In the past several years, minimalist design has permeated social media and television, with decluttering influencers advocating for a simpler and more economically conscious way of life. Now, with a few chaotic years behind us, taking control of our space and expelling the clutter sounds more appealing than ever. Of course, many remain wary of minimalist decor, viewing it as cold, pristine — and perhaps most offensive! — boring. If you count yourself among that camp, let us introduce you to the ultimate minimalist decorating secret — Scandinavian furniture!
Originating in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway, Scandinavian furniture design is characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. Made famous by designers such as Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobson, Maija Isola, and Hans J. Wegner, Scandinavian furniture focuses on simple lines that evoke a sense of tranquility and calm. Drawing on themes in nature, you can utilize these pieces to create harmony in your home and in your mind.
How Does Scandinavian Design Create Warmth? One Word – Hygge.
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word describing a lifestyle concept that heralds coziness, wellness, and contentment. Hygge also heavily influences Scandinavian furniture design. While Hygge can be a tricky concept to understand without experiencing it firsthand, its ethos revolves around creating an environment that sparks happiness, contentment, and peace with the world around you. By taking a hygge-inspired approach to interior design and surrounding yourself with pieces that bring you joy, it’s easy to imbue a stark, minimalist space with comfort and warmth.
3 Elements of Scandinavian Furniture Design
Here, we delve into three ways to bring minimalist Scandinavian character into your own home. These are far from the only ways, of course. In addition to the elements listed below, you can also explore a Scandinavian spin-off, such as Japandi.
Natural Materials
Heavily influenced by minimalism, Scandinavian furniture design strips back any frivolous additions to showcase a piece’s inherent functionality. To avoid a cold aesthetic, many Scandinavian pieces incorporate natural materials such as wool, cotton, and wood. These materials draw in the vitality of nature and will imbue any space with warmth. Scandinavian furniture will last for decades—if not centuries. It’s masterfully crafted to deepen your connection to nature, even when you’re indoors.
Pops of Organic Color
The Scandinavian palette is full of nuanced neutrals. Likewise, Scandinavian rooms style frequently adopt a monochromatic aesthetic. That said, not all is quiet on the Scandinavian front. Scandinavian furniture design frequently draws inspiration from nature, incorporating colorful hues plucked directly from the outside world. Because of this, you’ll notice that interiors decorated with Scandinavian furniture showcase a refined minimalism, but also convey an undeniable brightness and vibrance. Textiles from Scandinavian makers like Josef Frank perfectly embody this.
Softly Spread Lighting
According to Hygge, a room’s lighting sources — including the windows — need to be carefully placed around a room to generate a harmonious mood. While relocating windows might be outside of the scope of a DIY makeover, Scandinavian lamps are a great way to fill a minimalist space with a warm, gentle glow. Scandinavian lighting encompasses a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, making it easy to find a piece the suits you perfectly. While many Scandinavian furniture designs feel structural rather than playful, Scandinavian lighting offers a reprieve. Consider an Artichoke pendant by Louis Poulsen to bring a sense of whimsicality to space. Or, select a wavy bentwood floor lamp by Mads Caprani of Denmark to illicit a sculptural note.
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Lead design by Bunsa Studio / Photo by Michael Stavaridis
