Scandinavian style in interior design: 20 ideas for inspiration

Choosing furniture

The Scandinavian-style living room design assumes a minimum amount of furniture, but there are items that you cannot do without.

1. Sofa upholstered in natural materials. Fur, linen, leather or suede are perfect for finishing this interior element.

2. Based on the size of the room, you can put one or two chairs. In spacious rooms, you can afford a couple more poufs.

3. Chest of drawers and shelves made of natural wood.

4. Low glass table.

5. Fireplace. It can be a decorative biofireplace or a ceramic stove.

To make the interior not seem boring, add different sconces, floor lamps and lamps to it. There should be a lot of light in such an interior. You shouldn't oversaturate the room with accessories, but you can decorate it with some bright accents.

It can be a Scandinavian-style rug or rug, beautiful vases or boxes, they can be arranged singly or in pairs.

Living room

The living room is the center of the house. The whole family gathers in it in the evenings to watch their favorite films or television programs. A spacious sofa, a coffee table and a TV stand are installed here. Just keep in mind that there should not be a lot of furniture in the living room, it is selected compact and arranged so as not to block the passage.

The video shows options for living room ideas in the Scandinavian direction.

The Scandinavian style in the living room looks not only cozy and comfortable, but also modern. It is dominated by natural pieces of furniture, distinguished by their durability, environmental friendliness and simply beautiful appearance.

Warning WARNING: Scandinavian style is easy to transform. If the interior is boring, you can quickly update it by changing the accent details in the room.

The decoration of the window openings in the living room in the Scandinavian style is carried out with short curtains. Many people prefer roller blinds or blinds. Quite often, the windows are not decorated at all, so as not to impede the penetration of sunlight into the room.

The walls and ceiling in the living room should be kept in white shades; light parquet or laminate imitating wood is laid on the floor. Upholstered furniture is selected with natural upholstery, the coffee table is compact and simple in shape. Bright accents are placed with the help of fresh flowers, decorative pillows, chandeliers, floor lamps.

The original chandelier will brighten up the room in the living room

The bicycle is an unusual element of decor in the Scandi style.

For those who like to read books, a good option would be to combine the living room with a library. For storing collections of books, not closed cabinets are used, but open shelves and racks made of wood or metal.

Decor and textiles

It is possible to give character and a certain mood to the living room due to the original decorative elements. Accessories in the form of metal souvenirs, porcelain, ceramics or plaster products will harmoniously fit into the scandi interior. On the wall above the sofa, one or more paintings with snow-covered Scandinavian landscapes and retro images, as well as black and white photographs in thin frames, will perfectly fit.

For decorating windows, airy and weightless curtains that let in natural light well are suitable. The Scandinavian style does not tolerate bulky draperies, thick folds and bulky lambrequins. Roll-up models decorated with ribbons, cords or ethno-embroidery will look laconic.

In the photo there is a light and cozy hall in a Nordic style with beige translucent curtains on the windows.

A natural woolen carpet or a product with server ornaments will help to give the guest room coziness.The furniture can be supplemented with bedspreads and rugs with openwork patterns and pillows with silhouettes of black and white mountains.

Plants and flowers placed on tables, bedside tables or windowsill will significantly revive the surrounding space.

Decor and textiles

A false fireplace or an ordinary electric fireplace can become a thematic interior element of a Scandinavian living room. Of course, in a country house, the owners can lay out a real fireplace, near which they will spend their family leisure in the winter. But a stylish electric model in white or black will also look appropriate in the overall design. On the walls, the owners can hang a couple of paintings with monochrome drawings or inscriptions. Pictures of snow-capped mountain landscapes are also suitable. Cushions with northern ornaments or black and white silhouettes of deer and mountains will perfectly complement this decor. It is recommended to choose curtains in white or gray. These can be long canvases on the floor or roller blinds. A pair of green living plants installed on the windowsill, near the entrance to the room, on a coffee table, will well complement the created direction.

Design features

The Scandinavian style is versatile. It fits any room and is often found in living rooms, children's rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, bathrooms and even on balconies and verandas.

Its features include:

a lot of light. In such interiors, there are huge windows that are not curtained with thick curtains, and visually increase the space;
the predominance of light colors. Walls and ceilings are decorated with white flowers. This allows you to evenly distribute sunlight, which will be reflected on light surfaces;
the use of natural finishing materials. It is dominated by wood in large quantities. It is used to decorate floors and walls. Also, the interior is dominated by wooden décor elements. Natural stone, vine, ceramics, leather, fur and other natural fabrics are popular along with wood;
a lot of free space. When decorating apartments in the Scandinavian direction, designers prefer to combine rooms. Most often, a dining room with a kitchen, a living room with a dining room, a bedroom and a study are combined;
the use of simple, practical and functional furniture made from natural solid wood. It has a rough texture and straight lines;
adding a few bright accents. To make the interior more original, it is allowed to highlight one of the walls with a bright color or place original decorative pillows on the upholstered furniture. Also, rooms are decorated with flowers, paintings, panels, wall decor elements.

