In 2024, we’re all caught up in the hustle and bustle, aren’t we? With buildings everywhere and nature feeling miles away, it’s tough to find a moment of peace. But thankfully, Scandinavian interior design is here to the rescue!
So, Scandinavian design is a Nordic style that focuses on clean lines, natural light, vernacular materials & air-circulation; basically to help relax & unwind. Can’t wait to start? Yes, me too!
But first, let’s check out this awesome Scandinavian interior design guide our team put together for you with all the Scandi sub-styles, lighting, textiles, and more!
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Top Insights
- Top Insights
- What is Scandinavian Interior Design & How Did It Evolve?
- Why Should People Use the Scandinavian Interior Design Style in Their Homes?
- Top 5 Modern Scandinavian Interior Design Challenges & How to Solve Them?
- 1. “My Nordic Accessories Look Soiled & Grimy in No Time!” argues Anna.
- 2. “My Scandinavian Interior Design Living Room Looks Too Cold & Plain!” says Henry.
- 3. “I Can't Really Achieve the Scandinavian Brightness in My Small Living Room” complains Sophia
- 4. “But It Still Doesn't Have Any Space for Everyday Storage Items,” adds Claire
- 5. “But Doesn't a Scandinavian Interior Design Look Too Generic as Such?” questions Liam
- Which Are the Common Scandinavian Interior Design Characteristics & Defining Elements?
- How Do You Create a Trendy Scandinavian Look for Your Home?
- 1. Which Color Palette Should I Use for My Scandinavian Decor?
- 2. Which Flooring Materials Look the Best in Scandinavian Decor?
- 3. Which Lights Can I Use in a Scandinavian-Themed Living Room?
- 4. How Do You Curate a Modern Scandinavian Interior Design Style Look in Your Space?
- 5. How Do You Design a Sober Minimalist Scandinavian Interior Design Look?
- 6. How to Set Up a Rustic Scandinavian Interior Design Look?
- 7. How to Curate a Typical Traditional Scandinavian Interior Design Aesthetic?
- 8. What Are the Elements of a Dark Scandinavian Interior Design?
- 9. How Do You Curate a Colorful Scandinavian Interior Design Aesthetic?
- Calling All Home Design Storytellers! Let Archwhispers Be Your Stage.
- 1. How Do You Set Up a Living Room Scandinavian Interior Design?
- 2. How Do You Curate a Scandinavian Interior Design Kitchen?
- 3. How to Style a Scandinavian Interior Design Bedroom?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Own a Piece of Artisanry: Shop Our Handpainted Collection!
- External Resources:
What is Scandinavian Interior Design & How Did It Evolve?
Scandinavian interior design, as the name suggests, is a Nordic style focusing on clean lines, simplicity, airy, bright & cozy spaces and a connection to nature. So, it basically uses a mix of natural wood, wool, stone & cotton accents, along with outdoor macramé & biophilic adornments that ooze warmth.
However, do you know that the Scandinavian interior design style wasn’t this flexible always? Well, you see, Scandinavian designs emerged parallel to European modernism and Denmark’s “Skonvirke”. So, it obviously started out pretty minimal & vernacular.
Then during World War 2, designers like Alvar Anto & Arne Jacobsen brought practical yet cost-efficient & sturdy wood, wool & stone furniture to the Nordic design. They also used light, earthy colors to bring warmth and coziness during the long Nordic winters.
The Scandinavian interior design style as we see today is a blend of rustic charm and modern minimalism. It basically focuses on airy, natural spaces with sleek & bold furniture. Functionality is paramount, but it also leaves room for decorative art and plants for some individual personality.
Why Should People Use the Scandinavian Interior Design Style in Their Homes?
Is there any logical reason as to why people wouldn’t want to feel warm, cozy & close-to-nature in their own homes? Trust me, no other design style would make you feel as relaxed and comprehensive as the Scandinavian interior design.
But if you are still puzzled on the same, here are some Scandinavian interior design benefits you certainly can’t miss on:
- Amplifies light, space and creates a bright, airy feel even in compact rooms.
