Choosing a Wood Finish Tone: How Each Artemis London Finish Looks
Choosing a wood finish tone is one of the most important decisions when commissioning solid wood furniture. The finish defines how the grain is revealed, how the piece interacts with light, and how it sits within your space. Every Artemis London piece is made from solid Swedish redwood and finished by hand in my workshop using durable hardwax oils, allowing the natural character of the timber to remain visible while providing long-term protection.
Applying hardwax oil to Swedish redwood samples in my workshop.
Hardwax oil finishes: protection and natural character
All Artemis London finishes are created using professional hardwax oils. Unlike surface varnishes, hardwax oil penetrates into the wood while also forming a protective layer on the surface.
This provides:
durable protection against everyday use
resistance to spills and wear
a natural, tactile surface
a finish that can be maintained and restored over time
Hardwax oil enhances the grain rather than covering it, allowing the natural character of the Swedish redwood to remain fully visible.
Preparing custom Neos wood finish by hand in the Artemis London workshop before applying to solid wood furniture.
How wood finish tone affects appearance
The same timber can appear dramatically different depending on the finish applied. Finish tone influences:
warmth or coolness of colour
contrast and grain visibility
how the desk interacts with surrounding materials
how light reflects from the surface
Each finish reveals different aspects of the wood’s natural structure.
Artemis London wood finish options
Each finish is applied by hand in my workshop. Because solid wood is a natural material, subtle variation is always present, and each finished piece is unique while the overall finish and tone is very consistent.
Lily — Soft grey, calm, and architectural
Lily is a soft grey finish that shifts Swedish redwood away from its natural warmth into a cooler, more architectural tone. It reduces the orange and yellow undertones typically associated with pine, revealing a muted grey surface while preserving the natural grain beneath.
This creates a calm, balanced appearance that feels modern and understated, while still retaining the depth and authenticity of solid wood.
Best suited for:
modern and minimal interiors
neutral or monochrome spaces
cooler colour palettes
architectural and contemporary environments
Lily allows the pieces to feel present without dominating the space, offering a refined, quiet aesthetic.
See an example of a dining table finished in lily here: Solid Wood Dining Table & Velvet Chairs | Artemis London — ARTEMIS LONDON
Neos — Light, whitewashed, and softly neutral
Neos is a light, whitewashed finish that softens the natural warmth of Swedish redwood while preserving the visibility and texture of the grain. It introduces a pale, gently muted tone that feels calm and contemporary, without appearing stark or artificial.
The finish subtly lightens the wood and neutralises stronger golden undertones, creating a balanced surface that feels clean, refined, and architectural. The natural structure of the timber remains fully visible beneath the finish, giving depth and authenticity to the piece.
Best suited for:
bright, modern interiors
Scandinavian and minimal spaces
neutral colour palettes
environments where a lighter, softer wood tone is preferred
Neos creates a calm, natural presence that integrates effortlessly into a wide range of interiors while retaining the integrity of solid wood.
See an example of a dining table finished in neos here: Live Edge Pedestal Dining Table | Artemis London — ARTEMIS LONDON
Rose — Warm, natural - Raw oak
Rose introduces a warm, natural tone that enhances the inherent richness of Swedish redwood. It deepens the colour gently, bringing forward warm golden and honey undertones while preserving clear grain definition and natural variation.
The finish creates a familiar, timeless appearance that feels grounded and organic. It emphasises the natural warmth of the timber without overwhelming its character, resulting in a balanced and enduring aesthetic.
Best suited for:
warm and inviting interiors
natural and earthy colour palettes
traditional and contemporary spaces alike
environments where warmth and authenticity are central
Rose offers a classic solid wood appearance that feels both refined and enduring.
See an example of a dining table finished in rose here: Solid Wood Hairpin-Leg Dining Table, Bench & Chairs | Artemis London — ARTEMIS LONDON
Etna — Deep, rich - raw walnut
Etna transforms Swedish redwood into a deeper, richer tone with strong visual depth and contrast. It brings forward darker brown undertones while preserving the full visibility of the grain beneath.
The finish gives the desk a more architectural presence, increasing its visual weight and grounding it firmly within the space. Despite its depth, the natural structure of the wood remains fully visible, maintaining authenticity and material integrity.
Best suited for:
architectural interiors
darker or contrast-led environments
contemporary and industrial spaces
settings where the desk serves as a visual anchor
Etna creates a confident, structured appearance while retaining the natural identity of solid wood.
See an example of a desk finished in etna here: Solid Wood Desk with Shelving-Leg Storage | Artemis London — ARTEMIS LONDON
Oscuro — Dark, bold, and full depth
Oscuro builds upon the depth of Etna, introducing deeper tonal richness with subtle red undertones. This creates a darker, more dramatic finish while preserving the visible grain and natural structure of the wood.
The result is a bold and immersive surface that feels substantial and permanent. Oscuro provides maximum depth while retaining the authenticity and tactile quality of solid timber.
Best suited for:
statement pieces
darker or more dramatic interiors
executive and studio environments
spaces requiring strong visual presence
Oscuro offers the deepest and most commanding finish available.
See an example of a desk finished in oscuro here: L-Shaped Corner Desk in Solid Wood (Custom Sizes) | Artemis London — ARTEMIS LONDON
Tonal progression overview
From lightest and coolest to darkest and richest:
Neos → Lily→ Rose → Etna → Oscuro
This progression allows you to choose how prominent or subtle the desk feels within your space.
How lighting affects finish tone
Finish appearance varies depending on lighting conditions, surrounding materials, and room colour. Natural daylight reveals the full depth and grain of the wood, while artificial lighting can emphasise warmth or deepen contrast.
Because each piece is made from solid timber, natural variation is always present, and this individuality is part of the character of real wood furniture.
Viewing finishes across real pieces
The best way to understand each finish is to see it applied across full desks and furniture pieces.
Browse the full collection:
https://www.artemislondon.com/shop
Need help choosing a finish?
If you are unsure which finish is right for your space, you are welcome to get in touch. I can advise based on your interior, lighting, and overall aesthetic.
Preparing solid Swedish redwood finish samples by hand, allowing each tone to be seen and compared on real wood.