When it comes to designing your home, the interior style should be an extension of your desired lifestyle. Those who enjoy peaceful areas that fit social gatherings may find the Scandinavian aesthetic perfect for their space. But what exactly is Scandinavian interior design?

HighlightsScandinavian design values simplicity, minimalism, and functionality.Originated in the early 20th century, Scandinavian design flourished in the 1950s.Wooden elements and neutral colors are key in Scandinavian styling.Scandinavian living spaces emphasize social gatherings and comfort.IKEA is an example of popular, affordable Scandinavian design.

Table of ContentsWhat is the Origin of Scandinavian Interior Design?Why is Scandinavian Design so Popular?What Are the Main Elements of Scandinavian Style?How to Design a Scandinavian Living Room?Use a Textured RugOpt for Scandinavian Style FurnitureOpt for a Scandinavian Coffee TableMake a Statement With a Floor LampDecorate With Muted Blue AccentsCreate a Focal Point with a Gallery WallHow to Design a Scandinavian Kitchen?Install Smart OrganizersChoose Light Color CabinetsConversely, Go for Dark-colored CabinetsOpt for a Wooden Dining Table with Comfy ChairsOpt for a Scandinavian Pendant LampAdd Functionality With a Wall ClockHow to Design a Scandinavian Bedroom?Transform Your Bed With Soft BeddingGet a Wooden Chest of DrawersAdd a Unique Lamp to Your NightstandAdd a Plush RugDecorate in Neutral ColorsHang Some Calming ArtHow to Design a Scandinavian Bathroom?Choose Subway TilesChoose Wooden VanityInstall Open ShelvingChoose Smart Storage SolutionsOpt for Plush TowelsLight up Scented CandlesQuestions About Scandinavian Design, Answered (FAQ)Are Scandinavian Designs Good Quality?Are Scandinavian Designs Expensive?Is IKEA a Scandinavian Design?

What is the Origin of Scandinavian Interior Design?

Image credits:Jim Petkiewicz

House with grass roof near mountains

Commonly, the Scandinavian design originated in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. However, Scandinavia is often referred to more narrowly as the Scandinavian Peninsula, which excludes Denmark but includes northern Finland.

Meanwhile, Nordic countries include the sovereign states of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, along with Greenland and the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Åland.

According toScandinavian Design: Alternative Histories, Scandinavian and Nordic design have a similar nature: “Thus, in a historical geopolitical perspective, the divide between the Nordic and the Scandinavian isn’t all clear-cut, and these countries’ common history has resulted in a significant cultural unity…”

Image credits:Billy Jo Catbagan

Spacious living room with large yellow sofa and armchair

Hence, in English, ‘Scandinavian’ is often used as a synonym for ‘Nordic’ design. Speaking of history, the interior design style first emerged in the early 20th century, when it flourished in the 1950s, around the same time modern style took hold in America and Europe.

Image credits:Kam Idris

Minimalist interior with yellow armchair, floor lamp, and wall art

According to the independent researcher Rikke Jacobsen’s publicationScandinavian Design: Where does the Myth come from?, after the Second World War, Scandinavian design gained fame through cultural exhibitions, commercial trade shows, and publications. This exposure helped the style spread to North America, Canada, Britain, France, and Italy.

Back in the day, Scandinavian design gained worldwide recognition due to its simplicity, functionality, democracy, quality, and stunning style. It remains popular today because of its timeless appeal, utilization of natural materials, finely crafted details, and a fundamentally human appeal that resonates with many.

What Are the Main Elements of Scandinavian Style?

Image credits:R ARCHITECTURE

Spacious living room with wood panels wall and flat-screen TV

Now that we have taken a quick look at the background of Scandinavian design, it’s time to move on to its practical aspects. Before starting to style your home, you should know the main elements of Nordic design. Here are some of them:

While making decisions on your home design, use this list as a quick handbook that accommodates the main principles. Last but not least, how do you put them into play? Let’s go through some ideas on how to style various spaces in Scandinavian style.

How to Design a Scandinavian Living Room?

Use a Textured Rug

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Room with a beige textured rug, wooden chair, and chest of drawers

A textured rug adds coziness and defines the living area in an open-plan space. If you seek to complement the airy aesthetic of the Nordic style, opt for neutral colors, such as beige,greige, orgray.

Opt for Scandinavian Style Furniture

Room with soft light and dark brown furniture

Opt for a Scandinavian Coffee Table

Two wooden coffee tables with a glass jar of water and pomegranates

Maximize space, create interest, and display favorite items on classic Scandinavian stackable coffee tables. This multifunctional design enhances your living room’s Nordic style.

Make a Statement With a Floor Lamp

Room with concrete wall, gray sofa, and floor lamp

A statement floor lamp can be a great way to add personality and drama to a neutral Scandi-style living room. You can use a floor lamp with a bold shape and metal accents to contrast or complement the rest of the decor.

Decorate With Muted Blue Accents

Two dark blue vases and one with flowers

Cool colorslike muted navy blue can contrast the lighter hues of natural materials, such as wood, leather, and wool, often used in Nordic living rooms. Paint brands likeBenjamin MooreandSherwin-Williamshave both chosen blue as their color of the year for 2024.

Light room with two abstract geometric wall prints

How to Design a Scandinavian Kitchen?

Install Smart Organizers

Kitchen organizer on the wall with many cooking tools hung

In every Scandi-like kitchen, you’ll find smart organizers known for their functionality and clutter-free design. For a stylish andefficient storage solution, opt for hooks to hold your kitchen tools.

