Scandinavian furniture has for decades been the darling of design academics worldwide. Known for its simple, yet functional, and unpretentious beauty, it breathes new life into the living room with a unique set ofrogue and relaxed features, epitomized in this timeless sofa style. The Scandinavian living room specifically, is a testament to beauty’s natural ability to merge with functionality.
Whether you’re giving a room (or your entire home) a full-blown Scandi-style makeover or just want to subtly add touches of Nordic cosiness to your home, this guide demystifies the key ingredients of a Scandinavian living room look and shares the simple steps to get it, effortlessly cool vibe and all.
What Is Scandinavian Living Room Style?
Scandinavian interior design originates from the northern territories of the Nordic countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. It gained traction in the mid-20th century when it emerged as a minimalist, yet cozy, approach to home design. The living room — which serves as the heart of any home — is typically the epicenter of this look.
The only word that really gives this look justice, is ‘Inviting’! Scandinavian living rooms are throughout having a light and airy and natural feel with a neutral, calming colour pallet, warm and cosy elements and practical pieces of furniture catered towards everyday use. The aim is for a room that is serene, inviting and enviably stylish.
Core Elements of Scandinavian Living Room Style
To perfect that Scandi vibe, you’ll need to concentrate on the key elements below:
Neutral Color Palettes
Mass appeal: Scandi style is predicated on a mostly neutral palette. Whites, grays, beiges, and muted pastels dominate to create a bright, soothing space fit for relaxation. Use cushions, rugs or art to introduce small pops of color and a bit of pizazz.
Natural Materials
Nature is at the heart of Scandinavian design. Add elements such as wood, leather, and wool to infuse the warmth and texture into your living room. Blonde woods such as pine and oak are especially popular for furniture and flooring.
Furniture can be both functional and trendy.
These are stylish and functional items for a Scandinavian living room. Think minimalist, modernist fixtures, with clean lines and little ornamentation. Look for something that can serve double duty, such as a storage ottoman or extendable table, in order to save space.
Light and Airy Ambiance
Scandinavian interiors are known for natural light. Big windows, sheer curtains and pale walls increase the light. And let’s not forget warm, layered lighting via pendant lamps, table lamps and candles for a cozy atmosphere once the sun sets.
Hygge Touches
At the heart of Scandinavian design is hygge, the Danish idea of comfort and contentment. Add soft fabrics like knitted throws, faux fur cushions and plush rugs in order to make the space feel welcoming and cosy.
How to Create a Scandinavian Living Room in 10 Steps
1. Start with a Blank Canvas
Getting the perfect Scandi space needn’t be difficult. Follow these 10 easy steps to find your way to a ‘new’ living room:
Start with a neutral foundation by painting your walls pale white or light gray. This way the emphasis will remain on your furniture and accessories while the room will also appear larger.
2. Choose Functional Furniture
Choose multi-functional furniture with sleek lines and classic styles. Iconic Scandinavian-esque pieces such as the Eames lounge chair or smooth light-wood coffee tables can ground the room.
3. Layer with Texture
Combine materials, like cotton, wool and leather in throws, cushions and rugs to bring depth and warmth to the room. A sheepskin blanket thrown over a sofa is a quintessentially Scandinavian feel.
4. Incorporate Light Wood
Add a touch of nature to your living room with light wooden furniture and details. Wood adds a calm, natural vibe that is at the heart of Scandinavian style, whether in flooring, shelves, or side tables.
5. Maximize Natural Light
Lose the heavy drapes on your windows. Instead, opt for sheer curtains or no window covering at all to let as much sunlight in as possible. Strategically positioned mirrors also can reflect light and give the illusion of more space.
6. Add Greenery
Take inspiration from greenery to add life to the minimalist living space. Low-care plants, such as snake plants, rubber trees or fiddle-leaf figs, create a beautiful design element in the room that is also cleansing the air.
7. Focus on Minimalism
Stick to only the most important elements to stay free of visual clutter. Display a few carefully chosen pieces of decor, such as a statement vase or framed art, instead of covering surfaces in knick-knacks.
8. Elevate with Lighting
Layer your light for a warm and inviting room. Titan lighting along with floor lamps and candles, crystal chandeliers can help the space look elegant and inviting.
9. Incorporate Artwork
Inject some personality into your walls with framed abstract prints or black-and-white photography. Opt for art with simple, clean lines which fits in with the Scandi aesthetic.
10. Keep It Cozy
Finally, hygge is about comfort. Pile on the soft throws, oversized cushions, fluffy rugs — you want the space to feel like a warm, cozy retreat at the end of the day.
Scandinavian Living Room FAQ
How do I add color to a Scandinavian living room?
Yes! Though it is rooted in neutral colors (like oat blue or oat black), occasional pops of statement colors (think mustard yellow, navy blue, or forest green) can inject personality to your living room without ruining the cohesive feel.
What kind of sofa is ideal for Scandinavian living room?
Choose a low-profile sofa with straight lines in gray, beige or pastel colours. Add a soft throw and pile it with textured cushions to achieve both form and function.
Does Scandinavian design work in small spaces?
Absolutely! It looks great in small spaces particularly, as it is all about streamling and form, not cramp! Opt for dual purpose furniture to maximize the space.
How can I mix Scandinavian style with my current decor?
Keep to a core aesthetic of simplicity, light tones and natural materials. You can then mix your already-there furniture with Scandinavian touches in the form of plain textiles in neutral tones and modern lighting.
Is Scandinavian design available on the cheap?
Yes, Scandinavian design needn’t cost a fortune! Brands such as IKEA, H&M Home, and Target bring budget-friendly furniture and decor that is in the perfect of capture of the Scandi aesthetic.
Give Your Living Room a Scandi Makeover Now!
You don’t have to redecorate your living room to bring in a touch of Scandinavian design. Embrace simplicity, function, and comfort to make it a chic retreat that you’ll actually want to spend time in.
Whether you’re a minimalist at heart or all about bohemian living, this clean, nature-focused style is highly likely to appeal to you.
Feeling inspired? Get to work on your dream living room makeover, with a sprinkle of all things Scandinavian to transform your home.
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