What Is Scandinavian Interior Design Style and Which Wallpapers Match It Best?

Scandinavian interior design is a design philosophy that emphasises minimalism, functionality, and a deep connection to nature to create warm and cosy spaces. The wallpapers that match this style are usually neutral-toned with minimal patterns and motifs that upraise the clean, airy atmosphere.

But Scandinavian interior design style is not just about visual decor anymore, it has become a way of living, a lifestyle for many. Its insistence on creating an overall sense of well-being, allows homeowners to have a better quality of life.

Therefore, if you want to create a Scandi-style living room or a cosy bedroom corner, choosing the right wallpaper that matches this design philosophy is essential. So, read along to know everything about Scandinavian interior design and suitable wallpapers that match its vibe.

What is the History Behind Scandinavian Interior Design Style?

To dig a little deeper, Scandinavian interior design is a design concept of minimalism whose principles are based on simplicity and functionality. It is characterised by neutral colours, natural materials, and emphasis on well-illuminated and cosy spaces.

As for the subject of origin, this interior design style emerged from Nordic countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway in the 20th century, out of necessity. Winters in these regions were unforgivable and Nordics had no choice but to rely on natural elements to survive.

This approach of using natural elements to create minimal, practical, and well-lit spaces quickly gained global popularity during the Golden Age. Led by designers Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen, Scandinavian interior design influenced many during the movement.

What was once the regions’ way of adapting to darkness and winter, quickly became the most popular interior design styles that strived to make daily life comfortable, tidy, and filled with maximum functionality.

What are the Key Characteristics of Scandinavian Interior Design?

Here are a few key characteristics you’ll see throughout Scandinavian room decor:-

1. Clean Lines & Simplicity

At its core, Scandinavian interior design repudiates excess in favour of minimalism and simplicity. Uncluttered areas, clean lines, and intentional decor and furniture are what give rise to a bright and orderly living environment.

2. Neutral Colour Palette

Scandi interiors mostly entail a neutral colour palette with muted and pastel colours such as beige, soft grey, whites, and browns. Due to the dark, long winters, the Nordics opt for these colour schemes to keep their interiors bright and airy.

3. Organic Materials & Textures

A distinguishing characteristic of Scandinavian interior design is the use of natural material and textures such as wood, linen, and leather. Big windows to let natural light in and long-lasting natural materials that give interiors an organic look, all reflect the deep connection to nature.

4. Cosiness (Hygge)

The Nordic interior design is synonymous with cosiness and comfort, often described by the Danish term ‘hygge’. The term emphasises creating a living space that feels warm, welcoming, and comfortable.

What are the Key Characteristics of Scandinavian Furniture and Lighting?

The simplicity in Scandinavian interior design is what makes it a favourite among interior designers and homeowners. Especially furniture and lighting, that create a space that is intentional and stylish. Here are their key characteristics:-

A. Furniture

The Nordics pay no heed to unnecessary furnishings and ornamentation– every decor piece is intentional and thoughtfully chosen.

• Natural Materials: These are at the core of Scandi style to reflect the Nordic’s connection to nature. Wooden tables, leather armchair, or textile sofas, all bring the outdoors in.
• Doubling as Storage & Function: The Scandinavians multi-purpose their furniture pieces to keep space organised and clutter-free. These clever storage furniture keep home decorative as well as functional.

B. Lighting

In Scandinavian interior design, lighting takes the spotlight as it was an integral part of winters in the Nordic regions. From natural light to artificial fixtures, the atmosphere of a room is greatly enhanced with light.

• Abundance of Natural Light: Scandinavian homes are designed to make most of natural light to ensure the rooms feel open and airy. Large windows and light curtains help sunlight flood in.
• Sleek Lighting Fixtures: In addition to natural light, minimalist lighting fixtures create a warm and inviting ambience, long after the sun has set.

How to Design Different Rooms in Scandinavian Style?

If you would love to create an uncomplicated, comfortable, and beautiful home inspired by Scandinavian interior style, then we’ll help you create one:-

1. Living Room

The living room is the heart of the Scandinavian design that is abound with style and comfort. The key to achieving a thoughtful and airy scandi-style living room is by:-

• Keeping the colour palette soft, warm, and neutral.
• Choosing clean silhouette furnishings like wooden sofa, coffee table, and frames.
• Adding warm textures like cosy throws, felted wool rug, and some plants.

2. Bedroom

You’ll always find cosiness and minimalism in a Scandinavian bedroom that promotes relaxation and serenity. You can accomplish this through:-

• Light colour palette like white or soft greys to reflect natural light.
• Cosy and warm textiles like wool blankets, linen bedding, and cotton pillows.
• Furniture with multipurpose, like a bed with hidden storage.

