the art of Scandi furniture

Organic shapes, slim frames and natural materials epitomise Scandistyle furniture. We unpack the reasons for its global success, share its signature features, and reveal how to make it work for you

WORDS Amelia Smith

The most iconic and recognisable aspect of Scandinavian interiors? The furniture. The clean lines, slim frames and unmistakable shapes have earned themselves recognition across the globe. But what is it exactly that makes Scandi furniture so distinctive and popular? The world is brimming with furniture designers, but why is it that Scandi designs are so coveted? The answer is simple…

The best solutions are often found where the need to solve a problem is the greatest. In Scandinavian winters, the days are short, the nights are long and the houses are small. Freezing-cold weather conditions mean time spent outdoors is minimal. So, the Scandis look to their homes for warmth, comfort and space. Overly decorative pieces of furniture simply get in the way and block out the light, so designers honed in on what was really needed: function-driven, nature-inspired furniture that would maximise space and light.

Although the rest of the world sees more daylight hours, there are probably few people who would turn down a little extra space and light in their home. Hence, the style went global and Ikea became a household name in more than 50 countries. Within an ethos where every item has to earn its place, here’s how to furnish the Scandi way.

the signature style

The number-one rule of Scandinavian-style furniture design is that form follows function. How you use the piece dictates how it is designed. There are no unnecessary, solely decorative additions. Ornate wood carving? Wing-backed armchairs? Four poster beds? No thank you. Every element of Scandi-style furniture design directly serves a purpose, making the pieces inherently simple and also space saving. Clean lines and slim frames bring a lightness to the overall look, which works to enhance the feeling of light and space in the room as a whole. To create this neat functioning and lightness, both straight and curved lines are needed, so look closely and you will find both in every piece.

Scandinavian houses are typically small, and a key way to enhance the feeling of space in a room is to expose as much flooring as possible. This is why Scandi-style sofas, armchairs, beds and wardrobes often have legs. Using slim wooden or metal legs to raise the piece of furniture up off the ground allows you to see more of the flooring beneath. This is a commonly used visual technique that tricks the eye into believing a room is larger than it is. Across the globe, populations are increasing and homes are getting smaller, so it’s no surprise that more and more of us are adopting this technique, often without even knowing it. Let’s take a closer look at individual pieces of furniture, room by room.

living room

A place for hunkering down and keeping cosy with loved ones, the living room is the epicentre of Scandi-style living. Sofas and armchairs are low backed with wooden tapered legs to enhance the feeling of space, and most importantly of all, they must be very, very comfortable. Coffee tables have tapered legs too and are just big enough to act as a hot chocolate perch for every family member, but small enough so you can move around the room easily. Be it rectangular, circular or oval, the frames are slim

and smooth for that organic, barely-there feel. A hidden shelf here is a great way to keep the centre of the room clutter free.

dining room

Enjoying food among friends and family is a central part of both hygge and lagom, so a designated, comfortable dining area is so important. It is no surprise, then, that some of the most iconic pieces of Scandinavian furniture designs are dining chairs. The Wishbone chair by Hans Wegner, the Muuto chair by Thomas Bentzen, and even the Model 60 stool by Alvar Aalto are all signature, timeless designs that have been replicated worldwide. The curved aspect of Scandi design comes into its own with the rounded arch of backrests and spherical seats, optimising comfort and function in each millimetre. Much like coffee tables, dining tables are simple in form and slim in frame. Rectangle designs have curved edges which are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to live with.

bedroom

The bedroom should be our ultimate peaceful sanctuary. Scandi beds have slim wooden frames and tapered legs, and sit much lower than traditional-style frames or divans. Headboards are fuss free, often with slim wooden spindles, a singular panel of grained wood, or upholstered in a lightly coloured linen fabric for extra comfort. The handles of wooden wardrobes and chests of drawers are either discreet or non-existent. Whether it’s a built-in push-pull mechanism or fluid cut-out recesses, this keeps the space as streamlined as possible. Soft-close drawers are a must for storage that feels as good as it looks.