Choose Light Color Cabinets

Kitchen with light color cabinets

Cabinets in light colors are a common feature of Scandinavian kitchen design. Beige orwhite kitchen cabinetscreate a bright and airy space, reflecting natural light and complementing the wood tones and neutral palette.

Conversely, Go for Dark-colored Cabinets

Kitchen with dark color cabinets and light countertop

Darkkitchen cabinets, particularly black ones, create a striking contrast and add sophistication to the kitchen. Black became a part of Scandi’s interior design in the late 20th century with the influence of industrial elements like metal, concrete, and leather.

Opt for a Wooden Dining Table with Comfy Chairs

Room with wooden dining table, comfy chairs, and gray carpet

A natural wood dining table with comfortable, high-quality chairs is integral to the Scandinavian interior. A spacious dining table reflects the importance of family and social gatherings, which perfectly describes the Danish hygge lifestyle.

Opt for a Scandinavian Pendant Lamp

Kitchen with light wooden cabinets, chairs, and two white pendant lamps

Every Scandinavian kitchen needs minimalist Nordic-style pendant lights for a homely atmosphere and diffused light. They also add a touch of elegant and luxurious aesthetic.

Add Functionality With a Wall Clock

Wall with clock and wall art

How to Design a Scandinavian Bedroom?

Transform Your Bed With Soft Bedding

Bed with soft beige bedding

Natural, soft bedding is a key element of any bedroom, as light and airy textures create a welcoming atmosphere. Choose bedding in neutral or pastel colors. Layer it with pillows and throws in natural fabrics, such as linen, cotton, or wool.

Get a Wooden Chest of Drawers

Room with light brown wooden chest of drawers and mirror

Add a Unique Lamp to Your Nightstand

A unique rounded lamp near the bed

Add a Plush Rug

Plush rug on brown wooden floor near the desk

A plush rug is a key element in creating a soft atmosphere, especially matched with a neutral,natural color palette. You’ll love stepping on it in the morning during the cold winter months.

Decorate in Neutral Colors

Light laundry basket on a carpet near the bed

Neutral colors are an essential Scandinavian design feature that plays a crucial role in bedroom decor. For a Scandi look, opt for functional home decor pieces like woven laundry baskets in beige or white hues.

Hang Some Calming Art

Bedroom with white brown bedding and abstract geometric wall art

Abstract art can create a soothing and relaxing mood in a bedroom, complementing the Nordic style. Whether you choose soft shapes or geometric patterns, hang it on the wall above your bed, dresser, or nightstand.

How to Design a Scandinavian Bathroom?

A Scandi-like bathroom is all about mixing and matching different textures andcolors. You can mix natural and artificial materials, as well as cool andwarm colors, in the same space. Wondering what to choose while styling your bathroom? We have you covered, from Scandinavian design furniture to decor.

Choose Subway Tiles

Bathroom with white bathtub and subway tiles

Consider using white subway tiles to achieve a clean and bright look in the bathroom. These tiles are easy to maintain and match, making them popular in Scandinavian interior design.

Choose Wooden Vanity

Wooden vanity

A floating wooden vanity provides a striking contrast against the sandy hues and sleek fixtures typical of the Nordic style. This vanity design is aesthetically pleasing and practical, making it a perfect addition to a Scandi-inspired bathroom.

Install Open Shelving

Bathroom with vertical wooden open shelving, washing machine, and round mirror

Scandinavian bathrooms frequently feature open shelves that preserve the clean, minimalistic look and offer additional storage for essential and decorative items, such as plants or artwork.

Choose Smart Storage Solutions

Storage under the sink with white towels and bathroom items

As the Nordic design is uncluttered, smartstorage solutionshelp keep the space tidy and organized while maintaining the minimalist and functional design.

Opt for Plush Towels

Green plush towels on a wooden low table

Comfortable and warm plush towels are a must-have in the winter season. Apart from that, you can neatly display them on open shelves, hooks, or baskets to create an inviting and clean space.

Light up Scented Candles

Two scented candles are on a wooden surface and one is lit

Scented candles are a lovely way to add some aroma and ambiance to a bathroom. Choose natural fragrances like pine, birch, mints, berries, or warming cinnamon to infuse Scandinavian landscapes into your bathroom.

Questions About Scandinavian Design, Answered (FAQ)

Suppose you find the Scandinavian style’s practical aspects challenging, or there’s something you feel uncertain about. In that case, we’re here to assist you and address your most frequent questions.

Are Scandinavian Designs Good Quality?

Scandinavian designs are known for being both well-made and stylish. Typically, they use high-quality materials like solid wood and natural fabrics, focusing on good construction, durability, and functionality. Scandinavian sofas, accent chairs, and various storage solutions are the most well-known.

Are Scandinavian Designs Expensive?

Scandinavian decor and furniture are generally more expensive than other styles. However, Scandinavian design isn’t only about aesthetics but also about functionality and durability, which can make it a worthwhile investment for some customers. The price also depends on the brand, the design, and the availability of the products.

Is IKEA a Scandinavian Design?

Yes, IKEA is a Scandinavian design brand that originated in Sweden. IKEA is the most famous and affordable Scandinavian design store in the world, offering a wide range of furniture, decor, and accessories. Fromkitchen systemsto smart storage solutions—IKEA has designed every home object.

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