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Scandinavian style simply known as scandi style is a design style that emerged during the 1930s. Scandinavian is a collective name describing the five Nordic countries Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland & Iceland. Scandinavians are known for their simplicity and elegance and so is the design style. What makes the Scandi style versatile is its simple clutter-free design giving emphasis to light. The design concept can be defined as a minimalistic design with more focus on clean, simple lines with functionality and aesthetic beauty.

Highlighting features of a Scandinavian Design


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There is a lot of importance to light in a Scandinavian design concept, be it daylight or artificial lights, space should be well lit. Thus when you design the night view of the space make sure you choose the right fixtures.

                 Ways to achieve proper lighting in Scandinavian design:

  1. Allow maximum daylight as possible by providing wide-open windows.
  2. Provide minimum window treatments.
  3. Choose pale/ light shade color palette for walls.
  4. The flooring should be of a lighter complexion.            




A scandi style is distinguished by its neutral color shades with more emphasis given to white or off-white with few pop-ups of darker shades. The overall space seems to be monochromatic and colors are added using different accent pieces. The other various colors coming under Scandi styles are green, blue, brown, and neutral colors such as grey, black.  
      • Keeping prominence to white tones you can either paint anyone particular wall in a different shade & remaining walls in white or by keeping entire walls in white and providing decorative accents like N cushions, rugs, couches, bedside of different colors.




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Furniture made of light wood adds to the beauty of the space. Scandi style is known for its minimal design providing a clutter-free functional space. The furniture tones are always kept subtle to ensure warmth. 
    • Sofas with wooden framework and neutral color furnishings go well with the style. You can bring in a combination of wood and metal like in a wooden dining table accompanied by steel chairs.




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The minimalistic design criteria are reflected in the use of decorative accents too. Thus when you choose the decorative items for your space go for simple sleek items with little or no ornamentation. For example, you can place simple candles, ceramic vases over a tripod stool: similarly striped or geometric design or textured pillows for couches, sleek design pendant lights so on.





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Scandinavian style promotes sustainability with the use of natural items like wood, leather, hemp, all these bring in a warm cozy feeling to your living space. Warm and neutral textured textiles are highlights of this style (animal skin rugs, hemp fabric cushion helps in bringing warmth during the winter days).





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Usage of fresh flowers, indoor plants enhances the charm of every Scandinavian interior. Therefore try using floral elements in your design by placing indoor plants; leafy or flowering adding to the naturalistic element to your design.




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In order to promote maximum reflection of light, the flooring is always kept light-colored and simple. This helps space look more spacious and brighter and creates a welcoming effect. Wooden flooring is preferred mostly helping with the cold climate by providing warmth to the foot, with either laminate tops or painted white.




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Proper lighting is a crucial factor. With maximum inclusion of the daylight, nighttime illumination should be taken care of. Metallic textured modernized design lightings are suggested to be included such as pendant lights, wall sconces, floor lamps, ramp light. etc.