Top 50 Scandinavian Living Room Ideas and Design Tips

Scandinavian living rooms are adored in interior design for their timeless, minimalistic allure, radiating warmth and serenity. Discover our top 50 ideas to craft your own cozy Scandinavian sanctuary.

In interior design, Scandinavian living rooms have gained immense popularity for their timeless appeal and minimalist charm. Among the many interior design styles, Scandinavian spaces exude a sense of warmth and coziness, making them perfect sanctuaries for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

If you’re looking to transform your living room into a cozy Scandinavian haven, you’re in for a treat! We’ve curated the top 50 Scandinavian living room ideas and design tips to help you create a space that exudes comfort and style. If you’re looking for a great recommendation for a Scandinavian living room furniture store, check out Froy’s Scandinavian furniture collection.

Opt for a neutral palette for your Scandinavian living room

1. Use a shade of white as a base

White living room with wood accents
Source: @jonnaluukko

Transform your living room with gentle hues of creamy ivory and cozy taupe that blend together seamlessly, creating a backdrop that gives you a sense of charm and sophistication.

2. Don’t forget that gray is neutral too

Gray living room with gray accents and wood accents
Source: @scandinavianhomes

Bring out the allure of a gentle gray tone to create a cozy Scandinavian living room.

3. Pair different earthy tones together

Living room with earthy tones
Source: @scandinavianhomes

Pair sandy beiges and earthy tans to evoke a sense of grounding, and add soft ivories for a sense of tranquility.

4. Work with black for contrast

Living room with pops of black
Source: Fredrica

Scandinavian living room ideas don’t always have to be drenched in white or light neutral colors — you can also opt for black. Balanced with clean lines, natural textures, and ample light, this daring approach delivers a Scandinavian haven with a contemporary twist.

5. Mix white and brown tones with matching wood

Living room and dining room with floor to ceiling walls
Source: Lotta Agaton

Gracefully blend white, sand tones, and light wood to create a soothing aesthetic. Additionally, you can enhance it with decor and tasteful paintings to make it a truly enchanting home.

6. Add pops of color

Living room with gray sofa and yellow accents
Source: MG Design UK

While you can opt for a neutral color palette as your base, adding pops of color can give your living room a bit more life while still following a Scandinavian style.

7. Leverage wooden furniture

Living room in an apartment in a high-rise building with white modern furniture and naturala ccents
Source: @scandinavianhomes

Honor the Nordic tradition of simplicity by furnishing your living room with minimalist wooden furniture. After all, the clean lines and understated elegance of wood can help you create an oasis of natural beauty.

8. Try a rustic Scandinavian living room

White living room with a window in the center
Source: @scandinavianhomes

Want a rustic Scandinavian living room? Infuse your living room with a touch of organic allure by incorporating charming wicker chairs. Their intricate woven patterns and natural beige tones not only provide comfortable seating but also connect your space to the rustic beauty of the outdoors.

9. Anchor your living room with stone accents

Living room in a high rise apartment with a marble coffee table
Source: @scadinavianhomes

Unleash the power of stone accents to bestow a rugged, yet refined aesthetic. For instance, opt for a stone coffee table that not only serves as a functional centerpiece but also anchors your living room in natural beauty.

10. Use a stone coffee table with different textures

Living room with rattan rug and chair, marble coffee table and a cozy lounge chair
Source: Richard Powers

The stone coffee table acts as a grounding centerpiece, effortlessly bringing together these diverse textures to achieve a Scandinavian-design living room.

11. Add marble for elegance

Living room with a rose pink rug, marble coffee table and cloud couches
Source: Allison Babcock

Add an understated touch of elegance to your living room with a marble coffee table. For example, the smooth, natural patterns of the marble can bring a sense of sophistication and a hint of the outdoors to your space.

12. Mix different natural materials

Living room with wood chairs, rattan rug and a marble coffee table
Source: Decorilla

Craft a space that resonates with the serene charm of Scandinavian living by weaving together a symphony of natural materials. As shown above, with a marble-topped coffee table, wooden chairs, and a rattan rug, you can create an environment that speaks to the essence of nature.

13. Use wood accents everywhere

Scandinavian living room with lots of wood and natural accrents
Source: Lindye Galloway Studio

The understated elegance of blonde wood, with its clean lines and natural charm, can transform your space into a haven of natural beauty. Opt for natural wooden materials where possible to embrace the essence of Nordic simplicity.

14. Install wood paneling

Wood paneling in a living room
Source: Naturewall

If you want a rustic Scandinavian living room, elevate your living room’s ambiance by integrating the warm embrace of wood paneling. As seen above, the tactile richness and organic texture of the wooden surfaces infuse your space with a sense of rustic charm and natural elegance.

