Scandinavian Living Room Design: Ideas & Inspiration

The Scandinavian aesthetic can be applied to many different spaces. Its love of simplicity, natural elements, and functionality is especially ideal for a living room. Take a glimpse inside some lovely, organized and comfortable living rooms that their inspiration from Scandinavian design and get inspiration for yourself.

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  • Source: Evermotion
As sunlight streams in from overhead skylights, it illuminates the clean lines and carefully chosen furnishings in this lovely top level apartment.

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  • Designer: A+ studio
A gallery wall is a great way to add personality to an otherwise minimal design.

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  • Visualizer: Koj Design
Mismatched patterns like plaid and chevron are not exactly a hallmark of Scandinavian design but the subtle colors here make them work together.

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  • Visualizer: Esphera
On the other hand, yellow accents against black and white, as we’ll see, is quite common.

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  • Visualizer: Image Box Studio
Dangling caged lightbulbs are a creative alternative to a chandelier or typical track lighting.

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  • Designer: Studio Cuvier
A lovely purple rug brings a pop of color and texture to this bright white living room.

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  • Designer: Lotta Agaton
  • Photographer: Pia Ulin
Black, white, gray, and natural wood give this living room a sophisticated air that could be straight out of another era.

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  • Designer: Lotta Agaton
  • Photographer: Pia Ulin
Wood and brick are quite common but luxe leather is another way to bring in the idea of natural materials and interesting textures.

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  • Visualizer: Santiago Mañero
A tufted sofa with a smooth throw flips a traditional style on its head.

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  • Visualizer: AIV Studio
Scandinavian styling works particularly well with gorgeous wood flooring, whether new or vintage.

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  • Visualizer: Dmitriy Chukhleb
You don’t need a ton of space to execute on these ideas. Complementary shades of teal and ultra smooth lines are perfect here.

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  • Visualizer: Alexey Gulesha
Here’s another way to use that trendy bright yellow color, giving this living room a mod feel.

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  • Visualizer: Denis Krasikov
Use your sofa as a room divider in smaller, open space as seen here.

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  • Visualizer: Voima Graphics
Light colored wood helps to open up a space on the floor as well as in furnishings like chairs and coffee tables.

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  • Visualizer: Design at Sketch
If you don’t have gorgeous deep wood floors, consider painting them in whitewash for an artsy loft effect.

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  • Visualizer: e5 Visualization
Indoor plants are one of the best ways to bring nature inside and warm up a space.

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  • Visualizer: Sergey Baskakov
A bare wood ceiling gives this otherwise sleek living room a more rustic feel — not everything has to be exactly the same tone to work together.

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  • Visualizer: Alena Malyuk
This small space doesn’t have a lot of room to spare, but a few small pieces keep it cozy and comfortable.

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  • Visualizer: Denis Kraskikov
Chevron patterned flooring is one way to bring some creativity to hardwood.

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  • Visualizer: Denis Krasikov
And don’t think you can’t experiment with color combinations if you’re tending towards Scandinavian design. Black, white, yellow, and bright teal might be a surprising set but they work together here.

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  • Source: Evermotion
White painted brick gives this industrial loft a lot more warmth than a bare red option would.

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  • Source: IKEA
This white living room from IKEA might not be ideal for small children or Merlot, but it sure is gorgeous.

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  • Visualizer: Tuan Ninh
Scandinavian style can still be a bit eclectic when you add something like a real cow skull against a pristine white wall.

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  • Designer: Linda Bergoth
Storage is always an issue when it comes to minimalist. Long low shelving is particularly popular.

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  • Visualizer: INT2 Architecture
Tall shelving that displays your personality is another option.

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  • Visualizer: Thomas Deffet
Or store your favorite stories directly inside your coffee table as well as a mid-century credenza.

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  • Visualizer: Andrew Rodich & Olena Chyslova
The low angles of this oversized sofa emphasize the space of this living room.

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  • Visualizer: Kaan Kılıçay
A single pop of pink (or whatever your favorite color is) can change the whole personality of a room.

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  • Visualizer: Tesla Studio
Classical elements like arched windows and crown molding can provide a cool contrast to minimalist furniture and other simple design elements.

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  • Visualizer: supar diyono
In a space like this, living room and dining room must be separate but still work together.

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  • Visualizer: Koj Design
Dark colors like maroon and moss can still work as neutrals when done correctly.

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  • Visualizer: MG Design UK
An accent chair in that same sunny yellow – or any other bright color – can serve to add a lot of interest to an otherwise neutral space.

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  • Source: Bolia.com
Different floor textures from multiple rugs adds both comfort and style in this loft.

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  • Visualizer: Miysis
Natural wood against concrete is the epitome of warm industrial.

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  • Visualizer: Kaan Kılıçay
And if bright sunny yellow is a little much for you, tone it down a bit.

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  • Source: Svenskfast
In an answer to chevron madness, this triangle pattern is just different enough.

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  • Source: Svenskfast
Mismatched furniture and a vintage rug are not strictly Scandinavian but the space is still quite cozy.

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  • Visualizer: Sivak & Trigubchak
More long low shelving keeps the eye moving horizontally.

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  • Designer: Till Könneker
This studio apartment with lofted bed is the ultimate in simplicity with bed, closet, entertainment center and storage all in one.

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  • Visualizer: Denis Krasikov
A touch of artistic whimsy can go a long way.

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  • Visualizer: Johny Mrazko
Minimalism doesn’t have to feel over the top. This living room is particularly comfortable and kid-friendly.

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  • Visualizer: Pavel Pisanko
Easter egg pastels give a space a delicate, feminine whimsy.

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  • Visualizer: PIX 3D STUDIO
Take inspiration from different eras, like this mod and mid-century space that fits perfectly into contemporary spaces.

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  • Visualizer: AtViz
Black and white stripes truly never go out of style. You don’t have to go as big as this room, but a throw pillow or blanket can be a good choice.

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  • Visualizer: Mitaka Dimov
The minimalism of this style is offset by the whimsy of the oversized owl drawing.

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  • Visualizer: PIX 3D STUDIO
Checked floors and whitewashed walls are a bit upscale dorm in this space.

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  • Visualizer: Marta Gord
Here’s a yellow option that’s a more neon and therefore gives the space a trendy, youthful glow.

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  • Source: Svenskfast
A floral print chaise is a bit more classic than simple but elements like mid-century coffee tables and sparkling wood floors definitely fit the bill.

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  • Source: Bolia
Massive windows don’t offer much privacy but in the penthouse you don’t need it.

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  • Visualizer: Diffuse Virtual
And a final entry into the black, white and yellow category is this dreamy mustard colored sofa.




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