Scandinavian living room inspo


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!

@emmamelins

Faux Fur Stool

A faux fur stool adds extra seating and serves as an interesting accent piece in this Americanized Scandi living room design.

Samantha Gluck

White 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.

entrancemakleri

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 Styling

Block Marble Table

vaningen.se

Black Wall Sconce Lighting

Black minimalist lighting fixtures seem to be the most popular choice for Scandinavian home lighting decor.

@emmamelins

Beige Sofa

This warm Scandinavian living room has lots of charm.

Sara Medina Lind

Black and White Striped Rug

vaningen.se

Minimalist 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_pedersen

Nesting Coffee Table

vaningen.se

Black Leather Butterfly Chair

Unknown

Geometric Glass Coffee Table

Unknown

Gray Velvet Sofa

The gray velvet sofa in this living room gives it an upscale and sophisticated vibe.

vaningen.se

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.

Unknown

Arc Floor Lamp

Unknown

Gallery 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.

Unknown

Gray Sectional Sofa

Scandinavian sectional sofas can provide ample seating for people with large families!

Unknown

Beni Ourain Rug

This minimalist Scandinavian living room has a sprawling Beni Ourain rug to keep things cozy and comfortable.

Bo Bedre

Bohemian Scandinavian Decor

Why not include a little boho flair into your Scandinavian home design?

Unknown

White Coffee Table

You can’t go wrong with a simple white coffee table in your Scandi family room.

Farah Prochaska

Exposed Wood Ceiling Beams

The exposed wood beams on the ceiling of this rustic Scandinavian living room make for a cozy interior.

@entrancemakleri

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.

@wredefastighetsmakleri

Floor Poof

Floor poofs have become a very nordic style design element.

Unknown

Faux Fur Chair

You have to keep warm in the winter, after all!

The Key Item

White Marble Coffee Table

A rectangular coffee table made of marble is the perfect living room companion.

Homey Oh My

Black Leather Sofa

Go bold with a black leather sofa.

Pella Hedeby

Ceramic 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.

@kielyramosphoto

I 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: 

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.

Scandinavian Living Room Design: Ideas & Inspiration

Like Architecture & Interior Design? Follow Us...

Home Designing may earn commissions for purchases made through the links on our website. See our disclosure policy.

The Scandinavian aesthetic can be applied to many different spaces. Its love of simplicity, natural elements, and functionality is especially ideal for a living room. Take a glimpse inside some lovely, organized and comfortable living rooms that their inspiration from Scandinavian design and get inspiration for yourself.

As sunlight streams in from overhead skylights, it illuminates the clean lines and carefully chosen furnishings in this lovely top level apartment.

A gallery wall is a great way to add personality to an otherwise minimal design.

Mismatched patterns like plaid and chevron are not exactly a hallmark of Scandinavian design but the subtle colors here make them work together.

On the other hand, yellow accents against black and white, as we’ll see, is quite common. The rustic and unique coffee table here is a nice touch.

Dangling caged lightbulbs are a creative alternative to a chandelier or typical track lighting. Yellow bursts, like these accent chairs, can add more interest to an all white room.

A lovely purple rug brings a pop of color and texture to this bright white living room.

Black, white, gray, and natural wood give this living room a sophisticated air that could be straight out of another era.

Wood and brick are quite common but luxe leather is another way to bring in the idea of natural materials and interesting textures. The indoor plants help bring in green as an accent. The imposing swing arm wall lampyou see here is the Flos Model 265.

A tufted sofa with a smooth throw flips a traditional style on its head.

Scandinavian styling works particularly well with gorgeous wood flooring, whether new or vintage. The unique, circle living room chandelier adds a great touch.

You don’t need a ton of space to execute on these ideas. Complementary shades of teal(in the lounge chair & modern sofa) and ultra smooth lines are perfect here.

Here’s another way to use that trendy bright yellow color, giving this living room a mod feel. The black and white rug adds interesting contrast to the floor.

