates a sense of calm when you view it, it probably belongs in your space even if it doesn’t perfectly align with textbook Nordic aesthetics. The ultimate goal is creating a home that feels both beautiful and livable, reflecting Scandinavian principles whilst accommodating your unique preferences and needs. This personalised approach ensures your space feels authentic rather than like a sterile showroom replicating magazine images. For broader context on contemporary interior trends, you might explore our analysis of current colour trends to see how Scandinavian principles intersect with wider design movements.
Bringing It All Together
Creating an authentic Scandinavian aesthetic through thoughtful art selection requires understanding the fundamental principles that define Nordic design whilst allowing space for personal expression. The most successful approaches balance restraint with warmth, simplicity with personality, and minimalism with livability. By choosing artwork that features muted colour palettes, organic forms, and generous negative space, you create environments that feel both calming and meaningful—spaces that nurture rather than overwhelm.
Remember that Scandinavian design evolved from specific cultural and environmental contexts, but its principles translate beautifully to homes anywhere in the world. Whether you’re in a Melbourne apartment or a Sydney terrace, the emphasis on natural light, quality materials, and purposeful simplicity creates interiors that feel timeless and restorative. Your art selections play a crucial role in achieving this aesthetic, providing visual interest and personality whilst maintaining the clean, ordered beauty that makes Scandinavian spaces so appealing. Take your time selecting pieces, trust your instincts, and prioritise quality over quantity—your walls will thank you.
 | Joseph Russell Joseph is an Australian abstract artists and curator of the Inomaly art collection. |