5 Essential Elements of Scandinavian Style Home to Design like a Pro

Updated : December, 2024

Trying to create Scandinavian Style Home can be really overwhelming.

Here’s what you need to know when designing a Scandinavian Style Home.

In this post you are going to learn when designing Scandinavian Style home, what are the five essential elements and how to use them to design the right way.

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The elements are : Color scheme, Lighting, Materials, Furniture and Decor elements.

In This Scandinavian design blog post You will find design inspiration for all the following rooms to create a cohesive Scandinavian style home.

Scandinavian Style Living room
Scandinavian Style Kitchen
Scandinavian Style Bathroom
Scandinavian Style Dinning room
Scandinavian Style Furniture
Scandinavian Style Bedroom
Scandinavian Style Decor

This post is about Scandinavian style home.

5 Essential elements for designing a Scandinavian Style Home

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT 1 – COLOR SCHEME

The color scheme for Scandinavian style homes is neutral colors which is typically white, black, and gray.

In the Scandinavian style keeping the main focus on neutral colors, there are pops of color introduced through accents like pillows, throws, and artwork.

In color theory, neutral colors are those that do not belong to any particular hue or color family.

Neutral colors have a sense of energy and vibrancy, making them perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a room.

They include shades of beige, ivory, taupe, and brown.

Warm neutral colors work well with warm colors like red, orange, and yellow, as well as earthy greens and blues.

Scandinavian Style Living room

Image 1 – The sofa is a neutral beige and the throw is a crisp bright creme to give the layering contrast. The coffee table is minimal with clean lines.

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Image 2 – The second living room on the right has a grey sofa with the warn brown rug under the coffee table adding the pop of color.

The rattan pendant light above the dining table is co-ordinating with the rug is a very good example of layering with similar colors.

The use of neutral colors creates a clean and calming atmosphere while the pops of color add warmth and interest to the space.

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For any room in a Scandinavian style home, the spaces are bright and airy, with large windows.

The windows let in plenty of natural light.

The walls are painted mostly crisp white, which helps to amplify the brightness of the room.

When the walls are painted a bright white, it reflects the natural light streaming in through the windows.

That gives the room a bright, airy feeling.

The neutral color palette of whites, grays, and beiges creates a sense of calm and tranquility that makes it easy to relax and unwind.

Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for designing a Scandinavian-style living room.

1. Determine Your Color Palette

Base Colors: Begin with a neutral foundation—white, cream, light gray, or soft beige for walls and large surfaces. These tones maximize natural light.
Accent Colors: Choose one or two muted pastels (like sage green, dusty pink, or light blue) or earth tones (like camel or sand) to give depth. Keep the overall palette calm and restrained.

Tip: Aim for simplicity and brightness. Scandinavian design embraces a light, airy atmosphere.

2. Choose Simple, Functional Furniture

Sofa: Opt for a sleek, minimal shape with neutral upholstery (linen or cotton blend). Look for slightly tapered wooden legs that add a classic Nordic touch.
Chairs: Pair the sofa with accent chairs in similar or coordinating fabric. Consider modern silhouettes with exposed wood frames to reinforce Scandinavian vibes.
Coffee Table & Side Tables: Wood is a must—pale oak or birch with clean lines. Avoid heavy detailing and ornate carvings.
Storage Solutions: Choose simple, streamlined shelves or cabinets. White lacquered wood or natural wood finishes are ideal.

Tip: Scandinavian style celebrates functionality. Each piece should serve a purpose while keeping the space open and uncluttered.

3. Embrace Natural Light

Window Treatments: Opt for sheer white curtains or light linen drapes that allow in plenty of sunlight.
Lighting Fixtures: Overhead lighting often features simple, geometric shapes or natural materials (wood, paper, metal). Add floor and table lamps with minimal silhouettes for cozy, layered lighting.

Tip: Keep windows free from heavy drapery and bulky blinds to emphasize the bright and airy atmosphere.

4. Incorporate Natural Materials

Wood: Use light wood finishes throughout the space—floors, tables, and small decorative objects. Scandinavian style heavily favors birch, beech, and oak.
Textiles: Bring in textiles made from cotton, linen, or wool. A woven throw or cozy knitted blanket in neutral tones enhances comfort.
Plants: Introduce greenery in simple ceramic or terracotta pots. Plants not only purify the air but also add a refreshing, organic feel.

Tip: Mixing textures keeps the neutral palette interesting without overwhelming the space.

5. Layer Textiles for Warmth and Comfort

Rugs: Place a neutral-toned rug with a subtle pattern or a plush shag rug to anchor the seating area and add warmth.
Pillows and Throws: Use an array of cushions in soft, tactile fabrics (wool, cotton knits, faux fur). Mix patterns sparingly—think geometric lines or minimal stripes—to keep the look cohesive.

Tip: Select pieces that tie back to your accent colors. A few well-chosen accessories can create a polished, harmonious look.

6. Keep Décor Minimal and Personal

Wall Art: Display art in a restrained manner—choose black-and-white photography, simple line drawings, or nature-inspired prints in thin, modern frames.
Shelves & Cabinets: Style open shelving with a mix of books, small potted plants, and curated decorative objects. Keep clutter to a minimum.
Statement Piece: Introduce one distinctive piece such as a sculptural floor lamp or an iconic Scandinavian lounge chair (e.g., an Eames-inspired design) to serve as a focal point.

