What is Scandinavian (Nordic) interior style? Characteristics & Design trends

Scandinavian style is a minimalist design trend that was formed in the early 20th century in Nordic countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, characterized by minimalism, coziness, and closeness to nature.

This style prioritizes bright colors (especially white) and natural light, combined with natural materials to create a cozy feeling. The interior is simple, convenient and durable with minimalist decorative details but still creates its own highlight.

According to a 2023 study by the American Institute of Environmental Psychology: “Living spaces with lots of natural light in the Scandinavian style increase children's learning performance by 28% and reduce depressive symptoms in adults by 22%.

The Scandinavian style currently develops with four main variations: Japandi (combined with Japanese style), Scandi-Boho (combined with Bohemian), Scandi-Industrial (combined with industrial) and Scandi-Minimalism (absolute minimalism). Designers now prioritize a deep color palette, combined with sustainable materials and enhanced surface texture elements to add warmth,...

Scandinavian style can be applied in many areas such as living room, bedroom, kitchen... To design Scandinavian interior effectively, minimize everything, prioritize natural light and choose smart colors as the background. At the same time, focus on using natural materials, pay attention to the functionality of objects, create a cozy feeling (Hygge), keep the space tidy and integrate more green plants to bring an elegant living space.

Learn more about Scandinavian style through the following article!

What is Scandinavian Architecture Style?

Scandinavian interior design style is a minimalist design trend that developed in Nordic countries in the early 20th century. This style focuses on three core principles: minimizing space, taking advantage of natural light and using natural wood materials. This is not only a decorative style but also a lifestyle, reflecting the Danish philosophy of “hygge” (coziness, comfort) and Swedish “lagom” (sufficiency, balance).

This style prioritizes clean, neat lines, eliminating unnecessary details. The goal is to create a peaceful, airy living space, maximize natural light and use materials close to nature.

Scandinavian interiors provide a comfortable, pleasant feeling, encourage interaction and relaxation, while still ensuring high aesthetics and functionality.

Origin of Scandinavian Style

The word “Scandinavian” comes from “Scandinavia”. This is a geographical concept that refers to the Northern European region including 3 main countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark. So the geographical factor is the decisive factor in the characteristics of the Scandinavian style.

Scandinavian style was formed in 1930 in 5 Nordic countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. The origin of this style comes from the geographical and climatic conditions typical of the Nordic region, where winters are long, cold and there is little natural light. This has prompted people to seek design solutions to optimize light, creating a cozy, comfortable living space close to nature.

Scandinavian style has been thriving since 1954, after the 10th Scandinavian Design Exhibition held in the United States in 1954. From 1960 to present, Scandinavian style has become one of the 1 most popular interior design trends worldwide.

According to a 2023 survey by the Society of British and International Interior Designers (SBID), 68% of architects worldwide apply Scandinavian principles in their projects.

What are the characteristics of Scandinavian style?

Scandinavian style is characterized by 3 main color elements: 70% white as the background, 20% gray and beige as accents, 10% pastel colors as accents. This color palette is designed to reflect maximum natural light. This not only creates a sense of spaciousness but also brings warmth and comfort to the living space.

Furniture in this style emphasizes simplicity, convenience and durability. Each item must not only be beautiful but also maximize its functionality, serving well the needs of daily life. The decorative details are simple but carefully selected, enough to create unique highlights, expressing the homeowner's personality without making the space cumbersome.

Colors in Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian style prioritizes the use of light and neutral colors such as white, gray, beige, and cream as the main color. These light colors reflect 85-90% of natural light, creating the feeling of a space 20-30% larger than the actual area.

According to a 2022 study by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, white and beige increase the brightness of a space by 40% compared to dark colors.

Sometimes, soft pastel colors like mint green and light pink are also used as accents to add softness and coziness.

Lighting in Scandinavian design

Light is an extremely important element and is maximized in the Scandinavian style. The Nordic climate has a 6-month long winter with only 4-6 hours of sunlight per day (compared to 12-14 hours in the tropics). Therefore, designing a space that optimizes natural light becomes the number 1 principle in the Scandinavian style.

• Natural light: Large windows, thin curtains or no curtains to let light flood the room.
• Artificial light: Use simple designed lights, usually ceiling lights or floor lamps with warm yellow light to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere in the evening.

Materials in Scandinavian design

Natural materials play a central role, bringing a rustic beauty, close to nature to the space.

Wood accounts for 60-70% of the materials in Scandinavian design. The three most common light-colored woods are pine (3%), oak (40%), and birch (35%). Wood is used for floors, furniture, and decorative details, bringing warmth and durability.

