Luxury Furnished: The Perfect Colour Palette for Your Scandi Dining Chairs

Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Christine Scott, Senior Interior Designer at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Core of Scandinavian Design
• Classic Colour Pairings
• Contemporary Interpretations
• Material Considerations
• Creating Balance
• Changing with the Light
• Specific Chair Varieties and Their Ideal Palettes
• What to Avoid
• Bringing It All Together
• Key Takeaways

The enduring popularity of Scandinavian design isn't mere happenstance.

These luxury dining chairs represent the perfect marriage of form and function - clean lines, thoughtful ergonomics and materials that whisper rather than shout.

But selecting the ideal colour palette to complement these pieces requires a nuanced understanding of both the chairs themselves and the atmosphere you wish to create in your dining space.

Before we delve into colour combinations, it's worth considering what makes Scandi dining chairs so perpetually appealing. The Scandinavian design ethos embraces simplicity, functionality and connection to nature - principles that translate beautifully to dining spaces, where we gather for both sustenance and socialisation.

Understanding the Core of Scandinavian Design

Traditional Scandi dining chairs typically feature clean, organic lines without unnecessary embellishment. They incorporate natural materials, particularly wood - often oak, walnut, or beech - with exceptional craftsmanship and visible joinery as a design feature.

The ergonomic shaping prioritises comfort for extended meals, while the restrained palette allows the materials to speak for themselves. When clients insist that black Scandi dining chairs are the only option for their space, I gently encourage them to consider how these darker pieces might interact with their existing décor. While dramatically beautiful, black dining chairs demand thoughtful colour balancing elsewhere in the room.

Classic Colour Pairings

In my experience, the most successful colour pairings for Scandi dining chairs respect the inherent qualities of the pieces themselves. Here are some combinations that consistently delight even my most exacting clients:

Warm Neutrals with Natural Wood

When working with Scandi oak dining chairs or other natural wood finishes, I often recommend a palette of warm neutrals. Soft whites (think bone or ivory), sand and camel tones, buttery creams, and pale terracottas all celebrate rather than compete with the wood's natural warmth.

One particularly successful project involved pairing pale oak chairs with barely-there blush walls and cream textiles, creating a dining space that felt both sophisticated and embracing.

"I never thought something so simple could feel so luxurious," the client remarked at our reveal. That's precisely the magic of well-executed Scandinavian design - luxury through restraint rather than extravagance.

Cool Monochromes for White and Grey Chairs

White Scandi dining chairs and their grey counterparts offer tremendous versatility. For these pieces, I often employ variations on monochromatic schemes. Crisp whites with pale greys and touches of black for definition, dove grey walls with white trim and black accents, or charcoal textiles against light backgrounds for depth without heaviness all work beautifully.

One client, a retired finance director with an impressive art collection, opted for white Scandi dining chairs with slim black metal legs. We placed these against soft grey walls, allowing his colourful abstract paintings to serve as the room's primary chromatic elements.

The result was gallery-like in its sophistication, yet still retained the welcoming comfort essential to a dining space.

Natural Greens with Wooden Elements

Dark wooden Scandi dining chairs pair exceptionally well with nature-inspired greens. Soft sage for a tranquil atmosphere, muted olive for subtle sophistication, eucalyptus tones for a contemporary edge, or deep forest green for dramatic contrast against lighter woods - these combinations honour the Scandinavian connection to nature while introducing controlled colour.

One of my favourite projects involved pairing walnut Scandi dining chairs with walls in a barely-there sage. The result was simultaneously grounding and uplifting - precisely the balance most clients seek in dining spaces.

Contemporary Interpretations

While respecting tradition is important, contemporary interiors often demand more adventurous approaches. For clients seeking something less expected, I've found these pairings particularly successful:

Jewel Tones with Blonde Woods

Lighter Scandi dining chairs can stand up to surprisingly vibrant colours. Sapphire blue walls with natural oak chairs, emerald green accents with beech or maple seating, rich aubergine textiles against blonde wood frames and deep teal elements with light timber dining sets all create striking yet harmonious relationships.

