Scandinavian Interior Design & Home Decor Style Guide

by Spacejoy May 17, 2019

written by Spacejoy May 17, 2019

The minimalist style of Scandinavian design emerged during the 1930’s within the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. “Scandinavian design” promoted simplistic ways of living and showcased various works by Nordic designers. The minimalist philosophy emphasized clean lines and simple designs that were inspired by nature and climate to create the Nordic design.

There is definitely a color palette associated with Scandinavian designs. Whites, grays, blacks and browns are often interwoven creating a clean and calming look. Designers have also introduced other pop colors like dusty pinks and rich sea greens for added accents. In typical Scandinavian spaces, walls are kept white allowing for furniture and art to captivate.

Scandinavian Design Trends

Because the winters are so long and dark, Scandinavian interiors are typically painted white to help keep spaces bright. When colors are used they’re kept soft and understated to keep the entire space feeling cohesive, uniform, and bright.

Wooden Flooring

Wood flooring is often used throughout homes and is sometimes softened with rugs or sheepskins.

Light, Muted Colors With Strong Lighting

Scandinavian interiors are typically painted white to help keep spaces bright. When colors are used they’re kept soft and understated to keep the entire space feeling cohesive, uniform, and bright. With as little as seven daylight hours in winter months, the way lighting is used in design is paramount to typical Scandinavian interior design. It is a life source. Usually modern teetering on industrial in style, these vary from pendants like this iconic Danish Design pendant lamp from Louis Weisdorf to wall sconces. Candle light is also a must, adding a touch of whimsy and glow to a space.

Interior Decor with Clean Lines

There isn’t a lot of ornate or excessive detailing found in Scandinavian design. Modern, clean lined, solid pieces are much more common, and are a defining feature of the Scandinavian design style.

Decluttered Spaces & Simple Accents

Traditionally, many Scandinavian homes were very small and didn’t allow for excessive amounts of stuff. While homes are being built larger now and there’s more room for things, the idea of keeping a space free of clutter and mess has remained an important aspect of Scandinavian design. Scandinavian decor is centered around the idea of owning less to begin with. Decor is kept to a minimum with bare walls and empty spaces.

Maximizing Natural Light & Warm Textiles

Natural light is an important thing to try and maximize. If any window treatments are used at all, sheer or translucent ones are favored to let in as much light as possible. Parts of the decor comes in the form of warming textiles like sheep skins, wool or mohair throws and soft cotton. Not only do they provide a feeling of warmth and coziness, but they also add another layer of texture to a space.

Lots of Greenery

To help brighten up spaces and to bring in some life, plants are found in plenty of Scandinavian homes.

Scandinavian Furniture Wishlist

If you’ve been inspired enough to want this design theme for your home, here’s a list of thing which can help you get started! You can purchase all of them right here & now on Homefuly!