Welcome to the serene world of Scandi style, where simplicity and functionality meet to create spaces that are both tranquil and trendy.
Originating in the early 20th century from the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, Scandinavian interior design is celebrated for its minimalistic approach, emphasising clean lines, natural materials, and a palette of neutral and soothing colours.
The "Design in Scandinavia" Exhibition in the Brooklyn Museum, 1954.
Image Credit: The Brooklyn Museum
This popular design philosophy has gained immense traction in modern homes across the globe, transforming everyday living spaces into havens of calm and beauty. With its increasing appeal, Scandi home décor has become a staple for those looking to infuse a sense of light and airiness into their spaces.
Join us as we explore how Scandi style interior design can elevate your home aesthetics, reflecting a lifestyle that values both simplicity and understated elegance.
A simple Scandinavian style kitchen and dining area
Image Credit: @haus_tannenkamp on Instagram
What is Scandi Style?
Scandi style, or Scandinavian interior design, is characterised by its minimalist and functional approach, emphasising simplicity, lightness, and the beauty of natural materials.
The essence of this design style is found in clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and uncluttered spaces that create a calming and airy atmosphere. Key features include the use of organic materials like wood, wool, and linen, which add warmth and texture, as well as a strong focus on functionality, ensuring that every element is both beautiful and practical so that it can be used every day.
By blending these elements, Scandi home décor achieves a harmonious balance between minimalism and cosiness, making it an enduring favourite in modern interiors.
Neutral and uncluttered, this living room is a great example of Scandinavian Interior Design
Shop the Rug: Valley Ivory Connection Rug
How to Achieve Scandi Style in Your Home
Creating a Scandi style interior is all about embracing simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty. Here is some practical advice to help you bring this effortlessly elegant look into your own space:
A Neutral Colour Palette
Start with a base of neutral colours such as whites, greys, and beiges. These shades create a light and airy foundation, perfect for making your space feel open and serene.
Focus on Minimalist Furniture
Opt for furniture with clean lines and simple forms. Pieces should be both stylish and functional, offering practical solutions for everyday living. Think about sofas, chairs, and tables that are sleek and unfussy. This is the Scandinavian way.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Bring the outdoors in by using materials like wood, leather, wool, and linen. These elements add warmth and texture, making your home feel cosy and inviting. Consider wooden flooring, woollen throws, and linen cushions to infuse a natural charm.
Emphasise Light and Space
Maximise natural light by keeping window areas uncluttered. Reflect light with mirrors and choose lighting fixtures that are both functional and stylish. The goal is to make your space feel bright and spacious.
Keep it Uncluttered
Avoid clutter by choosing essential and multifunctional pieces. Storage should be practical and integrated seamlessly into your décor. This keeps your space tidy and reinforces the minimalist aesthetic that is present in Scandi style interiors.
Add Hygge with Textiles and Accessories
Hygge, a Danish concept, is a key part of Scandinavian interior design. Denmark's official website describes Hygge as:
"taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures."
Hygge is often about informal time together with family or close friends
Image Credit: denmark.dk
Incorporating Hygge into interior design means creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Add soft textiles like rugs, throws, and cushions. Simple decorative elements such as candles and plants can also enhance the cosy feel without overwhelming the space.
By following these tips, you can effortlessly bring the calm and elegant vibes of Scandinavian design into your home, creating a space that is both functional and beautifully serene.
Choosing the Right Scandi Style Rug for Your Space
Selecting the perfect Scandi rug is a crucial step in creating a cohesive and inviting Scandinavian-style interior. Here’s how to choose the right size, colour, and pattern to complement your space:
Size Matters
When it comes to Scandi rugs, bigger is often better. Large Scandi rugs are ideal for creating a seamless, unified look in your room. They anchor the furniture and define areas, especially in open-plan living spaces.
Make sure your rug is large enough to fit under all of your furniture to ensure everything is tied together and to create a soft landing underfoot, helping to add to the cosy and serene atmosphere.
Colour Choices
Scandinavian style is synonymous with a neutral colour palette. Opt for rugs in shades of white, grey, beige, or soft pastels that blend effortlessly with the rest of your décor. These neutral tones help to maintain the light and airy feel that goes hand in hand with Scandinavian interior design.
