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If you strongly believe that there's beauty in simplicity, Scandinavian design is for you. Since its inception during the early 20th century, this aesthetic has embodied a sense of minimalism and functionality. Curious about how to pull off the look in your own space? Click through for 12 easy tips to get the look, from brilliant storage solutions to neutral accents that are sure to add a touch of elegance to your abode.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Out of all the furniture styles on the market, mid-century modern designs are most common for Scandinavian-style homes. Their simple, clean lines and natural hues are ideal for those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic.
Get the Look: Tamsin Dining Table
This lightweight table, boasting a natural finish, is brilliant for small spaces.
Minimal Window Treatments
Scandinavian design calls for minimal window treatments that allow light to pour into a space. Neutral, simple designs are best for this aesthetic.
You can't go wrong with understated curtains in a gray hue—the perfect finishing touch for a Scandinavian-inspired design scheme.
Storage As Decor
Because of the functionality aspect of Scandinavian design, using storage pieces that double as stylish decor is a no-brainer. According to Anna Decilveo, a merchandiser at the Swedish-founded company Tictail, “The shelf or basket you would've likely hid in your closet is, instead, a work of art in itself.” From storage racks to kitchen organizers, virtually every facet of your home can be Scandinavian-level chic.
Store your belongings in style with this Japanese design that can work beautifully in a bedroom or even an entryway.
Perfect for an entryway or under a clothing rack, this shoe rack combines sleek steel shelves with an ash frame.
Warm and Cozy Textiles
Wool, mohair, and sheepskin throws are some of the few accent pieces that bring texture in the home while abiding to the Scandinavian aesthetic. Opt for shades of gray, like Charcoal, natural textures, like burlap or jute, or muted hues, like a pale purple with gray undertones, when picking blankets or throws.
Home Soft Things Get the Look: Knitted Tweed Throw
This knitted tweed throw features diamond patterns made of microfiber polyester for a soft, textured look, and cozy feel.
Get the Look: Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool Throw
Get the Look: Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool Throw
This soft wool throw boasts a natural sandy beige color, which brings neutral texture to your sofa.
Large House Plants
Scandinavian design doesn’t involve a whole lot of color, though if you’re looking to brighten up a space without sacrificing the Scandinavian style, plants can do just the trick. They bring an earthy, arboreal element to the already natural look, while adding a statement pop of color without feeling too in your face.
The pachira plant, also known as the money tree, is easy to grow and known to bring good luck. Enhance your decor and feng shui all at once.
Costa Farms Get the Look: Ficus Lyrata Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Costa Farms Get the Look: Ficus Lyrata Fiddle-Leaf Fig
This tropical plant will bring an earthy energy and brilliant pop of color into your home.
Bold Blue Accents
Scandinavia's favorite accent color? Clearly, it's blue—a bright blue that stands out brilliantly against all-white interiors, like in this colorful 1920's Copenhagen home belonging to industrial designer Josefine Bentzen. If you’re looking to give your Scandinavian monochrome palette an easy pop of color, this is a go-to shade.
Get the Look: Contemporary Kashkuli Rug
A jewel-toned blue rug with cream leaf-shaped accents brings in classic Scandi-style nature motifs while still keeping your look modern.
The streamlined silhouette and glossy blue finish of this modern industrial pendant light will illuminate your favorite spaces while adding a touch of rich color.
Worn Leather
We're seeing a major transition to worn leather pieces in Nordic interiors, like these leather-backed wooden chairs in Swedish stylist Lotta Agaton's home at La Maison d'Anna G. They're rustic without looking too antique—and look great with a sheepskin blanket tossed over their back. We're thinking this might be a Swedish play on the current American mid-century modern obsession.
Get the Look: Slope Leather Lounge Chair
Get the Look: Slope Leather Lounge Chair
This sleek leather lounge chair is sure to add character to any space.
This authentic aniline-dyed buffalo leather pouf provides simple seating that can be moved from room to room, while adding a touch of warmth with the orange-hued natural grain leather.
Sheepskin Rugs
While wall-to-wall carpeting is a definite no in Scandinavian design, there are still ways to bring texture to your floors. Our advice? Sheepskin rugs. In the colder climates that Scandinavian design was born from, sheepskin not only ties into the cultural inception of the style, it also enhances the otherwise texturally sparse look.
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