10 Things to Know About Scandinavian Design
10 Things to Know about Scandinavian Design
Step into a Scandinavian interior and you’ll feel instantly at ease seeing at a warm, uncluttered space. This refreshing style is somehow both striking and calm, helping you feel relaxed, energized and upbeat all at the same time. How can one look bring so much positivity into your home? It’s because Scandinavian design combines functionality with beauty.
Want to freshen up your home with Scandinavian-inspired designs? In this article, we’ll explain 10 things you should know about Scandinavian design.
- It’s modern, yet still comfortable.
- Natural materials are used to add warmth and texture.
- Green plants make great décor.
- Walls and floors are typically light in color.
- The Scandinavian style is practical.
- Living rooms often feature large wall art or gallery walls.
- Rooms look spacious and open.
- Quality is preferred over cheap, temporary designs.
- Scandinavians seek out eco-friendly furniture.
- Scandinavian spaces are well lit.
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1: It’s modern, yet still comfortable
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Although Scandinavian design originated from the Nordic countries in the 20th century, its influence still inspires interior design trends to this day. It’s known for its simple yet striking interiors. Clean lines and simple forms provide a modern feel, but warm tones and cozy materials ensure your home is also comfortable.
Simplicity is key in Scandinavian design. It embraces the hygge lifestyle. Hygge is a Danish concept encompassing a feeling of coziness and happiness found in simple things.
Think of airy, open spaces with simple white walls accompanied by sandy and pale grey tones. Clutter is a foreign concept in Scandinavian homes, where décor and furnishings are sparce. This doesn’t mean that Scandinavian interiors are empty. They just leave enough room for cozy materials that add to the overall ambiance of the room. -
2: Natural materials are used to add warmth and texture
Scandinavian design wouldn’t be what it is without wood. Wood furniture is essential in any Scandinavian interior. Oak, birch, and pine are popular wood options in Scandinavian design. Materials like burlap and stone can also be used to decorate your space
The Nordic culture placed great emphasis on nature and outdoors. That sentiment carried over into Scandinavian homes and still reflects today’s trends. From tables to chairs, browse our wide selection of Scandinavian furniture.
3: Green plants make great decor
Nature plays an importance role in Scandinavian interior design. Along with natural furniture, you can freshen up your home with an array of green plants. Plants breathe new life into indoor spaces, and the color green is calming to many.
Foliage adds a touch of color to complement a neutral Scandinavian interior. Snake plants, dragon trees, aloe vera, and monstera plants can be perfect additions. Not only do these plants boost a room’s overall décor, but they also work well with a Scandinavian minimalist design. Browse our selection of faux house plants.
4: Walls and floors are typically light in color
Scandinavian design is heavily infused with neutral colors. Nordic design embraces warm white, grey, and tan colors to make rooms feel airy and bright.
Accents of blue, pink, and colors rooted in nature like sage are interwoven loosely throughout rooms. Light brown wood floors and minimalist white walls tend to work well in Scandinavian spaces. You can then add pops of color with carefully chosen decor.
5: The Scandinavian style is practical
Simple and practical are fundamental elements of Scandinavian design. It combines clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic with traditional craftsmanship. The Nordic style pairs well with modern living spaces that prefer functional and adaptable décor.
The furniture you select and the way you arrange it in your space should meet both functional and stylish needs. Scandinavian craftsmen make practical designs a priority. Designers often use solid wood to make chairs, tables, and other furnishings. Natural elements like leather and linen complement wood surfaces.
The simplicity of Scandinavian design makes it easier for home decorators to create a stylish and modern space.
6: Living rooms often feature large wall art or gallery walls
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Artwork can be the focal point in a minimalist space. What better way to add some color than with a beautiful painting? Wall art lets you add eye-catching style and color to a room without crowding the space.
Well-curated wall art can make a big statement in your room. It also gives you the chance to express your personal style in a room with white walls. We have a variety of wall art to choose from. -
7: Rooms look spacious and open
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It’s important to leave plenty of space between pieces of furniture in Scandinavian design. Open spaces give rooms an airy, fresh look. This can make a space feel less cramped and cluttered, especially in the long winter months when you’re stuck inside.
Scandinavian design embraces the mindset of everything has a purpose and place. You don’t want to overdo it with too much furniture or décor. Choose accessories carefully, as less is more in the Scandinavian style. -
8: Quality is preferred over cheap, temporary designs
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Scandinavian design places great importance on creating furniture made to last. It promotes a minimal home environment made up of quality furniture and décor.
Superior craftsmanship is a staple in Scandinavian homes. Look for long-lasting pieces, rather than cheap alternatives you’ll soon have to replace. -
9: Scandinavians seek out eco-friendly furniture
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Eco-friendly furniture is the backbone of Scandinavian design. Scandinavians use sustainable material to make tables, chairs, and other furniture. Light woods like beech, ash, and pine are used the most.
Sustainable materials like mango wood and bamboo are also good for both your home and the environment. Furniture made out of mango wood and bamboo can stand the test of time. Both are tough, highly durable, and can withstand everyday use.
10: Scandinavian spaces are well lit
Scandinavian design embraces natural lighting. Long winters prompted Scandinavians to come up with clever ways to maximize natural sunlight. For example, big, open windows are key features.
You can mimic the same concept in your own home. Open your curtains to allow for a lot of natural lighting, and take advantage of layered lighting techniques to design a well-lit space on a cloudy day.
Scandinavian-designed pendants, for instance, are great alternatives. Depending on the style and placement of the pendant, they can function as ambient, task, and accent lighting.
It’s important to use warm, diffuse light rather than harsh, neon light. Scandinavians don’t usually have excessive lighting in their homes. Instead, they opt for strategically placed pendant lights, floor lamps, and table lamps.
Design a home that is stylish, energizing and functional by following the Scandinavian approach to interior design. These 10 Scandinavian design ideas will help you get started on your space.
Over time, we've compiled a vast reference library filled with helpful hints and enticing ideas for the home. Lose yourself in these online "stacks" and find the perfect solution for your space – no Dewey Decimal System required.
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Bellacor Blog
Over time, we've compiled a vast reference library filled with helpful hints and enticing ideas for the home. Lose yourself in these online "stacks" and find the perfect solution for your space – no Dewey Decimal System required.