Introduction
To be honest, I was into buying and collecting furniture since I was a teenager, but art was never my thing. It was only until I met my wife-to-be that I started to explore her love of art. She had purchased a few abstract multi-media pieces that had volcanic pieces mixed in with acrylic. Interesting, but I liked art that I could understand. Now, we have a mix of both which fills our home with personality and warmth. I think there are few things that make as big an impact as art. And if you’re a fan of vintage charm, retro art might just be the perfect addition to your space. With their subtle hues, timeless themes, and minimalist sensibilities, Danish art from the late 19th to mid-20th century, as an example, effortlessly bridges the gap between nostalgia and modernity.
Here's A Quick History of Danish Retro Art
Danish art has long been admired for its connection to nature, its focus on light, and its understated elegance. In the late 19th century, artists like Vilhelm Hammershøi and Peder Mørk Mønsted captured tranquil interiors and landscapes with a moody, almost ethereal quality. See the images below. Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and you’ll find modernist influences creeping into Danish art, with abstract forms, bold colours, and playful patterns.
Two key movements define much of Danish retro art:
- The Skagen Painters: This group of artists, active in the late 1800s, focused on natural light, the Danish countryside, and coastal scenes. Their works exude a calmness that’s perfect for creating a serene home.
- Mid-Century Modernism: By the mid-20th century, Danish art embraced minimalism, geometric patterns, and clean lines, mirroring the furniture and design trends of the era. Think muted tones paired with pops of colour and a focus on abstraction.
Why Danish Retro Art Fits Modern Homes
You might wonder why artwork from decades ago works so well in today’s interiors. The answer lies in its timeless simplicity. Danish retro art complements modern minimalist aesthetics, thanks to its clean lines and subtle palettes. At the same time, it adds a layer of warmth and history that can prevent a space from feeling too clinical or cold. We find that a few ours create talking points.
Tips for Styling Danish Retro Art
Bringing Danish retro art into your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Create a Focal Point: Hang a large-scale piece above a sofa, dining table, or bed to draw the eye and anchor the room. A moody Hammershøi interior or a vivid abstract painting from the 1950s can serve as a stunning centrepiece.
Curate a Gallery Wall: Mix smaller Danish paintings with other retro or contemporary pieces to create a gallery wall. Look for complementary colours or themes—like muted coastal scenes or minimalist abstracts—to tie everything together.
Layer with Texture: Pair paintings with natural materials common in Danish design, like wood, leather, and wool. For example, a moody landscape in a rustic wooden frame looks right at home above a mid-century teak sideboard.
Think About Lighting: The Danish obsession with light isn’t just in their paintings—it’s part of their design ethos. Highlight your artwork with warm, adjustable lighting, such as wall-mounted sconces or spotlights, to bring out its details.
Match the Mood: Use the tone of the artwork to guide your decor. For instance, pair serene landscapes with soft, neutral furnishings, or contrast bold modernist pieces with sleek black or metal accents.
As we plan our stock for this year, we're going through artwork we bought last year to pick out some ideas that could help you bring more style to your living space. A mix of affordable works, limited signed lithographs and a few choice pieces that would be hard to find again. You can subscribe below to get details in our newsletter before we post our finds online.