Are you a lover of everything cozy? Do you find contentment with minimalist decor? If so, the Scandinavian interior design style could be the perfect fit for you. The thoughtful style champions warmth and functionality, making every space in your home a peaceful retreat.

Understanding Scandinavian Style (and the Hygge Lifestyle) 

The importance of the Scandinavian style goes far beyond the aesthetic of clean lines and simple furnishings. The style originated in the Nordic countries of Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden — and long, cold winters meant style elements evolved from a place of necessity.

Scandinavian families often spend more time inside during chilly winter months — so they bring calming elements of nature indoors. The strategic use of airy color palettes and reflective surfaces also helps to maximize light, keeping rooms bright.

The aesthetic found its roots in these regions during the 20th century. It was popularized in the 1950s as people embraced the Nordic concept of a hygge lifestyle. This idea centers on creating a quality of coziness and friendliness inside homes, encouraging a tranquil atmosphere and living life in the present moment.

As the style evolved, designers integrated other style subtypes, embracing the sleek furniture of Mid-Century Modern and the simplicity of Japanese style.

Hans Wegner

Hans Wegner was among the most influential Scandinavian furniture designers. Known for his signature wood pieces, Hans celebrated sleek simplicity and comfort. His designs are highly sought after by collectors to this day.

Poul Kjærholm

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Poul Kjæholm’s designs stood out from other Scandi designers by taking a Mid-Century Modern approach. Poul is also known for his frequent use of natural materials and steel. Even decades after his passing, his sleek designs are produced and sold to designers worldwide.

Tapio Wirkkala

Artist Tapio Wirkkala found success in the 1940s, creating everything from furniture to decor. He is best known for his carved wooden bowls and his sculptural approach to glassworking. These unique elements help his pieces stand the test of time in the design world.

Defining elements of Scandinavian interior design

Scandinavian style can include a variety of influences. Whether you’re leaning into Contemporary details or Bauhaus Minimalism, there are some consistent design principles to keep in mind as you map out your new Scandi style.

Light, airy spaces

Scandinavian design maximizes natural light. Pieces like large mirrors help reflect light around the room, while unobstructed windows invite natural daylight indoors. Light colors on walls and flooring also give an airy quality to any space — but there are exceptions. In substyles that incorporate Scandi design, other hues are also incorporated in moderation, like the darker earthy tones used in Japandi style.

Soft textures

Scandinavian style achieves unique warmth and coziness by using sturdy, comfortable textures. Common options include woven rugs and fur blankets. Textures also act as accents — imagine a jute rug, which brings natural warmth to a room in an eco-friendly way.

Simple decor and furnishings

Scandi design embraces functionality and minimal decor, emphasizing pieces that will last for years, both stylistically and physically. These timeless pieces include hand-carved wooden bowls and woven baskets. Decor can also be multi-purpose to reduce the need for excess pieces — like a sculptural glass decoration that doubles as a vase.

Earthy materials

Scandinavian style highlights the stunning beauty of nature. From the natural color and grain of lush trees to the greenery of bountiful potted plants, Scandi spaces act as a retreat, bringing the peace of the outdoors right into your home.

Tips for achieving a balanced Scandinavian look in your space

Scandinavian style elevates the coziness of any space, offering a timeless approach to design. These tips will help you incorporate chic and practical touches into your home.

Approach decor with functionality in mind

With Scandinavian style embracing the concept of hygge, every design element — from furniture to wall art — is purposeful and impactful to the space. Like Japanese or Minimalist design, the Scandinavian style is for those who want uncluttered corners and timeless decor. With this in mind, opt for multi-purpose designs, such as sleek benches with built-in drawers for storage.

Stick to neutral colors

When making color selections, avoid vivids, like bold pinks or jewel-toned greens. Instead, go for the lightest neutrals you can find. Using soft whites, pale grays, and beiges will further amplify the existing natural light in a room. If you want some pops of color or a darker accent piece, use greenery and accent lamps to break up the neutrals.

Combine soft and natural textures

Choose cozy, long-lasting fabrics — and don’t be afraid to blend textures. For soft furnishings, try linen couches, leather accent chairs, or wool ottomans. Fabrics like easy-care cotton are excellent options for curtains and bedding, and woven rugs add visual interest to any room. Plush, warm wool blankets will maximize your coziness levels, while wooden furniture will offer classic, clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.

Select timeless pieces

When searching for the perfect furniture and decor, pick pieces that will be around for years (or even decades). If possible, read through customer reviews to see how pieces hold up over time. Avoid materials with short lifespans, such as low-quality polyester blends or wood composite bases. Instead, invest in high-quality pieces that go against the grain of fast-changing trends, guaranteeing the best value for your money.

Elevate Scandinavian Design in your home with Onton

Onton is here to help you achieve the Scandinavian space of your dreams by opening you up to endless design possibilities.

Onton Discover

Check out Onton Discover to find spaces that inspire you. Click through user-generated images for a fresh approach to your Scandinavian design journey.

Onton Imagine

Envision Scandinavian style with Onton Imagine. Use Onton’s preset rooms (or upload a photo of your own space), then select the room type and Scandinavian in the style dropdown. Next, detail all the features you want to see in the prompt section — think of descriptions like “simple layout with white furniture” or “neutral color palette with plenty of natural light.”

Onton Search

Finally, use Onton Search to locate a perfectly plush rug or dreamy, fresh linens. Need some time before you buy? Save products in your Collections and come back when you’re ready!

Try Onton for free today and explore endless Scandinavian design possibilities!