The Scandi style - Scandinavian living room furnishings

The Scandi style has gained enormous popularity in recent years, especially when it comes to furnishing living rooms. This Nordic furnishing style is known for its simple elegance, minimalist charm and cozy atmosphere. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Scandi style and find out how to furnish a living room in Scandinavian style.

What is the Scandi style?

Before we delve into the furnishings, let's first take a look at the Scandi style itself. The term refers to the Scandinavian interior design style that is widespread in Nordic countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The Scandi style is characterized by its clean lines, light colors and natural materials. It combines functionality with aesthetics to create a harmonious living atmosphere.

Origin and development of the Scandi style

The Scandi style has its roots in the late 1920s, when Scandinavian designers began to develop the concept of "funkis". This movement focused on minimalist design and sought to combine beauty and functionality. In the 1950s, the Scandi style became internationally known when Scandinavian furniture and interior design companies began to export their products worldwide.

Key features of the Scandi style

The Scandi style is characterized by certain features that give it its distinctive look. These include:

1. Light colors: The Scandi style mainly uses neutral shades such as white, beige and gray to create an airy and open atmosphere.
2. Natural materials: Wood and natural materials are at the heart of the Scandi style. Oak, birch and pine are popular materials for furniture and flooring.
3. Minimalism: The Scandi style places great emphasis on simplicity and minimalist design. Less is more, and pieces are carefully selected to create a clean and uncluttered look.
4. Functionality: Scandinavian design is characterized by its functionality. Pieces of furniture are not only beautiful to look at, but also have a practical use, such as combining with a simple modular sofa in a light Color
5. Coziness: Although the Scandi style is minimalist, it places great emphasis on coziness. Cozy blankets, soft carpets and warm lighting create an inviting and cozy atmosphere.

The Scandi style is not just a furnishing style, but also a philosophy of life. It reflects Scandinavian culture, which is characterized by simplicity, sustainability and well-being. The clean lines and light color palette of Scandi style make rooms appear larger and more open. The use of natural materials such as wood gives the furniture and floors a warm and organic touch.

Here is an example of a Scandinavian living room combined with the Harvey modular sofa:

Another feature of the Scandi style is its functionality. Scandinavian designers are known for their ability to create aesthetically pleasing and practical pieces of furniture. Much Scandi style furniture is modular and can be adapted as required. For example, the combination often includes a modular sofa with interchangeable covers is often used. These have the advantage that they can be adapted to the space at any time. This allows residents to make optimum use of the space and adapt it to their individual needs.

The Scandi style also places great emphasis on coziness and comfort. In the cold Nordic countries, it is important that the home is a place where you can relax and unwind. Therefore soft carpets, cozy blankets and warm Scandi style lighting are essential. These elements create an inviting atmosphere and invite you to linger.

The Scandi style has evolved over the years and is no longer limited to the Nordic countries. It has gained international influence and is appreciated by people all over the world. The minimalist and timeless character of Scandi style makes it a popular choice for modern apartments and houses.

How to furnish a Scandi style living room

Now that we know what Scandi style is all about, let's take a look at how to furnish a living room in this style. The right color palette, the choice of furniture and the right decoration all play an important role.

The Scandi style is known for its simple elegance and cozy atmosphere. Scandinavian design is characterized by light and neutral colors, minimalist furniture and natural materials. A Scandi style living room radiates peace and harmony and invites you to relax.

Choosing the right color palette

The choice of colors is crucial for the Scandi style. Light and neutral shades should be in the foreground to create an airy and open atmosphere. White, beige, gray and pastel shades are ideal options. Accents can be created with pastel-colored cushions or decorative objects.

Another important aspect when choosing colors is the use of natural materials. Wood plays a major role in Scandinavian design and can be used in the form of flooring, furniture or accessories. Wood adds warmth and naturalness to the room.

Choosing the right furniture

Minimalism is the key when choosing furniture for the Scandinavian living room. The focus is on clean lines and minimalist design. Wooden furniture is particularly popular and gives the room a natural and warm touch. Make sure to choose functional pieces that are also aesthetically pleasing. You should also consider the selection of upholstered furniture pay attention to the choice of color. These should also be chosen in light colors. To find the right Color for your upholstered furniture, it is best to order free fabric samples. 

Another characteristic feature of Scandinavian design is the high ceilings and large windows, which allow plenty of natural light into the room. This reinforces the feeling of space and openness.

