Where can I buy art supplies online in Iceland?
Buying art supplies in Iceland can be tricky if you do not know where to look. In recent years, online shopping has taken on a bigger role, and today it is possible to have almost all art supplies delivered straight to your door — anywhere in the country.
Why buy art supplies online?
In Iceland, many people live far from shops that specialise in art supplies. Online stores solve this problem — you get access to international brands without having to travel to Reykjavík. The main advantages:
- Wider selection — online stores often offer far more products than a shop that is not online
- Price comparison — it is easy to compare prices and quality
- Special orders — many online stores offer to order products that are not in stock
- Delivery across the country — do you live in Akureyri, Ísafjarðarbær or Egilsstaðir? No problem
What to keep in mind
1. Quality vs. price
Cheap art supplies can be great for practice, but if you are making work meant to last, quality matters. Professional watercolours (e.g. Daniel Smith, Roman Szmal) have greater colour intensity, but there are cheaper options.
2. Shipping costs
Before you order, check the shipping cost. Some shops offer free shipping above a certain amount. If you are ordering a lot of materials at once, it pays to combine orders.
3. Special orders
If you are looking for something specific — e.g. premium Schmincke watercolours or a particular type of bead — some shops offer a special-order service where you order directly from the manufacturer.
4. Ordering from foreign online stores
Is it worth ordering from Amazon, Jackson’s or other overseas shops? Sometimes, but keep in mind:
- Customs and VAT — goods over 22.200 kr. are subject to customs duties and 24% VAT when they arrive in the country
- Shipping costs — can be high, especially for heavy materials like wax or paint
- Waiting time — can take 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer
- No warranty — if an item arrives damaged, it is harder to get a refund
In many cases, it is more economical to buy from an Icelandic shop that already has links to the same manufacturers.
Which art supplies can be bought online?
Almost everything! Here are some examples of what is available:
- 🎨 Watercolours, acrylic and oil paints — from beginner products to professional materials
- ✏️ Drawing supplies — pencils, charcoal, pastels, fineliner
- 💎 Beads and jewellery-making supplies — Beadsmith, Miyuki, DiamonDuo and more
- 🕯️ Candle-making supplies — soy wax, fragrance oils, wicks, colourants
- 📐 Paper and canvas — watercolour paper, sketchbooks, stretched canvas
- 🖌️ Brushes and tools — artist brushes, spatulas, pliers
Föndurlist — an Icelandic online shop with an international selection
At Föndurlist, we stock over 40.000 products from international manufacturers. We deliver across the country and offer a special-order service for products that are not in stock. Browse the product range or use the watercolour guide for advice on watercolour materials.
Also see an overview of all art-supply shops in Iceland to compare options.