Scandinavian interior: how to bring the Scandi style into your home
Are you wondering how the Scandinavians live or are you already a fan of the Nordic style of living? Rooms furnished in the Scandi style usually look tidy and bright in pictures. If you want to know how to bring this effect into your home, you can find an introduction to Nordic living here. With these simple tips, you can make your home Scandinavian in no time at all.
What makes Scandi-style furnishings so special
Regardless of whether you want to furnish and decorate a room from scratch or are just looking for individual ideas to bring a touch of Scandi chic into your home, you will find some inspiration and ideas below. The cornerstones are, of course, furniture, but the right Nordic decoration can also make a big difference to the effect of a room. A combination of different living styles can also be exactly what suits you best.
The basic idea behind the Scandi style when it emerged in the 1950s and 60s was to make tasteful and functional furniture accessible to everyone. The result was furniture that was suitable for everyday use and budget-friendly, some of which are still considered design classics today. You can find more information on this in our article on Scandinavian design. In addition to these exclusive designer labels, which sell their products at high prices, there is also a large selection of Scandinavian furniture in all price ranges.
The original design principles from the north have survived to this day and make the Scandinavian style of living a real interior design trend. They are closely linked to the Scandinavian attitude to life, which is why the rooms radiate calm, serenity and lightness.
Nordic-style furnishings therefore combine purist minimalism with a cosy atmosphere. It is not only important that the furniture is simple and functional, but colours, textures and decoration also play a role.
The basic rule is: let plenty of light into your home, focus on light colours and combine different natural materials. The use of white and light-coloured wood in particular is typical of the Scandi style. Textiles made of wool or linen are combined with this.
Tips for your Scandinavian-style home
- Let in as much light as possible.
- Use white, grey and light and muted colours
- Use textiles.
- Don’t skimp on natural materials.
- Choose textured retro patterns or graphic prints in black and white.
- Decorate with plants
- Choose wooden frames in different sizes as wall decorations.
Living ideas: the right furniture with Scandi charm
The furniture is the basic structure of your interior, as it sets the tone for the atmosphere of a room. However, it should also fulfill a function. Whether it’s a bed, wardrobe or desk – every piece of furniture has a purpose that should make your daily life easier.
Functionality is definitely covered by furniture in the Scandi style. But what about the atmosphere? How does Scandinavian furniture create the clean, uncluttered yet inviting look that we love so much about Nordic style?
The use of clear lines and colours is particularly important here. If you take a look at the most popular Scandinavian furniture, you will quickly realise that the shapes are usually kept quite simple. Subtle curves are integrated, but only in moderation, such as in the typical Scandinavian egg chair.
Overall, Scandinavian furniture is very restrained. You will look in vain for ornaments and elaborate decorations. Only the characteristic wooden legs that run outwards often clearly indicate the style.
Scandinavian living room furnishings
If you want to furnish your living room in a Scandinavian style, you can choose from a wide range of different Scandinavian-style furniture . Whether it’s a sofa, armchair or wall unit: almost every piece of furniture that most people want in their living room is also available in a Nordic design.
Even matching Scandi-style wallpaper and flooring are available. You also have the option of creating a sitting or reading corner, for example. The most important thing is a cosy atmosphere where you enjoy spending time with friends and family.
This is also part of the Scandinavian style: the international living and lifestyle trend hygge, for example, is not just about cosy furnishings, but also about socialising with others. Eating, drinking and spending time together are elementary components of the Nordic concept.
To ensure that the furnishings reflect this, a Scandinavian living room is dominated by comfortable seating and lounge areas, furnished with cushions and blankets. Considering the long, dark winters in the far north, this is just as unsurprising as the use of warm light sources. Pendant lights, floor lamps and candles make an evening get-together even more cosy.
Furniture for a Scandinavian living room
- Sofa
- Armchair
- Wall unit
- Display cabinet
- Wallpaper
Scandinavian bedroom furnishings
In addition to the living room, a Scandinavian-style bedroom is a good choice as well. After all, where else are relaxation and well-being as important as in the room where you spend at best a third of your day? The principle of functionality provides storage space here, which is particularly beneficial in small bedrooms. The variety of different chests of drawers and shelves in the Scandi style ensures that clutter can be easily prevented.
Skandi-style beds usually have a light design and incorporate wooden elements. This means that the centrepiece of the bedroom does not appear clunky. The frequently used wooden legs also contribute to this.
Rugs are both useful and decorative. They prevent you from getting cold feet, are wonderfully soft and look attractive. In the bedroom, a carpet looks particularly good next to the bed.
Furniture for a Scandinavian bedroom
- Bed
- Wardrobe
- Shelves / chests of drawers
- Wall decoration
- Carpets
The right decoration with a Nordic look
If you’re wondering how to decorate in a Scandinavian style, here are a few basic tips: Once you have set the basic tone of your interior design with the help of matching furniture, the next step is to focus on the decoration. It rounds off the design and individualises the room. This doesn’t just mean photos and memorabilia. With the help of the right decorations, you can implement your personal taste and personalise the unobtrusive basic structure created by the Scandinavian furniture.
Blankets and cushions work well where appropriate. Textiles are generally favoured in the Scandinavian style. This naturally includes rugs, tablecloths and curtains.
Plants are also recommended as a vitalising splash of colour. They emphasise the connection with nature even more and create a calming atmosphere. Whether as a potted plant or in a vase, plants are particularly popular in the Scandinavian country house style.
Scandinavian decoration ideas
- Textiles (blankets, cushions, curtains etc.)
- Plants
- Vases
- Wall decoration (pictures, wall hangings, wall clocks etc.)
- Lamps and candles
- Wickerwork (also practical as storage space)
