How to Create the Scandinavian Look with Your Sofa
There are some design trends which come and go over time and there are others which stand the test of time – Scandinavian design is the latter. And not only is this design ethos here to stay, but it’s also growing in popularity, with its focus on simplicity, minimalism, and functionality central to its appeal. If you like the idea of a Scandi style living room, here are some ideas on how to create the Scandinavian look with your Sofa.
How to Create a Scandinavian Living Room
If you want your living room Scandi style, it’s important to understand the key design principles of Nordic design. People first began to really take notice of Scandinavian design in the early 20th century, with it really gaining momentum in the US and Canada in the 1950s. It combines old and new styles from all the Scandinavian countries, including:
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Iceland
- Finland
- and Norway
The focus was on simple design which benefits an everyday way of life, while bringing a certain cosiness and warmth to a space.
Now that we have a better understanding of what Scandinavian design is, here’s some areas to consider achieving this style in your own home.
Minimalism
The first thing to consider is minimalism. For your sofa, think clean lines, with a simple design, to help create a sense of calm and comfort. A sofa such as the Bletchley works beautifully as a Scandi sofa, and ideally the rest of your interior should follow suit. Unless a piece of furniture serves a purpose, it shouldn’t be there. Empty space is important in Scandinavian design, if you can declutter to create more room, it will help to create the look and feel of a modern Scandinavian living room.
Texture
Sandhurst 3 Seater Sofa Bed in Old English Leather
Scandinavian design connects closely with nature and as a result, natural textures play an important role in Nordic furniture. A leather sofa like the Holland brings effortless warmth into any interior, and teams perfectly with the likes of wool throws and textured rugs. As well as your sofa, consider the textures and materials of all your furniture and look at how you can contrast certain textures against each other. Wood takes centre stage in Scandi style living rooms – whether through flooring, cabinets or coffee tables, the rich colours help to create a warm Scandinavian living room.
Colour
Like texture, when looking at potential colour palettes for your living room, neutral colours should play a part in your design. From creams to light greys, greens and browns, the colour palette of a Scandinavian interior is reflective of the great outdoors. While a leather sofa is a great choice for this style of living room, there are plenty of fabric sofas that would fit seamlessly into this aesthetic, such as the Brighton, with its washed linen sea salt.
As well as choosing a colour for your sofa, this palette should be extended out across your space, from the walls to the floor and your accessories.
Hygge
While Scandinavian design is minimalist, that doesn’t mean sparse or uninviting, it’s quite the opposite. The word hygge, which means cosy togetherness, focuses on creating a real warmth and ambience in your space – and you can choose how to do that. Whether it’s through textured rugs and throws, the fabric on your sofa or even just placing some candles and house plants in and around your space, your living room is a place you come to relax and its key to create a space that feels cosy and inviting.
For extra inspiration, take a look at how to make your living room cosier.
Before You Go…
While creating a Scandi look with your sofa will help create the effect you’re looking for, it makes sense to expand your design concept across your living space so it all ties together.Light is important to Scandi design, with countries like Finland and Sweden having a lot less light in the winter months, they need to create light interiors to counter the dark outside. Light can come from your walls, with white walls helping create a blank canvas along with light, bare floors, which can be warmed up with a rug, all help to complement your sofa.
If this guide managed to whet your appetite and you’d like to some additional inspiration, these blogs may also help:
Top Leather Sofa Colours for Your Living Room