Pattern and Texture
Don’t be afraid to introduce subtle patterns or textures to add interest and depth without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. Textured rugs, like those with a woven or shaggy finish, can also add warmth and a tactile element to your space, enhancing the cosy, inviting atmosphere that is a hallmark of Scandinavian interior design..
Many Lorena Canals rugs feature subtle patterns or textures in a neutral colour palette, making them the perfect addition to your Scandi style spaces.
Lorena Canals Sheep of the World Woolable Steppe - Sheep Beige Rug
By carefully selecting the right Scandinavian style rug, you can enhance the beauty and functionality of your home, seamlessly integrating it into your Scandi-inspired décor.
Whether you choose a large rug to anchor your living room or a soft-textured piece for your bedroom, the right rug will elevate your space, making it both stylish and comfortable.
Spotlight on Our Scandi Style Rugs
Lorena Canals Woolable Kids Arona Rug
The Lorena Canals Woolable Kids Arona Rug (not just for kids) perfectly captures the essence of Scandinavian style. With its neutral tones of white, beige, and subtle grey stripes, it enhances the light, airy feel of any Scandi-inspired space.
Made from 100% wool, this rug brings warmth and a cosy texture, essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere. The minimalist design and natural materials make it a versatile piece that seamlessly integrates into your Scandi style décor, adding understated elegance and comfort.
Calvin Klein CK - Riverstone CK940 Ivory Rug
The Calvin Klein CK Riverstone Ivory Rug is a quintessential addition to any Scandi-inspired space. With its soft ivory colour and rich, pebble-like texture, this rug enhances the natural, cosy feel of Scandinavian interiors.
Its neutral tone makes it versatile and easy to blend with your décor, while the textured design adds a subtle depth that aligns with the minimalist and organic elements of Scandi style.
Rocco RC10 Cream Arrow Rug
The Rocco RC10 Cream Arrow Rug is perfect for achieving a Scandi look in your home. Its soft cream base, accented with simple grey arrow motifs, embodies the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design.
The neutral beige and grey colours and subtle pattern seamlessly blend into Scandinavian décor, while the plush texture adds a cosy feel, making it an ideal choice for creating a calm and inviting space.
Katherine Carnaby Coast CS06 Cream Stripe Rug
Bring a touch of Nordic tranquillity into your home with the Katherine Carnaby Coast CS06 Cream Stripe Rug. Featuring soft, alternating cream stripes and a textured weave, this rug beautifully balances simplicity with subtle detail. Its natural tones and woven pattern evoke a sense of calm and lightness, perfect for creating a serene and cosy environment typical of Scandinavian interiors.
The durable, handwoven construction ensures it’s as practical as it is stylish, making it an ideal choice for any room seeking that authentic Scandi charm.
Lorena Canals Free Your Soul Woolable Rug Forever Always Rug
The Lorena Canals Free Your Soul Woolable Rug - Forever Always blends soft gradients of cream and taupe to embody the calming essence of Scandi style. Its plush texture and subtle ombre design create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Crafted from natural wool, this rug offers both luxurious comfort and practical washability, making it a stylish and functional addition to any room, which is what Scandi style is all about.
Nourison Moroccan Shag MRS02 CREAM Rug
The Nourison Moroccan Shag MRS02 Cream Rug combines traditional Moroccan patterns with the understated elegance of Scandi design.
Its cream background is accented by simple black geometric motifs, offering a perfect blend of texture and style. The plush, shaggy pile adds warmth and a calming feel, making it an ideal centrepiece for any Scandinavian living space.
This is just a small selection of the Scandi style rugs we have available at Love-Rugs. Explore our full Scandinavian Rug Collection here.
Transform Your Home with Scandinavian Interior Design
Scandi style is renowned for its ability to create spaces that are both timeless and cosy. By focusing on simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty, Scandinavian design offers a serene and welcoming environment that stands the test of time.
Whether you’re looking to declutter and brighten your living area or introduce calming, neutral tones throughout your home, Scandi style provides a versatile framework that can be tailored to suit any taste.
We hope this guide gave you some inspiration on how to bring a touch of Nordic charm into your home!