Pageliens ATTENTION: in the Scandinavian direction, the walls and ceiling are made in the same color scheme

Accessories and decor

The abundance of light, purity of lines, a minimum of decor characterize the Scandinavian style. In Scandinavia, decor is handmade, accessories are products made from natural and natural materials. The interiors of this style are characterized by retro details. The natural naturalness of the interior is complemented by a houseplant, preferably a large one. There are few bright accents in a bright room.

When purchasing accessories for your home, remember that in this style, every little thing should be simple, original and spontaneous. From the variety presented, it is not easy to choose a few, harmonious and emphasizing this particular style, jewelry. Photos posted on the wall are a must. The abundance of flashy decor will break the minimalist character of the style.

What types of curtains are best used in the interior?

In Scandinavian interiors, you can use both long flowing curtains and tulle, as well as short jalousie curtains. The main requirement for the textile design of window openings is restraint, simplicity and ease of use.

Curtains

Long draped curtains are usually translucent and do not block direct sunlight from entering the living space. Often they are used without tulle, which creates a feeling of unity with nature outside the window.

Curtains (tulle)

Curtains, or sheer tulle, are also found in Scandinavian interiors. They transmit light well and decorate the window.

Roman curtains

Roman blinds are used as an independent element for window decoration, and as an addition to long curtains.

Pictured is a Scandinavian living room with cotton roman blinds.

Blinds

Blinds in Swedish design are quite common, as they have a laconic look and support the aesthetics of minimalism in the interior.

Scandinavian style today

In the modern world of the interior style industry, the Scandinavian direction is expressed in two forms:

A traditional style that takes the main ideas from European fashion three hundred years ago. Such an interior is best able to reflect the wealth of the owners of the house, their love for luxurious severity without florid forms.
A modern style that tends to be laconic and functional, but not devoid of grace and sophistication. In such a house there is no place for bulky furniture, pomp of gilded frames, pretentiousness of architectural forms. Such an interior is cozy, spacious and abounds in light, both natural and artificial.

The most famous Scandinavian designers were Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen. Architects by training, both designers were in love with their northern homeland, generously giving it their creativity. In the middle of the last century, furniture from Aalto could be seen even in Soviet boarding houses, and Jacobsen generously endowed his native Copenhagen with his works, so much so that today this city can rightfully be called a true work of art.

It should be noted that not all the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula invested equally in creating their own interior style. The Norwegians were no different, the Finns were famous for their glass products and plywood furniture, the Swedes had a full-scale interior design industry, but the leading positions in this direction were taken, oddly enough, by the Danes, by chance attributed to the "Scandinavian" peoples.

Scandinavian furniture

Furniture items are selected to a minimum, only necessary. This is a comfortable sofa, a couple of armchairs, a light cabinet, 2-3 chairs and a table of lightweight forms.

Natural light wood is used: pine, bleached oak or birch. Minimal woodworking to match the style.

Wicker chairs and the same table are possible. They will emphasize environmental friendliness and cleanliness, bring lightness and space to the room.

Correct and simple shapes are also important. A comfortable sofa can be made of leather, suede, with fur upholstery. You can add soft puffs to a soft corner in a spacious room, a chest of drawers, shelves (shelves).

Modern manufacturers offer light modular furniture, just choose from wood.

Stylish furniture

Scandinavian design does not allude to wealth and luxury, therefore the furniture is simple but functional.When decorating an interior in a Scandinavian style, you should carefully consider the organization of storage space. The solution to this problem can be built-in shelving and shelves, decorated with wood or painted in bright colors. Typically, these racks are left open. Everything that needs to be hidden from prying eyes is placed in wicker baskets or boxes.Upholstered furniture takes a special place in the "Nordic" interior. Sofas and armchairs must be upholstered with durable natural materials - cotton, linen, suede, less often leather. The colors are mostly calm, but you can play with bright accents by complementing the interior with a red, blue or green armchair.

Then let's sit down! Make yourself comfortable, let's talk about furniture

The original look of the photographer and the host of the popular blog:

Gray is the new black!
Jenny Martinsson, Sweden

Nearby is a small coffee table to match the sofa, wooden or with glass top elements.

And, here it is again, white painted furniture - shelves, a chest of drawers, a bookcase, hinged open shelves ...

A large strict mirror, of course, is not furniture, but ... It is a mirror that can unite the whole interior into a single whole!

In a modern interpretation of Scandinavian style, traditional Nordic restraint suddenly allows itself a bold mix of different textures and materials.

And all this on warm tiles made of natural stone or its imitation.

Check out some great examples of how decorative stone is used in a living room. Perhaps you will have new ideas inspired by our photo gallery.