A recent client selected a set of minimalist beech Scandi dining chairs with arms. Rather than placing these against predictably neutral walls, we opted for a deep, saturated teal. The contrast was striking yet harmonious - the blonde wood chairs seemed to glow against the dramatic background.

Soft Pastels with Grey or White Elements

Grey Scandi dining chairs and their white counterparts can be beautifully offset by soft pastels. Pale blush with light grey upholstered seats, duck egg blue walls behind white wooden frames, soft mint accents with grey upholstered dining chairs and lavender touches with white seating maintain the characteristic Scandinavian lightness while introducing gentle colour.

For a family with young children, we recently paired grey Scandi upholstered dining chairs with barely-there mint walls and textiles in varying shades of the same hue. The result was a space that felt feminine without being precious and practical without sacrificing sophistication.

Material Considerations

When selecting a colour palette to complement luxury dining chairs, it's essential to consider all elements in the space, not merely wall colour. The most successful rooms treat the following as integral parts of the colour story:

Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Upholstery, curtains and rugs significantly impact how dining chairs are perceived. For Scandi upholstered dining chairs, consider contrasting the seat fabric with other textiles in the room.

Area rugs should relate to the chairs without matching them precisely. Window treatments can either blend with walls or serve as a contrasting element, while table linens offer opportunities for seasonal colour adjustments without permanent commitment.

One client with a splendid collection of Scandi dining chairs with arms selected neutral upholstery for the seats but introduced colour through a stunning hand-knotted rug in varying blues. The chairs seemed to change character entirely when we switched from summer's cool blue table linens to autumn's russet tones.

Lighting Elements

The fixtures themselves and the quality of light they produce dramatically affect colour perception.

Brass or gold-toned lighting warms neutral spaces.

Black metal fixtures provide definition and structure.

Glass pendants maintain visual lightness.

The temperature of bulbs - warm or cool - can dramatically shift how colours are perceived.

Creating Balance

When integrating Scandi dining chairs into a colour scheme, consider how different distribution approaches affect the final result:

The 60-30-10 Rule Adapted

This classic interior design principle works brilliantly with Scandinavian elements:

• 60% dominant colour (typically walls and large furniture pieces)
• 30% secondary colour (often the dining chairs and substantial textiles)
• 10% accent colour (accessories, artwork, smaller textiles)

When adapted for spaces featuring Scandi dining chairs, I often advise clients to let the chairs fall into either the 60% or 30% category, depending on their prominence. This prevents them from appearing as an afterthought.

The Colour Thread Approach

Rather than rigid percentages, some spaces benefit from a more fluid approach. Identify a key colour from the Scandi dining chairs (perhaps the wood tone or upholstery), then thread this colour through various elements in different intensities. Allow the eye to travel through the space by following this chromatic path.

For clients with oak Scandi dining chairs, we often extract the exact warm undertones from the wood and echo these in textiles, accessories and even artwork. This creates a harmonious space where everything feels connected without being monotonous.

Changing with the Light

One often-overlooked consideration is how Scandinavian design responds to seasonal light changes - a factor particularly important in London's varying light conditions:

Winter Warmth

During darker months, spaces featuring Scandi dining chairs benefit from warmer accessories in amber, rust and terracotta. Additional lighting layers help combat the early darkness, while rich textiles add visual and tactile warmth. Deeper accent colours balance winter's cool light, creating a more inviting atmosphere.

Summer Lightness

When natural light is abundant, these same spaces can be transformed with cooler accents in blues and greens. Lighter textiles reflect rather than absorb light, while minimal window treatments maximise daylight. Plant elements connect to the Scandinavian love of nature, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship that's so central to Nordic design.

Specific Chair Varieties and Their Ideal Palettes

Different styles of Scandi dining chairs lend themselves to particular colour approaches:

The Classic Wishbone Chair

This icon of Danish design, with its characteristic Y-shaped back, pairs beautifully with specific colour schemes. Natural wood versions work well with soft blues and greens that reference seaside influences.

