Here’s a quick guide with our top tips for creating Scandinavian interior design in your own home. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to infuse a space with the clever functionality and pleasing aesthetics of Scandinavian interiors!

1. LIGHTING IS KEY

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. Interiors have several types of lighting for adequate and mood building illumination.

2. FORM & FUNCTION

In terms of furniture, clean lines are it. Sofas, tables, and chairs embrace mid century modern tendencies with smooth rounded edges and natural hues. Scandinavian design also prides itself on innovative and functional design when decorating interiors. 

3. LIGHT FLOORING

Wall-to-wall carpeting does not happen in Scandinavian design. Flooring traditionally is hard-wood, often left in it’s natural color or painted white. This contributes to expanding the space and inviting in more light. Residential bathrooms often have heated tiles for a warm underfoot during the winter season.   

4. FRESH FLOWERS AND BOTANICALS

It is important to have living elements of color and beauty in Scandinavian interior design. “Fresh flowers are not a luxury, they’re a necessity”, shared a Copenhagen native. This is commonly apparent with sidewalk florists selling tulips of every color, arranged bouquets, succulents and more!

5. NEUTRAL COLORS

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.

6. CLUTTER-FREE INTERIORS

One of the truest characteristics of Scandinavian interior design is making sure spaces are well used and limited in unnecessary clutter. Storage is wisely implemented in the form of cabinets and shelving. Decor is intentional with a “less is more” mantra, keeping spaces looking clean and visually relaxing.

7. LIMITED WINDOW TREATMENTS

Contributing to the idea of inviting as much light in as possible, Scandinavian spaces tend to leave their windows bare of coverings. If used, light fabrics like linen and sheer are preferred. At night, the glow of illuminated windows in buildings looks like a beautiful postcard.

8. SIMPLE DECORATIVE ACCENTS

Decorative accents in Scandinavian design are simple in style.

9. WARM TEXTILES

In cold climate countries, it’s not surprising that part 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.

10. WOOD + METAL FINISHES

Scandinavian design uses wood not only in their flooring but also decoratively in furniture such as dining and coffee tables. There is also a popular trend of brining in metallic finishes in lighting and accent pieces. Copper and brass pendants and sconces are a way of adding shine to a room.