Use your sofa as a room divider in smaller, open space as seen here.

Light colored wood helps to open up a space on the floor as well as in furnishings like chairs and coffee tables.

If you don’t have gorgeous deep wood floors, consider painting them in whitewash for an artsy loft effect.

A bare wood ceiling gives this otherwise sleek living room a more rustic feel — not everything has to be exactly the same tone to work together.

This small space doesn’t have a lot of room to spare, but a few small pieces keep it cozy and comfortable.

Chevron patterned flooring is one way to bring some creativity to hardwood. Motivational posters are yet another mood booster.

And don’t think you can’t experiment with color combinations if you’re tending towards Scandinavian design. Black, white, yellow, and bright teal might be a surprising set but they work together here.

White painted brick gives this industrial loft a lot more warmth than a bare red option would.

This white living room from IKEA might not be ideal for small children or Merlot, but it sure is gorgeous.

Scandinavian style can still be a bit eclectic when you add something like a real cow skull against a pristine white wall.

Storage is always an issue when it comes to minimalist. Long low shelving is particularly popular.

Tall shelving that displays your personality is another option.

Or store your favorite stories directly inside your coffee table as well as a mid-century credenza.

The low angles of this oversized sofa emphasize the space of this living room.

A single pop of pink (or whatever your favorite color is) can change the whole personality of a room.

Classical elements like arched windows and crown molding can provide a cool contrast to minimalist furniture and other simple design elements.

In a space like this, living room and dining room must be separate but still work together.

Dark colors like maroon and moss can still work as neutrals when done correctly.

An accent chair in that same sunny yellow – or any other bright color – can serve to add a lot of interest to an otherwise neutral space.

Different floor textures from multiple rugs adds both comfort and style in this loft.

Natural wood against concrete is the epitome of warm industrial.

And if bright sunny yellow is a little much for you, tone it down a bit.

In an answer to chevron madness, this triangle pattern is just different enough.

Mismatched furniture and a vintage rug are not strictly Scandinavian but the space is still quite cozy.

More long low shelving keeps the eye moving horizontally.

This studio apartment with lofted bed is the ultimate in simplicity with bed, closet, entertainment center and storage all in one.

A touch of artistic whimsy can go a long way.

Minimalism doesn’t have to feel over the top. This living room is particularly comfortable and kid-friendly.

Easter egg pastels give a space a delicate, feminine whimsy. The nesting coffee tables you see here are the Muuto Around tables.

Take inspiration from different eras, like this mod and mid-century space that fits perfectly into contemporary spaces.

Black and white stripes truly never go out of style. You don’t have to go as big as this room, but a throw pillow or blanket can be a good choice.

The minimalism of this style is offset by the whimsy of the oversized owl drawing. The large unique floor lamp adds a special touch.

Checked floors and whitewashed walls are a bit upscale dorm in this space.

Here’s a yellow option that’s a more neon and therefore gives the space a trendy, youthful glow.

Massive windows don’t offer much privacy but in the penthouse you don’t need it.

And a final entry into the black, white and yellow category is this dreamy mustard colored sofa.


Recommended Reading:
50 Scandinavian Chairs To Help You Nail The Nordic Look
50 Scandinavian Style Dining Rooms
50 Scandinavian Style Bedrooms

65 Scandinavian style living room design ideas - photos of real interiors and tips

6. Tips for small apartments

The living room is designed for relaxation, pleasant pastime. 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_

Main tone - white. It is he who is responsible for the visual increase in space and lighting. It contrasts well with natural wood and metal shades.

6
photo

Instagram @myhomeblog.ru

Instagram @manilva

Instagram @love_scandi

Instagram @dizain_and_interior

Instagram @_scandilove_

Instagram @furninterio

, 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.

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.

Instagram @just_home.ru

Instagram @formulakomforta40

Instagram @remontcitykazan_dizain_studia

Instagram @kastudio.design

A sofa and chairs 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.

