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Want to get the “Scandi” look for your living room?
Not sure how?
Don’t want to spend too much?
Well, read on – this post is going to show you how to get a light and open Scandinavian living room without spending thousands. Here’s what we will cover:
- What Scandinavian design looks like
- Sources of Scandinavian living room design inspiration
- Two moodboards with ideas & links to very affordable sources for your Scandinavian living room
What are the elements of Scandinavian design?
- Neutral, muted, and light color palette
- Light color woods – think beech, ash, pine, bamboo
- Clean & simple lines – minimal decoration and uncomplicated furniture
- Use of natural light – minimal window treatments and use of skylights
- Cozy textiles – think wool, linen, cotton, fur
- Function before form – open floor plans, and keeping clutter out of sight by having proper storage
- Simplicity – use of plants, storage baskets, wall mirrors – but sparingly
Use of Scandinavian Patterns
Scandinavian style does not mean boring or lacking color! According to A Beautiful Mess, there is a love of patterns and color in most modern Scandinavian homes. It can be more sparing with pops of color mixed with a neutral background.
Patterns are typically very symmetrical, and often have animal or botanical themes. The graphics used to create patterns are high contrast with bold colors.
Marimekko is a company specializing in Scandinavian patterns for some high end inspiration.
Some pillow covers from Amazon that seem inspired by Scandinavian patterns (affiliate link):
Scandinavian Design Inspiration:
For my first moodboard to create a Scandinavian living room, I looked for some inspiration in 2 of my favorite Scandinavian interior design blogs:
My Scandinavian Home blog, “A Copenhagen Family Home Filled with Books and Scandi Design Treasures.”
AMM Blog (A Merry Mishap), “Most frequently asked, “Where is your sofa from?””
And, of course I went to Pinterest for inspiration. Check out my Scandinavian Living Room Board here.
After analyzing all this inspiration, some key pieces that were common in many photos included a grey couch, natural wood armchairs, light rug, and abstract art in neutral colors with a lot of white space. Here is what I put together:
Scandinavian Living Room Moodboard #1:
Sources for Scandinavian Living Room Moodboard #1 (Get the whole thing for under $1400):
Sofa: Rivet Goodwin Modern Sofa $668 on Amazon (affiliate link)
Coffee Table: Poly and Bark Costanoa Wood Coffee Table in White – Wal Mart $78
Armchairs: JOYBASE Lounge Arm Chair – Amazon $180
Floor Lamp: Oneach Modern Floor Lamp – Amazon – $86.99
Rug: nuLOOM Mackie Moroccan Diamond Shag Area Rug 6’7″ x 9′ – Amazon $194
Grey Throw Pillow Covers: MIULEE Pack of 2 Decorative Throw Pillow Covers – Amazon $12.99
Beige Throw Pillow Covers – Sunday Praise Cotton-Linen Throw Pillow Covers – Amazon $13.99
Abstract Art: wall26 Floating Framed Canvas Wall Art – Black-h02 & Black-h01 – Amazon, $49.99 each
Scandinavian Living Room Moodboard #2:
For my second Scandinavian Living Room moodboard, I used, as a source of inspiration (along with my Pinterest Board):
The Curated Interior, “The Essential Scandinavian Decor Guide.”
These sources gave me the inspiration to use the black lamp and table, while mixing it with the beige couch and natural wood chair. I chose abstract art and a light Moroccan style rug, since that was in nearly all of my inspiration photos.
Sources for Moodboard #2 (get everything for less than $1500)
Sofa: Elle Decor Mid-Century Modern Chloe Sofa – Wal Mart $428
Coffee Table: Homelegance Liatris 38″ Round Coffee Table – Amazon – $203
Arm Chairs: Safavieh Home Bandelier Woven Accent Chair – Amazon $306
Side Table: Lavish Home Decor Display and Home Accent Table – Amazon $45
Floor Lamp: Milton Greens Suzie Arc Floor Lamp – Wal Mart $155
Pillows: BLUETTEK Modern Simple Geometric Throw Pillow Covers, 18 x 18 – Amazon $19.99
Rug: nuLOOM Alvera Soft & Plush Shag Rug – 6’7″ x 9″ – Amazon $112
Art: NWT Framed Canvas Wall Art Zen3-04 – 24″x36″x3 Panels – Amazon $89.99
Final Thoughts
I’m hoping all my research down the rabbit hole of all things Scandinavian design related will help you out. First we learned about the basic elements of Scandinavian design.
Next, you saw my sources of inspiration and how I find trends for creating a Scandinavian living room from viewing a bunch of photos, and pick out affordable pieces that replicate what top designers are using in their decor schemes.
Finally I showed you my moodboards with detailed sources with very affordable pieces to get the Scandi look for less – mainly through the ease of shopping on Amazon.
Not sure you only want a Scandinavian design style for your room? Take our Design Style Quiz here to find out which style(s) speak to you the most!
Do these moodboards capture the spirit of Scandinavian style? What pieces are your faves? Comment below to let me know your thoughts.
