Scandinavian inspired living room
27 Scandinavian Living Rooms for Nordic Inspired Design
The appeal of Scandinavian living rooms reaches much farther than the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Around the world, many people adore Scandi style home decor. Our guide is here to help bring you inspiration as you design your dream Scandi living room. These nordic living room ideas will help you create a beautiful living room that works for every member of your home.
The living room is one of the most important rooms in the home. It’s where we spend time with our loved ones, watch movies, sip our morning coffee, and perhaps enjoy some quality time alone. At a minimum, your living room should have a great sofa, a practical coffee table, and perhaps an accent chair or side table. Beyond that, you’ll need to consider whether you want a living room rug, a table lamp, overhead lighting, a television, and more.
If you are interested in Scandinavian interior design, you already know that this style of Nordic decor is influenced by minimalism and practicality.
Scandi decor is all about using furniture that takes a simple form and decorative objects that are also highly functional. There’s rarely any frivolity to nordic style homes – everything is simple and has a purpose.
These gorgeous Scandinavian living rooms will exemplify the core Scandinavian decorating principles. You’ll find simple gray sofas, creamy white decor, and pops of Scandinavian blue.
Pampas Grass Coffee Table Centerpiece
Pampas grass is a very popular neutral decorative accent that you can use almost anywhere in your home. Here three stems have been placed in a spherical glass vase to create a Scandi coffee table centerpiece. A good tip is to always use flower stems in groups of odd numbers – 3, 5, and 7 for example!
@emmamelinsFaux Fur Stool
A faux fur stool adds extra seating and serves as an interesting accent piece in this Americanized Scandi living room design.
Samantha GluckWhite Slipcovered Sofa and White Coffee Table
This is an example of a nordic-inspired living room design – a white slipcovered sofa, black floor lamp, beige walls, and round white coffee table work together harmoniously.
Pink and Blue Colorful Throw Pillows
You can incorporate subtle pops of color in your living room like this space which has pink and blue throw pillows tossed on the sofa.
Jess Frazer StylingBlock Marble Table
Scandi living rooms often feature solid block marble coffee tables.
vaningen.seBlack Wall Sconce Lighting
Black minimalist lighting fixtures seem to be the most popular choice for Scandinavian home lighting decor.
@emmamelinsBeige Sofa
This warm Scandinavian living room has lots of charm.
Sara Medina LindBlack and White Striped Rug
vaningen.seMinimalist Line Art for Walls
Minimalist line art of various sizes works to form this beautiful gallery wall. This is one of my favorite Scandinavian living room feature wall ideas!
@casa_pedersenNesting Coffee Table
vaningen.seBlack Leather Butterfly Chair
UnknownGeometric Glass Coffee Table
UnknownGray Velvet Sofa
The gray velvet sofa in this living room gives it an upscale and sophisticated vibe.
Black Marble Coffee Table
The black marble coffee table in this living room is eye catching, but so is the black and white accent wall. Scandinavian living room paint colors include black, gray, white, and cream.
UnknownArc Floor Lamp
UnknownGallery Wall Art
This is a great example of a Scandinavian living room feature wall with multiple artworks and graphics displayed in black, white and wood frames.
UnknownGray Sectional Sofa
Scandinavian sectional sofas can provide ample seating for people with large families!
UnknownBeni Ourain Rug
This minimalist Scandinavian living room has a sprawling Beni Ourain rug to keep things cozy and comfortable.
Bo BedreBohemian Scandinavian Decor
Why not include a little boho flair into your Scandinavian home design?
UnknownWhite Coffee Table
You can’t go wrong with a simple white coffee table in your Scandi family room.
Farah ProchaskaExposed Wood Ceiling Beams
The exposed wood beams on the ceiling of this rustic Scandinavian living room make for a cozy interior.
Pink Sofa
This is another great example of decorating with muted colors in Scandinavian homes. This pale pink sofa looks beautiful inside this Scandinavian living space.
@wredefastighetsmakleriFloor Poof
Floor poofs have become a very nordic style design element.
UnknownFaux Fur Chair
You have to keep warm in the winter, after all!
The Key ItemWhite Marble Coffee Table
A rectangular coffee table made of marble is the perfect living room companion.
Homey Oh MyBlack Leather Sofa
Go bold with a black leather sofa.
Pella HedebyCeramic Vases on Coffee Table
You can decorate with a beautiful ceramic vase on your coffee table. Leave them empty for a minimal look. I love the Matisse Blue Nude print on the wall of this living room, too.
@kielyramosphotoI would be so happy to spend time in any of these gorgeous Scandinavian living rooms. I hope you enjoyed this post and found the inspiration you were looking for to complete your own design project! We have many more Scandinavian design ideas on Pinterest right here.