- Helps reduce stress, depression, anxiety, frustration & sleep disorders
- Reduces the carbon footprint; focuses on natural, sustainable & renewable materials
- Requires less initial investment & maintenance than other maximal styles.
- Basically, it boosts your concentration, focus & productivity
- Increases the demand & resale value of your property by over 12%
- Uses low VOC natural materials; doesn’t cause any allergy or respiratory issues in most individuals
Top 5 Modern Scandinavian Interior Design Challenges & How to Solve Them?
While the Scandinavian interior design style looks quite warm and comforting, there are a few instances where this Nordic look can still go wrong! So, let’s check how to solve some common Scandinavian design challenges:
1. “My Nordic Accessories Look Soiled & Grimy in No Time!” argues Anna.
While I agree that light, neutral-colored Scandinavian accessories ruin easily in tropical regions, the trick here is to go with anti-stain textiles like Wool & Linen. You might also want to try patterned cotton, polyester, or jute and nylon blends for a bit of texture.
However, remember that you’ll just have to embrace the Wabi-Sabi philosophy. Simply accept those imperfect knots in your wooden furniture, the chipped stone panels, etc. Trust me, they look so beautifully raw & organic!
Quick Tip: Accent any chipped or deformed wood furniture with raw sheepskin, jute, linen or cotton runners for a layered & composed look.
2. “My Scandinavian Interior Design Living Room Looks Too Cold & Plain!” says Henry.
Yes Henry, we get that a Scandinavian room might eventually look too beige & plain, given all the raw wood & wicker furniture. But why not spice it with accents; preferably those with cross weaves or muted geometric designs, for some visual variety.
Moreover, you can also add some gray stone or leather touches to balance out those rough wood vibes. And don’t forget about funky art and photo walls—they’re a great addition too!
Caution: Avoid using overly ornate, floral, landscape or detailed portrait paintings as those might clash with the simple Nordic design & look chaotic.
3. “I Can’t Really Achieve the Scandinavian Brightness in My Small Living Room” complains Sophia
Hey Nitika, compact homes are really a thing these days! So, try adding really large wall mirrors or some of our lippan art frames to reflect & brighten the space. Also, go with lighter pine wood or oak furniture & apply a glossy varnish on top for more shine.
4. “But It Still Doesn’t Have Any Space for Everyday Storage Items,” adds Claire
Claire, you can totally solve this Scandinavian interior design issue by adding some hidden storage! Basically, just think about designing your beds, ottomans, and sofas with built-in shelves or drawers to stash away your everyday stuff.
Or, you can also ask your designer to create full-panel-sized shaker cabinets. They give you extra storage without losing that warm Scandinavian feel!
5. “But Doesn’t a Scandinavian Interior Design Look Too Generic as Such?” questions Liam
Yes Liam, even I faced the same problem in one of my Scandinavian projects. But you know what? You can balance things out by adding personal or family souvenirs – say photos, heirlooms, paintings, etc. Trust me, it’ll look quite personalized & exclusive.
Which Are the Common Scandinavian Interior Design Characteristics & Defining Elements?
As we already discussed, a Scandinavian design style plays around raw & exposed vernacular materials and interwoven natural defining elements.
But hey! What are these natural defining elements exactly? Let’s find out in the list below:
- Natural materials & textiles; basically go with cotton, linen, leather, bamboo, etc.
- A neutral color palette, say white, beige, gray or pastels, for example
- Focus on functional & utility items; every furniture piece, no matter how small, obviously has some storage or multi-functional aspect
- Large clerestory glass windows, skylights or mirrors to bring in light
- Scandinavian designs work on biophilia, i.e. adding natural plants, water features and wind catchers to bring the outdoors inside.
- Textural elements – sheepskin rugs, mohair table runners, kilim carpets, etc.
- Hidden storage solutions; preferably inside the couches, ottomans or beds for clear visuals.
How Do You Create a Trendy Scandinavian Look for Your Home?
