Scandinavian living
One of the most popular interior styles of recent years is Scandinavian. This style is all about calm, functionality and cosiness. It creates a serene atmosphere with only furniture pieces that serve a purpose.
We would love to show you exactly what a Scandinavian interior looks like and all the options available when you're thinking of putting together your own Scandinavian furniture.
What is a Scandinavian interior?
You're likely to think of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland when you hear the word ‘Scandinavian’. And rightly so. The Scandinavian interior style originated in these countries and has since spread across the globe.
Scandinavian interiors offer a mix that appeals to many. They combine minimalism with both functionality and a sense of cosiness. It’s no surprise that so many people feel at home in this style. These interiors often feature natural materials and light colours. In Scandinavia, the winter days are short, which is exactly why people bring light and warmth into their homes and in our view, they’ve absolutely mastered it.
Materials for a Scandinavian interior
If you're furnishing a Scandinavian style living room or kitchen, there are several materials to choose from. As mentioned above, natural materials are a key feature of this style. One of our favourites is high-quality oak. A durable choice that you’ll enjoy for decades. An oak tabletop or coffee table makes a beautiful foundation for your space.
Scandinavian interiors often feature lighter wood tones. These work particularly well when combined with oak in custom-made furniture. When it comes to oak, try to think in terms of possibilities. For example, we offer three oak finishes: new oak, refined oak and lived-in oak. Each with its own unique character.
And don’t feel limited to traditional wood colours. We have 11 different finishes available. Our lightest shade is Silk White, a fresh and elegant option that fits perfectly with Scandinavian style. Tip: Use our 3D configurator to design your own dining table. Step by step, you’ll explore all the options and bring your dream table to life.
When we zoom out a little, we also see materials like leather, cotton, linen and wool. These are perfect for your seating or accessories and help create a truly warm Scandinavian interior.
Scandinavian furniture
Furniture that suits a Scandinavian interior is often made of oak think of dining tables or dining chairs, for example. In terms of shape, Danish oval is a great fit: it's both practical and perfectly aligned with the Scandinavian aesthetic.
When choosing upholstery for your sofa, go for natural fabrics like linen (or a linen-look) or cotton. Want to add a striking accent to your interior? Scandinavian design pieces are ideal. A Danish bookcase, for instance, fits beautifully into this style. Have a look at our cabinet Anora. Combining old and new elements adds character and depth, so don’t hesitate to search for a unique second-hand design piece to complete your Scandinavian look.
Scandinavian colours to complete the look
As mentioned above, the Scandinavian interior style is best known for its light colour palette. You’ll see lots of white, grey, beige and pale wood tones. Soft pastels also find their place within this style. That means you have a wide range of colours to choose from, with hundreds of possible combinations.
Dining chairs and sofas are perfect for bringing in a touch of colour. We offer an extensive range of shades, so you're sure to find one that matches both your taste and the rest of your Scandinavian interior. Plants are another popular feature in Scandinavian homes. They highlight the natural feel and pair beautifully with the rest of the decor.
Tip: Take a look at the Japandi style as well. A design trend closely related to Scandinavian interiors, with a slightly more minimalist and zen-like touch.
Creating your own Scandinavian interior
Feeling inspired by the Scandinavian style and want to bring it into your home, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get going.
Visit one of our furniture stores, where you can explore a large part of our collection and get a feel for the various designs, materials and colours. Want to be sure of personalised advice from one of our experts? Simply book a free interior consultation at a time that suits you.
Good to know: our furniture stores are open seven days a week and you’re always welcome, with or without an appointment.
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Frequently asked questions about your Scandinavian interior
What is a Scandinavian TV stand?
A Scandinavian TV stand is characterised by its minimalist design. Think of a sleek piece on slim legs or a floating version mounted to the wall. Oak is an excellent material choice. It’s sturdy, long-lasting and brings that clean Scandinavian look into your interior.
What is a Scandinavian rug?
A Scandinavian rug is known for its neutral shapes and colours. Think of a round, beige rug, for example. As with other elements of this style, natural materials play an important role. A wool rug, for instance, adds both warmth and texture to your interior.
Which interior styles go well with Scandinavian design?
The popular Japandi style pairs beautifully with Scandinavian interiors. Like Scandinavian design, it focuses on calm, functionality, and the use of natural colours and materials. If you’re looking to combine styles, these two are a perfect match.
Prefer something a bit bolder? Try mixing Scandinavian with retro chic. Add a few (colourful) vintage pieces to the calm Scandinavian base for a more playful, eclectic look. Scandinavian design furniture also works well as standout accents in such combinations.
What are the key features of a Scandinavian interior?
The Scandinavian style is all about calm, functionality and hygge, that cosy, comfortable feeling of home. You'll recognise it by its soft (pastel) tones, natural materials, and furniture that’s not just beautiful but genuinely useful.