You can not only appreciate the beauty of fireplaces, originally tiled with ceramics, but also order from us. A variety of stylistic solutions and a personal approach to each order are offered.

Scandinavian furniture is always simple and extremely comfortable - easy to assemble and disassemble.

Many open shelves in cabinets that look more like a geometric combination of shelves are very convenient. Sometimes these shelving cabinets are installed in almost the entire area of the wall!

5 golden rules for choosing furniture in a modern Swedish living room

Conciseness and simplicity of forms.
Straight and strict lines.
Lots of wood surfaces and glass.
Maximum capacity and functionality.
Preference for modular systems.

Choosing between shelves or wardrobe - choose shelves.

A pleasant addition to the living room entourage is wicker furniture: wicker chairs, armchairs, tables and sofa legs.

When decorating a Scandinavian living room with the latest trends, do not forget to pay attention to the transforming shelves. They will not only perform the function of furniture, but they will be able to unobtrusively zone the space .. And if we talk about the classics, then Scandinavian furniture is mainly made of light wood: birch, spruce or pine

A stain is applied to it to emphasize the texture of the wood, and then covered with an almost transparent varnish with a matte or glossy effect.

And if we talk about classics, then Scandinavian furniture is mainly made of light wood: birch, spruce or pine. A stain is applied to it to emphasize the texture of the wood, and then covered with an almost transparent varnish with a matte or glossy effect.

Hence the specific natural look of the furniture - as if it had not undergone any processing.

Now, sitting in a soft comfortable armchair, let's take a closer look at the details ...

Materials and finishes

Both the tones and the very texture of the finishing materials in the Scandinavian interior have a pleasant texture. The overall soothing shade and matt surfaces create a pleasant tactile experience. Sustainability of materials is one of the important points in Scandinavian interior design. The natural origin of furniture, textiles and accessories is a top priority. When using metal (doorknobs, chandeliers, kitchen and shower accessories), aluminum is preferred. Due to its dullness, it fits very harmoniously into the overall picture of the interior.

The walls are covered with decorative plaster or painted. Wall colors are usually calm - beige, light blue, light green, gray. An interesting effect is provided by wall cladding with natural stone or wood panels. This method will help in zoning the space.If the walls are lined with bricks, they can be painted white. This technique looks good along with massive wooden furniture. Wallpapers are very rare. This is due to climatic conditions, in which the paper quickly damp and peel off from the walls ...

The Scandinavian-style ceiling is designed to emphasize the feeling of airiness and lightness of the space. Smooth, light ceilings allow to achieve this effect.Whitewashed or painted ceilings will look most authentic, and stretch ceilings can also be used, but always matte.

Scandinavian style kitchen design Scandinavian style flooring also features light colors. For decoration, parquet, parquet board or laminate are often used. The bathroom and the toilet are laid out with tiles in white or blue, repeating color accents on the walls or in interior details.The floor can be decorated with fluffy plain rugs or paths with a bright geometric pattern.

Combination of Scandinavian style and other design trends

For those who like combinatorialism or cannot choose one of their two favorite directions.

Country

Romantic Scandinavian style. They use Scandinavian folk ornaments, drawings, decorative elements. The furniture is massive, a little rough.

Loft

The interior will be softer than the classic Loft.

Minimalism is emphasized and added to the brutality. Brick, wood, and a dull base monochrome work well together.

Minimalism

Two elegant ascetics.

Ethnic elements and sleek minimalist surfaces are successfully combined with natural materials and functional Nordic furnishings.

We have many Scandinavian style home or apartment interior design ideas. In a finished design project, this will help take into account your lifestyle and personality.

Have your own ideas? We are ready to work on them.

Your MykhomLife.

Kitchen

The kitchen space in the Scandinavian direction is characterized by a combination of white and black colors. This room should be as functional and comfortable to use as possible. The kitchen furniture is made of wood and the backsplash is made of ceramic.

Kitchen in white gives an atmosphere of coziness and comfort

Scandinavian-style kitchens are often combined with living rooms

In the Scandinavian direction, kitchens are often combined with living rooms. This allows you to increase the free space and make it easier to read. When combining the kitchen with the living room, most of the area is devoted to the living room, where the whole family gathers. And there is not much space left for the kitchen, so it needs to be thought out correctly, choosing compact furniture, proper lighting and light finishing materials. Read our separate article on Scandinavian-style cuisine.

Warning WARNING: Retro style household appliances are often chosen for the Scandinavian direction. They are distinguished by bright colors and original designs.

5 useful tips for small apartments

Perhaps, it is not so difficult to arrange a comfortable scandi-living room in conditions of sufficient space. But what if you have a small size at your disposal? We share the most important, really working life hacks.