You can easily create a trendy Scandinavian look by focusing on wood or veneered furniture, stone accents & mohair or natural hide rugs. Similarly, I suggest refining your windows a little if possible, and adding clear or tinted glass frames to bring in light.
But yes, it isn’t that easy! Let me help you out with some Scandinavian interior design doubts & details via the questions below:
1. Which Color Palette Should I Use for My Scandinavian Decor?
As we all know, Scandinavian decor runs quite parallel to muted & pastel rooms. So, you can use a neutral white, off-white or beige paint as the foundational color and then pop in some dramatic accents with black, mint, azure, coral, pastel yellow, etc.
Quick Tip: Pick an all-neutral palette of Sherwin William’s West highland White (SW 7566), Extra White (SW 7066) & Pure White (SW 7005) for the foundational wall colors.
2. Which Flooring Materials Look the Best in Scandinavian Decor?
Usually raw, light, whitewashed or plank wooden flooring goes the best in any typical Scandinavian decor. But, you can also use faux wood laminate or vinyl tiles if you live in a tropical or hilly area. Just remember to use lightly grained or speckled tiles for effect.
3. Which Lights Can I Use in a Scandinavian-Themed Living Room?
A Scandinavian room usually looks the best with natural lights, especially those from the sky & clerestory windows. However, you can also go with wood or bamboo-themed pendant lights, table lamps or scones for a smart, warm lighting effect in your space.
Quick Tip: Direct all your wall-mounted lights or lamps towards the ceiling for a soft, diffused & relaxing glow in your space.
4. How Do You Curate a Modern Scandinavian Interior Design Style Look in Your Space?
So, modern Scandinavian interior design is all about clean lines, soft palettes and functional pieces. Basically, you’ll have to use light wood, wool and cotton upholstered furniture with over 5% of black / chrome accents for sure.
You can also use accent rugs – say pastel blue, pink or yellow, but strictly limit those to your conversational or guest areas for some visual depth. Houseplants are welcome, but only along your sofas or corner tables to add a rustic personality.
Basically, remember that ‘Less is More’ in this style; so rather than aesthetics, focus on functional pieces with built-in storage & cubical forms.
Quick Tip: You can maximize the daylight in your Scandinavian room by adding semi-open spaces, say by using sheer curtains, binds, louvers, etc.
5. How Do You Design a Sober Minimalist Scandinavian Interior Design Look?
Curating a Minimalist Scandinavian interior design is relatively easy! Start by decluttering all your purely aesthetic elements & focus on the functional ones; like, remove those open shelves, printed wall frames & multicolored accents.
Essentially, use white or beige for over 80% of the room, and pop in pastel accents & paintings strategically over the remaining 20%.
Then, replace bold curtains with the sheer ones, use mirrors instead of tapestries and go for concealed storage. You can use chandeliers, but stick to the basic geometric ones for a sleek look. That’s it! Your sober, Minimal Scandinavian design is ready!
6. How to Set Up a Rustic Scandinavian Interior Design Look?
Nordic Rustic Scandinavian interior design is all about using exposed materials – wooden floors, leather couches, sheepskin rugs & weaved runners. You can obviously add earthy or black accents for contrast, but do limit them to over 10% of the design.
Moreover, try to add some plants, especially the sober snake plant, rubber plant or succulents to build a strong connection with nature.
Quick Tip: Always place your plants along the conversational or guest areas, say along the window sills, floor corners, side tables, etc.
7. How to Curate a Typical Traditional Scandinavian Interior Design Aesthetic?
Traditional Scandinavian interiors don’t use overly printed or carved stuff like maximal interior designs. Instead, they use a mix of plain neutral wall colors, striped, stippled or geometric textiles & pendant or single-bulb chandeliers.
Moreover, you can also combine some vintage or contemporary pieces for a layered look, or stick to simple art arrangements & sculptures to boost the visual interest.
8. What Are the Elements of a Dark Scandinavian Interior Design?
Unlike its previous counterpart, the dark Scandinavian design uses a classic twist of charcoal, deep gray or navy walls, along with dark wood or oiled-metal furniture. Printed or textured accents might be present, but those have a white or pastel hue.
