Scandinavian interior design has taken the world by storm, and for a good reason. It’s the clean lines, minimalist aesthetic and cozy touches that have gotten people to fall in love. It’s a style that’s both modern and timeless – the perfect combination I would say. Don’t you agree?
In this guide I have gathered everything you need to know about Scandinavian interior design. I hope some of this information will inspire you to implement it into your home. Let’s dive into this ultimate guide that will help you create a space that’s effortlessly chic and functional.
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What Is Scandinavian Interior Design?
Let’s start off with the basics – what is Scandinavian interior design? As I mentioned in the beginning, this style is all about simplicity, functionality and beauty. And of course I have a pre-love to this style since I’m from Sweden and the style is of course – from Sweden! But also Norway, Finland and Denmark. I guess I have to share it.
Some of you may think this is a pretty new style, but it actually became popular in the mid-20th century and has since grown into a global favorite.
Scandinavian interior design reflects the typical Scandinavian lifestyle of “lagom” meaning “just right” or “hygge”. It means that it should not be too much and not too little, but something in between.
Now you might wonder what “lagom” is and I would say that it’s to create a space that’s not only beautiful, but also livable. You should think bright, airy rooms that’s filled with natural light, neutral tones and a mix of different textures. This will result in a cozy and inviting feeling.
The Key Elements of Scandinavian Interior Design
1. Neutral Color Palette
Scandinavian interiors often stick to a muted color palette, for instance whites, greys, beiges and sometimes soft pastels. You should go for colors that creates a calm and serene atmosphere.
2. Natural Materials
In this this natural materials plays a big role. In almost every house in Sweden there is wooden floors which will warm up any space. But you should not only have wooden floors, but also leather accents and lots of wool textiles. These materials will bring warmth and authenticity to a space.
A personal favorite of mine is incorporating light oak furniture since it’s durable, versatile, and fits perfectly with the Scandinavian aesthetic.
3. Functional Furniture
Another thing that Scandinavian interior is known for is it’s multifunctional furnitures. It could be ottomans with storage, a sofa that turns into a bed or a storage bench that doubles as a seating area. In every part of my room I have included clean furniture with lots of storage. That’s always the first thing I consider when buying something – how much storage?
4. Natural Light
Since Scandinavian interior is so much about light and airy, it’s of course important to have natural light. I believe it comes from the long and dark winters up here – you want to get every stream of natural light as possible. That’s why it’s important with large windows, sheer curtains and strategically placed mirrors to help brighten up the space. I replaced my heavy curtains with airy linen ones and it’s crazy how it completely transformed how light flows through my living room.
5. Cozy Textures
Now for my favorite – cozy textures. Even though Scandinavian interiors are minimalist, they’re far from cold and naked. A big reason for that is the cozy textures. Add chunky knits, soft rugs and fluffy pillows. This will instantly warm up the space and make it feel more inviting. My favorite winter ritual is curling up on the couch with a wool blanket and a cup of tea – it’s pure “hygge.”
How to Achieve the Scandinavian Look in Your Home
1. Declutter First
So now for the part that you’ve all been wondering about – how do you achieve the Scandinavian interior look?
First off is of course to declutter. Scandinavian interior is about simplicity and functionality so you need to get rid of all your clutter to begin with. I have a guide on 10 different stratergies you can use when decluttering. Check it out and let me know which ones are your favorites.
Personally I like to follow the “one in, one out” rule: whenever I buy something new, I donate or sell an old item to keep my home clutter-free.
2. Choose Minimalist Furniture
Furniture are often the focal part of any room, that’s why it’s important to choose the right furnitures. You should look for furnitures with clean lines and a modern look but also natural materials such as wood and leather. One of the most famous Scandinavian design item is the Eames chair with it’s clean and modern look.
3. Add Greenery
Adding greenery is an amazing way of bringing life into your home. At first, I was afraid of including plants into my home because I thought I couldn’t take care of them. But now I realize that there are plants that’s actually really easy to take care of – low-maintenance plants. For instance a snake plant or a monstera.
A few weeks ago I added my first plants to my home. It was a monstera and an ivy. It’s crazy how much of a difference it made to the entire living room. It brightened up the space in an amazing way, but it also brought so much life to the space. You need to try it!
4. Layer Textures
Now it’s time to layer some textures. You can combine a soft wool rug with a sleek leather armchair for a very sophisticated look. Another way to layer textures are by pairing linen curtains with a velvet throw. As you understand there are endless of ways to layer textures – you just need to be a little creative.
5. Focus on Lighting
If you’re just looking to redo your living room or your bedroom, I understand that you can’t really change the windows just like that. But there are a few other ways to getting the natural light into your home. First off it’s important to choose the right curtains – but also place them right. If possible, put them as far up as you can – preferably in the ceiling, and then from wall to wall. This way you don’t even have to cover the window at all.
Another way is to incorporate a lot of lamps, both floor lamps and table lamps. You should also include candles for a warm and inviting atmosphere. I’m a big fan of dimmable lights – they’re perfect for setting the mood in the evening. Personally I use Philips Hue but there are several options out there.
Scandinavian Design Trends to Try
1. Sustainable Materials
Us Scandinavians are known for our eco-friendly mindset – even in our interiors. You can also implement this into your interior by looking for furniture made from recycled materials and by investing in quality pieces that lasts for years to come.
2. Japandi Fusion
Scandinavian interior may remind you of a Japandi interior, that’s because both of these styles are focusing on minimalism. They both want to create a serene and functional space when including natural elements. I’ve started incorporating more Japandi-inspired decor, like low-profile furniture and simple ceramic vases into my home. I think it creates a beautiful mix.
3. Pops of Color
In order to not having your home all white, beige and grey, I think it’s important to include some natural colors. For instance, mustard yellow, teal and maybe a dark green. These are colors that reflect the outside in a neutral way, but still goes well with the rest of the interior. I love adding mustard yellow cushions and maybe a real vase to create some interest.
Designing Specific Rooms with a Scandinavian Touch
Living Room
When creating a Scandinavian interior living room – focus on a comfortable sofa, a natural wooden coffee table and plenty of soft textures. For accessories you should add a floow lamp with a simple design for extra lighting and then a plant on the wooden coffee table. There you have a good base for creating the most beautiful living room.
Bedroom
In the bedroom you should keep your bedding soft and neutral. The furnitures should be in a neutral and minimalist design such as your bed and your dresser. You can then add a sheepskin rug or a chunky knit blanket to add some extra textures and a touch of warmth.
Kitchen
When it comes to the kitchen it’s all about functionality and simplicity. You should choose sleek cabinets, open wooden shelving and natural wood accents. In a kitchen it’s easy for it to be very cluttered since it’s so much stuff so it’s important to prioritize storage and minimal decorations.
Budget-Friendly Tips for a Scandinavian Makeover
It may seem expensive to renovate and transform your home into a Scandinavian interior, but there are bidget-friendly ways to redo your home as well. I will list some examples below:
- Shop Secondhand: Look for Scandinavian-style furniture and decor at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
- DIY Decor: Create your own wall art or refurbish an old piece of furniture. We made our own wooden coffee table. Turned out soo good!
- Invest in Key Pieces: Start with a few high-quality items, like a wooden dining table or a wool rug, and build your design around them.
Conclusion
Scandinavian interior design is more than just a trend – it’s a lifestyle that values simplicity, functionality, and comfort. Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just looking for small ways to incorporate this style, I would say these principles are easy to follow and adapt to your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your Scandinavian interior journey today! I’d also love to hear your favorite aspect in the comments! Also, share your favorite pictures on Pinterest for later and don’t forget to check out more decor inspiration on the blog!