6
photo Instagram @love_scandi

Living room

5 small Scandinavian living rooms (you will fall in love)

A coffee table is not only a functional item, but also a decoration. It can be wooden, solid metal or elegant glass. By the way, do-it-yourself models are also welcome.

7
photo

Instagram @myhomeblog.ru

Instagram @woodifurniture

Instagram @lykkepilleroglortebleer

Instagram @_scandilove_

Instagram @love_scandi_

Instagram @love_scandi_

Instagram @love_scandi_

Shelves can be made hanging or built-in, and some can be left open. This technique will visually lighten the space and give the interior life.

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.

Instagram @_scandilove_

Instagram @love_scandi

Instagram @esgroup.by

Instagram @love_scandi

Instagram @_scandilove_

You can emphasize individual design elements with the help of 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.

Instagram @planirovochka_ru

Instagram @moderninterior42

Instagram @shubert_interiors

Instagram @love_scandi

Textiles and decor items can add bright touches to a 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.

Instagram @designogramm

Instagram @love_scandi_

Instagram @love_scandi_

Carpet on the floor is a common feature of the living room. Monochromatic models look good here, with traditional patterns or fluffy ones with a large pile.

6
photo

Instagram @idea.dizain

Instagram @asjasur

Instagram @_scandilove_

Instagram @_scandilove_

Instagram @love_scandi

Instagram @love_scandi

Framed paintings 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.

Real photos of small living rooms decorated in this direction, see the gallery below.

Instagram @design.vera_sheverdenok

Instagram @_scandilove_

Instagram @_scandilove_

Instagram @_scandilove_

Prepared by

Tatyana Molchanova

Scandinavian style living room - 60 photos, interior design

The living room is a special room in every home where family members, friends and relatives gather, so we want to make the design of this room unique and the atmosphere cozy. Scandinavian style is gaining popularity today and brings more air, comfort and light to even small apartments. To arrange a room in this direction, it is enough to follow a few principles. Let's take a closer look at what a Scandinavian-style living room design looks like!

Scandinavian Style Features

The principles of design in this style are conciseness, simplicity and the use of environmentally friendly materials. However, these criteria do not interfere with making the interiors expressive. For a typical Scandinavian-style room, the presence of free space, solid pieces of furniture without catchy decor is important. Let's name the main components of such a design:

1. Color. The interior is in most cases decorated in cool colors, and the basis is always white. Additionally, there may be accents in the form of red, turquoise, yellow, blue details.

2. Materials. Use natural materials or artificial, if they qualitatively imitate natural raw materials.

3. Furniture. Necessarily wooden and solid in appearance, as upholstery can be cotton or linen fabric, suede.

4. Decorative elements. You can use details of a complex shape, but in color they will be calm and muted. For example, plaster parts, neat vases and more.

Colors

The main color in the Scandinavian style living room interior is always white. Let the general palette be necessarily natural.

When choosing shades, in order to make the right decision, you can be inspired by the colors of the sea coast and the northern nature in general. Imagine cloudy skies, a sandy beach, trees, and misty distances.

Colorful local accents are allowed, moreover, their presence will enliven the room. Bright details can be as follows: blue, silver, cherry, olive, plum, red, purple, pistachio. Pick up a few accessories, textiles or pieces of furniture in these colors.

Scandinavian White Living Room

The base color will definitely be white. The traditional design of the living room includes the presence of a white floor, walls and ceiling, as well as individual pieces of furniture.

Despite the fact that the interpretation of the palette may be different, it is the white color that contributes to the visual increase in space and helps to positively perceive the room for residents and visitors. In such a living room, a cold background will effectively contrast with materials of natural shades. The maximum that designers can go to is decorating one of the walls in a contrasting color or adding a pattern to it.

Scandinavian Beige Living Room

Sand and beige - these colors are usually used in decor and furniture, floor decoration in such shades is also common.

Scandinavian style lilac living room

This light color is very suitable for a fresh interior with eclectic elements. The main thing is that there should not be sharp contrasts in the room. In the living room, it can be pillows or textiles in lilac tones.

