Design Ideas That Define a Scandinavian Bedroom

You're most likely familiar with the beautifully humble style of Scandinavian interior design. This marriage of rustic style and minimalism has been trending for quite a while, gracing many modern households. The reason for this is mainly due to the growing popularity of a certain Scandinavian mantra known as hygge — the Nordic art of comfort and coziness. It's no surprise that Scandinavian interiors are often designed with Hygge in mind. If you're planning on this style for your next remodel, you'll find that its minimalist elements will make the process quite easy. Since comfort starts in the bedroom, the most formidable of which are the ones that exude a soothing aura, you can bring the hygge into your sleeping space with style and ease.

Keep the Colors Subtle

In Scandinavian countries like Sweden, the days are often very short and the sunlight is rather scarce. Scandinavians have adapted to these conditions by opting for a lightly colored interior to maximize brightness. White, grey, and beige mainly dominate the palette. However, you could incorporate a few subtle pastels for accents such as throw blankets and pillows. For instance, you could choose eggshell white for the wall, two shades of gray for the bedwear, and pastel color of your choice — say pink? — for one of the throw pillows. Beige will be present in other elements such as flooring and furniture framing.

Selecting a Color Scheme for Your Scandi Bedroom

If a light color scheme isn’t your cup of tea, you may be interested in a certain color called ‘Scandinavian blue’. Although not as popular a choice as the more conventional white, beige, and gray, you can still find this color in many unique Scandinavian bedrooms. Also, Scandi blue is perfect for people who prefer sleeping in an atmosphere with darker hues. When choosing Scandinavian blue for your bedroom walls, consider balancing your palette with Navajo white or ivory bedwear.

Bold Colors That Are Both Stylish and Popular

Don’t Shy Away from Wood

The natural feel of the Nordic-style bedroom is highlighted by its abundant use of wood. Starting from a Scandi bed to hardwood floors, the bedroom celebrates the Scandinavian love for nature. Although the material is typically limited to furniture and flooring, nothing can stop you from going for a wooden wall or even a wooden ceiling. You may, however, want to avoid darker shades of brown. Instead, go for light oak or pine wood to follow the Nordic design color scheme.

Materials You Should Choose for a Nordic Interior

Minimalism is the Way to Go

The Scandinavian interior does not make use of excess elements. Its beauty is generally achieved by sticking to elements such as natural brightness and overall simplicity. A Nordic-style bedroom would only feature the bare minimum of furniture, without the need for extra clutter. Besides the bed, all that you would find in a Scandi bedroom are a nightstand, a dresser, and maybe a chair. You could incorporate minimal decor for a touch of personality. But for the most part, it’s best to avoid clutter. The rule of thumb is to keep it as simple as possible while balancing form and function.

Achieving Hygge With a Simple Design

Go for Mid-Century Furniture

Mid-century furniture is common among Scandinavian bedrooms. The sleek and simple craftsmanship perfectly suits the Scandi style of interior design. In the mid-century style, you will see gentle lines, slight curves, and warm tones of wood. Anything from a nightstand, a dresser, to a bed can be found in this design style. 

Best Furniture Designs for a Scandinavian Style Bedroom

A very similar alternative to your mid-century bed is a Scandi. Typically featuring a wooden headboard and a simple frame, Scandi beds go hand in hand with the minimalist style of Nordic interiors. You could also pair your Scandi bed with a minimalist dresser — which also bears similarities with its mid-century counterpart. Just like the bed, Scandi dressers — as the name suggests —possess the same properties that are in line with the Scandinavian design; they usually feature a neutral color palette and simple lines. As for the material, you'll most likely find them in wood, although metal variants are also available.

Trendy Minimalist Furniture You Should Consider

You Can’t Go Wrong With Plants

To make up for the neutrality of the colors, you could incorporate a few plants into your Scandinavian bedroom. Consider placing them in small wicker baskets to maintain the Scandi style. Besides countering the subtle color scheme, plants perfectly resonate with the naturalness of the Nordic interior design. Moreover, they cleanse the air inside your bedroom, adding to the comfort that the elements of the Scandinavian style provide. You can also display a collection of small houseplants on an Ikea shelving unit.

Bringing More Nature into Your Scandinavian Room

Consider a Blanket Ladder

You can take your Swedish bedroom to the next level with a blanket ladder. Both functional and decorative, blanket ladders are popular choices in — but not limited to — Scandinavian bedrooms. This element of interior design is ideal for hanging throw blankets, robes, and even hand-woven Scandinavian rugs. You can find blanket ladders at a local department store — try Ikea. Otherwise, if you’re handy with tools, all you would need is PVA glue and a few pieces of wood for the rungs and the stiles.

Must-Have Elements for a Swedish Bedroom

Accentuate the Style with a Rugged Rug

You can add another level of texture to your Scandinavian bedroom with a faux sheepskin or cowhide rug. A heavily textured rug can not only create contrast but also bring attention to the rustic side of the Nordic design.

Another alternative that provides the same aesthetic value in terms of texture and contrast is a shag-pile rug — especially if you prefer straight lines over irregular shapes. While sheepskin and cowhide rugs carry rustic undertones, shag-pile rugs highlight the comfort element of the Scandinavian design style.

Area Rugs to Consider for a Nordic Bedroom

Go Abstract With Wall Art 

When introducing art to the wall, bear in mind the rule of keeping it simple. A frame or two atop the bed is sufficient. As for the art itself, try opting for abstract, monochromatic art. Drawings of vague shapes, for instance, are perfect for maintaining simplicity while adding an interesting touch. A unique choice of artwork can be photographs of abstract sculptures; instead of adding actual sculptures and breaking the simplicity rule, you’d still have them in your bedroom — only in the form of photographs.

Adorning Your Scandi Room With Abstract Art

Make Use of Wicker Baskets

Ideal accents for a Scandinavian bedroom are wicker baskets, especially in keeping with the natural vibes of the interior design style. Wicker baskets provide both aesthetic as well as function. You could use them to store your throw blankets, books, and other items. They are also ideal for a stylish display of houseplants. The variety of shapes and sizes that wicker baskets are available in makes them a common choice among homeowners — and a special ingredient in Scandinavian interior design.

Popular Elements of Interior Design that Go With the Scandinavian Style

Dress Your Bed in Linen Sheets

Most types of bedwear fabrics will do just fine as long as the colors are in line with the Scandinavian palette. However, one fabric that stands out is linen; its papery texture brilliantly accentuates the Nordic style, especially if it's slightly wrinkled. Consider beige and off-white for an all-natural look.

Dressing Your Scandi Bed With Rustic Bedwear

Go With Subtle Lighting Fixtures 

Scandinavian minimalism doesn’t stop at furniture and accents; you can also go Scandi with your light fixtures: flash mounts are perfect examples of Nordic-style lighting. Moreover, their flat shape makes them ideal for a bedroom with low ceilings.

Alternative lighting solutions for a Scandinavian bedroom are sconces. If you enjoy a quick read before calling it a day, consider installing your sconce right above the nightstand. In general, anything that doesn’t take up much space, isn’t too flashy, yet does its job can go in a Nordic bedroom.

Minimalist Lighting Fixtures for Your Nordic-style Bedroom