Ever wanted to follow the modish Scandinavian interior design ideas trend, but feeling a bit lost on where to begin and what stuff to buy? Don’t worry, you are not alone!
We know that Scandinavian interior design can be tricky to get right! Just one too many wooden pieces, and your whole vibe can go from stylish to plain & boring!
So, my team and I have put together 20 awesome Scandinavian DIY ideas for you! They’ll help you nail this trend at home —each under $50. We’ll share cool tips with paints, sheer curtains, black accents, round furniture, and more!
So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe now and join the newest interior revolution!
Psssttt!! We’ve included affiliate links to products we love and think you’ll enjoy from the US Market. Your purchase helps us earn some commission and keep the content flowing on our blog at no Additional Cost to You!
Top Insights
- Top Insights
- 20 Best Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas to Rock the Trend in 2024
- 1. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas with Neutrals – Earth Tones & Accents
- 2. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas With Warm Textiles & Colors
- 3. Opt for Minimalist Accents & Prints
- Need an architect who writes like a human?
- 4. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas Using a Mix of Wood & Metallic Accents
- 5. Bring Home the Plants & Blossoms
- 6. Employ Concealed Storage
- 7. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas With Light-Colored Flooring
- 8. Shade Them Up With Roller or Wooden Blinds
- 9. Shop for Exclusive Cane, Wicker or Handcrafted Lights
- 10. Scandinavian Living Room Interior Design Ideas Using Shades & Contrast
- 11. Match the Pairs!
- 12. Play Around with the Curves
- 13. Keep on Adding More & More Textures
- 14. Adopt Hygge – the Danish Art of Coziness
- 15. Living Room Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas With Bold Paintings
- 16. Add a Fireplace!
- 17. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas with Warm Wood Types!
- Calling All Home Design Storytellers! Let Archwhispers Be Your Stage.
- 18. Add a Dash of a Bold Accent Color
- 19. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas with Mid-century Modern Furniture
- 20. Pick Raw Jute / Seagrass Rugs
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Own a Piece of Artisanry: Shop Our Handpainted Collection!
- External Sources
20 Best Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas to Rock the Trend in 2024
Scandinavian interior design might be plain, but it obviously isn’t as basic as using simple jute rugs & beige walls. Below, we’ll help you out with some killer & unique hacks to sport the trend like a pro!
1. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas with Neutrals – Earth Tones & Accents
If there’s one rule that literally every Scandinavian interior design ideas follow, then it’s to go with a simple gray, white, brown & taupe foundation. Basically, you’ll have to strike a balance between neutral & cozy walls & ceilings + some fun rug or pillow accents in pastels, blacks, greens or yellows.
The living room up there, visualized by the Archwhispers crew for example, blends over five colors together —white walls, gray rugs, mustard and black accents & brown furniture. It all vibes together nicely, making those accents stand out, isn’t it?
Quick Tip: Remember to incorporate various accent colors and finishes in your home. Like, a Scandi bedroom can use soft pastels for a muted tone. In contrast, a living room might feature vibrant yellow and olive for a dynamic contrast.
2. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas With Warm Textiles & Colors
As we all know, Scandinavian designs originate in the Nordic region, where mercury dips to a chilling −13 °F in the winters. Hence, it’s really common to use warm, yet natural textiles – sheepskin, jute, weaved wool or mohair upholsteries in this design.
But what you can do a bit different is to use warmer colors – beige or taupe for most of the area rugs, and then pair them with geometric or striped jute or sea-grass rugs. You can also use funky yellow or olive textured fabrics for the pillows & couch runners.
Trust me, this decor will look so warm & enticing, you might just wave a goodbye to your winter cold.
Caution: Avoid using patterned or opaque textiles for the curtains & window binds. Instead, use sheer or netted curtains to maximize the natural light & curate an airy space.
3. Opt for Minimalist Accents & Prints
We’ve already talked about how simple & minimal living room Scandinavian interior design ideas are! Hence, they always prefer slightly bold, but simple & geometric accents; something like knitted rugs, ceramic vases, abstract paintings, plants, etc.
You can obviously use printed fabrics like checks, stripes, or animal prints, just keep them under 5%. And don’t forget, tasseled or macramé pillows are a great pick too!
Check out the pic above! Our designers nailed a chill vibe with wooden and metal touches like a shiny vase, wicker lights, wall mats, and dashed rugs. It really gives the earthy Scandi a fresh twist, doesn’t it?
Caution: Avoid using shiny plastic, acrylic, dark wood, velvet, silk or polyester accents in a Scandinavian design. Those might create a cluttered look & disturb your Scandinavian aesthetic.
4. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas Using a Mix of Wood & Metallic Accents
While Scandinavian interior design ideas initially comprised of plain white & wooden designs, things are not the same anymore. In 2024, spice things up with some dark metallic accents like a cool vase, a stylish floor lamp, or a pendant light, especially in black or oil-rubbed finishes, to give your space a nice lift.