• Woven fabric: Wool, cotton, and linen are popular materials for curtains, rugs, blankets, and pillows, creating a soft and comfortable feel.
• From: Often used for sofas or armchairs, it gives a luxurious look while still maintaining sophistication.
• Metal: Copper and iron are used for small details such as lamp bases and door handles, creating a modern highlight.
• Stone and ceramics: Used in decoration or kitchen utensils, bringing natural, simple beauty.

Furniture in Scandinavian design

Scandinavian style furniture focuses on simplicity, convenience and durability.

• Neat, elegant lines: Furniture is often simple in shape, unfussy, clean lines, giving a light feeling and airy space.
• Multi-function: Many pieces of furniture are designed to be multifunctional, such as coffee tables with storage drawers, sofas that double as beds, and bookshelves that integrate desks, helping to optimize space, especially in small apartments.
• Comfort: Sofas, armchairs, and beds are often designed to be comfortable and soft, encouraging relaxation and togetherness.

Decoration and pattern in Scandinavian design

Decorative elements in Scandinavian style are quite restrained but still enough to create highlights.

• Pattern: Patterns are often simple geometric shapes (stripes, checks, polka dots), nature-inspired motifs (leaves, flowers, animals) or soft abstract patterns. They often appear on carpets, cushions, curtains or wall hangings.
• Green trees: Indoor plants are an indispensable element, bringing freshness, liveliness and connection with nature. Plants such as snake plants, pothos, and Singaporean banyan trees are often placed in simple pots.
• Ceramics, candles, books: Decorative items such as ceramic vases, scented candles, books, minimalist paintings or world maps are also often used to create a cozy and personal space.

Current Scandinavian Interior Design Trends

Scandinavian style is currently changing, not only stopping at minimalism but also blending with other styles such as Japandi or Scandi-Boho. Designers also favor deeper color palettes, use sustainable materials and enhance surface texture elements to create coziness. In addition, integrating smart furniture and lots of greenery is also a prominent trend, bringing a comfortable living space close to nature.

Mix and match with other styles (Fusion Style)

This is one of the most prominent trends. Instead of keeping the traditional Scandinavian style intact, designers and homeowners are tending to combine Scandinavian with other styles to create a more unique and personal space:

• Japandi (Japanese + Scandinavian): A perfect blend of Japanese rustic beauty, minimalism and Wabi-sabi philosophy with Scandinavian warmth and comfort. Japandi is characterized by clean lines, natural materials (light and dark woods, bamboo, ceramics), a neutral but deeper color palette, and a focus on peace and tranquility.

• Scandi-Boho (Bohemian + Scandinavian): Bringing a blend of Scandinavian minimalism and cleanliness with the freedom and freedom of Bohemian style. This trend often uses lots of greenery, knitted rugs, patterned pillows and diverse materials (rattan, bamboo, wicker) to create a cozy, artistic and personal space.

• Scandi-Industrial (Industrial + Scandinavian): Combining the raw, powerful industrial style (concrete, metal, exposed brick) with the warmth and minimalism of Scandinavian. This trend creates a dynamic, modern space while still maintaining sophistication and comfort.

• Scandi-Minimalism (Minimalism + Scandinavian): Scandi-Minimalism emphasizes absolute minimalism with 90% empty space. This style only retains the 5-7 most necessary furniture pieces, uses 100% natural materials and maximizes natural light to maintain coziness.

The color palette has more depth

White still accounts for 60% of modern Scandinavian design. However, the remaining 40% is divided into 3 color groups with depth:

• Warm neutral colors: Shades of beige, cream, warm gray are widely used to enhance the cozy feeling.
• Natural and muted colors: Olive green, moss green, navy blue, earthy brown, and terracotta are being used as accents for walls, sofas, or accessories, bringing closeness to nature and a sense of solidity.
• Bold pastel colors: Some pastel colors like light pink and mint green are still popular, but can be a bit darker, creating a gentle but equally outstanding look.

Sustainable and environmentally friendly materials

According to SBID’s 2023 survey, 78% of consumers prioritize sustainable materials in interior design. This drives four key material trends:

• Recycled wood, certified wood: Prioritize sustainably harvested or recycled wood.
• Fabrics woven from natural fibers: Linen, organic cotton, wool, jute, rami are used more for curtains, upholstery, carpets and rugs.
• Handcrafted furniture: Handcrafted products made from rattan, bamboo and ceramics are not only environmentally friendly but also bring unique and familiar beauty.

