12 Creative Scandinavian Interior Designs

Create Artistic Effects with Natural Light

Scandinavian interior design is renowned for its simplistic use of color palettes, snug embellishments, and eye-catching contemporary furnishings. These designs frequently incorporate natural light, which is highly valued in Nordic countries.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Contrast Your Colors for a Bold Look in Scandinavian Interior Design

Scandinavian interior design is characterized by high contrasts. In this all-white dining room, stark black sculptural furniture helps create a dramatic, impactful statement. The modern furniture also provides a sharp contrast to the elaborate architectural features that are often found in historical buildings in northern Europe.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Top Picks for Modern Furniture

Mod furniture remains an essential element even in recently constructed contemporary spaces. Tulip tables and swan chairs are warmed up by blonde-wood accents and rich cognac leather tones. Additionally, sculptural branches are utilized to create a more organic ambiance.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Scandinavian Interior Design - Ideas for Subdued Color Palettes

Interior designer Tali Roth has incorporated her own interpretation of Scandinavian style in this New York City apartment. The space features a mirrored cube topped with a George Nelson-inspired Flos table lamp. Muted tones of taupe, ivory, and sage have been used throughout the area. Minimalist decorative touches such as black-and-white photography, olive branches, and a small brass bowl have been added to enhance the overall ambiance.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Combining Colorful Artwork with Scandinavian Interior Design

It is unusual to come across colorful art in Scandinavian interior design, but when it is used, it is typically displayed in a graphic series of multiples. An example of this is the series of botanical prints shown here. In Scandinavian dining rooms, furniture tends to be kept simple, often featuring midcentury chairs and a floating storage buffet. Candles are a key feature of the cozy “hygge” style and are often placed in basic brass candleholders.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Tips for Cozy Scandinavian Interior Design

The cozy living room features a plush, soft shag rug. The room is illuminated by warm lighting from a brass floor lamp and two votive candles on the table. Decorative throw pillows and a chunky knit blanket add texture and warmth to the space. A rustic wooden coffee table serves as a centerpiece and a functional surface for books and drinks.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Why Texture Mixing Is Important in Interior Design

The living room showcases furniture with minimalist design and muted shades of gray that may otherwise give off a chilly and uninviting ambiance. However, with the addition of stunning photography and a combination of cozy textures such as a sheepskin throw and kilim rug, the space exudes warmth and hospitality.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Incorporating a Corner Fireplace in Scandinavian Home Design

Fireplaces in Scandinavian homes are typically positioned in the corner of a room instead of being centered on a wall. This design influences the arrangement of seating, with smaller accent chairs positioned closer to the fireplace and sofas placed in the middle of the room. This creates ample walking space behind the furniture and enhances the flow of the room.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Add Warmth with Wood

In Scandinavian interior design, warm wood tones and sepia hues are favored as they create a sunny and bright atmosphere without relying on overly vibrant colors. These shades infuse a cozy and welcoming vibe to a space, making it feel inviting and comfortable.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Layer Your Bedding for Comfort and Style

Scandinavians, particularly Swedes and Danes, possess a talent for layering bedding in an inviting and cozy manner. This often entails combining linen sheets, wool blankets, and a carefully curated assortment of accent pillows in subtle, tonal shades. Additionally, Scandinavian bedrooms are often distinguished by their iconic lighting, which typically features both ceiling fixtures and bedside lamps that make a modern and stylish statement.

Scandinavian Interior Design

Small Pop of Color Ideas in Scandinavian Interior Design

Color is typically used sparingly in Scandinavian interiors design, with bright hues or small pops of color arranged in a gallery-style fashion. In a light and airy living room, for example, a neutral backdrop is enlivened with rugs and throws featuring shades of blue and purple, while colorful artworks punctuate the space with sharp bursts of color. This approach creates visual interest and energizes the room without overpowering the overall design aesthetic.

Scandinavian Interior Design

The Art of Blending Décor Styles for a Cohesive Look

While Scandinavian interiors tend to lean towards a modern aesthetic, they frequently incorporate a variety of styles and periods to create a warm and layered ambiance. For instance, in this understated dining room, ornate oil paintings with gilded frames are paired with a collection of apothecary jars. An oversized industrial pendant light fixture hangs above the stark black dining table, providing an interesting contrast of styles. The blend of different decor styles in this space contributes to its unique and welcoming feel.

Scandinavian Interior Design