There is no interior style that has remained quite so relevant as Scandinavian. In a world where trends are transient and overhauling your interior is a constant, the clean lines and clutter-free cosiness of Scandi style are a steady constant. These tranquil pieces that marry function with form are also some of the most versatile staples there are, which suggests that the enduring appeal of Scandinavian style is down to the quiet subtlety of Scandi accent pieces, and how well they work alongside other interior aesthetics.

At Where Saints Go, we work with artisans all over the globe to create furniture that is just as unique as you are. Our Scandinavian furniture collection features statement dining chairs crafted using natural materials and time-honoured techniques. Packed to the rafters with clean, simple silhouettes and airy, enjoyable palettes, the range perfectly captures the essence of Scandinavian style. However, before you fall completely head-over-heels for the Odense Dining Chair, you might want to get acquainted with the design movement that inspired it.

What is Scandinavian style?

To fully grasp the concept of Scandinavian style, it’s important to consider Scandinavia itself, and how the place and people have shaped this design movement. A subregion of Northern Europe, Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Sometimes, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands are confused as being Scandinavian, but these fall under the overarching ‘Nordic’ group of countries.

While each Scandinavian country is rich in landscapes, history and unique culture, the sweeping generalisation is that they are beautiful, cooler-climate countries that offer unique proximity to the Earth’s north pole, which makes for favourable conditions to witness magical natural phenomena such as the northern lights and midnight sun. Individually, Nordic countries are known for their seafaring, diverse terrain, folklore, forward-thinking tech, clean urban zones and exquisite food and coffee culture, however, the three cultural principles that remain present throughout are cooperation, egalitarianism and practicality. Things aren’t showy, excessive or boastful - they are just objectively good.

This humble, clean and optimistic approach to life throughout Scandinavia carries through into the design movement. The uncluttered style, combined with a love for the outdoors and a sprinkling of folklore magic is what makes Scandinavian-style so exceptional. While the serene scenes you’ll find at IKEA are a very accurate representation of Scandi design, it runs much deeper than flat-pack furniture. Each piece of Scandi furniture carries out its primary function with effortless ease and yet never compromises on style.

The fundamentals of Scandinavian design

Just like all Scandinavian and Nordic countries have their cultures and quirks, each facet of Scandinavian style has its own multifaceted identity which can be interpreted in different ways. For Swedish designer Beata Heuman, Scandinavian design is so much more than “this very pared-back, modern style that’s all one look.” Her own interpretation, which implements joyous colour and intimately personal touches, can be admired in her Studio’s own portfolio, Every Room Should Sing. 

Objectively speaking though, the core fundamentals of Scandinavian design are summarised below.

Clean, de-cluttered spaces

Whether you call it minimalism or just being very organised - Scandi furniture pieces and the environments in which they sit are free from any unnecessary frills or clutter. Instead, your gaze is free to follow any details in the craftsmanship as well as architectural lines.

Natural light 

In countries governed by the seasons so much more so than the rest of the world, natural light plays a huge role in the way of life. Scandinavian design is closely associated with light, bright and airy spaces which allow you to further admire the clean silhouettes and natural textures of statement furniture pieces.

Warmth

While they might be clean, simple and free of clutter, Scandinavian spaces are anything but cold and soulless. There is a warmth and comfort that emanates from things like lush deep-pile rugs, pops of inviting colour, unique personal touches and softer textures such as boucle or sheepskin. 

When did Scandinavian style become popular?

Scandinavian design was huge between the 1930s and 1970s, when people wanted to furnish their homes in a modern, practical way. The clean simplicity of Scandi furniture was a welcome contrast and breath of fresh air following the exuberance and excess of art deco during the 1920s.

This period is referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of Scandinavian design, and is when prolific designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Kaare Klint, Alvar Aalto, Finn Juhl and Hans J. Wegner all rose to success.

How has Scandinavian style shaped the interiors industry?

Scandinavian style is aspirational. The spaces, which are serene, stress-free and still cosy, represent the headspace we want to slip into. When we walk around IKEA enjoying all of those definitively Scandi showroom spaces, we envision ourselves in them, enjoying the intersection where clutter-free yet lived-in spaces meet. So, in that sense, Scandinavian style simplifies the interiors industry with its three simple rules of design, which are:

Minimalism - nothing is superfluous, allowing you to properly appreciate the design of each item, rather than being bewildered by noise.
Natural materials - stripped woods, breezy linens and touches of greenery bring light, warmth and life to any space.
Texture - In a Scandi sense, minimalism doesn’t mean that only smooth surfaces are allowed. Texture creates cosiness, which taps into the popular Danish concept of ‘hygge’ which is about slowing down to enjoy life’s quiet moments, embracing the seasons and surrounding yourself with the people/things you love in your own private space.
How to bring Scandinavian style into your own interior

The easiest, most instant way to incorporate Scandinavian style into your own interior would be to thoroughly declutter, or organise your abode with some straightforward (but hidden) storage solutions. Once you’re working with a ‘blank canvas’, you can bring in Scandinavian accent pieces such as the Ikast Dining Chair, Miguel Cushion or Milan Accent Chair. 

Due to the ‘golden age’ of Scandinavian design occurring during the mid-century, it mixes well with statement mid-century style, often considered a major facet of mid-century design itself.