More Scandinavian Decor Guides by Room
Keep reading our other Scandinavian decor and design guides for different rooms in your home:
- 15 Simple Scandinavian Entryway Decor Ideas
- 15 Scandinavian Home Office Decor Ideas
- 10 Best Modern Scandinavian Kitchen Design Ideas
- 12 Scandinavian Bedroom Decor Ideas to Know
- 21 Modern Scandinavian Bathroom Decor Ideas
- 17 Chic Scandinavian Dining Rooms
Happy curating!
Curated Interior
We share the best home decor ideas, furniture recommendations, coolest products, and interior design tips for America's most stylish women.
15 Scandinavian Living Rooms to Spark Ideas
By
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 08/12/22
Cathie Hong Interiors
If you want to create a cozy oasis at home, Scandinavian home decor is the perfect inspiration. Warm, inviting, and comforting, Scandinavian design is sleek and modern, but with a welcoming vibe that works in any home. With a strong focus on textures and light, airy hues, Scandinavian decor is perfect for lightening up any living space no matter the size.
A sister of minimalism, Scandinavian design is all about focusing on what matters and reducing the clutter that doesn't add to your home. If you are looking for that perfect Swedish home decor inspiration, here are some of our favorite Scandinavian-inspired living rooms.
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Keep Things Light and Airy
True Home
There is no single rule to following Scandinavian design, but many Scandi homes focus on a neutral color palette.
The crisp white palette in this living space is clean and simple, but the textures in the room keep it from feeling stark or clinical. Focus on cool shades of white to keep your home feeling open and airy. Pair white with natural wood finishes to add a bit of warmth without darkening your room.
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Focus on Just the Must-Haves
Burchard Design Co.
This tan and brown living room is a perfect example of a Scandinavian living room that experiments with color but still feels straight out of a Danish home decor magazine.
The signature Scandinavian look is stripped back and concentrates just on what is needed and nothing that isn't. Keep things simple and elegant, with minimal art and decor.
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Mix Types of Wood
LeClair Decor
Most Scandinavian homes utilize lots of natural wood materials as seen in this living space. While most homes will focus on lighter, washed-out woods, don't be afraid to play with different shades of wood, even white or gray painted surfaces.
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True Simplicity
Home and Spirit
You won't find colorful, oversized artwork in most Scandinavian homes, but that doesn't mean Scandi design is devoid of all art. This lovely living space features two simple pieces of wall art that feel purposeful and pair beautifully with the simple color palette in the rest of the room.
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Find the Right Lighting
emskipihla / Instagram
Nothing screams Scandinavian more than a perfectly lit room. This lovely room not only features a beautiful neutral palette we can't get enough of, but the multiple sources of lighting are also perfect for creating a soothing space no matter the time of day.
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Add in Greenery
Esther B Schmidt
Though the Swedes are all about simplicity, rooms that feature greenery like this space are a great way to marry the minimalist look with a space that channels the outdoors.
We love the various textures used in this living room that give it depth but don't feel cluttered or too busy. -
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Let the Light In
vivandtim.home / Instagram
The perfect Scandi living room features lots of bright, natural light like this wonderful room. If you're lucky enough to have ample natural light, embrace it and plan your living room around the windows and doors and limit the window coverings to let the most light in.
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Embrace the Undone Look
ahintofcashmere / Instagram
There's just something utterly welcoming and comforting about this living room above. It could be the soft textures throughout the space or the rustic wooden coffee table, but we think it also has something to do with the purposefully messy lived-in look. A Scandinavian room is never overly polished or clinical–instead, it feels well-loved and casual.
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Little Extras
my_sweet_little_home / Instagram
Make your Scandinavian living room feel personalized and perfect for you with an accessory like this causal hammock featured above.
The best element of Scandi design is that it has no rulebook–anything goes, as long as it follows a few simple principles. -
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A Scandi-Inspired Gallery Wall
@brooks.creativestudio / Instagram
Just because many Scandinavian homes limit wall art, doesn't mean yours has to. This lovely room proves that as long as you keep your art focused on a single color palette, a well-curated gallery wall can be the perfect accessory to a Scandinavian living room.
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Add Layers
Design: S.U.S.A.P.
You already know that adding texture is key when it comes to Scandi living rooms, but this cozy space proves that a few layers can make all the difference. As long as you stick to monochrome color palettes, you can experiment with various textures and patterns and still keep your space calming and inviting.
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A Dark Color Palette
home_numberfifteen / Instagram
Though most Scandinavian spaces are light and airy, you can still make deeper colors like black or navy work.
This lovely room proves that black paint can look sophisticated and Scandi, as long as you maintain simple accessories and clean lines throughout the rest of the space. -
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Hygge As a Priority
lifeofthechapmans / Instagram
Though there is no direct translation for the Danish word "hygge," it embodies the idea of coziness and comfort and this couch couldn't be more in line with this Scandinavian theme. Add knits, woven fabrics, pillows and more to create a cozy space, but avoid going overboard and adding clutter. Balance is key.