Scandi style decoration

The right decoration is crucial to bring the Scandi style to life. Here are some tips on how to decorate your living room in Scandinavian style:

• Plants: Green plants add a fresh and natural flair to any room. Choose houseplants such as ferns, succulents or a soft climbing plant to complement the Scandinavian look. Find out which plant suits your living room here out. 
• Textiles: Cozy blankets, plaids and cushions are a must for a cozy Scandinavian living room. Choose natural materials such as wool and Cotton in neutral colors.
• Candles: Candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Place candles in different sizes and shapes to create cozy lighting.
• Art: Hang minimalist art prints or photographs on the walls for a modern Scandinavian look. Choose abstract motifs or landscape paintings in muted colors.

Another element that should not be overlooked is the right arrangement of furniture and accessories. The Scandinavian style emphasizes an open and airy room layout. Make sure there is enough space between the furniture to ensure a harmonious atmosphere.

In summary, a Scandi style living room is characterized by its light colour palette, minimalist furniture and cosy decorative elements. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can transform your room into a Scandinavian dream.

Advantages of the Scandi style

The Scandi style has many advantages that make it a popular choice for living rooms.

It is known for its minimalist aesthetic and focus on functionality and comfort. A Scandinavian living room is characterized by functional pieces of furniture, such as modular sofas in bright colors. Each piece has a purpose and offers comfort. Sophisticated design allows optimal use of space without sacrificing comfort.

Another plus point of the Scandi style is its aesthetics. The minimalist approach creates a visually appealing atmosphere. The room looks tidy and harmonious. Clear lines and minimalist design create an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

Scandinavian design also relies on natural materials such as wood and linen. These materials give the room a warm and cozy atmosphere. They bring nature inside and create a connection to the surroundings.

Another advantage of the Scandi style is its timeless elegance. Scandinavian design is known for its longevity and durability. The clean lines and simple design make Scandi style a timeless choice that will still be modern and relevant years later.

Scandi style also offers many possibilities for personalization. Although the design is minimalist, it can still be complemented with personal touches and decorations. By using colors, textures and accessories, the room can be customized to reflect your own taste.

Examples of Scandinavian living rooms

Want some inspiration? Here are some examples of Scandinavian living rooms:

Modern interpretations of the Scandi style

A modern Scandinavian living room is characterized by clean lines, minimalist design and neutral colors. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light and create a bright and open atmosphere. Wooden furniture and natural textiles add a warm and cozy touch.

Scandinavian design stands for functionality and simplicity. The furniture is often multifunctional and space-saving. For example, coffee tables with integrated storage space or sofas with fold-out beds can be used to make the most of limited space.

Another feature of the modern Scandi style is geometric patterns that are used in cushions, rugs or wallpaper. These patterns give the room an interesting visual dynamic and add a modern touch.

Traditional Scandinavian living rooms

Traditional Scandinavian living rooms are often furnished with antique furniture and rustic elements. The emphasis is on coziness and closeness to nature. Darker wooden furniture and checked or striped textiles create a homely feeling. Candles and open fires add to the charm.

In traditional Scandinavian living rooms, there are often handmade accessories such as knitted blankets or rugs with traditional patterns. These handcrafted elements give the room a personal touch and are reminiscent of Scandinavia's rich tradition of craftsmanship.

Another characteristic feature of traditional Scandinavian living rooms is the use of natural materials such as wood and leather. These materials create a warm and inviting atmosphere and bring nature into the home.

Tips and tricks for implementing the Scandi style

Here are some tips and tricks on how to implement the Scandi style in your living room:

The Scandi style stands for minimalist aesthetics and a cozy atmosphere. It is a combination of Nordic design and the Scandinavian way of life. With its light colors, natural materials and clean lines, Scandi style is a popular choice for interior design.

If you want to implement the Scandi look in your living room, there are a few important things to bear in mind. Here are some tips:

How to implement the Scandi look in a small space

The Scandi look can also be achieved in small rooms. Use light colors to make the room appear larger and more open. Choose space-saving furniture, such as modular sofas, and make the most of the space. Clever storage solutions keep the room tidy and create a harmonious atmosphere.

Another tip for a small Scandi style living room is to use mirrors. Mirrors reflect the light and make the room appear larger. Choose a large wall mirror or place several small mirrors strategically in the room to create a visual extension.

How to combine Scandi style with other styles

The Scandi style can be combined well with other interior styles to create an individual look. The mix of Nordic minimalism and other styles such as industrial style or boho chic can produce interesting and unique results. Experiment with different materials and colors to find your personal style.

One way to combine Scandi style with other styles is to use vintage furniture. Vintage pieces give your living room a unique charm and can harmonize perfectly with the minimalist design of the Scandi style. For example, opt for a vintage armchair or an antique side table to add a touch of nostalgia to your living room.

The Scandi style offers an attractive way to design a living room and create a cozy atmosphere. By using light colors, natural materials and minimalist design, you can create a Scandinavian ambience in your living room. With a few tips and tricks, you can easily implement the Scandi look and give your living room a modern and inviting touch.