Scandinavian Living Room Ideas
Scandinavian living rooms are characteristic of spaces with ample light, neutral materials and clean lines. What is also very specific with Scandinavian living rooms is the emphasis on coziness, functionality and form.
When these are applied in a cohesive way, and with the mindset of a Scandinavian lifestyle, you have your Scandi inspired living room design.
If you are interested in getting inspired, I have collected 29 stunning Scandinavian living rooms ideas that hopefully helps you out. You will find below, interior photos + design tips.
But before you start, don’t forget to think why having a Scandinavian style matters to you?
Maybe it is simply the way of living that is inspiring, or maybe you purely like the feel of it. Or maybe you dream of living in a Scandinavian city one day. Or maybe you are like me, wanting to remind yourself and connect yourself with your family history by incorporating these Scandinavian living room inspirations into your home. All because it means – home.
I also recommend my guide on Scandinavian Interior Design where you will learn more what is behind this style + Tips on how to get the style
Scandinavian interior design style Guide
Key Features Summed up
- Space with ample of light
- Clean lines
- Natural materials
- Whites, neutrals and grays
- Decoration changes depending on season
- Focus on coziness and comfort
- Apply not too little or not too much of items (concept is called “lagom” in Swedish)
29 Ideas from Scandinavian Living rooms
#1 Create small curated areas inspiring to look at with your favorite objects.
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#2 Keep things simple and lean more towards the Scandinavian minimalist interior design for an even cleaner feel.
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#3 Bring the outdoors in with green plants.
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#4 Create an art gallery wall above the sofa to contrast the white walls.
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#5 Use natural and earthy colors in your Scandinavian interior.
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#6 Keep a simple color palette.
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#7 Paint your story with displaying your favorite magazines.
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#8 Mix form and function through furniture pieces.
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Decorate using the Swedish mindset of keeping things “lagom” – not too little, not too much
#9 Style your coffee table with candles, plants and your favorite books about Scandinavia.
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#10 Use light wood flooring to give a feeling of light and space.
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#11 Decorate with natural elements.
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#12 Add vintage elements to your space for a more unique feel against your Ikea furniture.
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#13 Add your favorite objects on your window sills.
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#14 Display your most loved and inspiring items on a shelving system.
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Scandinavian living rooms are characteristic of spaces with ample light, neutral materials and clean lines.
#15 Get your hands on an apartment with brick walls, if you can.
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#16 Add a dining nook area in your living room if you do not have a separate room for it.
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#17 Use simple lighting like this light bulb.
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#18 Add a fireplace for that cozy effect.
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#19 Let light in!
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#20 Invest in some wall-to-wall low cabinets.
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Use window sills for decorating inspiring objects
#21 Lean your art on the wall, instead of hanging them.
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#22 Juxtapose white and darker elements.
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#23 Add a craft area in your living room.
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#24 Add graphics on the wall.
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#25 Add a functional decorative piece like a day bed.
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#26 Add small dozes of pattern on cushions or art prints.
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#27 Mix and match furniture!
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#28 Oh those candles. Almost every Scandinavian design has candles around the house.
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#29 Instead of bulky arm chairs, use other type of seating options.
Learn more about Scandianvian interior design
3 Challenges with getting the just right Scandinavian look (outside of Scandinavia)
- Window sills are usually wider in these countries then in others. Which means that you might not fit as much wide objects and decoration on it, as some of the tips.
- Materials used in the Nordic countries might not be suitable for your climate. Adapt material to your climate.
- Adapt the cozy elements to the weather where you live. Example having tick blankets in a tropical climate might not be the right thing, just because it is often used in Nordic living rooms.
Curios to learn more about the Scandinavian Style?
Want to learn more about the Scandinavian Interior Design Style > Where it comes from, how to get it + tips and tricks.
See our Scandinavian Interior Design Guide today.
If you still are looking for more inspiration – then don’t miss out my Scandinavian Pinterest board or my round up of other Scandinavian interior design blogs that I love.
