12 Key Elements of Scandinavian Design + Home Styling Tips

Do you love Scandinavian design? You’re not alone! It’s one of the most popular decorating styles. Learn all the ways you can inject some Scandinavian interior design vibes into your home.

I’ll go through all the Scandinavian home design elements so you can make your home look Nordic. We’ll analyze exactly how the Scandinavians manage to consistently create beautiful and inviting bright interiors and how to create the same style in our own homes.

IKEA

Scandinavian style is generally associated with its clean bright minimalistic yet cozy look. I shopped at IKEA long before the look became popular and I was always attracted to the store but couldn’t pinpoint why. I do like to give credit to IKEA for bringing Scandinavian design and the concept to the masses.

The Scandinavians have a very socially inclusive culture so the way this translates to the design world is that there is this belief that everyone should be able to afford beautiful and functional items in their home.

What is Scandinavian design?

There are three core concepts: warmth, simplicity, and inspiration from nature.

Warmth

Having a warm home, both physically and psychologically, has been an important part of Scandi design for hundreds of years. Their homes have been safe havens in the harshest winters, and include fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, for instance.

Or, use candles, dimming lights, and use warm light bulbs, not bright, white lights. Wear thick socks, place rugs on the floor, and use a lot of soft furnishings for warmth, too.

Simplicity

Nordic design roots come from the need to make use of what they had on hand to make comfortable items.

Nature

Scandinavia has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and they have always been inspired by what surrounds them.

Here are 12 specific ways you can also create this style in your home:

1. Mixing old and new

Scandinavians do not use status symbols in their homes. Any item in the home is meant to add comfort and enrich one’s life. Nostalgic vintage items are linked to hygge, for example.

2. Hygge

Hygge is the Danish philosophy of togetherness, comfort, and well-being. Any place can feel hygge–a restaurant, a home, a bookstore, even a workplace can feel hygge. “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking explains this concept well.

There are quick ways to create coziness in your life: tidy up, light candles, play soft music, bake something, fluff the pillows, put on cozy socks, prepare a hot drink, and invite friends over.

3. Natural light

Scandis go from having little light in the winter to having 20 hours of sunlight in the summer so they try to maximize the amount of natural light. You’ll find lots of large windows, skylights, and white walls to help bounce light around the room.

4. Color palettes

The most popular Scandi color palette is black and white with natural accents. You’ll find grays, pale wood tones, off-whites, soft pinks, sage green, taupe, tan, mustard, hunter green, navy blue, and metallic accents. White is always the beautiful, elegant backdrop.

5. Artwork

Scandi artwork and sculptural art is subdued but it’s also large-scale because it’s not really busy. You’ll see abstracts, drawings, and moody landscape photography all with minimal frames in black or white. You’ll find the odd oil portrait or textural painting.

6. Light and airy

Furniture in a Scandi room is often elevated off the ground, features lightweight frames, and lots of breathing space between pieces.

7. Textiles

Textiles, such as throw blankets and pillows, introduce warmth, softness, and texture into a Scandi room. Wool, linen, cotton, and other natural fibers are always preferred.

Scandi rooms also feature sheep skins and other animal hides draped over the backs of chairs or used as rugs.

8. Floors

Pale hardwood or laminate flooring are the most popular materials softened with neutral-colored rugs. Scandinavians do not use carpets. Floors are often painted white to reflect more light.

9. Declutter

You won’t find many knickknacks in a Scandi home. Scandinavians prefer minimalism to allow for more light to flow through the space. They even have great cable management!

10. Use of wood

Wood is a huge element used in Scandi interiors. Homes, floors, and furniture are all made from a mixture of woods. Birch, pine, or spruce, all light-toned woods, are popular. But wood that is painted white is very popular.

11. Plants

Scandinavians love plants but they don’t overdo it indoors. They usually have four or five plants per room. The “jungle” look is not how Scandinavians use plants in their decor.

12. Architectural details

Lots of older Scandinavian buildings have well-preserved architectural features such as elaborate moldings, old-fashioned radiators, and elaborate door trim. These details are almost always painted white.

Scandi style tips for your home

Bring as much light and warmth as you can into your home with the following tips:

Layer in fur pelts, blankets, and lots of throw pillows.

Scandinavian design guide

I hope that you have a good understanding of what Scandinavian design is all about. It’s easy to create hygge, even if you’re not Scandinavian.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve incorporated Scandinavian home design elements into your space and what you did to achieve it.