Find out what colours, materials and furnishings to use to get the cosy, natural Nordic look in any room
Whether you’re shopping for furnishings or sharing your ideas with a designer, having a clear idea of your favourite style can be a big help. If you love simple, light-filled spaces with a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces and cozy, nature-inspired accents, Scandinavian style might be right in your decorating wheelhouse. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular style, including key elements, colour palettes, furniture and accessories.
What Is Scandinavian style?
Scandinavian style has its roots in the northern countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway in the early- to mid-20th-century. As the modernist movement flourished in Western Europe, Scandinavia refined its own aesthetic: one of simplicity, minimalism, light and a connection to nature.
Scandinavian style features bright, light spaces and furnishings with clean lines, bold graphic patterns and a welcoming cosiness. Unlike strictly modern spaces, Scandinavian-style interiors tend to include a more eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary pieces and a more playful attitude.
Scandinavian style is:
Light and bright White walls and white or light wood floors help maximise natural light. Furniture and decor are minimal for an airy, open feel.
Cosy Embrace the concept of hygge with comfy spaces for gathering, cozy throws and plenty of candles.
Inspired by nature Look for natural wood, wool, sheepskin rugs, green plants and organic shapes.
Scandinavian style is not:
Dark or heavy cosy sheepskins (real or fake) warming up light wood wishbone chairs in a white-walled space would be just right; dark colours and heavy layered rugs would be too much.
Cluttered furnishings and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look. Belongings are well-organised, especially in small spaces.
One-note Contemporary and vintage pieces that share a simplicity and lightness of form can mix comfortably in Scandinavian-style spaces.
Key Element: A mix of old and new
Unlike modern or contemporary style, Scandinavian style spaces embrace a more eclectic mix: Think of a vintage crystal chandelier and an English roll-arm sofa paired with sleek modern tables and an iconic mid-century chair. Look for sofas and armchairs with low, lean profiles and accent tables in white and light wood finishes. Upholstery tends to be solid and neutral, with bold patterns and colours more likely applied to rugs and accent pillows.
Key element: Icons of Scandinavian design
Mid-century pieces – especially from Scandinavian designers like Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner and Verner Panton – look right at home in a Scandinavian-style space. Including even a single standout piece, like this grey Egg Chair from Danish architect-designer Jacobsen, is enough to elevate an entire room.
Design detail: Pale Floors
A key objective of Scandinavian style is to maximise light – and pale wood floors can go a long way toward bouncing that coveted light around. Floors can be naturally light-hued wood, such as pine, birch and light ash tones, or they can be limed, bleached or painted white.
Key element: Light palette
The colour palette in Scandinavian-style spaces tends toward crisp, clean white, pale washes of colour and black. Brighter hues, when they do appear, are often in the form of artwork, accessories or textiles.
Great shades for Scandinavian spaces:
Pale hues Watery blues and greens, pale pink
Black and white Architectural white, matte black
Soft neutrals Dove grey, stone, beige, putty
Can Scandinavian Style be colourful?
In short, yes! While Scandinavian-style spaces do tend to lean heavily on crisp white, playful patterns and cheerful hues are also welcome. The key is to balance a pop of colour with plenty of clean white space. Look for bold patterns featuring the Swiss cross, stripes or triangles and accent hues like mint green, aqua and tomato red.
Finishing touches: Cosy and natural
Scandinavian spaces telegraph a cozy mood with touchable textures and natural materials that bring the outdoors in. Favourite hues are calming neutrals and graphic black and white.
Accessories for Scandinavian spaces:
Sheepskins and furs, real or fake
Wood-burning fireplace
Cut firewood
Knitted throw or pouf
Black-and-white photography
Woven baskets
Sculptural candlesticks
Fresh green plants
Your Message