If you prefer a clean desktop without images, Linux Mint 22 (Cinnamon edition) makes it easy to use:

  • solid color or
  • gradient as your wallpaper.

This can reduce distractions, save memory, and even feel more elegant.

Method 1: Using the Desktop Settings (GUI)

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Change Desktop Background.
  2. Switch to the Settings.
  3. Under Picture aspect
    3.1. choose No picture.
  4. In the Background Color section, pick:
    • Solid for a single flat color, or
    • Horizontal/Vertical Gradient for a smooth blend between two colors.
  5. Click the color box(es) to select color(s).

Your desktop will instantly update with the chosen look.

Method 2: Using the Terminal (Advanced)

If you prefer the command line it's enough to run the command below:

gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background picture-options 'none'

Additionally we can change the picture and colors by:

  • Solid color (black in this example):
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background picture-uri ''
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background color-shading-type 'solid'
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background primary-color '#000000'
  • Gradient (vertical red-to-blue):
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background picture-uri ''
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background color-shading-type 'vertical'
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background primary-color '#ff0000'
gsettings set org.cinnamon.desktop.background secondary-color '#0000ff'

Replace the hex values with your own choices.

  • Extract current values

You can verify the current settings by running:

gsettings list-recursively org.cinnamon.desktop.background

and the result would be:

org.cinnamon.desktop.background color-shading-type 'solid'
org.cinnamon.desktop.background picture-opacity 100
org.cinnamon.desktop.background picture-options 'none'
org.cinnamon.desktop.background picture-uri ''
org.cinnamon.desktop.background primary-color '#000033'
org.cinnamon.desktop.background secondary-color '#000000'

Cronjob setup

To setup a cronjob you need to type in terminal:

crontab -e

then you can schedule jobs by:

0 19-21 * * * /home/xanv/ScriptS/Theme/solid_color.sh
0 9-12 * * * /home/xanv/ScriptS/Theme/picture.sh

Possible issues

  • If you are using dark mode then you need to set picture-uri-dark.
  • Or maybe check if any extension is drawing the desktop icons is interfering.
  • You may still see the picture on the inial loading screen