If you've ever scrolled through a home tour and felt calmer just looking at it, there's a good chance you were looking at Scandinavian design. This style is a favorite because it pulls off minimal and warm at the same time, which is a balance many of us can appreciate.
In this guide, we'll cover what Scandinavian interior design actually is, the principles that define it, and how it stacks up against styles people often mix it up with.
What Is Scandinavian Interior Design
Scandinavian interior design is a style that started in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, and spread internationally in the mid-20th century as part of a push toward design that was simple, useful, and affordable.
While function comes first, the design is never meant to be boring. Instead, the room should feel warm and peaceful.
And that warmth has a name. Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a sense of coziness and contentment. As Nordic winters are long and dark, a home should always feel good, not just look good.
What Are the Rules for Scandinavian Interior Design?
There are no rigid rules for Scandinavian design, but there are a handful of hallmarks that show up consistently in spaces that are designed with this look. Here are a few of the fundamentals:
Materials & Textures
Light-toned pine, birch, and oak are common woods used in Scandinavian interiors, and wool, linen, and cotton are used in throw blankets, seat cushions, and upholstery. The light woods keep the space feeling clean and light, while a chunky wool throw and linen curtains can make the room feel comfy instead of cold.
Furniture & Layout
Scandinavian furniture tends to be low-profile, functional, and simple. Multi-functional furniture, like a storage ottoman or a daybed that doubles as seating, is common. Many homes across Scandinavia are also smaller, so double-use furniture makes the best use of the space.
Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in Scandinavian design, again because of the length of dark winters. Homes are designed to maximize whatever natural light is available, then layer in warmth once the sun goes down.
To maximize daylight, this might look like hanging sheer curtains instead of drapes, positioning mirrors in places that best reflect light, and painting walls lighter colors for that same reason.
The coziness comes back in through ambient light fixtures, such as warm-toned overhead lights and smaller lights in task-oriented spaces like offices, reading nooks, and on kitchen counters. Candles are also great additions throughout.
Scandinavian Colors for Interiors and Decor
The Scandinavian color palette starts with a neutral base of white, off-white, soft gray, or beige. These colors dominate walls, floors, and larger furniture pieces. This is a functional choice, since light, neutral tones reflect available daylight and help small or dark rooms feel brighter and more open.
But this doesn’t mean accent colors are a no-go. Every space can benefit from a bit of color, whether soft or bold. Options might include light blue, sage green, blush pink, terracotta, mustard yellow, or charcoal gray. In many cases, black is also used for contrast while still sticking to a more neutral palette.
Common Misconceptions
A few things people often assume are part of Scandinavian design actually aren't. These include:
-
Dark color palettes. Heavier colors are closer to Scandi-industrial or Nordic noir design. True Scandinavian design can have warm accent colors, but anything too dark detracts from a light and airy feel.
-
All neutrals. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, and also incorrect. Accent colors are welcome additions.
-
Scandinavian design = minimalist. Scandinavian style is about comfort and livability, not stripping a space down for its own sake.
-
IKEA only. It’s true that IKEA is an affordable option that fits the look of Scandinavian design, and there is nothing wrong with shopping there. However, you can also go the sustainability route and find vintage pieces, or invest in pieces that are likely to last longer.
Scandinavian vs Mid Century Modern Design
Another misconception is that Scandinavian and mid century modern design are essentially the same. This is understandable since both emerged around the same era and share a commitment to function over decorative appeal. But they diverge in a few key ways:
-
Wood tones. MCM favors richer woods like walnut and teak. Scandinavian stays pale with birch, ash, and light oak.
-
Color. MCM can go heavy with saturated accent colors, like deep teal or fire engine red. Scandinavian accent colors tend to be softer but still warm.
-
Focal point. MCM often builds a room around one statement piece. Scandinavian favors an understated, cohesive whole.
-
Patterns. Geometric patterns are highly prominent in mid-mod design. Pattern can still be used in Scandinavian design, but it is less common.
If you're deciding between the two for a space, MCM tends to suit rooms where you want vibrancy alongside the simplicity, while Scandinavian design suits spaces where the goal is a gentle, understated calm.
Scandinavian vs Nordic Design
These two terms get used interchangeably so often that most people assume they're the same thing, but there's a meaningful distinction:
-
Nordic. This is the broader regional term that encompasses the design traditions of all the Nordic countries, plus the wider cultural and geographic context those traditions come from.
-
Scandinavian. This is the more specific design movement and aesthetic that emerged primarily from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
In practice, Scandinavian design is the more precise term when you're talking about the specific look. Nordic design is useful when referring to the broader regional design identity.
Scandinavian vs Japandi Design
Japandi is a newer hybrid style that blends Scandinavian minimalism with traditional Japanese design principles. Both lean into simplicity, natural materials, and function over decoration, but here's how they differ:
-
Color. We know all about the neutral Scandinavian color palette. Japandi, on the other hand, introduces deeper, earthier tones.
-
Philosophy. Scandinavian design draws on hygge, a Danish sense of coziness, and prioritizes functionality, sustainability, and accessibility. Japandi draws on wabi-sabi, a Japanese appreciation for imperfection and natural aging, and prioritizes craftsmanship and quality over quantity.
-
Mood. Scandinavian rooms make the most of natural light to create a bright, airy feel. Japandi interiors use softer, warmer lighting and gentle shadows to create a more subdued feel.
New Designs Unlocked
Scandinavian design has stuck around for decades because it solves a problem of how to make a space feel calm and uncluttered without it also feeling cold. The formula is simple once you see it, but the result is a home that feels put-together and comfortable to live in.
If you're ready to bring some of that calm into your own home, check out our Scandinavian-inspired pieces and see what feels best.
