The Scandinavian style emerged in the 1950s from the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. The style’s characteristics are similar to Mid-Century Modern, also popularized in the 1950s, here in the United States.

Scandinavian design’s furnishings are produced with form-pressed woods, plastics, anodized or enameled aluminum, and pressed steel. Furniture lines are straight, woods are light in color, and accessories and art are minimal and carefully chosen.

Scandinavian designs can differ slightly, but the essential elements that make Scandinavian design what it is must resonate. Enjoy these examples of well executed Scandinavian living room designs and see how you can personalize this design style and make it your own.

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Design

The butterfly chair crosses many genres, but will always be rooted in minimalism. The soft blue fabric updates this chair and the color is echoed within the room’s decor, which brings a modern feel to this mid-century modern classic.

Artistic Scandinavian Design

While some consider Scandinavian design to be cold and lacking in personality, you can see by this room, a little pazzaz can be incorporated with the use of bold colors and personalized art.

IKEA’s Scandinavian Design

This may look like a furniture ad for IKEA, but it’s not. However, this apartment’s furnishings resemble some of the signature styles available at IKEA. The L-shaped sectional, geometric patterned throw pillows, white stool, pouf ottoman, swag lamp, and distressed wood dining table all have that IKEA feel.

Organic Scandinavian Design

Light colored wood is an important element in Scandinavian design. The look is simple and organic; the warmth of the wood balances the stark white walls.

Modern Scandinavian Design

Today’s Scandinavian design reflects a generational upswing. Each piece is a little edgier than its original counterpart, but the design is true to its origins.

Shop The Look – West Elm, IKEA, Room & Board, and Joy Bird are some of the most popular retail furniture stores known for their large selection of minimalist, mid-century modern, and Scandinavian furniture styles.