15. Incorporate leather elements

Cozy living room with a small leather bean bag
Source: Decorilla

Merge form and function with the seamless integration of leather elements. Beyond wood, you can also use leather to exude comfort and sophistication while keeping your neutral palette.

16. Stick to a single shade of wood

Living room with wood accents of the same shade
Source: Lindye Galloway Studio

From picture frames to side tables, seamlessly integrating a single wood tone into your furniture and décor effortlessly embodies the essence of a Scandinavian living room idea.

17. Or mix shades of wood for uniqueness

Living room with different wood accents
Source: Paper and Pate Photography

Infuse your decor and storage solutions with natural elements. For instance, utilize wooden boxes and ladders to stylishly organize throws, or consider repurposing a small lounge chair as an inventive side table for a fresh twist.

Choose Minimalist Furniture

18. Opt for simple furniture

Living room with simple furniture
Source: @arkeniestetiikkaa

With minimalist furniture, your living room can breathe in the essence of Scandinavian simplicity. Furnish your living room with pieces that effortlessly blend function and aesthetics, forming a cohesive and welcoming space.

19. Use cloud couches

Living room with a cloud couch
Source: @kronfonto

A natural wood coffee table paired with cloud couches and neutral tones lets your living room resonate with the art of subtlety, as each piece contributes to an atmosphere of beauty.

20. Put in neutral-toned couches

Living room with simple and elegant furniture
Source: JDP Interiors

Minimalist furniture in your living space ensures a clutter-free area. As seen above, these simple pieces bring out the beauty of natural materials with natural light.

21. Use space-saving furniture

Living room with Scandi furniture
Source: Decorilla

Elevate your living room with space-saving, minimalist furniture that embraces a ‘less is more’ philosophy. These simple pieces foster an environment that focuses on comfort and harmony.

22. Mix furniture materials

Simple living room with a couch and square coffee table
Source: Decorilla

Natural touches like wood, plants, and woven pendants blend together, while organic materials such as wood, wicker, and linen create a harmonious aesthetic.

23. Use compact alternatives

Living room with small couches and lounge chairs
Source: Decorilla

If you’re decorating a small area, designing a compact living room relies on choosing lightweight furniture, slim alternatives, and strategic arrangement. After all, minimal furniture with straight lines is a great start for a Scandinavian-style living room.

24. Make use of high windows

Living room with floor to ceiling curtains
Source: @nordic_design

If you have high ceilings and expansive windows, let ceiling-high curtains frame your living room.

25. Forego curtains

Living room with no curtains and lots of natural light
Source: @femtiofemkvadrat

By letting in natural light, your living room exudes a serene ambiance. Paired with muted colors and soft tones, you can create a calm oasis that feels open and inviting.

26. Use bamboo blinds

Living room with sheer curtains and a bamboo shade
Source: @estherbschmidt

Let more natural light in by opting for flowing sheer curtains and bamboo shades to gently filter in sunlight.

27. Or use roller window shades

Living room with 9 windows and roller shades
Source: Decorilla

Embrace the gentle allure of sunlight in your living room with roller window shades — they’re the perfect way to allow natural light in without feeling the full force of the sun.

28. Place some common potted plants

Living room with many potted plants
Source: @henriknero

Infusing a breath of nature is one of the easiest ways to incorporate Scandinavian living room ideas. For instance, lush potted plants like ferns and snake plants introduce a refreshing burst of greenery that blends beautifully with neutral tones and natural textures.

29. Add a centerpiece to your Scandi living room

Living room with a vase full of flowers on a coffee table
Source: CAAN Design

Revitalize your living room’s design by adorning coffee tables with a vase full of your favorite flowers. Indeed, these bouquets add a touch of elegance while infusing your space with the presence of nature.

30. Plant tall plants

Gray living room with plants in corners and the window sill
Source: CAAN Design

Create a sense of unity between your living room and the great outdoors by placing potted palms or rubber plants near your windows. Indeed, this bold foliage can add a touch of drama and height to the space, creating visual interest.

31. Add a corner plant

Living room with a snake plant in the corner
Source: @vivandtim.home

Elevate the charm of your Scandinavian living room with a tall snake plant nestled in a cozy corner.

32. Get cozy with textiles

Living room with hanging plants and throw pillows with different textures
Source: @home.and.spirit

Embrace cozy textiles and elevate your living space with plush throws and soft cushions in neutral tones.

33. Add handwoven baskets

Living room with a handwoven basket, books and a small tree plant in the corner
Source: @home.and.spirit

Decorate with handwoven baskets in various sizes, offering both storage and a touch of artisanal charm, adding to the hygge atmosphere. Hygge design is very focus on serenity and calm, which you can find similarity to feng shui design ideas.

