Ideas

Scandinavian living room ideas

A Scandinavian living room is bright, simple and very easy to live in. It is built around light wood, soft textiles and as much daylight as possible. Here is how to get the look in an ordinary living room.

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What makes a living room Scandinavian?

A Scandinavian living room has white or very light walls, light wood floors and furniture, a light-colored sofa on wooden legs, a wool rug, soft textiles like sheepskin and linen, several warm lamps and plenty of plants. Pattern is kept to a minimum so the light and the natural materials stand out.

An ordinary living room with a tan reclining sofa, burgundy drapes and an oak entertainment center
Before
The same living room redesigned in Scandinavian style with white walls, light oak, a gray sofa on legs and sheer curtains
After

Same walls, same window, same camera. Only the design changed.

7 Scandinavian living room ideas

  1. Keep the walls white or off-white

    It bounces daylight around the room and makes everything else look fresh.

  2. Choose light wood

    Oak, ash or birch for the floor, the coffee table and the shelves.

  3. Pick a sofa on legs

    A light gray, oatmeal or cream sofa with slim wooden legs keeps the room airy.

  4. Layer soft textures

    A wool rug, a sheepskin, linen cushions and a knitted throw add warmth to the pale palette.

  5. Use sheer curtains

    Light linen or cotton curtains, or none at all, so you keep every bit of daylight.

  6. Light it warmly

    Floor and table lamps with warm bulbs. In Nordic homes the lamps are on for most of the day in winter.

  7. Add plants

    A few green plants bring life to the neutral palette.

White walls, light oak, a gray sofa on legs and a cream wool rug.
White walls, light oak, a gray sofa on legs and a cream wool rug.
An oak lounge chair with a sheepskin makes a reading corner.
An oak lounge chair with a sheepskin makes a reading corner.

Common mistakes

  • Only gray and white with no wood or texture. The room ends up cold.
  • Heavy drapes that block the daylight.
  • Lots of pattern and bold color.

Try it on your room

  1. Take a photo of your living room. Include the window, since daylight is the heart of this style.
  2. Choose Sea Scandinavian. That is the name of the Scandinavian style in the app.
  3. Compare with Japandi. If the result feels too bright or too cool, Japandi gives you a warmer version.

Questions, answered

What colors are used in a Scandinavian living room?

White and off-white walls, light wood, soft grays and beige, black accents, and green from plants.

What furniture is typical in a Scandinavian living room?

A simple sofa on wooden legs, a light wood coffee table, a lounge chair, open shelving and a few well-made lamps.

How do I make a Scandinavian living room cozy?

Add texture: a wool rug, sheepskin, knitted throws and linen cushions, plus several warm lamps and candles.

Does Scandinavian style work in a small living room?

Yes. Light colors, furniture on legs and very little clutter all make a small room feel larger.

What is the difference between a Scandinavian and a Japandi living room?

Scandinavian is brighter and whiter. Japandi is warmer and earthier, with lower furniture.

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