What Does Scandinavian Style Really Mean?

We’ve seen multiple design genres, from rustic farmhouse to mid-century modern to eclectic bohemian, rise to prominence, but none of them seem to have the same staying power as Scandinavian style. There’s something about Scandi decor that people can’t get enough of. And we’re not just talking about IKEA’s continued popularity either. Scandinavian style consists of clean lines, minimalism and a lack of clutter, which can be very appealing visually.

Intrigued? Take a deep dive into the basics of Scandi design and who knows — maybe it’ll be the aesthetic you’ve always been searching for.

Scandinavia is comprised of three Northern European countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. While some people mistakenly include Finland and Iceland in this definition as well, they’re not actually Scandi. They are considered Nordic countries, however, along with the three Scandinavian countries.

Norway and Sweden occupy the Scandinavian Peninsula, with Denmark located just to the south of Sweden, across the Kattegat strait.

Scandinavian design’s main elements are as simple as the design itself. It focuses on three major points:

This aesthetic is big on clean, simple lines, minimalism, and functionality without sacrificing beauty. It first came to prominence in the 1950s, around the same time as modern style took hold in America and Europe.

Part of what makes it so aesthetically pleasing is its lack of clutter. You won’t find any superfluous items haunting Scandinavian-style rooms; instead, everything has a place, and unnecessary tchotchkes are nowhere to be found.

While it shares many elements with mid-century modern, according to the Washington Post, Scandinavian style favors bright, airy spaces, while MCM spaces tend to showcase darker colors and focus less on light.

Scandinavians also deeply value nature and spending time outdoors, something that is reflected in this style. Wood floors tend to remain uncovered, and lighter wooden tones are frequently found in Scandinavian homes. And, of course, live plants are a popular choice when it comes to really bringing the outdoors in.

Speaking of nature, Scandinavian winters are no joke, so creating a cozy homestead is of the utmost importance. That’s why you’ll find warm, inviting textures (think: chunky knit blankets and faux fur accents) in so many Scandi designs.

Many Scandinavian colors rely heavily on neutrals, most notably bright whites with pops of black and tan. That’s not to say the style is completely devoid of color, though, just that the overall spaces tend to be monochromatic, with hues coming into play as accent pieces.

When it does come to color, shades like blush and gray-blue are among the most frequently used, according to Life in Norway. Perhaps that’s why we just can’t seem to quit Millennial Pink? Warm tan tones are also popular thanks to the style’s reliance on natural wood pieces, and other nature-inspired colors like sage green pop up in Scandi designs as well.

Part of the appeal lies in how aspirational this specific design style feels. The uncluttered nature and brightness evoke a sense of calm that so many people are missing from their daily lives. After leaving a stressful day at work, the idea of returning to a home devoid of bulky furniture and clutter feels particularly appealing.

“The clean but warm design, which focuses on sharp contrasts, whites, naturals, and black, makes you feel happy, but not in a kitschy way,” explains designer Kerri Rosenthal.

When it comes to design, there are trends, and then there are styles that become timeless staples of interior decorating. So is Scandinavian style the former or latter?

“I feel that it has been around for so long, and I hope that we are at a point in time where there are no trends,” Rosenthal said. “Trends morph. Scandinavian style will be wonderful forever to those who love it.”

So go forth and embrace minimalist design, bring some brightness into your home, and lean into the Scandi lifestyle.