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Midcentury Themes
lifeatseventeen_ / Instagram
Though Scandinavian design is not the same as midcentury modern, they do share some common themes. This living room features clean lines and tapered legged furniture that work well with either design style. Both styles embrace the art of minimalism and design with intention in a way we love.
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Break the Rules
thejeningtongosfor / Instagram
The best thing about Scandi design is there are no rules.
While there are some common themes, it's easy to use the basics of Scandinavian design and make it your own. This living room plays with color and textures a little more than some of our other Scandi spaces, but still embodies that feeling of modern simplicity.
As far as design trends go, Scandinavian design is one of the easiest to get behind. What's not to love about a movement that embodies the feeling of comfort and warmth and strives to create calm in every space? Scandi design is a great inspiration for bringing a bit of simplicity and happiness to your own space.
Living room in Scandinavian style: decorating tips
TipsRooms
- Photo
- RICHARD WIDNER
What furniture to choose for a Scandinavian living room?
It is obvious that creating a Scandinavian-style living room interior requires functional furniture with simple, concise forms and strict lines.
Sofas on lion's paws and armchairs in velvet upholstery will obviously not suit you. The main principle that should be followed both when buying furniture and when decorating a room as a whole: Less is More. We choose a simple, comfortable sofa and increase the number of “seats” with the help of compact armchairs and stools. nine0003
- Photo
- @vitra
Pragmatic Scandinavian design emphasizes smart, thoughtful storage. The question is not only to hide unnecessary things away from prying eyes, but, on the contrary, to demonstrate to everyone how well they are organized and in what order they are contained. Therefore, wall-to-wall shelving is a common solution for a Scandinavian living room.
- Photo
- @entrancemakleri
What colors to choose for a Scandinavian living room?
Scandinavian style doesn't have to be sterile white walls.
In recent years, Scandi has been getting rid of the stereotypes imposed on it and constantly proving that it adapts perfectly to different color nuances. As a rule, we are talking about natural neutral shades, the so-called new neutrals, the fashion for which is now returning. But with no less love, the Scandinavians also treat bolder shades: sunny yellow, blue, blue. If, nevertheless, you opt for more classic light colors, do not forget to add bright accents in the form of carpets, textiles, decor items and live greenery. nine0003
Home of stylist Sophia Wood.
- Photo
- @sofia_wood
Three tips for creating a Scandinavian mood in the living room
1. Mixing different materials
Namely, eco-friendly materials inspired by nature itself, in their pristine beauty. Unpainted wood, rough stone texture, soft textiles, wool, fur - all this, combined, creates the very homely comfort and hygge atmosphere for which we love Scandinavian interiors so much.
A sofa and armchairs in textile upholstery, a wooden floor covered with a fleecy carpet, a “woolen” pouffe and a fluffy plaid are the main components of a Scandinavian-style living room. nine0003
Designed by Noah Santos.
2. More lights!
If Scandinavian style had to be described in one word, we would say: LIGHT. From Verner Panton to Arne Jacobsen, all the prominent designers in Northern Europe paid special attention to lighting fixtures, which is not surprising: the sun sets early in the north, and lighting becomes key in the interior. Therefore, when creating a Scandinavian-style living room, add more light sources - not only the main ones, but also spotlights. A floor lamp by the sofa, a sconce on the wall, a table lamp on the chest of drawers, candles on the windowsill and coffee table - the more light, the better! Result? All the same soothing and peaceful environment that we associate with the Scandinavian "hygge". nine0003
- Photo
- @entrancemakleri
Bright and varied decor
Although the Scandinavians have a minimalist philosophy when it comes to furniture, their asceticism ends when it comes to accessories and decor.
Any excesses are allowed here. Bright design objects, colorful pillows and throws, graphic vases, modern art, vintage photographs, bright trays and of course candlesticks of all kinds and colors on a coffee table, chest of drawers or shelves - it's hard to imagine a classic Scandinavian living room without this. And all this needs to be rearranged and outweighed - the living room, inspired by our northern neighbors, does not tolerate conformity, it is in constant motion, lives with us and adapts to our rhythm of life. nine0003
Apartment of The Cardigans vocalist Nina Persson in Malmö.
- Photo
- @entrancemakleri
Tags
- Living room
- Scandinavian style
65 SCALITY INTERION INCOMENTS-Photos of real interiors and councils
1drawing up a living room in the Scandi-STILL in the Scandi-WHO12.
Color 2. Materials
3. Furniture
4. Lighting
5. Decor and textiles
6. Tips for small apartments
The living room is designed for relaxing, having a good time. Therefore, I want to make it comfortable and cozy for all households and family friends. The living room in the Scandinavian style is comfortable, looks light and spacious even with a small area. It is not difficult to decorate the interior in this direction. It is enough to follow the basic principles, which we will consider further.
