The Scandinavian bedroom really is a thing of beauty and one of our fave ways to decorate at this time of year. Cool but cozy, minimalist but characterful, clean but rustic, these are spaces aren't all that hard to achieve. Have a scroll through these simple Scandi bedroom ideas to get inspired to give your space a bit of a hygge update...
1. Choose a neutral Scandinavian bedroom color scheme
If bright white is not your bag, warm up your Scandi bedroom with off-white shades that take their cue from nature. Work with a range of textures and tones, mixing up greys, creams, and ivory shades to add a load of interest to a neutral scheme. You could even add a touch of muted peach or pink too, like you see in the rug in this bedroom to add even more warmth.
2. Layer up the textures
Whether you are going down the minimalist, modern Scandi bedroom route or the more rustic, traditional look, texture is key to both looks. Layer up slubby looking bedding with textured throws and pillows to give your bed that lovely lived-in look you see so often with this style. Stick to a limited color palette of just one or two colors and let the texture be what adds the interest to the room.
3. Hang simple artwork
Want to bring some prints into your bedroom? Just keep it simple, stick to two or three larger pieces if you want a minimalist aesthetic, and try and find a common color that will give the prints a cohesive feel. Rather than hang them as a gallery wall, which can look busy, keep them in lines for a more clean feel.
4. Mix and match soft furnishings
Geometric prints look great in a Scandinavian bedroom. If you are going for a very modern take on the look, you can introduce bright color accents, but for a cozier look, try muted, natural tones, or geometric knits and fabrics. See it as a kind of mix between Scandi and boho, an unexpected combo that's very in at the moment.
For more boho bedroom ideas that you can easily mix into the Scandi style, check out our feature.
5. Shop for second hand finds
You've probably get the gist that Scandi bedrooms aren't all about new modern pieces, it's the quirky finds and how they look mixed with a minimalist style that gives the space personality. Shopping for vintage and second hand finds at thrift stores and online marketplaces are what will give your bedroom that slightly rustic edge.
Look out for well-made wooden pieces that have a more traditional feel than all the Mid-century style furniture you can pick up pretty much anywhere nowadays. You can find some really lovely painted wooden pieces that would add the perfect focal point to a contemporary bedroom.
Remember, don't get too focused on the colors either, you can always strip back wood or paint it to fit with your style.
6. Make your storage Scandi-approved too
Because storage can add to your Scandi aesthetic too! A simple clothes rail is a great way to display your nicest and most worn pieces, plus is a great idea if you don't have a ton of closet space. Make sure you pick out some cute hangers, and don't overcrowd the rail, so your open wardrobe is more of a stylish feature in your room than a messy place to store closet overflow. Hang a peg rail too for a rustic addition to your bedroom storage.
7. Create a cozy reading corner
If you have the space, a chair can be a lovely addition to your bedroom. A place to sit and read before bed or on a weekend morning, adds almost a holiday feel to your room. Opt for a big cozy armchair if square footage isn't an issue or if you are squeezed for space a hanging chair will be your best option as it won't add any visual bulk to the room. Give your nook more of a Scandi feel by add plenty of pillow and a fur or sheepskin throw.
8. Invest in Mid-century Scandinavian bedroom furniture
For an authentic Scandinavian look, pick Mid-century furniture; with its clean lines and slim frames, Mid-century style has won over many fans. The warm wood tones also work well alongside a neutral bedroom color scheme and a wood floor.
You can up the rustic vibes by adding in some vintage furniture too to give your bedroom less of an uber-contemporary feel. Note here how the bed and bench are very Mid-century but the chair adds a touch of something more textured and traditional.
9. Go slightly bolder with a colorful Scandi bedroom scheme
Scandi bedroom style is more versatile than it's given credit for, so think beyond just grey and white. If you are looking for a minimalist style with warmth, go for traditional folksy prints and rich tones such as mustard or burnt orange. Blush pink is also a bang-on-trend color that can really easily be worked into a Scandinavian bedroom.
10. Go for a traditional Swedish style
If you love the Scandinavian bedroom style but find the contemporary version a little too minimalist, embrace the more traditional side of the trend. This means lots of layering and soft, pastel accent shades. We are lovely the fresh, spring-like blues going in this more traditional bedroom.
And remember you can mix and match the styles too, say traditional wallpaper print modern furniture or a standout piece of vintage furniture in a very minimalist room.
11. Break up wall panelling with a soft headboard
We love this idea of building your own headboard. You can pick any fabric you fancy but velvet works so well to soften the space, especially if you have wall paneling like this gorgeous new-build log cabin. And check out the nifty idea of actually hanging cushions on your headboard to make it even cozier.
12. Keep the lighting soft
Up the hygge factor in your Scandi bedroom by keeping the lighting really soft and low. Switch out your bulbs for warm ones and place smaller lights all over the room so you create pools of light rather than just the harsh overhead light. Of course, light candles if you are in the room too.
Check out of bedroom lighting ideas feature for loads more ideas, plus all the practical advice you need.
What is a Scandinavian bedroom?
A Scandinavian bedroom can actually have many different vibes, depending on the design route you want to take. Most Scandi-style rooms are minimalist, filled with clean lines, simple shapes and a limited color palette. There are a lot of similarities with Mid-century Modern style, especially when it comes to furniture shapes and styles. It's a very practical aesthetic too, only bring into the room want you need, keep spaces free of clutter and everything must have a place.
Then there's the more traditional version of Scandi style, the one associated with hygge that's all about comfort, coziness and textures. Vintage pieces, heavily carved wooden furniture and folksy prints.
But the wonderful thing about the different takes on Scandi style is that you can also mix them. Choose Mid-century style striking furniture and adorn it with disty patterned bedding and soft linen throws. Or choose a stand-out piece of vintage furniture to add a rustic touch to your modern bedroom.
How do you style a Scandinavian bedroom?
When styling a Scandinavian bedroom first think about what look you want to go for. As we just mentioned, Scandi style is really diverse so do you want to go down the traditional route or the more modern minimalist route? Or mix them together? Whatever you decide a color scheme is a good place to start. Most Scandi bedrooms stick to a neutral color palette of whites, creams, greys and black. If you want to add in color stick to muted hues – sage greens, pale yellows, light blue, deep rust oranges.
As texture is so key to the look, add in some rustic wooden touches too with your furniture, even a wooden floating shelf will make a difference. And layer up your soft furnishings too. Throw down a rug, add some floaty curtains, pile up the throw pillows. Even if you like a minimalist look you still want your bedroom to feel cozy and inviting.