Image 1: Agnieszka Krzcuik on Pinterest – useful storage space in a risen bedroom nook.

Origins

Scandinavian minimalism originated in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, where functionality and simplicity are prioritized in home and lifestyle designs. The style became popular in these regions partially due to the climate. Long, dark winters in the north beg for inviting, open spaces to live in. Another main component of the minimalist philosophy is the idea of a simple life yielding an open mind. Nordic countries tend to practice many sustainability efforts and tend to have high rates of happiness, which is reflected in their lack of materialistic design tendencies.  

Image 2: Tonn Furniture – simple and practical kitchen.

Image 3: RRIO Arquitectura – maximizing space in a narrow apartment.

Defining Scandinavian Style

Scandinavian style can mean a lot of things, and it has multiple branches that differ due to geographical region, urbanity, personal adaptations, and more. Though, the principal components of the aesthetic are subtle neutral tones, sparse pops of color, flooding light, natural elements such as wood, practicality, lack of clutter, and flow of space. This is best defined by the Danish and Norwegian word hygge, which describes a feeling of content, meaningful time with family, the small joys of life, and a positive atmosphere. Hygge is also a cultural practice in which families or friends gather together and enjoy gentle acts such as relaxing together, having a warm beverage, reading, or even just sharing peaceful company. Scandinavian style features both comforting and practical qualities, and is as much a philosophy as it is a visual principle. 

Image 4: The Alchemist’s Home – pops of color in the bedroom.

Scandinavian Minimalism is not the Same as Minimalism

The term “minimalism” often refers to the act of purging a closet, or purposefully reducing the amount of stuff in any given space. It can be perceived as a sparse lifestyle and is often visually harsh – lack of color, sometimes lack of warmth. While Scandinavian minimalism also prioritizes lack of clutter, it cares less about the number of things a person owns. Rather, it prioritizes utility and quality of each and every possession. Scandinavian minimalism also encourages light, coziness, warmth, and meaningful color placement, in areas where pure minimalism is lacking. It also has a rich history and is rooted in Nordic culture. 

Image 5: Scandinavian Living Magazine – maximizing light and natural wood in a home.

Image 6: Archi Expo – a sleek bathroom.

The Popularization of Scandinavian Style

One of the biggest catalysts for the spread of the Scandinavian aesthetic is IKEA. Named for the initials of Ingvar Kamprad, plus his farm Elmtaryd, plus his hometown Agunnaryd, the brand made Scandinavian style accessible globally. Today, IKEA is known for its inexpensive, simple, practical designs and its lengthy assembly guides. At its core though, it is a great representation of what a lot of Nordic design means. It values functionality and simplicity, many of its home items are of good quality, and it utilizes the catalog and warehouse room models as representations of how the goods should be styled. IKEA promotes a lifestyle in addition to aesthetics. Many of the furniture items offer extra storage, have dual functions, or are no-frills. However, it is important to mention that Scandinavian style should never be reduced down to one store brand. There are many Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian designers that have also made a name for themselves in both America and Asia. 

Image 7: IKEA Museum – vintage IKEA catalog.

Sources:

https://www.carlfriedrik.com/magazine/scandinavian-minimalism?srsltid=AfmBOore7bmIQ7pSCeI8lkbbgdin9XIcTA-hkJz_MjWJFcU4lXWMOoFs

https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge

IKEA: How Swedish home-furnishing conquered the global market

Image 1: https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/384987468165906894/

Image 2: https://tonnfurniture.com/en/blogs/journal/portal-vagghylla-nyheten-for-koket-barnrummet-var-som-helst-dar-du-vill-ha-vagghangd-oppen-forvaring?shpxid=27e80329-1996-4040-96e1-023eeea422b9

Image 3: https://www.livingetc.com/news/casa-21-stylish-skinny-home-barcelona-by-rrio

Image 4: https://thealchemistshome.com/products/tabitha-quilt-cover-set-blue

Image 5: https://scandiliv.nl/wonen/het-vernuftige-zomerhuis-van-de-zelfbouwer

Image 6: https://www.archiexpo.com/prod/ningbo-deepblue-smarthouse-co-ltd/product-190971-2363804.html

Image 7: https://ikeamuseum.com/en/explore/ikea-catalogue/

5 Comments. Leave new

  • Arden Villanueva
    January 28, 2025 4:41 pm

    This was a good post to read! I have a lot of similar looking photos to these pinned on my Pinterest. I never knew this was even an aesthetic much less part of the Scandinavian culture! I love the pops of bold color, it adds a simple but meaningful touch. Especially when used in a bedroom, and I think maybe it could be the persons favorite color to make it even more meaningful. I wanted to ask if you use this aesthetic in your living space? I would love to start to use this aesthetic in mine.

  • I love how you lead this into IKEA a well known store at which I like to shop from time to time. It’s just interesting to me that I like to design my apartments in such an aesthetic and never knew that it came from Scandinavian influence. I thought the pictures were great representations for the description of this aesthetic. Well done!

  • Hi Abby,

    I was very interested to learn why Scandinavian furniture was so aesthetic to many people. You talked about how it is derived by the Scandinavian culture, which I never knew about! Emphasizing the designs to be practical and functional are key aspects of minimalism, which was also interesting to learn about. However, this is one side of a range of aesthetics. Some people tend to lean more towards a maximalist design. Do you think there can be a balance of the two and combine both aesthetics? Would that be more aesthetic or less aesthetic?

    • Abby Rindfuss
      January 28, 2025 8:19 am

      Hmm, I’m curious if maximalism and minimalism can work in tangent. Maybe that would look something like: a bookcase packed with colorful books and trinkets (maximalism) paired with a sleek, simple couch and coffee table (minimalism). I’m thinking, as long as the maximalist components are functional and practical, they shouldn’t subtract from the Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic. However, this balance between the two will ultimately come down to individuals and their personal aesthetics

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