Tip: Less is more—avoid overcrowding surfaces. Each piece should have a reason for being in the room.

7. Add Personal Touches

Family Photos & Mementos: Display them thoughtfully. Try simple wood or black frames to match the Scandinavian aesthetic.
Local Crafts or Handicrafts: If you have handmade pottery, woven baskets, or ceramics, consider showcasing them on a bookshelf or a console table.
Cozy Elements: Think about including candles, small mood lamps, or diffusers for gentle lighting and ambiance—hygge is integral to Scandinavian living.

Tip: Incorporate objects that you love and that tell a story, but maintain the clean, uncluttered layout.

8. Final Layout Considerations

Open Flow: Arrange furniture so there’s plenty of room to move around—Scandinavian design values practicality and openness.
Focal Point: If you have a fireplace, arrange seating around it; if not, consider a large window or a focal wall with artwork.
Balanced Symmetry: Position chairs opposite or adjacent to the sofa in a harmonious way, leaving enough breathing room.

Tip: Don’t push everything against the walls. Floating furniture slightly away from walls can create a more inviting seating area.

9. Maintenance and Care

Upholstery Care: Stick to fabrics that are easy to clean. Vacuum upholstery regularly and spot clean as needed.
Wood Protection: Use coasters and protective mats to keep wood surfaces looking new. Lightly oil wood furniture if recommended by the manufacturer.
Regular Decluttering: Keep surfaces free of unnecessary items. A tidy environment supports the minimal Scandinavian ethos.

Tip: Make decluttering a part of your routine to maintain the calm, clean look.

Designing a Scandinavian-style living room revolves around simplicity, functionality, and comfort. Begin with a neutral palette, incorporate natural materials, maximize natural light, and curate minimal, purposeful décor.

By layering soft textiles and highlighting strategic pops of muted color, you’ll create a warm, inviting space that embodies the essence of Scandinavian design.

Scandinavian Style Bathroom

Image 1 : The walls are crisp white and the vanity is a bold dark brown to create the contrast.

Image 2 : The bathroom has all white walls with white free standing tub.

The only contrast pop of colors are coming from the plant green leaves and the wooden tray.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT 2 – LIGHTING

Lighting is crucial in Scandinavian design. This is why Scandinavian homes typically have large windows that allow as much natural light in as possible.

When it comes to lighting fixtures, Scandinavian style home typically incorporates simple and clean lines with a focus on functionality. Here are some examples of lighting fixtures that are commonly used in Scandinavian design:

Pendant lights: Pendant lights are often used in Scandinavian style bedroom or Scandinavian Style dinning room.

Scandinavian Style Dinning room

The pendant lights provide a clean and simple way to add both task and ambient lighting to a room.

They are typically made of natural materials such as wood, glass, or metal and have a minimalist design.

Image 1 (Left) : The Scandinavian style dinning room above shows a rectangle wood table table with warm wooden and white minimal chairs.

The room only has minimal decor, the neutral art and the hanging pendant.

Floor lamps: Floor lamps are another popular lighting fixture when designing Scandinavian style living room.

They provide a soft and warm glow and are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in a room.

Table lamps: Table lamps are also used in Scandinavian style home, especially on bedside tables and desks.

They are often small in size and have a simple and clean design with a natural material such as wood or metal.

Wall sconces: Wall sconces are a great option for adding both task and ambient lighting to any room in a Scandinavian style home.

It also helps with saving space.

Scandinavian Style Kitchen

The first kitchen above used white as the main color and added blue cabinets to add the pop of color.

The rug also adds the right amount of color to the floor.

The second kitchen above to the right also has white as the main color.

The warmth is added with wooden countertop.

When you compare both the kitchens, the decor accessories are minimal and are of a neutral color pallet.

Both the kitchens have open shelves that help in creating the open concept.

The shelves are mostly styled using everyday kitchen essentials that help save space inside the cabinets.

One of the key design detail of Scandinavian design is the lack of clutter.

The spaces are designed so that everything has a place where it could be stored.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT 4 – FURNITURE

Furniture in Scandinavian style home is typically minimalistic and functional.

It features clean lines and simple shapes, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

Scandinavian Style Furniture

Materials like wood and leather are used for chairs, tables, and sofas, while fabrics like wool and cotton are used for soft furnishings like cushions and rugs.

When designing a Scandinavian style living room, mostly the sofa and armchair are upholstered in soft gray, white or beige fabrics that are comfortable and inviting.

The coffee table and other furnishings are made of natural wood, adding warmth and texture to the space.

Image 1 Above : The first image above shows the use of neutral wood and white bar stools. The pop of color is added by adding green leaves to the white textured vase.

Scandinavian Style Bedroom

Scandinavian Style Decor

For Scandinavian home Decor, Artwork is typically limited to a few carefully chosen pieces, Plants are a popular way to add life and interest to the space, and they also provide the added benefit of purifying the air.

The home decor incorporates a lot of items that can be used to design a Scandinavian style home.

Different items used as home decor are sofas, chairs, coffee table, curtains, lighting fixtures, office desk, vases, rug, candles, faux or real plants, books, mirrors, throws, pillows, accent tables, baskets, Art and photo frames.

Once you follow and incorporate the essential elements, in designing all the rooms, you should be able to create the perfect Scandinavian style home like a Pro.

Don’t be afraid to try a few pieces together. Trying out and seeing all the different items together will give you a better idea of what you prefer in your home.