What is Scandinavian style?
Originating from Sweden, Denmark and Norway, Nordic style found its way into our homes in the 1950s and 60s. Though deceptively simple, it stands out above all for its clean-lined, sometimes geometric furniture that fulfils its purpose with elegance and subtlety — all without shying away from gentle curves, be it rounded backs, curved armrests or slightly splayed tubular legs.
As for colours, restraint is crucial to soothe the eyes and visually expand the space. The Nordic palette features pure white, beige and light grey, with a splash or two of pastel shades used sparingly. But Norwegian and Danish styles are also warm and rooted in nature: Scandinavian interiors often include a few lush green plants and, especially, pale wood furniture or decorative pieces, sometimes paired with a hint of metal.
The essentials for bringing Nordic style into your rooms
You don’t have to redo everything to recreate the inspiring atmosphere of Scandinavian apartments. From furniture to décor, here’s how to easily transform your home on a budget.
Scandinavian lighting fixtures: truly essential
If you want to introduce Nordic flair into your rooms, nothing works better than well-chosen lighting. Instantly recognisable, Scandinavian lighting fixtures are defined by their graphic, fuss-free shapes: whether round, conical, or cylindrical, they keep it simple and provide both practical and decorative illumination.
For a dining room that’s right on trend, you can hang Scandinavian dome-shaped pendant lights above the table — ideally in white metal for maximum brightness.
Dining room➞
In the living area, opt for one of our Scandinavian ceiling lights: elegant yet discreet, a simple luminous disc will spread wide, even lighting throughout the space.
For intimate areas like the bedroom, you’ll want light that’s gentle and subdued; Scandinavian floor lamps suit this perfectly, often featuring a triple natural wood stand and a pale fabric lampshade that ensures a soft, glare-free glow.
Graphic, cosy rugs
Mixing black and white, pairing dove grey with a touch of soft yellow, or favouring pastel blue, Scandinavian rugs are a sure-fire way to nail the look. Soft and plush, they also add that essential comfort that makes you feel at home. Their geometric patterns vary widely — triangles, diamonds, abstract lines — bringing a modern edge to any interior.
For a snug living room or a cosy master suite, try a long-pile model, shaggy style. Short-pile Nordic rugs are right at home in busy areas, like hallways or children’s rooms, where toy pushchairs and cars wheel effortlessly over their surface! For styling your terrace, kitchen or bathroom floors, don’t forget classic Swedish plastic runners: they’re rot-proof and the perfect way to add character to damp-prone zones.
Living room➞
The unique charm of Nordic chairs
Instantly recognisable, Scandinavian chairs bring style to any office, kitchen or dining room. What sets them apart?
They're made from a single moulded shell with beautifully rounded contours, set atop lovely pine or natural oak legs, often simply varnished and sometimes reinforced with metal crossbars.
For your dining table, choose chairs with plastic seats that wipe clean in a flash. Elsewhere, go for chairs upholstered in fabric — optionally padded, perhaps with armrests — to guarantee maximum comfort for unwinding, reading or chatting.
A clock set to Danish time
Once you’ve sorted the lighting and furniture, all you need is a standout accent piece to finish your new Nordic-inspired look.
Both practical and stylish, Scandinavian clocks draw every eye, whether hung in the living area or the kitchen.
Chic in their simplicity, they tend to feature a square or round dial, rimless or, conversely, just a minimalist open frame. As for materials, clocks alternate between wood and metal — or pair the two for a strikingly on-trend contrast.
And the numbers? Crossed by two simple hands, they might be contemporary, Roman... or absent altogether, for those who love a thoroughly modern look. The perfect finishing touch for minimalist décor in the purest Nordic spirit!