Similarly, even dark copper or bronze scones, coffee tables, planters & figurines are a wise choice!
5. Bring Home the Plants & Blossoms
Since Scandinavian interior designs are so close to nature, our designers insist you get some plants, especially those with huge foliage, to highlight your furniture. You can put them pretty much anywhere—on the sill, next to the couch, or on the coffee table.
And although Snake plants, Succulents, Monstera & Rubber plant still remain the top choice, you can also get some Pampas grass stalks, reeds & wheat stems for a sober, neutral aesthetic.
Also, do you know that the Scandinavian streets are always alive with vendors selling bright tulips and orchids. So, why not jazz up your table with some gorgeous orchids, hydrangeas, peonies, tulips, or lilies? They really grab attention all by themselves!
6. Employ Concealed Storage
Despite being so natural and organic, Scandinavian interior design ideas favor minimalist, clutter-free spaces. So, you’ll have to hide your belongings well, perhaps inside the furniture, under the bed or in wicker baskets & storage bins.
7. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas With Light-Colored Flooring
Scandinavian interior design ideas are all about those light floors, no matter if you’re saving or going high-end. Hence, go for light oak, pine, or ash, and don’t forget to whitewash them on top. Faux wood and ceramic tiles are also really popular this year!
Moreover, you can also use light beige, white or off-white vinyl plank flooring if you live in tropical or rainforest-like areas. Cork is good too if you want some insulation. Just keep it light & add a glossy or reflective coat to make it look airy & spacious.
Caution: Avoid using overly ornate or multicolored floor patterns – Paisley, Moroccan or Geometric as they may clutter & ruin your decor. Go for plain or subtly self-textured options instead.
8. Shade Them Up With Roller or Wooden Blinds
Well, it might come as a surprise, but you cannot use any bold colored or patterned curtains with Scandinavian interior design ideas!
So, as we all know, Scandinavian designs are all about maximizing the natural light & ventilation in your space. So, it’s best if you keep all your window treatments to a bare minimum; no colored trims, no tinted glass & no carved shutters.
Still, if you do need some shade, use sheer curtains, roman shades, roller blinds, wooden blinds or simple wicker screens. Alternatively, go with lightly tinted pastel curtains, especially blush, peach & coral for a cozy & romantic feel.
9. Shop for Exclusive Cane, Wicker or Handcrafted Lights
It’s true that most Scandinavian interior design ideas seldom use hanging, pendant or scone lights, but when they do, it’s always a series of cane & handcrafted wicker glares. Plus, the bulbs are warm, have minimalist designs and use dimmers for flexible light intensities.
You can also use candle lights, candelabras or arc lamps, but do so against a light wood or marble background to retain the warm, cozy & romantic aesthetic. Our designer team also recommends you use focus lights to highlight certain Scandi elements – marble sculptures, vases or plants for a layered look.
Quick Tip: Use large wall mirrors to illuminate & bounce light throughout the room, making it feel larger & more spacious than before.
10. Scandinavian Living Room Interior Design Ideas Using Shades & Contrast
Now, I know that Scandinavian interior design ideas are all minimal and plain. But honestly, don’t you think it can come off a bit too flat, especially in large rooms?
Yes, that’s why our design team came up with a simple accent plan for your space. We suggest painting your room white or light beige, and adding a couple of accent pieces like a black, charcoal, or navy blue sofa or ottoman. You can also continue the same color combo along your rugs & runners for a cohesive look.
11. Match the Pairs!
The more natural material combinations you try in your Scandinavian interior design ideas, the better it will stand out! Basically, plan out and use a variety of wood, stone, wool, brick and textile accents, say a wooden bed with cotton bedding, or a stone fireplace with brick cladding, etc.
Just take care of the material hues and undertones altogether. Like, if you are using warm pine wood flooring, then use similar warm-toned Crema Marfil, Limestone or Onyx accents to balance the look.
Quick Tip: Combine smooth natural accents like clay or terracotta with textured materials like wood, stone or jute for more visual interest.
12. Play Around with the Curves
While boxy & geometric furniture brings some sense & order to Scandinavian designs, curved furniture lightens the mood and reduces negative space. So, if your room’s on the smaller side, throw in some round sofas, curved chairs, C-shaped seats, round rugs, mirrors, and ottomans for a cozy feel.
The above image, for example, has got that modern Scandinavian feel with those awesome arched windows, round seats, and cozy curved couches. Eventually, there’s loads of space to roam, and everything just vibes together perfectly!
Attention procrastinators! Prime your life for success (or at least faster deliveries).
13. Keep on Adding More & More Textures
Do you feel that your living room Scandinavian interior design ideas look too plain & basic? If no, you’ve probably hired the right designers to complete your project!
But if that’s the case, it’s definitely time to spice things up with some textures! Think about adding a jute rug, some cool wall art, or textured wallpaper to create more visual interest. You could also go for leather or linen upholstery and some tactile mats for extra depth.