Instagram @_scandilove_
Instagram @love_scandi_
Instagram @koto_bond
Instagram @_scandilove_
The main tone is white. It is he who is responsible for the visual increase in space and lighting. It contrasts well with natural wood and metal shades.
6a photo
Instagram @myhomeblog.ru
Instagram @manilva
Instagram @love_scandi
Instagram @dizain_and_interior
Instagram @_scandilove_
Instagram @furninterio
When choosing a palette for decorating a room, one can imagine a northern landscape: a gloomy sky, a sandy shore, a pale foggy morning.
All colors are muted, natural: light gray, wheat, beige, mint, mustard, silver. To revitalize the interior, more juicy blotches are used: blue, turquoise, red, yellow.
Instagram @very_scandi
Instagram @idea_home
Instagram @zotkina.tatiana
Simplicity and environmental friendliness - this is how you can designate the choice of finishing materials. The ceiling is most often painted or plastered. He does not need any decorations, the maximum is an ordinary plinth. The walls are painted white.
Wallpaper is used to draw attention to a certain area of the room. The drawing on them has a geometric shape of discreet tones.
Window frames, arches and doors match it, creating a single snow-white background for brighter furniture and decor. You can make surfaces more expressive by adding gray, pink or blue pigment to the paint. nine0003
Instagram @a.evstifeeva.designer
Instagram @studia_on
Instagram @_scandilove_
Wood is used for the floor: boards, parquet, laminate.
The main task is to emphasize the color of the walls and furnishings, so the natural shade is chosen.
Instagram @_scandilove_
Instagram @pohjanmaan_nn
Instagram @lovemyliving
Instagram @love_scandi
Scandinavian style in the living room interior is close to minimalism. Therefore, the standard set is a sofa, armchairs, a table, shelving or shelves, a fireplace, if necessary. For wardrobes, you will have to look for a place in other rooms of the apartment or equip a dressing room. nine0003
Instagram @just_home.ru
Instagram @formulakomforta40
Instagram @remontcitykazan_dizain_studia
Instagram @kastudio.design
A sofa and armchairs do not have to be from the same collection. It is better to choose a sofa linear or angular, of European design, if necessary, it unfolds into a bed. Upholstery material - leather, suede, textile. Armchairs are compact with a wooden base, you can choose stylized options for the middle of the last century, Soviet retro is now in fashion.
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a photo
Instagram @love_scandi
Instagram @_scandilove_
Instagram @love_scandi
Instagram @moderninterior42
Instagram @mebel.i.decor
Instagram @love_scandi
is not only a decoration and a functional object. It can be wooden, solid metal or elegant glass. By the way, do-it-yourself models are also welcome. nine0003
Instagram @santi_studio_brn
Instagram @domsovkusom
Instagram @_scandilove_
The north cannot boast of an abundance of light, so artificial lighting in Scandi is given increased attention. The principle of its organization is different levels.
The main element is a chandelier. It unites the room into a common space. There are table lamps or wall sconces next to the sofa, and there is always a floor lamp in the reading corner. They create a cozy relaxing environment. nine0003
Instagram @_scandilove_
Instagram @love_scandi
Instagram @esgroup.
by
Instagram @love_scandi
Instagram @_scandilove_
Emphasize individual design elements with spotlights. One of the conditions for this direction is the functionality of objects, so it is better to choose lighting devices with the ability to adjust the height and intensity of the glow. The photo shows the interiors of Scandinavian-style living rooms, where various light sources are used. nine0003
Instagram @planirovochka_ru
Instagram @moderninterior42
Instagram @shubert_interiors
Instagram @love_scandi
Textiles and decor items will help add bright touches to the monochrome palette. For sofa cushions, blankets and rugs, natural fabrics are used: cotton, linen, satin. Windows are often left without curtains. However, as a compromise between the canons of style and familiar comfort, you can hang a curtain made of light transparent materials. nine0003
Instagram @designogramm
Instagram @love_scandi_
Instagram @love_scandi_
The carpet on the floor is a familiar attribute of the living room.
Monochromatic models look good here, with traditional patterns or fluffy ones with a large pile.
a photo
Instagram @idea.dizain
Instagram @asjasur
Instagram @_scandilove_
Instagram @_scandilove_
Instagram @love_scandi
Instagram @love_scandi
Framed paintings and photos adorn the walls in abundance. Through them, the hobbies and hobbies of the owners of the house are broadcast. Flower vases, mirrors, candlesticks, figurines and handmade items add home warmth.
Instagram @sova_interiors
Instagram @love_scandi
Scandi is best suited for decorating small rooms. A minimal set of furniture, light shades and good lighting will make even a small room cozy and harmonious. When creating an interior, it is better to adhere to the following rules.
