For some of us, the phrase “Scandinavian design” triggers images of a certain big-box store with popular meatballs. For our design experts, Scandinavian design is much more than assembling your own furniture or out of the box designs. Stemming from its Nordic influences, designing with a Scandinavian flair is a lifestyle as much as it’s decor. The style focuses on minimalism, functionality, and simplicity in a space. So when you’re hoping to get a night of quality shut-eye, what better than a calming, simple space?
To nab that Nordic look in your bedroom, try these six ideas.
Part of Scandinavian design is its simplicity when it comes to the color palette. When in doubt, choose white. From the bedding to the wall color, and everything in between, selecting clean whites helps create that light and airy atmosphere coveted in Scandinavian design.
If you’re worried your bedroom might look like a medical-grade cleanroom by the time you’re through with the redesign, try different shades and textures of white. Using a variety of shades of white, with a couple of different textures thrown in with pillows or window treatments, will create a surprising amount of complexity and depth in the room.
Scandinavian design is minimal, so objects often serve double duty. A hallmark of Scandinavian design is the sculptural lighting fixtures that are both artistic and functional. They won’t just illuminate a room, it’s a focal point of the space. In your bedroom, go with a small statement chandelier, or choose a pair of unique reading lights on either side of the bed.
The Danish concept of hygge has taken the design world by storm, and there’s no denying its influence on Scandinavian style. Hygge is the sense of coziness, comfort, and wellbeing created in a well-designed space.
Getting your hygge on in a bedroom is a breeze. Be sure to incorporate cozy throws and blankets at the foot of your bed, or place a few candles throughout the room to achieve that perfect, flickering glow when the sun goes down.
Minimalism and simplicity feed into all aspects of the Scandinavian room, including building materials. Opt for wood furnishings where you can, and try to stick to lighter, natural wood finishes that show off the rustic wood grain.
A potted plant in the corner is the exception to the natural wood and white that dominates the Scandinavian design. Select a couple modern, minimalist planter to display your greenery, or buy one large plant as a standout feature. Incorporating plants into your room helps create that airy sense of calm that’ll create a serene retreat when it’s time to call it a night.
In a Scandinavian room, its simplicity above all. That means clearing your countertops of clutter throughout the bedroom. Use smart storage solutions like baskets or under bed storage to stash the bulk of your stuff.
Too many accent pieces and accessories can lend a busy air to the room, taking away from the simple atmosphere that you strive for in a Scandinavian bedroom. Avoid having too much out on top of bureaus or bedside tables. Clearing away the clutter will make for a calming space to unwind from the day.
Create more with less. The more you embrace having less in your room’s design, the closer you are to an ultra-calming Scandinavian-inspired bedroom. If you want to create a clean space with a calming design to rest your head each night, the Scandinavian style might be just the right fit.
Not sure about the Scandinavian inspired design? Take Havenly’s interior design quiz to figure out what style suits your personality.
