What Is Scandinavian Style?

Originating in the Nordic nations in the 1930s and now comprising everything from Eero Saarinen’s TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport to Ikea’s 445 superstores and #hygge, what we think of as Scandinavian style (or Danish Modern, or Nordic Minimalism) began working its charm on the American public through traveling presentations like “Design in Scandinavia: An Exhibition of Objects for the Home” (which dazzled the U.S. and Canada with appealing, affordable home goods between 1954 and 1957). Its proponents argued that the spaces we live in (and the items we live with) should be simple, durable and beautiful — and that they should honor and harmonize with our environments, both by basking in natural light and showcasing organic tones and materials. Given the timelessness of their message — and the now-iconic places and pieces they created to demonstrate it — who could argue?

Scandinavian Spaces Prioritize Sunlight

Given that Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden plunge into darkness for what feels like months on end each year, it stands to reason that natural light is a precious resource in Scandinavian interior design. As in this crisp dining room, bright white paint and unadorned windows gobble up every bit of organic illumination available. The handsome chandelier is also characteristic of Nordic-inspired homes, and the warm glow of candlelight is a classic accent after dark.

Scandinavian Stylists Love Plants

Once you’ve done away with extraneous window coverings and arranged your rooms to soak up the daylight, add a splash of chlorophyll. Nordic designers know that the simplest way to interact with the natural world is to invite it inside, as with the organic beauties thriving in the dining room of this sun-dappled home.

Scandinavian Spaces Use Darkness, Too

In this Nordic-inspired kitchen, an elemental black stain on the island and lower cabinets anchors the room and makes the bright white stone, countertops and walls on the upper half of the room feel all the more ethereal. Because the space is otherwise monochromatic, the meeting of the two tones has a smooth, sculptural effect.

Natural Materials Anchor Scandinavian Style

Furniture and flooring in pale woods like white oak add warmth and airiness to spaces such as this Nordic dining nook; rougher accents like the firewood stacked into its accent wall, in turn, add visual texture. This trio of woven rattan pendants provide the best of both worlds: their silhouettes are smooth and geometric, but their minimally-processed fibers have a homespun look. (Bonus: That open weave won’t block light.)

Scandinavian Rooms are Minimal + Personal

“Precious materials” in Nordic spaces are both high-quality (shapely teak furniture and fine textiles designed to become heirlooms) and emotionally significant (well-chosen accessories that express what’s important to you). In children’s rooms, that translates to sweet touches like the pillows on these twin beds. The simple, stunning evergreen clippings on the windowsill are another Scandinavian-style MVP: in lieu of arranging flowers, punctuate your rooms by foraging for sculptural branches and stems on a walk through your yard or neighborhood, then displaying them without fuss.

Scandinavian Bedrooms Are Cozy

Whether you favor a cloud-white duvet or, as in this swoon-worthy suite, a deliciously dusky pile of linen and faux fur, the key to Nordic style in sleeping spaces is comfort. Low-profile furniture, unadorned walls and hibernation-quality linens are the name of the game.

Scandinavian Style Can Incorporate Antiques

Anchored by a well-weathered woodburning stove and clad in bright white shiplap, this farmhouse demonstrates how beautifully Nordic spaces integrate older pieces and styles. The distressed area rug, shaggy accent pillow and upholstered pieces here are far more traditional than iconic, midcentury Nordic offerings, but their neutral tones harmonize beautifully with modern Scandinavian pieces like the pair of black, mesh-shaded floor lamps.