home office

If there’s one room where the benefits of a Scandi-style space could have a direct positive impact on the task at hand, it’s in a home office. Whether yours consists of a separate room or just a designated spot in your home, the notions of calm, spacious and naturally bright, ignited by Scandi-style interiors, could help you to focus more easily. Several studies have found that our working environment directly impacts our productivity, so it’s an area worth investing in. A thin-framed wooden desk, with built-in storage should be your first buy, so that the size and shades of your other pieces can work around it. Many highly supportive office chairs are also available in white and grey, or even tan leather, so that you can get optimum comfort and back support without breaking up your palette. Combine closed storage for paperwork and stationery, with open storage to display real plants and framed prints.

the key materials wood

If there’s one element that’s integral to Scandi-style furniture, it’s wood. Scandis have been living with wooden furniture and cladding for hundreds of years, and in the 2019 World Happiness Report, Denmark, Sweden and Norway were said to be among the top ten happiest countries in the world. It’s the Scandis who inspired the comforting notions of hygge and lagom. And now, several scientific studies have shown that being surrounded by wood reduces stress levels. Everything points in the same direction: wood is good for us. The concept of bringing the outdoors in brings a vibe that is both fresh and comforting. Just what we all need.

But it’s not just any type of wood that will do. As Scandinavian days are shorter and darker than most, furnishing with dark wood will only make a space feel darker. Lighter woods such as beech, ash, oak and pine are the way to go. Also, the finish of the wood can make a huge difference to the overall feel. The wood used in Scandi furniture designs isn’t rustic – uneven edges or bumpy surfaces might bring character and charm to a countrystyle space, but for a Scandi scheme, it’s a no-go. The wood should be polished or sanded to perfection to form those coveted clean lines. The quality of your wood is also extremely important – invest in solid pieces that will support you for years to come.

When choosing your furniture, always check that your materials are responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly. All wood should be FSC certified. This is evidence that the wood has come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefit to the planet. Alternatively, flea markets, antique stores, charity shops and online second-hand stores such as eBay play host to many a hidden Scandi-style gem, at a fraction of the cost of buying brand new. This may also provide the perfect opportunity for you to sand down, revarnish or reupholster a piece of furniture and really put your own stamp on your home.

fabrics

When it comes to fabrics, natural fibres lead the way. For sofas and armchairs, choose soft cottons or linens, as these are breathable, lightweight materials that are soft to touch. If it’s a cosier, heavier feel that you’re after, go for wool instead. A Scandi colour palette is neutral, light and minimal – think whites, soft greys and warm beiges – so your furniture should inhabit this too. Light-coloured fabrics have reflective qualities that can brighten a room – pale grey has for a long time been branded the ‘new

buy once, buy well

A fundamental of Scandi design is quality pieces that stand the test of time. When choosing furniture, remember that it is an investment that will bring comfort and joy to you and your family for years, if not decades, to come. Scandi furniture is not intended to be chopped and changed every couple of years as the trends come and go; it is intended to stay and built to last. While there are less expensive options available, there is no replacement for the look and feel of high quality. You need to know that your pieces of furniture are sturdy, strong and reliable, that they function perfectly, so that your home life can be as easy and comfortable as possible.

That said, it is important to spend your money wisely. Invest in the items you use the most. Often this is sofas, dining sets, beds and wardrobes, but this might be different for you. These items need to stand up to daily action, so you’ll see the rewards of an investment. Pieces that you use less often, however, such as armchairs, Ottomans and console tables, will receive less wear and tear, so less expensive models will do just fine. Your purse can thank us later.

© Darlings of Chelsea

Tapered legs and a light colour scheme can make a space feel bigger

© John Lewis

neutral’ and is the most popular option for sofas and armchairs by far. A large part of Scandi style is about layering and balance, and layers can be built up through the materials you choose for your furniture. If choosing linen, cotton or wool for your larger pieces, for smaller items such as Ottomans, footstools or pouffes, you can be a little more playful and chop and change with the seasons. In winter, woollen oversized knits, faux fur or even cow hide are all natural ways of creating a new layer. Whereas in summer, wicker, bamboo and rattan add light and airy textural interest while maintaining that muted palette.