1. Zone, but don't divide. Use the techniques of visual dividing the room into zones, but do not block unnecessary partitions (functional parts can be highlighted with color, light, decor, composition).

Photo: Stadshem

Photo: Alvhem

2. Make the most of your space. Here are the places that are often empty even in small apartments:

window sill and window opening, as well as the space around;
space above the door;
space under the sofa, armchairs;
space above the wardrobe, shelving;
door leaf (there are many door organizers);
space under the ceiling (you can organize a mezzanine or a second tier-mezzanine, or you can use it for hanging decor).

Photo: Kvarteret Makleri

3. Choose the most functional furniture. Sofa, pouf, coffee table and other furnishings can be chosen with additional storage space.

Photo: Bjurfors

Photo: Stadshem

4. Light up. Dark corners eat up space.

5. Take a closer look at the mirrored and transparent furniture.It offers the functionality you need without visually cluttering your living room.

Photo: Stadshem

Photo: Nomad Makleri

Photo: Historiska Hem

Photo: Stadshem

Photo: Alvhem

Photo: Entrance Makleri

Photo: Bjurfors

Photo: Alvhem

Photo: Stadshem

Materials, accessories, furniture, lighting

Materials (edit)

Scandinavian style involves the use of natural fabrics and finishes. This emphasizes comfort and naturalness. You can use what is close to you.

Decorative rock

Its texture will be appropriate for finishing a part of a wall or a mantelpiece.

Wood

The most useful thing in Nordic is brushing. This is a way to artificially age a tree. Accentuate the natural texture. Such armrests, table, shelves will look beautiful and give a pleasant tactile sensation. Moreover, this can be done manually by yourself.

Metal and glass

Legs and backs of beds, chairs, the frame of interior partitions, inside of which there are glass inserts.

Scandinavian style furniture

Nothing extra. The main thing is functionality and practicality. Usually light wood species are used, for example, pine, birch, spruce, beech. Scandinavian-style textiles are used only natural. To cover the sofa and armchairs, you can use suede, leather, cotton, linen.

You can use the Scandinavian style in both a budget and an expensive version. An example of a minimum investment is IKEA furniture or just chipboard or plastic. If you want to add chic, sophisticated notes to your interior, this is possible. Choose designer pieces of furniture. The most famous master is the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto.

And of course, hitting the bull's-eye - transforming furniture.

Scandinavian decor and accessories

They are kept to a minimum. Scandinavian accents should be laconic, rich in shades. Not pretentious. Everything should be natural and unique as in nature.

When decorating in the Scandinavian style, porcelain, ceramics, candles are used. The traditional theme is marine. Also a distinctive feature of the Scandinavian style is the photographs on the walls. Family or just loved ones.

Wicker baskets, vases with dried flowers or fresh flowers. The Scandinavian style is also replete with hand-made pieces.

The traditional carpet is cowhide. There is a patchwork track in the corridor.

All this, against the background of rather calm tones, brings the feeling of an inhabited, cozy space.

Scandinavian floors and walls

Scandinavian-style wall finishes will most likely be plaster or paint. Beige or white, pale blue or light gray. Scandinavian-style wallpapers are also used, but less often.

Usually, they are pasted over only one wall to emphasize it. Brickwork is used as a pictorial insert in the snow-white or monochrome design of the Scandinavian style.

Wooden panels or light boards placed horizontally are appropriate.

The flooring is laminate, parquet board. Light shades.

In the bathroom and toilet, white tiles or any pale shades of traditional colors are often used. As well as ceramic tiles with a unique pattern.

A wooden floor is being made in the kitchen. Alternating contrasting colors, such as black and white tiles, are also used. Like a chessboard. The reception always looks impressive.

Features, characteristics and advantages of style

The most important qualities of the Scandinavian style include lightness and calmness. The direction is simple, but requires good natural and artificial lighting. Bright blotches or sharp contrasts are not used in it: due to this feature, harmony and comfort are easily achieved in the Scandinavian style.

As for its benefits, these include:

ease of implementation (available simple materials will allow the owners to easily carry out the design with their own hands);
lack of pretentiousness and the use of a minimum amount of furniture (contributes to the creation of a cozy modern environment);
the possibility of implementation in a living room with any area (due to the prevailing white color in the interior, the presence of good lighting, even a tiny room will look stylish and original).

Conclusion

Having carefully studied the description, features and characteristics of the Scandinavian style, it will not be difficult to arrange a spacious or small living room in it. This direction will allow you to update the interior of the room, visually increase its area and create a harmonious atmosphere. If desired, the owners can use exclusively white design color or give preference to a combination of gray and white. With the right choice of finishes and furniture in such colors, it will be quite easy and simple to create an amazing living room. If necessary, the light combination can be complemented by other more saturated or dark colors.

You also need to pay special attention to the selection of the optimal decor and lamps: they must competently complement the created environment and emphasize the attractiveness of the direction