How To Decorate Scandinavian Style

Be inspired by the timeless elegance of Scandinavian interior design

Scandinavian style has had a huge impact on the way we design our homes and, since is rise to popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, it has continued to heavily influence our furniture, lighting and home accessory looks.

Crucial to the Scandinavian aesthetic is the perfect balance of form and function. The Scandic design movement focuses on pieces that both look beautiful and perform flawlessly and aims to make such products available to everyone.

From the colours and textures to the furnishings and lighting, we show you how to decorate Scandinavian style.

Scandinavian interiors are renowned for being stripped back and simple and this is reflected in the colour palettes that are typically used. Classical Scandic schemes are primarily monochrome with soft greys incorporated to create a sleek minimalist background. Nordic nature also inspires the colour schemes and deep fir greens, timber tones and tan leathers are also prominent, adding warmth to the look.

In more contemporary Scandic interiors, soft pastel shades are introduced to bring a pop of colour and playfulness. Pale blush pink, delicate duck egg blue and washes of mint green are all perfect for accent walls and accessories such as bed linen, cushions and accent rugs.

Scandinavian interior design sees a combination of both very sleek and engineered finishes with natural materials which are rooted in tradition. This mix of hypermodern finishes with those that have been used in design for hundreds of years, such as timber, leather and wool, creates a gorgeous balanced interior that is elegant yet warm and inviting.
More contemporary materials may also be incorporated such as concrete and metallic finishes. Copper and brass continue to be on trend and work particularly well across pendant and table lighting.

Lighting often forms the focal point of Scandinavian interiors, blending technology and design and sometimes bringing an organic edge to the Scandic aesthetic too. Pendant lights, floor lamps and table lamps featuring exciting textures that contrast with the rest of the space are a signature of this look. Olivia’s Thali Pendant is a perfect example of this and, in the Scandic tradition, was designed in order to improve functionality by optimising the spread of light without increasing glare.

Lighting should be kept warm and inviting to prevent pared-back spaces from feeling stark or clinical which makes copper the perfect addition. Natural daylight is also an important element in Scandinavian interiors so keep windows clear of clutter too.

As ever, Scandinavian furniture places equal emphasis on form and function, and many classic designs are infused with Mid Century inspirations. Clean lines, strong silhouettes, and architectural shapes all play a strong role and are combined with an emphasis on the materials and textures used.

In order to harness the Scandinavian look in your own home without going for a complete overhaul, try adding just one or two statement pieces such as the Broste Copenhagen Bay Sofa to a space that is otherwise simple and functional.

Unnecessary embellishment doesn’t feature much in classic Scandic design as it has a typically minimalist feel but finishing touches are introduced through tactile ceramics, textural cushions and chunky knit throws.

A biophilic approach to product design is also prominent with plant life and nature forming key components of of the look. Clever curation is important when combining accessories in Scandic style and console tables, glass cloches and stacked shelves are perfect for displaying carefully selected accessories and accents.