Similarly, leather is a great material to use as an accent, whether it’s to create comfy cushioning on a dining chair or the sling of a sling back chair. Too much leather in a space could dominate the room, so it’s best kept to a happy minimum. As for the texture, the deeper and more exposed the grain the better – shiny leather will appear cold and harsh, which is the opposite of what you’re after. If you don’t want real leather in your home, there are many faux designs around that replicate the real deal astonishingly well.

the essential storage

While Scandi-style furniture is designed to optimise your home life, this will not be achieved if your space is cluttered. A light and airy space with clean lines and minimal styling is all well and good, but if your floor is filled with kids’ toys, your armchair layered with coats, or your coffee table hidden beneath letters, all your efforts of trying to create a tranquil space will come to nothing. And that is why storage is such an integral feature in Scandi-style design.

clutter free

Closed storage enables you to hide your things out of sight. While the Scandi lifestyle promotes living with less (so ideally you shouldn’t have too many things to stow away anyway), there are always those odds and ends that we’d rather not have on show.

A side board, for example, is a great way to incorporate a lot of closed storage at a low level, without taking up space up top, and maintaining that light and airy feel. Ercol sideboards epitomise the look completely, optimising the clean lines with handleless designs, in much the same way as wardrobes.

It’s useful to choose a TV stand with storage, so that unsightly wires can be hidden way. The lower the stand the better, as you don’t want your TV becoming the focal point of the space.

It may be tempting to go for a simple clothes rail where you’ll only hang a few of your favourite items of clothing. But let’s face it, with the fast pace of our lives, that rail will be over flowing and stressful-looking within a matter of weeks. A wardrobe and chest of drawers is the way to go if you have the space.

dual purpose

Another key way to maximise your storage in a Scandi-style space is to choose pieces of furniture that have a dual purpose. This can

be bedside tables with drawers, hallway benches with built-in storage, vanity units with built-in cupboards, or even headboards with hidden shelving. These extra practical details can really make a difference to how your space works for you, without even taking up any extra footprint. This makes the ultimate goal of bright and airy rooms that little bit more achievable, whatever the size of your home.

pride of place

Storage isn’t just for hiding things away though; it can also be used to display your most treasured items. And this is where open storage comes in. While Scandi styling is minimal, it is certainly not boring, and putting beautiful items out on display for you to visually enjoy every day is very much encouraged. The most iconic open shelving design is the String shelving system and its story is an interesting one. When Bonniers publishing company launched a competition to design an affordable bookshelf (thus enabling its customers to buy more books), little did it know it had prompted a revelation. The product had to be flexible, stylish and easy to ship, and the winning architecture students Nisse and Kajsa Strinning hit the nail on the head. A simple ladder framework with shelves that you could position wherever you like meant that everyone could create a bespoke piece that worked perfectly for them. The patented style has expanded into everything from bathroom storage to shoe stands, wine glass holders to office desks, as a practical, minimal and ever popular solution that sits back quietly and lets your accessories shine.

With the iconic furniture styles, the natural materials and the storage to keep your home clutter free, you’ll be a big step closer to living life Scandi style, and reaping all the rewards that that laid-back lifestyle can bring. Furniture provides a clear, long-term base for the rest of your scheme to work around. So while you put your feet up on your faux fur footstool, you can ponder all the textured throws, cushions and vases that will soon complete your dream Scandi scheme.

the perfect layout

Where you position your furniture can make a huge difference to the feel of your room. Your layout should be all about maximising natural light and space. Ensure your furniture doesn’t block windows, and if your room is big enough, position your furniture away from the walls as this works to visually broaden your space.

The proportions of your furniture are key, so it’s well worth putting in the research to find the exact right size. Too large or too much furniture and your space will feel cluttered and overwhelming; too small or too little furniture and your space won’t function properly. As with everything in Scandi style, it is a real balancing act.

While the Scandi colour palette is minimal, you can add interest with mismatched pieces. A matching suite might seem like a straightforward option, but two or three pieces in varying materials and shades will bring essential textural and visual interest. Mismatched dining chairs, as long as they’re all of the same height and proportions, bring a relaxed,communal vibe too.

Consider also how your furniture will work with other pieces in your room. Do you want to step out of bed straight onto a soft rug? Do you want every living room seat to be within arms reach of a coffee table? Do you want cosy seat cushions for every dining chair? How you want to use and feel in your space should dictate your layout, so think about this carefully and grab a tape measure before you purchase a single item.

© Getty Images Plan your furniture layout on paper to achieve the perfect proportions