Scandinavian style has become highly popular in recent times. It’s marked by a focus on minimalism and simple, clean lines, which give any room an incredibly modern yet cozy feel. Scandinavian decor is all about functionality without sacrificing beauty.
How can you achieve this in your home?
Read on to discover 10 stylish Scandinavian living room design ideas for 2022.
Blend Gray and Beige
If you’re going to truly embrace this trend, a neutral color palette is a must. The only choice you have to make is whether gray or beige will be the room’s signature color, and leave the other one for small elements in the area, which will balance the decor.
For example, in this photograph, we can see that gray is the signature color. White and beige accents were added to contribute to the room’s soft and soothing atmosphere.
Notice also the ornaments that are scattered around the space, like the wicker vases on the left or the clay jug on top of the wooden block. You can incorporate these Japandi-style materials to your design to add some texture to the decor without disrupting the overall feel of your living room.
Use Light Wood
One of the main characteristics of a Nordic style living room is the use of light wood. Choose a light tone for your wooden furniture and incorporate various wood accents in the room, too. As you can see, the Scandinavian style doesn’t require you to choose between hardwood floors and carpets, just make sure to use a light hue for both.
The great thing about this trend is that it is incredibly easy to implement. You should have no trouble finding beautiful wood pieces for your home.
Add Monochrome Art
By this point, it’s probably no surprise that the Swedes opt for monochrome artwork. Simple graphics, abstract prints, and understated photographs with simple frames are the perfect accompaniment for a living room that’s Scandi style. Don’t go for a collection of small pieces, though. Aim for big-sized artwork—preferably those that make liberal use of passepartout.
Also, don’t be afraid to play with symmetry. Observe how the patterns of the left-side cushions complement each other, whereas the ones on the right are symmetrical in their own way.
You could also embrace different-sized artwork, like this image, to create a nice visual effect. Or place two near-identical pieces right next to each other, like in the image below.
Go For Minimal Window Treatments
There are plenty of elements in this picture that scream Scandinavian style, from the wooden coffee table to the wall’s decor. Even the hardwood floors have a light tint to them that complements the neutral tones of the carpet quite nicely. But let’s focus on the windows.
Notice that the windows only feature light voile curtains, no heavy drapes or eclectic window coverings. A Scandi style living room calls for window treatments to be minimal, as it is all about allowing the natural light to pour into the living space. Simple, neutral designs work best for this.
Plus, the curtains allow for a play of light and shadows, which adds a certain depth to the design that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.
Ensure Airy Lighting
Flimsy curtains aren’t everybody’s cup of tea because of how little privacy they afford. This is an alternative that still abides to the Scandinavian style. The key, of course, is keeping them open most of the time so that natural light goes unfiltered.
See how the drapes, although heavy, aren’t a highlight feature. They stick to the neutral color-scheme, blending almost seamlessly with the walls and adding a welcoming touch to the Scandi living room.
Notice also the geometric patterns in the vase and the cushions. They’re clever touches that counteract the stillness of the room, making the space seem airy and breezy despite the use of heavy fabrics.
Another element you can add? Candles. They’re arguably the epitome of Scandi design—they’re simple, practical, beautiful, and add to the room’s coziness with their pleasant scent and warm light. You can light them up while you’re lounging in your living room in the evening, whether you’re entertaining or not. It’s an excellent way to keep natural light indoors once the sun’s gone.
Bring In Large House Plants
Scandinavian interior design certainly doesn’t overdo it on the color front, but plants provide you with the perfect way of brightening up your living room without sacrificing what this stunning style is all about.
Plants bring an earthy element to a look that is already natural while simultaneously giving your warm Scandinavian living room a subtle pop of color. With all the natural light that the breezy curtains let in, it’s a great place for plants like philodendron and pothos to grow big and beautiful.
Plus, we cannot ignore the fact that there are many health benefits associated with placing plants in your living area. They help to improve the circulation of air, ensuring you have a much more comfortable and enjoyable living environment.
Avoid Clutter
You can see plenty of beautiful elements in this living room, but can you point out something that’s missing?
That’s right—there’s no clutter.
Simplicity is key when it comes to Scandinavian style. Ample spaces, clean-cut furniture, sparse shelves, and no untidiness to be seen—not even of the intentional kind that’s so characteristically boho.
Many people assume that a modern Scandinavian living room needs to be so minimalist it borders on bereft. This is certainly not the case. It’s just that knickknacks and ornaments are subtle and sparse, ensuring that there’s a sense of calmness that permeates open layouts.
You can use the photograph above for inspiration. To fully achieve this look, though, make sure to clean your walls before painting them so that the chantilly-lace white of the walls looks even and pure.
Choose Furniture with Slim Profiles
Another trend that is well worth considering is furniture with slim profiles. Take a look at how slim the sofas’ legs are, how thin the tabletop is, and how slender the base of the floor lamp is. These elements create a nice visual effect, highlighting the round shapes around the room and making the cushions seem plushier.
Also, notice how simple and clean-cut the Scandinavian style living room furniture seems to be. You won’t find any intricate wood carvings like in Moroccan-style decor, or the bridgewater sofas and chunky armchairs that you’d typically see in a farmhouse-style living room.
Incorporate Worn Leather
When it comes to Scandinavian living room trends, we have started to see a major transition to worn leather furniture pieces. Just like the sofa in this image, worn leather has a beautiful, rustic quality to it without looking too antique, providing the perfect balance.
Plus, worn leathers look great with a cozy throw blanket tossed over it—especially if it’s faux fur. It will add comfort and texture, making the space seem warmer and more comfortable.
And, of course, this trend isn’t just about sofas; there are many other ways that you can add some worn leather to your living area as well. Think ottomans, cushions, or even leather-bound books as coffee table decor.
Pick Warm Textiles
Blue isn’t among the typical Scandinavian living room colors, but there’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of color pop as long as you don’t overdo it. Remember: Scandinavian style favors a neutral color palette, so light tones and natural elements should always be predominant features around the room.
You can use small elements in the area (e.g., the throw, the cushions, or the art on the wall) to add a splash of color and bring the room to life. Make sure to stick to just one hue, though; preferably one that contrasts nicely with the living room’s neutral palette.
If you’re going for this idea, we recommend you add textured elements around the room so that it doesn’t lose the cozy feeling that’s intrinsically Scandi. Sheepskin, mohair, wool, and velvet are great accent pieces you can add to your living room while still abiding to the Scandinavian aesthetic.
Conclusion
We hope these Scandinavian living room design trends give you some inspiration for your own home. If you incorporate the elements that we have mentioned above, you can be sure you will end up with a beautiful Scandinavian style living room that looks amazing and is incredibly comfortable as well.