34. Use canvas chairs

Living room with a canvas chair
Source: Bjufors Göteborg

Introduce canvas chairs with their understated elegance and soothing textures. These relaxed seating options offer a perfect spot for unwinding that complements the rest of your interiors.

35. Mix and match materials

Living room with furniture of different materials
Source: CAAN Design

Layer your living space with a variety of textures — from soft shag rugs to smooth leather sofas.

36. Throw in some throws

Living room with throws on the lounge chairs
Source: CAAN Design

Drape your couch or lounge chair with chunky knit throws in calming shades, evoking a sense of comfort where you can cocoon. These relaxed seating options offer a perfect spot for relaxing, which is the essence of hygge living.

37. Take advantage of your fireplace

Grey living room with a fireplace in the corner
Source: Alexander White

Infuse your living room with the warm glow of a fireplace, the heart of any hygge-inspired space. Whether nestled in a traditional hearth or set diagonally across a modern wall, the flames can create an inviting atmosphere that encourages intimate gatherings.

38. Use low-cushioned seating

White living room with a low-profile sofa
Source: Inne

Opt for low-profile sofas with soft, cushioned seats. They encourage intimate conversations and shared moments, embodying the comfort of hygge living.

39. Buy cozy lounge chairs

White living room with cozy lounge chairs
Source: Amy Bartlam

Transform your living room into a hygge haven with cozy lounge chairs that invite relaxation. Enhance their comfort by draping them with chunky knit throws in calming shades.

40. Opt for a unique coffee table

Living room with a coffee table that has resin running through the middle
Source: Decorilla

Incorporate a unique wooden coffee table with warm tones to ground your living room and add a touch of rustic comfort.

41. Add pops of color through the decor

Living room with an orange canvas chair
Source: Decorilla

From pops of color and incorporating art to adding a throw over the canvas and textured pillowcases, you can combine several hygge elements together to create a Scandinavian hygge living room.

42. Use different textures

Living room that has a leather lounge chair, L-shaped sofa and rug
Source: Decorilla

Elevate your hygge-inspired living space by carefully selecting an array of textures — from textured rugs to leather lounge chairs, each tactile layer adds a dimension of comfort.

43. Add boho textures

Living room with indoor plants and boho decor
Source: HGTV

To get a boho Scandinavian living room, combine natural wood tones with boho textures such as chenille, woven fabrics, and shag rugs, coupled with indoor plants.

44. Use faux fur blankets

Living room with a leather sofa and a faux fur throw
Source: My Domaine

Blending Nordic flair with boho style, this living area layers shaggy sheepskins and faux fur blankets over chairs, benches, and beds. The result? A cozy and inviting boho-Scandinavian living room.

45. Add a big painting

White minimalist living room with a single large textured painting on the wall
Source: @scandinavian.interior

Elevate your Scandinavian living room with the presence of a large painting on the wall. Pair it with smaller elements to really make it pop, such as a minimalist sculpture or an elegant chandelier.

46. Post an array of photos

Living room with a cloud couch, floor-to-ceiling window and an array of photos on the wall
Source: @faringsohuset

Transform your Scandinavian living room into a museum of minimalist beauty. Adorn the walls with an array of photos and scatter carefully chosen decorative art pieces that blend into the space.

47. Use unique lighting fixtures

Living room with wooden lounge chairs and an artistic chandelier
Source: @kronfonto

Art doesn’t have to be confined to walls; it can radiate from your lighting fixtures, too. An artistic chandelier takes center stage, adding a touch of charm and purpose to your space.

48. Combine paintings with unique lighting fixtures

Living room with a unique lighting fixture
Source: @nerointerior

Anchor your living room with a single large painting and an industrial-chic chandelier suspended from above. This charm can elevate your Scandinavian living room’s neutral colors and minimalist furniture.

49. Put up neutral paintings

Living room with neutral paintings on the wall
Source: Coco Lapine Design

Furnish your home with an array of neutral paintings, carefully curated on a single wall. This thoughtful arrangement creates a captivating gallery-like ambiance that can complement the rest of your living room.

50. Add nature-inspired art

Minimalist living room with a photo of nature on the wall
Source: IDF Studio

Blend the beauty of nature and art seamlessly in your Scandinavian living room. Opt for serene landscapes or plant-inspired printsS to enhance the room’s connection to the outdoors.

Feeling inspired to redecorate your living room? Browse through Froy’s curated collection of Scandinavian furniture perfect for any vision. Whether you’re opting for boho, rustic, or straight-cut Scandi pieces, our collection has something for everyone.

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