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What is Scandinavian Design?

January 6, 2022

Many people associate Scandinavian design with IKEA’s apartment-friendly style, but there's more to the trend than inexpensive finds and DIY assembly. Scandinavian design leans towards modern, minimalist pieces and white walls with wooden floors. It's simple, understated, and functional while creating a cozy embrace.

Scandinavia encompasses the European countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and sometimes includes its Nordic neighbors of Finland, Iceland, and Greenland. Many of these countries are known for their resourcefulness, simplicity, and long, dark winter nights. So it makes sense they infused efficiency and coziness into their signature design style.

History of Scandinavian Design

When Romanticism declined in the 19th century and the Industrial Revolution took shape, modernism started taking root in art, decor, and culture. However, not everyone was a fan of the new industrial age and responded with the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau that focused on nature, art, and architecture.

After World War II, Europe was tired of aristocracy and nobility and started embracing modern styles and eventually shifting to beauty and functionality. Scandinavia design was a natural fit for weary Europeans and rose to prominence during the 1950s. Many described the feeling of the movement as hygge, a Danish word meaning cozy, content, and promoting well-being.

However, hygge is more than a design style; it's a state of mind. Imagine reading a book by the fire with impossibly cozy socks and a mug of hot cider in an apartment filled with soft, white blankets, softly illuminated string lights, and a farmhouse dining table to gather with friends. Pull-on a fleece, and you'll feel the hygge spirit of Scandinavian design.

White pillows on wooden bed in minimal bedroom interior with plants and round rug.

Characteristics of Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian design is perfect for the minimalist at heart. Its simple aesthetic and understated design is all about creating a welcoming flow in your apartment. Here's how to plan your new look.

Color

Get into the Scandinavian and hygge spirit with white, beige, gray, blue, cream, and neutral colors. Darker hues are also appropriate for an accent wall or piece of furniture. The darker colors draw inspiration from an overcast, wintery day or a Nordic backdrop. Wooden floors and furniture in lighter, warm tones are also hallmarks of Scandinavian design. Depending on your preferences, you won't need to paint your already neutral apartment walls and focus on color within your decor and accents instead.

Space

Scandinavian design is all about clean, open spaces that are uncluttered and cozy. Instead of wall-to-wall carpet, the style embraces wooden floors with muted rugs or a small, fluffy white rug to keep your floor soft. Spaces are also highly functional, whether a reading nook or open area to entertain friends around the fireplace.

Furniture

Extra furniture and clutter don’t have a place in Scandinavian design. Instead, furniture is practical with clean lines and covered in natural materials. You're likely to find solid wood frames covered in linen and simple textiles. Boho chic often finds its way into Scandinavian design with shabby white coffee tables and accent pieces.

Decor

Scandinavian decor is an excellent way to add color to your neutral color palette. You’ll find splashes of color in understated artwork, throw pillows, or a patterned rug to add some contrast to a dwelling. Pendant lighting or simple overhead lights in dark or neutral colors also adds dimension to an apartment’s backdrop.

Organic and natural elements are often found in Scandinavian design. White pots with green, leafy plants and tons of natural light pouring through the windows make your space feel warm and inviting.

Stylish scandinavian living room with design mint sofa, furnitures, mock up poster map, plants and elegant personal accessories. Modern home decor. Bright and sunny room

Benefits of Scandinavian Design

One of the key benefits of Scandinavian design is its minimalist, budget-friendly look. When you work with a simple color palette with a few darker tones like gray or blue, creating a cohesive look in every room in your apartment is easy. In addition, you can find what you need at places like IKEA or discount retailers by focusing on simple pieces with neutral colors.

The primary focus of Scandinavian design is its functionality without compromising on beauty. Because Scandinavian design is so practical, it doesn't take up much space and keeps your space highly organized and efficient. With non-existent clutter and functional areas, your rooms are all about being tidy and straightforward without the fuss of other design styles.

Scandinavian design promotes comfort and coziness all year long and is incredibly inviting whether you live in a studio apartment or a larger space. So grab your favorite throw blanket, put on your slippers, and watch the seasons change out your window with plants lining your coffee table.

Tips to Bring Scandinavian Design Into Your Apartment

One of the most effective ways to incorporate Scandinavian design into your apartment is to minimize. Clear out the clutter, oversized furniture, and excess decor. Keep your furniture highly functional and add new pieces sparingly to keep your space feeling as open as possible. Natural light is also an integral element of Scandinavian design, so take down heavy window treatments and focus on lighter and airy options.

Think about neutral and light shades once your apartment is clear of excess and welcoming the natural light. The goal is to keep your space feeling lightweight, from paint to furniture. Add a splash of color and contrast with textured throw pillows and rugs, and think of decor as sparingly and intentional. Instead of covering your walls with art, choose one or two pieces and add lush, green plants instead. You can invest in several intentional, cozy decor pieces or go sparse and straightforward to create your Scandinavian design.

Clean lines are one of the cornerstones of Scandinavian interior design, with narrow furniture legs and lamp bases. Bookcases are often modular and open with teak wood or white shelving. Try scattering creature comforts, like blankets, a plush throw rug, and books that invite you to sit down and settle in after a long day at work. Remember, Scandinavian design should feel welcoming and embody that hygge state of mind at the end of the day.

Modern scandinavian interior of living room with design grey sofa, armchair, a lot of plants, coffee table, carpet and personal accessories in cozy home decor. Template.

Final Thoughts

Scandinavian design embraces minimalist functionality, comfort, and a deep sense of well-being or hygge. You can keep your apartment as neutral as you want or add pops of color with carefully chosen accent pieces. Scandinavian design's apartment-friendly appeal reimagines even the smallest spaces, acting as a win for renters.

Interested in finding a new apartment so you can decorate it to the Scandinavian style of your dreams? Sign up with Apartment List!

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Susan Finch
AUTHOR
Susan is an accomplished freelance writer whose passion for rental real estate, travel, and digital marketing has been the driving force behind her nearly 15-year career. Throughout her professional journey, Susan has become a seasoned veteran in creating compelling and informative content focused on the tenant/landlord relationship. Read More

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