Bright, modern kitchen in Scandinavian living style with wooden furniture, simple fronts and large windows.

Scandinavian living style: interior design tips from the Far North

The Scandinavian living style is simple, pragmatic, yet cosy: In this article, we reveal how to achieve it.

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.

Bright living room in Scandinavian style with gray sofa, minimalist decoration and large windows.
Inviting living room with clean lines and minimalist decor. Source: iStock
Nordiccalm Homestory E2 Dining room switch
Organic forms and natural-fibre textiles complemented by the Gira E2 design line. Source: @nordiccalm

Origins of the Scandinavian living style


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.

Bright bedroom in Scandinavian living style with wooden bench, white bed textiles and minimalist decorative elements.
In a bright, minimally furnished bedroom, you can unwind from daily life perfectly. Source: iStock
Bright study in Scandinavian living style with large windows, wooden furniture and minimalist furnishings.
In a home office, the minimalist surroundings positively impact productivity. Source: iStock

Scandinavian living style: straightforward and minimalist

"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.

Natural materials in Scandi style


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.

Trendy hanging shelf made of cord and wood with home accessories.
Charismatic and sustainable home accessories complete the Scandi style. Source: Let's Pause
Color palette with light and warm brown and beige tones in Scandi style.
Bright, minimalist kitchen in Scandinavian style, featuring natural wood accents and a soft, neutral colour palette. Source: iStock

Colour palette in Scandinavian living 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.

Modern dining area in Scandinavian living style with large glass fronts, minimalist chairs and a view of nature.
A bit more colour can be a welcome addition. Source: hay

Interior design tips for Scandinavian living style

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:

Minimalist wooden sideboard in Scandinavian living style, decorated with plants, books and a discreet hanging lamp.
Selectively placed accessories make a big impact in your Scandinavian-inspired home. Source: iStock

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.

Modern dining area in Scandinavian living style with large glass fronts, minimalist chairs and a view of nature.
The large designer dining table from Hay invites convivial get-togethers. Source: hay
Wooden monkey figures in various sizes on a fluffy armchair in Scandinavian living style.
This charming wooden monkey is a must-have for any Scandinavian interior. Source: Smow

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.

Bright living room in Scandinavian living style with gray sofa, wooden floor, plants and minimalist decorations.
A vintage piece, like the chair by the piano, enhances the rest of the Scandi interior. Source: Gira

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.

Gira KNX pushbutton sensor 4
Gira lighting control

Create Gira lighting moods that enhance comfort and well-being.

Learn more.

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?