Basically, the foundation colors use a darker palette, while the accents are lighter than them. However, remember that the focus still remains on creating bright spaces using clerestory windows & skylights, just with a darker color palette.
9. How Do You Curate a Colorful Scandinavian Interior Design Aesthetic?
Scandinavian interior design isn’t as easy as plopping some colorful accents all over your room. But worry not! Here are some easy steps that will help you achieve your desired aesthetic easily:
- Choose the Foundation Color
Start by applying a neutral paint to the walls & partitions; preferably white, beige, cream or pale yellow.
- Choose your Color Palette
Choose your favorite complementary color palette, say yellow & purple, charcoal & lime-green, apricot & red, pink & stale gray, etc. Now, incorporate these colors in over 10% of the accent pieces – paintings, rugs, throw pillows, etc.
- Complete the Look
Finally, add natural wicker or light wood furniture along with some plants & trellises to complete the look.
So now that we have seen some variations of the typical Scandinavian decor, let’s learn how to tweak them to encompass different areas of your home altogether!
1. How Do You Set Up a Living Room Scandinavian Interior Design?
Ideally, Scandinavian living rooms are so easy to set up! Just apply a simple white, gray or beige paint to the walls, add wood furniture and dodge in some stone accents for contrast. Next, plop in some accent or sheer curtains & mirrors to bring in light.
You can also invest in some glass or metallic pieces for a luxurious touch, but strictly limit those to over 5% of the design. Other than that, self-textured wood, wool & cotton upholsteries are also a wise choice.
I also suggest curating a semi-public area with simple L-shaped sofas, ottomans & raw wood paneling for the TV unit. Trust me, it’ll be a great & equally relaxing conversation starter.
2. How Do You Curate a Scandinavian Interior Design Kitchen?
A small kitchen Scandinavian interior design is all about light-hued shaker cabinets, warm task lights & wood or gray granite countertops. You can also opt for some open shelves near the columns, but do so by using light gray quartz or white marble!
As for the accessories, try to keep it minimal. Like, use wooden cutting bowls, ceramic plates and a few kitchen herb pots here and there. Also, use natural textiles, say linen curtains, cotton towels, etc.
Quick Tip: Use minimalist kitchen cabinet hardware – matte black, nickel or brass handles to anchor the look altogether.
3. How to Style a Scandinavian Interior Design Bedroom?
You can style a Scandinavian bedroom by using white, beige or light gray paints for the walls, along with wooden beds & cotton, linen or knitted blankets and bedsheets. Also curate a mix of lights – sheet curtains & binds for the windows & bamboo bedside or floor lamps on the sides.
You can also invest in personalized accessories – say pastel-themed rugs, Polaroids & artwork. Also opt for hidden storage – under-bed drawers or built-in cabinets to store all your goods.
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FAQs
Scandinavian decor basically makes your home look bigger, cozy & relaxing than it actually is. And since it uses simple natural furniture, you always feel airy & closer to nature. Moreover, it’s over 30% cheaper than other styles, and promotes good mental wellbeing, sleep & clarity.
You can use a mix of natural and tactile textiles & upholsteries, say linen, cotton, wool, sisal or jute with minimal geometric, stripe or botanical motifs for your Scandinavian decor.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve officially joined the Scandinavian interior design squad, it’s time to go Hygge with neutral colors, clerestory windows & plain fabrics! Just remember that it’s all about seeking a balance between aesthetics & function. Basically, use raw wicker furniture, but do add in built-storage or extra foldable seating inside!
And if you have any doubts on similar minimal or modern design styles, then I’ll be happy to help too!
Own a Piece of Artisanry: Shop Our Handpainted Collection!
Ps. You won’t find these treasures anywhere else.
External Resources:
- Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas from IIAD
- Features of Scandinavian Interior Design from 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.
Thanks for the comprehensive guide.
Your articles are always so helpful.
Thank you for this well-researched and thorough article. The insights you’ve shared are incredibly valuable, and I’ll be referring back to this post often.