What is Danish pastels decor and why are we obsessed with it?

Move over Danish pastries and step aside Scandi style decor, our new favourite Nordic export has all the saccharine sweetness of a pic ‘n’ mix stand. We’re talking about Danish pastels, of course. The decor trend sweeping our screen on Tiktok, Instagram, and Pinterest, we’re seeing more and more of our decorating community lean towards these soothing sorbet shades and quirky wiggly designs.

Whilst the Scandi-style decor trend is all about muted neutrals and breezy whites, Danish pastels embrace every shade of the inside of a bag of Dolly mix. Content creators like pastel-lover Lindsey Isla and Copenhagen-based Simone Noa Hedal show us how to style these fun and youthful palettes. From statement lamps to quirky candles, if you want to inject a little Danish cool into your home, take a look at our guide to the Danish pastels trend.

Colourful prints 

Colourful pastel artwork, particularly with floral or natural motifs, is a key component of the Danish pastel trend. It’s pieces like Matisse’s corals (available in a range of pastel hues). We love how Lindsey Isla has styled her Danish pastel-inspired gallery wall, full of floral prints with vibrant mix and match frames.

Pastel colour palette 

From gentle pinks to milky yellows, soft lilacs to mint greens, the Danish pastel colour palette is sugary sweet and totally uplifting.

If you’re looking to incorporate a Danish pastels colour palette through painted walls and furniture, our pastel sample box is a great place to start.  Remember, if you don’t want to paint your entire home floor-to-ceiling in pastels, why not opt for a feature wall or colour blocking. We love Rina Sawayama’s ombre wall feature. Very Danish pastel vibes.  

Murano lamps

If your Instagram is anything like ours, it’s probably been inundated with adorable Murano glass mushroom lamps. Popularised in the 1970s, if you want to buy an original be prepared to spend upwards of £600. That said, you can pick up lots of modern-day replicas, like this pistachio green lamp on Ajouter for a fraction of the cost.

Statement vases

The Danish pastel trend is all about making a statement through your accessories and nothing does this better than a stand-out vase. This pink ‘gingham’ vase by &Klevering hits the nail on the head.

Wiggly candles and candle holders 

And the same goes for candles and candle holders. In line with the wiggly decor trend, Danish pastels shows off candles that are almost too gorgeous to burn. Like these gorgeous pink twisty candles by Lex Pott via MADE.com, handmade by the Dutch designer in his Rotterdam studio. Or what about Anna + Nina’s beautiful lilac and yellow piped glass candle holder? Top with a colourful pastel candlestick to complete the look.

Shell motifs

Be it prints, cushions, candles or lamps, shell motifs and pearlescent finishes are another key component when it comes to the Danish pastel trend. We’re currently obsessed with this oyster shell table lamp, also by ajouter (their whole aesthetic screams Danish pastels), and this Liars & Lovers shell candle in peach. 

Colourful mirrors

From wavy to painted, colourful mirrors are in and very much a part of the Danish pastel decor trend. We love this Ripple Lacquer Mirror available at Jonathan Adler and are currently obsessing over Simone Noa Hedel’s painted mirror artwork.

If the Danish pastels decor trend sounds like a bit of you why not take a look at our guide on how to use pastel colours in your home for some peachy perfect interior inspiration.