3. Kitchen

A Scandinavian kitchen comprises organised and aesthetic space, where cooking and dining feels enjoyable. Make your kitchen look sleek and effortless by:-

• Opting cabinets for neat arrangement of kitchenware.
• Designing open shelves to display pottery and ceramics.
• Using pendant lighting to highlight clean lines and sleekness.

Scandi vs Japandi vs Minimalism: Which Interior Style is Right for You?

Now there are a few interior designs that center simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature–Japandi, Scandi, and minimalism take the spotlight. At first, they might seem alike, but after closer inspection, they all slightly differ.

Which Wallpapers Match Modern Scandinavian Interior Design?

As you now know, Scandi interiors thrive on simplicity, functionality and comfort. And wallpapers that lean towards soft tones, minimal patterns and natural motifs, echo the true essence of Scandinavian design. Therefore, here are some Magicdecor’s wallpaper styles that match it:-

1. Nature-Inspired Motifs

Nature is the core of Scandi design that brings in the organic beauty and charm of the outdoors inside. With designs drawn from nature, these motifs create a home that feels natural and grounding.

Characteristics you’ll find in nature-inspired Scandi wallpapers:-

• Gentle motifs of leaves, flowers, and branches in pleasant colours.
• Motifs are placed with subtle spacing and harmonious repetition to avoid crowding.
• Each motif is elegant and a reminder of nature.

2. Japandi Fusion

The fusion of Japanese aesthetics with Scandinavian cosiness, known as Japandi, creates organic, minimalist, and earthy functional spaces. As for these wallpapers, you’ll find nature-inspired with subtle patterns.

Characteristics you’ll find in Japandi wallpapers:-

• A neutral, nature-based colour palette.
• Motifs such as bamboo, The Great Wave, and abstract florals.
• Textures that mimic wood-grain or reed.

3. Minimalist Geometric Patterns

Clean, minimalist geometric patterns give structure and symmetry to interiors. Minimalist geometric patterns use subtle, repetitive shapes that bring about a visual balance and flow.

Characteristics you’ll find in minimalist geometric wallpapers:-

• Geometric shapes have soft linearity and understated grids.
• Majorly consists of slim, gentle geometric shapes like chevron, herringbone, and fishbone lines.
• Matte or linen finishes keep the geometry tactile.

4. Scandi Stripes & Lines

Stripes and lines are a Scandinavian classic that can make a space feel taller, wider, or simply more composed. Whether you opt for vertical or horizontal stripes, they bring home a calm aesthetic that defines Scandi interiors.

Characteristics you’ll find in Scandi striped wallpapers:-

• Evenly, spaced lines that keep the look breathable and light.
• Layered with muted tones such as blue, ivory, and soft grey.
• Stripes or lines often appear to be faded or brushed for a subtle effect.

5. Pastel Mountain Landscape

What better way to represent modern Scandinavian interior design than mountain landscape wallpapers? They capture distant peaks softened with pastel colours that create a tranquil backdrop.

Characteristics you’ll find in pastel mountain landscape wallpapers:-

• Consist of blush, mist blue, and taupe pastel shades.
• Overlapping, watercoloured layers that give walls depth and dimension.
• Soft, tonal mountain silhouettes that mimic misty Nordic horizons.

Scandinavian Interior Design: A Timeless, Functional Favourite

At its core, Scandinavian interior design is about living with intention–it embraces functionality, simplicity, and connection to nature that creates spaces that are not only minimalistic but also beautiful and cosy.

And to bring this essence into your home, choosing wallpapers as mentioned above is necessary to create a space infused with elegance and practicality.

Scandinavian Interior Design FAQs:

Q: What are the main principles of Scandinavian interior design?

A: The main principles of Scandinavian interior design are simple, uncluttered spaces, use of natural materials, and abundance of natural lighting.

Q: Which colours define Scandinavian interiors?

A: The Scandinavian colour palette entails soft and muted tones that enhance natural light. Shades such as whites, greys, beige, pale wood, and taupe.

Q: What kind of wallpapers suit Scandinavian bedrooms or living rooms?

A: To achieve a Scandinavian look in your living room and bedroom, opt for wallpapers with simple, soft-toned wallpapers like minimalist geometric patterns, pastel scenic landscape, or motifs inspired by nature.

Q: What’s the difference between Scandinavian and Japandi style?

A: While both share similarities, they differ in influence. Scandinavian leans towards lightness and comfort, while Japandi blends Scandi cosiness with Japanese calm.

Q: How do I make my home look more Scandinavian on a budget?

A: You don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve the Scandinavian look. Start by decluttering your space, opt for a neutral colour palette, add as much of natural materials as possible such as plants, wooden furniture, and textiles. Allow natural light to seep in and use artificial fixtures to create a warm glow at dawn.