All You Need To Know About Swedish Farmhouse Style

As some of you may know, I am from Sweden and there are one specific style from Sweden that I am totally in love with – Swedish farmhouse style. It combines the rustic charm with the minimalist Scandinavian style which then results in homes that are both practical and absolutely beautiful.

This style offers everything that I’m looking for in a home – warmth, simplicity and functionality. As someone who’s been obsessed with interior design for years, I can’t help but admire how this style strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics and comfort. So, of course I needed to share this with you – especially since it’s a Swedish style!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Swedish farmhouse design and how to make it work in your own space.

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What Is Swedish Farmhouse Design?

Let’s start off with the basics – what is Swedish farmhouse design? It is rooted in the countryside of Sweden and is all about embracing the outdoors using natural materials and creating spaces that feels welcoming and homely. This style is far from Eclectic decor, meaning that you will not find any loud patterns or bold colors here. Swedish farmhouse is all about neutral colors, wooden beams, clean lines and an airy and natural feeling.

One thing you might not know about me yet is that I absolutely love being outdoors. I love the sound of nature, the calm and the warmth it makes me feel. That’s something I will constantly seek in my home and also the reason for me loving this style so much – it captures all of these things.

It’s also about practicality – after all, Swedish homes, particularly farmhouses, were designed to withstand harsh winters while keeping you cozy.

Key Elements of Swedish Farmhouse Design

Now let’s discuss the three key elements of this style:

1. Natural Materials and Simple Furniture

As you might have understood by now, one of the key elements are natural materials such as wood, stone and linen. But it is also simple yet functional furnitures with clean lines such as rustic wooden tables, vintage-inspired chairs and sturdy old-fashioned cabinets.

I remember seeing this small Swedish farmhouse online a while ago and the furniture was so simple yet incredibly charming. A beautiful oak dining table with mismatched wooden chairs gave the space an authentic, lived-in feel. Every piece seemed carefully chosen for its durability and simplicity, not just the aesthetics.

When incorporating Swedish farmhouse furniture into your home, it’s important to remember to stick with pieces made from solid wood and avoid overly decorated or flashy designs. Instead, focus on functionality and timeless pieces.

2. Soft, Neutral Color Palettes

One thing this style has in common with Japandi style is the soft and neutral color palettes. Think soft whites, light grays and muted pastels when decorating. The reason for it being a key element in this style is because these colors help reflect natural light resulting in a more open and airy feel.

One thing I’ve always loved about Swedish farmhouse style is how calm it feels. The muted color tones creates a sense of warmth, which is exactly what you need in a home. I also love bringing in muted greens or blues, it adds a touch of color while keeping it very calm and nature-inspired.

3. Maximizing Natural Light

The third key element is of course the natural light. As some of you may know, Sweden gets very dark in the winters – especially in the north where I live. At the very top of Sweden the sun never rises in the winter months – thankfully it still rises where I live! However, this is the reason for this style focusing very much on maximizing the natural lights.

You should think large windows, open spaces and strategically placed mirrors. These will all help create a beautiful flow of natural light inside.

When I lived in my apartment in the south of Sweden, I had only two small mirrors in my apartment and the whole space felt so incredibly dark. It was actually kind of depressing. However, when I moved to the north of Sweden I moved into an apartment with many large windows and I can’t tell you enough how much of a difference this made. Not only to the natural light flow but also to my well-being – even if it is darker up here.

However, you might not have the ability to change your windows, but there are certain things you can do to still let more light in through your windows. First, think about what curtains you choose, go for light, airy, almost see-through ones. Next, place mirrors in a way that it can reflect the natural light coming from the window. This will almost result in putting in another window. Don’t underrestimate the impact of natural lights!

How to Achieve Swedish Farmhouse Design in Your Home

So, of course Swedish farmhouse style isn’t just for those living in the Swedish countryside. With a few tips you can actually incorporate it into any home, no matter the size or location. Here are a few practical tips for bringing this look into your own space:

1. Cozy Living Room Ideas

So the living room is a place where you hang out a lot – a place you spend your cozy evenings in. That’s also the reason why you should prioritize this room to make it comfortable and cozy.

Start off with neutral-colored walls such as a warm beige or even a soft warm green tone. Then add soft textures like knitted throw blankets, linen cushions and wooden furnitures. To give the space even more of a character you can include vintage pieces.

I think that if you mix and max different textures – as a knitted throw over a linen sofa or maybe a sheepskin rug on a wooden floor – creates the most perfect blend of cozy and rustic. Also, don’t forget to layer soft lighting. Get a beautiful neutral-toned floor lamp or a table lamp and add a dimmable lightbulb to it. This will result in a warm and inviting glow.

2. Inviting Kitchen Spaces

The kitchen – the heart of your home. This place I believe is the most important in order to get a cohesive look in your home as well as creating a practical place you love to be in. Here, you should opt for open shelving where you can display vintage dishware and glass jars of dry goods. The cabinet color should be painted in a light, neutral color such as white, soft gray or a sage green.

My dream kitchen has always been a soft green with beautiful vintage brass accents. I’m thinking simple, elegant cabinet details paired with a light countertop. For the walls, I’d love wooden panels on the lower half and a beautiful light wallpaper on top. A standout feature I dream of is having cabinets with glass doors above the countertop for a timeless and charming touch.

3. Serene Bedroom Vibes

Now for the bedroom – a place that’s all about achieving a peaceful retreat. This place you need to focus on simple and calming elements. You could include a flower wallpaper if it is subtle and neutral toned. Then go for a wooden or soft beige bed frame, soft bedding in neutral tones and then of course – plenty of natural light. You ccan then start giving the bedroom som character by adding vintage mirrors and a few plants.

I love the soft, calm and cozy vibes of a Swedish farmhouse bedroom. It reminds me of the typical Swedish summer with birds chirping and the smell of freshly bloomed flowers. You can say it reminds me of warm summer beautiful days here in Sweden.

4. Functional Entryways

A functional and beautiful entryway is definitely a must in a Swedish farmhouse. You should opt for simple and sturdy furnitures such as a wooden bench or a wooden side board. I also love a custom-built closet solution with a seating area to make it look more luxurious but still keeping the farmhouse feel.

You can also add a woven rug or a vintage mirror to make the space feel even more inviting. And don’t remember white and soft curtains and a large plant to make the space feel warm and cozy.

Small Space Solutions with Swedish Farmhouse Style

We all live in different sized homes and not everyone has the luxury of large, open spaces. However, this does not mean you can’t achieve a Swedish farmhouse look. The key is to focus on functionality while still keeping the design simple and stylish.

1. Multi-Functional Furniture

In general, you should always choose multi-functional furnitures in smaller spaces. Thous could be a coffee table with hidden compartments or a sofa bed for when you’re having guests over.

I love the look of a vintage cabinet in a small bedroom – it gives the space both style and storage while still keeping the space feeling open.

2. Light and Airy Design

Another thing that’s even more important while decorating a small space is of course to create a sense of space. This means that you should stick with light, neutral colors for walls, furnitures and even accessories. Here, it’s also important to remember to keep the space decluttered – simple is key!

Final Thoughts

Okay, so a Swedish farmhouse design is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves the cozy but functional spaces with a rustic touch. I love this style because it simply has it all – the wamrth, welcoming feeling as well as the timeless design. I am sure a touch of Swedish farmhouse design would look stunning in any home by adding a touch of calm and beauty to any space.

Have you already incorporated Swedish farmhouse design into your home, or are you ready to give it a try? Or have you even heard of it before? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about your experience!

Now, share your favorite pictures on Pinterest for later and don’t forget to check out more decor inspiration on the blog!