Whether it's minimalism, Scandi chic, or Swedish living style, the Scandinavian interior trend has many names. It has inspired countless designers and furniture pieces that still influence our interiors today.
With its design principles developed in the mid-20th century, it is primarily functional, unembellished, and plays with light colours.
Yet, Scandinavian or Swedish interiors remain spaces of relaxation and comfort, achieved through organic shapes and natural-fibre home textiles.
The minimalist living style as we know it today spread across Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland around the 1950s.
Architects and designers such as Hans J. Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Alvar Aalto had already laid its foundation in the 1930s. The philosophy behind it was to make stylish furniture affordable for the masses.
Among many producers, furniture brand Ikea epitomises this approach and is often synonymous with Swedish living style.
In fact, the origin of Scandinavian living style has another significant driver: the climatic conditions of the North with its long, dark winter months
To brighten the mood, light colours, wooden furniture, warming textiles made of natural fibres, and cosy Swedish stoves have always been integral. These elements still define the style today.
"Form follows function": The famous Bauhaus maxim is the defining feature of Scandinavian living style. Clean lines and minimal details form its foundation, although sofas, tables, or chairs often feature organic shapes.
These shapes subtly remind us of nature, with which people in Scandinavia share a special bond. Another common feature in Scandinavian furniture is outwardly tapering wooden legs that grow slimmer, giving chairs, tables, or dressers a lightweight appearance.
Tip: Did you know that Scandinavian design, with its clean lines, is perfect for modern urban flats? Thanks to their compact dimensions, the furniture fits even the smallest living spaces, creating an airy feel complemented by cosy home textiles for a charming interior.
Anyone who has visited Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Norway will notice the deep connection between nature and people and the abundant natural resource of wood available right on their doorstep.
This influences the interiors, often characterised by light wood types like birch, spruce, or pine. Home textiles are primarily made from natural fibres, especially sheep’s wool, leather, or linen.
Handcrafted ceramic tableware and glass vases with distinctive shapes are also part of the Nordic style.
White is the primary base colour in Scandinavian style, creating a bright atmosphere during the dark seasons. It is often paired with light beige, brown, grey, and pastel tones, frequently used for wall colours or wallpapers.
The black-and-white colour combination is also popular in Nordic design, adding bold contrasts and creating a quintessentially Nordic flair when paired with wooden furniture.
By the way: Despite its simplicity, bold colours and patterns have a firm place in Nordic interiors. Think of the Danish Hygge style, which is colourful and carefree, subtly reminiscent of balmy summer evenings. Graphic patterns or motifs inspired by forests and meadows are particularly popular.
By keeping a few rules in mind, you can easily adopt Scandinavian living style in your home. Here are seven examples to help you get started:
Light natural wood and bright colours
These two components form the foundation of a Scandinavian-inspired home. Bright walls and ceilings, in particular, enhance interiors by reflecting daylight, making rooms shine even on autumn and winter days.
Instead of white, warm beige and grey tones, as well as pastel shades, are excellent additions, creating a welcoming feel. The Gira E3 design line, with its soft tones ranging from pure white to warm grey, complements Scandinavian style perfectly.
Large dining tables
Whether summer or winter, Scandinavians cherish cosy gatherings with friends and family. A large dining table with inviting chairs is therefore a must, providing space for everyone to come together.
Even here, choose tables and seating made of light solid wood with organic shapes and slender legs. Brands like Hay, Normann Copenhagen or &Tradition offer countless ideas.
Designer furniture, the finishing touch
Scandinavian living style often includes at least one designer piece. Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner is considered a master of chairs; his Wishbone Chair (CH24), designed in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Søn, remains a popular choice today.
The Artek 100 folding screen in pine, designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, is another standout. Aalto's designs are typically inspired by organic forms without appearing intrusive.
To start a collection, consider a small design accessory like Kay Bojesen’s endearing wooden monkey, designed between 1935 and 1957, which has become a design classic.
Vintage furniture and heirlooms
If investing in new designer furniture isn’t an option, look for authentic vintage pieces at auctions, flea markets, or online marketplaces. Their patina adds a retro flair to Scandinavian interiors.
Heirlooms that match the aesthetic can also be integrated into the design, creating a cohesive whole—a principle valued in both the Danish Hygge concept and the Swedish Lagom style.
Cosy home textiles
From blankets and cushions in Nordic style to curtains, Scandinavians place great emphasis on textiles that meet ecological standards. This includes the cultivation of natural fibres, dyeing processes, and often handmade production.
The materials are often colourful, featuring cheerful patterns or prints that provide striking accents in the bright interior. The market offers a wealth of ideas—from the kitchen to the children’s room and the living area.
Smart lighting concepts
During dark winter months, lighting is especially important in Scandinavian interiors. It’s no surprise that many lighting collections, like those from brands such as Umage, &Tradition, or Louis Poulsen, originate from the Nordic region. A mix of table, floor, reading, and wall lights creates particularly atmospheric settings.
Our tip: By integrating your best lighting scenarios into the Gira lighting control, you can adjust the lighting with a touch or remotely to suit your daily rhythm.
Warmth with Swedish stoves
Warmth and light can also be brought indoors on gloomy days with a small fireplace. Opting for a cast-iron stove adds to the Scandinavian aesthetic, serving as both a functional heat source and a decorative element. Watching the dancing flames is incredibly relaxing. Stove makers can help you choose the right model.
Scandinavian living style has long been established in Central Europe. With a wide range of furniture and textiles, there is something for every budget. Are you ready to embrace the charming flair of the North?