Black versions complement crisp whites with yellow or terracotta accents. White versions shine in monochromatic schemes with textural variation that prevents the space from feeling flat or sterile.

The Streamlined Stackable

These practical yet elegant chairs, often seen in Scandinavian schools and public buildings, work well with particular colour approaches. Primary colours used as careful accents against neutral backgrounds create a playful sophistication.

Graphic black and white schemes with geometric elements reference Scandinavian graphic design traditions. Pale woods complemented by industrial materials and finishes acknowledge the chairs' practical heritage while elevating their aesthetic impact.

The Contemporary Nordic

Modern interpretations of Scandinavian seating often feature innovative materials and forms, calling for thoughtful colour consideration. Sophisticated dusty pastels bridge traditional and contemporary sensibilities.

Unexpected colour pops against otherwise neutral backgrounds create visual interest without overwhelming the design. Tonal variations highlight subtle design details that might otherwise go unnoticed in more contrasting schemes.

What to Avoid

In my years advising clients on Scandi dining chairs and their ideal settings, I've observed several recurring missteps:

The "Too Stark" Syndrome

While Scandinavian design embraces simplicity, there's a fine line between elegantly minimal and uncomfortably austere. Spaces that feel too stark typically lack textural variation and employ too cool a palette without warming elements.

They miss opportunities for subtle detail and visual interest and prioritise the look over genuine comfort. By introducing natural linen textiles, subtle texture in the wall finish, and varying shades of off-white, you maintain the desired minimalism while creating a space people actually want to dine in.

The Over-Accessorised Approach

Equally problematic is drowning Scandi dining chairs in too many competing elements. Excessive decorative objects distract from clean lines. Too many disparate colours fight for attention. Fussy patterns contradict Scandinavian simplicity. Cluttered surfaces undermine the sense of space and light that's so essential to Nordic interiors.

When clients struggle with this tendency, I often suggest we select just one or two exceptional decorative pieces rather than many mediocre ones. Quality over quantity is the essence of Scandinavian luxury.

Bringing It All Together

Theory is all well and good, but application is where true design success happens. Based on frequent client requests, here are some complete approaches for specific scenarios:

For the Art Collector

For clients with significant art collections, I recommend simple, sculptural dining chairs in natural wood that serve as functional sculptures complementing rather than competing with the art.

Gallery white walls with subtle warm undertones provide an ideal backdrop.

Minimal textiles in neutral tones with exceptional texture add interest without distraction. We allow the art to provide colour moments, keeping other elements restrained.

For Family Dining

Practical family dining spaces require thoughtful material considerations. I typically recommend Scandi dining chairs with durable upholstery that withstands daily use. Washable wall finishes in mid-tones hide evidence of family life without sacrificing style.

Performance fabrics in colours that complement the chairs while disguising inevitable spills ensure the space remains beautiful despite heavy use. Colour through easily changed accessories rather than permanent elements allows for updates as tastes evolve.

For the Entertainer

Clients who frequently host require spaces designed for extended gatherings. Elegant Scandi dining chairs with arms provide the extended comfort necessary for lingering meals. Richer wall tones create ambiance under evening lighting, enhancing the dining experience.

Luxurious textiles add to the sensory pleasure of the space. Tableware and serving pieces that complement the overall palette complete the sophisticated atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

As we've explored, selecting the ideal colour palette for Scandi dining chairs involves understanding both design principles and personal preferences. The most successful approaches respect the inherent qualities of the chairs themselves.

They balance neutrals with thoughtfully selected colour moments and consider the dining experience as well as the visual impact. They allow for seasonal and evolving adjustments while prioritising harmony over rigid adherence to trends.

Whether you're drawn to white Scandi dining chairs for their crisp minimalism or wooden Scandi dining chairs for their organic warmth, the surrounding palette should enhance rather than overwhelm their inherent beauty.

After all, these pieces have endured for generations not because they shout for attention, but because they quietly exemplify the principle that true luxury lies in perfect proportions, exceptional materials and thoughtful restraint.