One of the most popular current interior styles, a Scandinavian design, at its most effective, combines beautiful minimalism and relaxing comfort. This makes it perfect for a living room you might think, and you’d be spot on. A lot of people’s cosy sanctuary that they look forward to returning to regardless of what their day has entailed, the living room is certainly a space you want to get right. The Scandinavian style is perfect for a living room, helping you unwind and feel at peace, transporting you from the daily stress. These Scandinavian living room ideas are sure to get you on the right track towards a space that helps you feel tranquil and love being in.
Neutral Love
The colour scheme in a Scandinavian room is crucial and can have a huge effect on the overall feel that it offers. Choose white, light brown, and light greys and you’ll certainly be on your way towards a warm Scandinavian living room. The light colours reflect natural light very well and make rooms seem larger than they actually are meaning you’ll have a bright, open space. Whichever neutral base colour you choose, the simple backdrop allows for the inclusion of accent colours such as blues, greens, and tan to appear on furniture, giving you a more intriguing and exciting space.
Strip It back
One of the key elements that makes up Scandinavian design is the complete removal of any clutter or mess. Simplicity is an important part of this style, and it is important that you have a tidy space to work with. Some people presume that this means they have to create a basically bare space that has a severe lack of personality. This is far from the truth; it’s simply just ornaments and trinkets that should be sparse and no untidiness within the room.
Quality Is Quintessential
The Scandinavian style has a distinct tradition with craftsmanship, so investing in practical and pieces of a high grade is very important. Look out for lighting, furniture and other useful items that have a contemporary and imposing appearance without being too overbearing and retaining a simpleness to them. This doesn’t mean that you have to diminish the style in your room however, as when items are built expertly from high quality materials, they can become ornamental pieces in their own right.
Adore Your Floor
Carpets are a rarity within Scandinavian homes with wooden flooring often preferred instead. This helps bring attention towards the architecture and furnishings with light coloured woods reflecting light, making the space feel bigger and brighter. Painting your floorboards white is also an excellent option that looks beautiful and gives you an elegant, Scandi vibe. Rugs are a big part of the Scandinavian design, usually placed in the centre of the living room under a coffee table or the front legs of your seating. This adds a touch of pattern, colour, and texture to your room which can liven up the space and make it a whole lot more comfortable.
Keep It Cosy
When designing a Scandinavian room, cosiness and warmth should be a key consideration. Taking inspiration from the Danish concept of hygge which can’t be translated to a single word but essentially means comfort and cosy with environments that promote emotional wellbeing. This isn’t too surprising as it sprung from the cold, dark Scandinavian winters when staying warm is crucial. Think to include candles, blankets, and soft, plump furnishings. A fireplace will massively help with this but isn’t necessarily essential, just ensure you’re warm and relaxed.
Enchanting Plants
Greenery is an excellent way of implementing a subtle touch of colour into your space amongst the many neutrals. Enhancing the earthy, natural look that the Scandinavian style already offers, plants are complimented by the natural light that is given to most rooms. Don’t be afraid to go large with this as it can add real interest and life to your home and could appear dull without them. Opting for a variety of styles and sizes is an excellent idea that can give your living room real depth and charm. You can place these in a rattan basket style planter to further this look. Picking up specific plants that purify the air is an excellent idea, creating a more comfortable and healthy living environment.
Natural Materials
A key characteristic of the Scandi-style, materials such as wood, cotton, and linen are seen throughout. This is due to the Scandinavians historically having limited natural resources and the people had to respect it and get the most out of what was on offer. Pick up natural items that have a simple appearance, clean lines, and use materials that are sustainable wherever you can. Using these types of materials can often automatically blend in with the colour scheme that’s already adopted, helping you create a cosy, calming, and inviting room.
Slim To Win
Scandinavian design is far from bulky or bold, string for much more of a minimalistic feel. Think about the legs on your furniture for example, if they are slender and rounded, this will be extremely pleasant visually and bring the round shapes in your room to life. It will make the furniture in your space look a lot more smart and presentable. This can be present in frameless or slim mirrors, simple yet eclectic light fixtures, and seating that almost appears as if it’s floating.
What Is the Difference Between Nordic and Scandinavian Design?
These two styles have a multitude of similarities with some small but noticeable differences. They both include plenty of natural colours and materials with natural light and a minimalistic look at its nucleus. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t some differences, however. The neutral palette in Nordic design is often juxtaposed with a splash of bright colour with a key focus on comfort. Scandinavian designs however can be seen as bringing more focus on the tactile nature of items that are not as vibrant. Some designers use these terms interchangeably, so in reality once you’ve created one, you’re most the way to having the other.
What Makes a Room Scandinavian?
There is an abundance of imagery online providing inspiration of a Scandinavian style room but what does it actually entail you might be wondering. Functional furniture and neutral colours in a bright, open space that makes you feel at one with nature is all a part of it. You want to feel calm, relaxed, and cosy, especially in a living room. There should be a sense of minimalism that is completely free from mess whilst still allowing you to do what you need. If you’re looking to create a Scandinavian living room, take inspiration from all of the points above and implement if and when you can. This offers a truly wonderful aesthetic for any room that holds terrific values, putting your wellbeing and warmth at the centre, helping you recuperate and feel calm each time you enter.