Enhance texture and surface (Texture)

To avoid the space being monotonous when using minimalist colors, adding elements with diverse surface textures is a trend:

• Shaggy rugs, rough woven rugs: Creates a soft, warm feeling.
• Textured wall tiles, rough surface: Brings depth and distinction to space.
• Furniture upholstery fabrics with distinct textures: Canvas, velvet, knitted wool.
• Rustic ceramics: Decorative items, dishes have rough surfaces, not glossy enamel.

Smart and multifunctional furniture

With the trend of living in smaller urban apartments, smart and multifunctional furniture is increasingly preferred:

• Bed with built-in storage drawers: Helps optimize space.
• Extendable dining table: Flexible for multiple uses.
• Wall shelf integrated with small desk: Suitable for limited spaces.

Greenery and bold natural elements

Indoor plants increase air quality by 15% and reduce stress by 23% according to a 2022 NASA study. In modern Scandinavian design, plants become a mandatory element with 3 main arrangements:

• Large bonsai: Plants such as Singapore banyan, split-leaf pothos, and snake plant are placed in the corner of the room.
• Mini green wall: Sometimes it's a wall covered with small green plants in the kitchen or living room.
• Plant motifs: Leaf and flower motifs are delicately printed on pillows, pictures or wallpaper.

Applying Scandinavian Style In Spaces

Scandinavian style can be flexibly applied in many spaces such as living room, bedroom, kitchen... bringing delicate beauty, comfort and coziness.

Living room

The living room is the ideal place to express the spirit of Scandinavian style.

• Color: Use white as the main color for walls and ceilings to maximize light and create a spacious feeling. You can combine light gray, beige or pastel colors for furniture and accessories.
• Interior: Choose a sofa covered in linen or cotton in neutral colors. A coffee table made of light wood or with a simple glass top. A TV shelf or bookcase with neat lines, not too fussy.
• Light: Make the most of natural light from large windows. Add floor lamps and table lamps with warm yellow light to create a cozy atmosphere in the evening.
• Material & Decoration: Use a shag rug or knitted rug with a simple geometric pattern. Place some throw pillows in raffia or wool. Decorate with small green plants, minimalist wall art or black and white photos.

Bedroom

Scandinavian bedrooms bring relaxation and peace.

• Color: White, beige, and light gray tones are perfect choices for walls and bed sheets, creating a gentle, pleasant feeling.
• Interior: The bed has a simple wooden frame with few details. The bedside table and wardrobe also follow the minimalist principle, focusing on functionality.
• Light: Let in natural light through large windows, and use sheer curtains to adjust the brightness. Bedside lamps or pendant lights with soft light are essential.
• Material & Decoration: Cotton, linen or wool bedding. Add a shag rug at the foot of the bed. Decorate with greenery, scented candles and some simple artwork for a personal touch.

Kitchen & Dining

The Scandinavian style kitchen and dining space is both comfortable and cozy, an ideal gathering place.

• Color: Kitchen cabinets are usually white, light gray or light wood. Countertops can be white or lightly veined natural stone.
• Interior: Natural wood dining table with dining chairs has a simple, elegant design. The kitchen cabinet is intelligently designed, optimizing storage space.
• Light: Natural light is a priority. The pendant light above the dining table with a minimalist design and adequate lighting is an important highlight.
• Material & Decoration: Kitchen wall tiles can be simple white tiles or marble tiles. Decorate with fresh flower vases and ceramic dishes in neutral or pastel colors.

Study/reading room

A Scandinavian work or reading space will help you focus and relax.

• Color: White or light gray walls create a quiet, focused space.
• Interior: Simple wooden or metal desk, ergonomic chair upholstered in leather or fabric for comfort. Wooden or metal bookshelf with clean lines.
• Light: Place your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light. Add a desk lamp with a sophisticated design to provide adequate lighting when working in the evening.
• Material & Decoration: A small rug under the table, a few pillows on the reading chair. Decorate with plants, books, and a few decorative items that have personal meaning but are not too fussy.

Bathroom

Scandinavian bathrooms feel clean, airy and relaxing.

• Color: Wall and floor tiles are usually white, light gray or light wood grain.
• Interior: Light wood or white vanity cabinet. Frameless mirror or simple wood frame.
• Light: Natural light through small windows or skylights. Ceiling lights with soft white or yellow light.
• Material & Decoration: Use simple tile or marble wall tiles. Soft cotton towels. Decorate with small green plants, scented candles, and beautifully designed shampoo and shower gel bottles.