Scandinavian brown living room

All shades of wood are welcome in a Scandinavian style living room. Spacious bright rooms are best warmed with warm details with a wooden surface.

Scandinavian green living room

Soft muted tones of green can be used in flooring and included in wall decoration, choose furniture in such shades.

Wall, floor and ceiling decoration

Simplicity and conciseness are the fundamental concepts for decorating a Scandinavian living room interior. It is recommended to subordinate the entire decoration of the room to these principles. A harmonious background for furniture and decor can be created by painting walls, doors and window frames in the same colors.

Floor

The traditional option is a painted board based on natural wood, it can also be white in color, but laminate laying is also allowed. The best solution is light colors, bleached wood, but you can also choose warm-colored materials. Let it be soft tones of brown, chestnut. The main task of the designer is to find the best background for walls and furniture.

Walls

Necessarily smooth, plastered and painted white. They use either pure snow-white tones, or colored options with a slight pink, blue tint. It is recommended to paint the walls, doors and window frames white so that they serve as the basis for further decorating the living room with furniture and accessories.

Ceiling

The ceiling must be flat and uniform. Even if you have a high ceiling in your apartment, and the living room is spacious enough, discard all temptations and in no case decorate the room with rosettes, cornices and other stucco moldings. All that is allowed on the ceiling is a simple baseboard.

Scandinavian style living room furniture

The color of the furniture is also available in white or in natural wood tone. Let the number of items be minimal. No need to place large tables, massive cabinets and lockers in the living room. Limit yourself to a soft sofa with cute pillows, an ottoman, lamps with a folding design and a laconic finish.

Scandinavian style does not mean storing things in a closet. Arrange a dressing room or pantry for these purposes.

Books and memorabilia are stored on shelves, which can be hanging or built-in, but always open. Fill them only halfway if possible.

The room may contain shelves with souvenirs and interesting magazines. One of the walls is sometimes completely forced with a structure of this type.

The sofa is given a central place in the room. The wall opposite from it is often equipped with appliances, for example, you can hang a TV on it. In front, it is recommended to leave room for a cute coffee table, which can be metal, wood or glass.

Tables are not covered with a tablecloth, you can put flowerpots with flowers, both fresh and artificial, as well as dried flowers on them. An unusual alternative to vases is clay pots. Newspapers and books, writing accessories are placed on coffee tables.

In addition to a table, a soft sofa, several lamps and shelving, a Scandinavian-style living room should not have unnecessary items. Even if you like to receive guests, do not clutter up the free space with a large number of chairs and armchairs. Corner sofas or sets of upholstered furniture are also not recommended, as they look bulky. Let it be a sofa book with a European design.

Decor and textiles

Monochrome Scandinavian interiors need to be complemented with accessories. Designers recommend choosing the following textiles and souvenirs for decorating the living room:

- Textiles should serve as a bright accent, add comfort to the interior. Pillows on the sofa, small rugs and rugs will help set the special mood of the living room. Let the material of manufacture be natural, it can be cotton or linen fabric, wool, satin products.

- Decor is chosen in the form of wooden, plaster, ceramic products. It can be all kinds of photos in frames, candles, boxes, baskets. The presence of an interesting decor, in particular, hand-made, is a distinctive characteristic of the style.

Scandinavian style small living room

A small living room will visually look more spacious if the owner decorates it in a Scandinavian style. Stick to minimalism in everything, including color schemes and furniture products, and also follow a few rules:

- It is important to work out the palette of shades correctly. It is better to dwell on the already mentioned white background more than once, only a pinkish tone is allowed, which can be supplemented with dark floors.

- Leave only the necessary items in the room - a sofa and a coffee table. The interior should look moderately ascetic.

- Remember that there should be a lot of light in the room, so do not cover the windows with thick curtains. In general, it is not recommended to have blackout curtains in a Scandinavian-style living room.

Scandinavian style living room design - photo

We have selected for you the best living room design options in our photo gallery.


Learn more