Quick Tip: Incorporate a Monstera Deliciosa, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plant, Calathea Orbifolia, or one to two Boston Fern pots to enhance the Scandinavian aesthetic with gentle plant textures.
14. Adopt Hygge – the Danish Art of Coziness
One of the easiest ways to nail bedroom Scandinavian design ideas is to embrace the Hygge!
So, Hygge is a Danish interior concept that basically focuses on utmost relaxation using simple home decor techniques – maybe adding a scented candle stand, designing a cozy reading nook, using really soft blankets, etc.
Consider the Hygge bedroom our designers have visualized for you above. It does stay true to its Scandi aesthetic by employing wooden furniture, white walls & plants, but also includes some personalized Hygge touches with all those dressers, paintings, side-trays, etc.
Moreover, it also includes not one, not two but over 4 reading nooks along the window sills & chairs! Pretty personalized, right?
15. Living Room Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas With Bold Paintings
It’s true that most Scandinavian designs rarely use paintings, but when they do, it’s always the ones with minimal forest, botanical & folk art drawings. Over 90% of these paintings obviously use muted & pastel colors. But the statement pieces might still have gold leaf accents or bold yellow & red strokes for over 10% of the design.
You can also mix & match these paintings with floating storage displays – brass candle stands, souvenirs & succulents to nail the Scandi look altogether.
16. Add a Fireplace!
Scandinavian design comes from the chilly Nordic countries, so it’s no surprise that most homes have a fireplace or chimney. Usually, they feature cool exposed brick, wood, or cast-iron details. But, nowadays, you can also go for space-saving bioethanol or electric fireplaces for apartments.
Alternately, if you live in a warm, tropical area, consider placing electric or barbecue fire pits for some extra cozy vibe with your kitchen Scandinavian interior design ideas. Furthermore, you can also place one in your conversational area, as shown in the picture above!
17. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas with Warm Wood Types!
Scandinavian design is all about creating a cozy vibe. It uses warm woods like Walnut, Cherry, Oak, Maple, and Beech. So, adding some light pine or golden touches can really boost the look of a small Scandinavian space, keeping it stylish without any extra or bold accents.
18. Add a Dash of a Bold Accent Color
Bold colors don’t pop up much in Scandinavian designs. But rarely, people use them just for about 5% of the paintings, ottomans, and throw pillows like you see in the picture. Just make sure to pick warm colors like red, orange, or yellow; otherwise, it might look a bit messy & unorganized.
Quick Tip: Add some fun indoor plants like Begonias, Orchids, or African Violets for a splash of color and a brighter vibe to your space!
19. Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas with Mid-century Modern Furniture
Scandinavian designs need not be modern & minimal always! You can also curate a layered, rustic Scandi look with periodic mid-century modern furniture, perhaps a Saarinen Tulip Table or the Wishbone chair for enhanced personality & visual interest.
Just remember to use the light brown, white or black pieces with a matte finish & minimal to zero patterned upholsteries to maintain the Scandi vibe!
20. Pick Raw Jute / Seagrass Rugs
Want to nail that Scandi vibe without breaking the bank? Just toss a natural jute, bamboo or seagrass rug under your main furniture in the hangout spots. It’ll give your space a cozy, defined feel that’s totally your style in no time!
“As a designer, I often love to go natural & monochromatic in a Scandinavian interior design, but by layering a few textures. Infact, the woven, hand-knotted and braided ones are my absolute favorite; they help me add some texture & persona to every decor I design.” quotes Foster.
FAQs
Scandinavian design eventually works on a fixed set of rules involving a neutral color palette, abundant natural light, large windows, wooden furniture & minimal clutter. Most of them also embrace the concept of Hygge. Basically, you add cozy, plush & comfortable accessories to make the space truly ‘you.’
You can identify Scandinavian furniture by its minimal, uncarved designs, tapered legs, natural wool or linen upholsteries and warm oak or beech sections.
Conclusion
Now that you know these 20 Scandinavian ideas, I’m sure you’ll not just follow the Scandinavian trend, but also make it a lifestyle choice! The deets are simple; prioritize function, natural materials & light; that’s it! But if you still have any other fundamental decor questions, then hop on to our detailed blog on ‘Scandinavian Interior Design Guide’ for an answer!
Own a Piece of Artisanry: Shop Our Handpainted Collection!
Ps. You won’t find these treasures anywhere else.
External Sources
- Learn 6 whimsical Scandinavian interior design ideas from IIAD
- Explore the features of Scandinavian interior design with the JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Ar. Ruchika Deshpande
I'm an architectural storyteller with a passion for demystifying design. For over 5 years, I've been using SEO expertise to create content that not only informs but inspires. Imagine: complex concepts broken down into bite-sized pieces, designer insights made accessible, and architectural details explained in everyday language. That's what I bring to the table.