Notes When Designing Interiors In Scandinavian Style

To effectively design Scandinavian-style interiors, keep in mind the following 7 notes:

• Simplify everything: This is the core principle. Eliminate unnecessary furniture, avoid clutter. Each piece of furniture should have a clear function and be aesthetically pleasing.
• Prioritize natural light: Always try to maximize natural light. Minimize heavy curtains, use sheer curtains or no curtains at all to let in the sunlight.
• Choose colors wisely: Use white as the background, combined with neutral colors (gray, beige) and accented with bright but gentle colors to create balance and highlights.
• Using natural materials: Light-colored wood is an indispensable element. Combined with materials such as stone, leather, wool, cotton to create a warm, rustic and close-to-nature feel.
• Focus on function: Every object should be useful. Prioritize multifunctional furniture to optimize space.
• Create a cozy (Hygge): Although minimalist, Scandinavian style is still very cozy. Add elements like fur rugs, knitted blankets, scented candles, and greenery to create a relaxing and comfortable feeling.
• Keep the space tidy: A Scandinavian space is always clean and tidy. Make sure there is enough storage space to keep things tidy.
• Add greenery: Green plants not only freshen the space but also bring natural elements into the house, very suitable for the Scandinavian spirit.

By following these principles, you can create a Scandinavian-style living space that is both beautiful and comfortable, while also bringing a sense of peace and relaxation.

Questions About Scandinavian Style

Is Scandinavian style suitable for small apartments/condos?

Perfect fit! Scandinavian style is an ideal choice for apartments or small spaces because the design principles emphasize minimalism and high functionality.

The use of white tones and maximum natural light makes the space appear much more spacious and airy than its actual size. Multi-functional, neat and minimally detailed furniture also helps optimize the space, avoiding a feeling of being cramped.

See more projects Scandinavian Apartment Hung Phuc Phu My Hung.

What types of natural wood are commonly used in Nordic style?

Light oak and pine are two types of natural wood The most commonly used. Oak stands out for its high durability, beautiful wood grain and natural light color. Pine is more affordable, bringing a rustic, close look. Both are treated with a smooth surface, keeping the natural color to honor the beauty of the material.

How is Japandi style different from pure Scandinavian?

Japandi style Japandi is a fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism (Wabi-sabi). It is distinguished by a warmer color palette (more earth tones, black), a greater use of raw materials (e.g. untreated wood, handmade ceramics), and softer, less angular design lines. Japandi focuses on the natural imperfection of materials and the beauty of silence and meditation.

Refer: 15+ beautiful Nordic style interior designs & construction prices.

What type of curtains should be used to optimize light in Scandinavian style?

To optimize light in Scandinavian style, you should use thin curtains with linen or cotton material in light colors such as white, beige, or light gray. Types curtain This allows maximum natural light to pass through, while still ensuring the necessary privacy. Avoid thick, dark or patterned curtains.

See more articles Lighting in interior design: role & principles.

Which unit designs and constructs Scandinavian interiors with prestige and good prices?

SmartDecor is a professional unit in the field of Scandinavian interior design and construction, providing comprehensive and optimal solutions for your apartment, townhouse, or villa. With a deep understanding of the philosophy of "Less is More", we are committed to creating spaces that are not only beautiful and sophisticated but also maximize functionality and spread the typical warmth of the Nordic style.

Why choose SmartDecor?

• Deep expertise: SmartDecor's team of architects and designers are highly trained in Scandinavian style, always updated with the latest trends such as Japandi or Scandinavian Contemporary, ensuring to bring unique designs that suit the personality of each homeowner.
• Comprehensive solution: From consulting, creating realistic 2D/3D design ideas, to the complete construction process, SmartDecor strictly controls each stage to ensure quality and schedule.
• Selected materials: We prioritize the use of sustainable natural light-colored woods (oak, ash), environmentally friendly materials (linen, cotton), and high-end accessories, ensuring aesthetic harmony and outstanding durability for the project.
• Optimize function & light: Each SmartDecor design is carefully calculated to maximize natural light, create open, airy spaces, and integrate smart storage solutions, helping the house stay neat and convenient.
• Creating a “Hygge” experience: We not only design interiors, but also create a living space where you can feel peace, relaxation and happiness every day, true to the Nordic spirit of Hygge.

With SmartDecor, you will not only have a beautiful house, but also an inspiring home where every moment becomes precious.

For more detailed information about Scandinavian style and to apply your favorite design style to your life more effectively, please contact SmartDecor for dedicated support.