From neutral colours to light woods and clean lines, Scandinavian design is both timeless and on-trend, together with a less-is-more approach that makes it irresistibly achievable. Despite its famously pared-back aesthetic, Scandinavian interiors are far from minimalist, full of texture, interest, depth and warmth, while being light and airy in the summer and warm and cosy in the winter. A versatile scheme for all seasons, if you will. That’s why decor inspired by the understated style of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland works so beautifully in a bedroom, bringing hygge home with Instagrammable looks and creature comforts. And now, it’s becoming increasingly popular to mix Scandinavian style with other influences – a dash of France or Morocco, anyone? – to create a contemporary take on the signature look. Just in time for a seasonal refresh, we round-up easy Scandinavian bedroom ideas, sure to help you create your own Nordic nest.
Incorporate wooden furniture
Light, pale or white-washed woods are the cornerstones of a bright and breezy Scandinavian bedroom, whether on the floor or in the furniture, so look to pine, beech or ash. The best-selling Brunel range epitomises the aesthetic with everything from an oak headboard to a wardrobe and bedside tables made from light American oak, while the exclusively-designed Morten collection features white-washed oak across a wardrobe, chest of drawers and Scandinavian style bed, amongst other pieces. When it comes to beds and headboards, search for simple designs with clean lines and tapered legs, and go for a matching set, rather than furniture from different ranges, to reinforce a single-minded look.
Choose appropriate lighting
Keep your surfaces uncluttered by adding a statement ceiling light rather than lots of floor or table lamps for a streamlined space. Paper lantern-inspired designs are common in Scandi-style interiors, such as the Urchin pendant by Tom Raffield or the Akari A Series by Vitra, particularly white styles that cast a soft and ethereal glow. Better still, plump for a light that also incorporates wood, like the Loer pendant in ash.
Add neutral colours
The best Scandinavian bedrooms harness neutral colours and natural shades to create spaces that are calm and relaxed while nodding to the serene beauty of the great outdoors. Recreate the look with a monochromatic colour palette of white and black interspersed with bolder accents – the greens of the forests and the blues of the lakes – or begin with a base of cream or grey. With the walls painted, complement with soft furnishings in similar hues for a tonal scheme, from casual but chic washed linen in grey to a smattering of check cushions by Brita Sweden in blue, pink or green. Finish with a sheepskin rug over the back of an armchair or draped across the bed for the ultimate in Scandi style. The perfect spot for curling up with the next big Scandi noir thriller.
Layer with a rug
A simple rug can add instant texture and warmth to a Scandinavian bedroom, particularly when textiles are kept unfussy elsewhere, so pick out your colour palette with a patterned style by Linie Design – the Diffused Aura rug features a modern angular pattern in soft neutrals – or something tactile underfoot such as the Ruffle Rug. Sure to keep your toes nice and cosy on those cold and crisp mornings.
Finish with art
Finally, one of the simplest Scandinavian bedroom ideas is styling with wall art, usually in the form of abstract prints in black frames, white frames or wooden frames. Try Her Print by Paper Collective with a bold, minimalist aesthetic; Untitled, 1967 from King & McGaw for an expressive pink piece; or Swirls by Print Sisters featuring natural colours and geological patterns. Alternatively, a typographic print in a monochromatic palette, like All is Pretty or I Like Boring Things, is spot-on for effortless Scandi style. Display a pair either side of your bed, or curate a striking gallery wall above a desk, for a look that’s as considered and curated as the most sophisticated gallery in Stockholm.
Get more Scandinavian bedroom inspiration by perusing and choosing from our collection of bedroom furniture.