5 Steps to a Scandinavian Dining Room
Simple, cozy design ideas.
Scandi design is great for creating a casual and cozy atmosphere. Because of its minimalism, it's also amazing for small spaces – you can work with what you have and nothing will feel too crowded. Scandinavian dining rooms walk the fine line between being clutter-free yet very welcoming. Want to re-create this modern look in your apartment or condo? Check out our five easy tips below.
1. Start With the Basics
The table and chairs in a Scandinavian-style dining room are the two most important furniture items to think about. Since these pieces are the focal point of the room and where you'll likely shell out the most money, it's crucial to pick high-quality pieces with a great design aesthetic. Wood is the number one material used in Scandinavian interior design. Light wood tones like aspen, birch, and white pine will create a clean and cozy environment when paired with white walls. Black wood is a new trend in Scandi design, but it's one that's here to stay. If you need to add a touch of coziness to your dining chairs, top them with sheepskin rugs.
Pro Tip:
If you're limited on space, there's no need to worry. Pull Scandi bar stools up to your kitchen counter to create a mini Scandinavian dining nook.
One of the keys to a curated Scandinavian dining room is to minimize excess. The best way to do this is by thoughtfully choosing your storage furniture. If you love to host wine tastings or serve negronis, use a Scandi-style bar cart to organize your must-haves. Place the prettiest liquor bottles on top and use the shelves underneath for organizing glassware. Then just roll the bar cart out to kick off happy hour.
If your idea of a great night means showing off your homemade paella or you love baking cookies with your nieces and nephews, you might just need a sideboard. A sideboard is ideal for organizing extra serveware and dinnerware, particularly those serving platters you might only use from time to time. If your sideboard has a drawer, use it to store cloth napkins, placemats, and holiday centerpieces.
Soft lighting is so important in Scandinavian dining room ideas. Scandinavian countries are known for their chilly winters and months of long nights. Creating a soft, warm glow is key to making your modern apartment cozy. For a Scandi dining room, we recommend placing a chandelier or pendant light directly over the dining table. Our favorite Scandi pendants? Something with a simple shape and a matte black or white shade. Bonus points for adjustable dimmers that can easily change the mood of the room.
Another way to lighten up your dining room interior is to let in as much natural light as possible. Keep windows and glass balcony doors free from curtains. If your neighbors are nosy or just live super close, hang sheer curtains to get privacy while maximizing sunshine.
Pro Tip:
If you rent your space and can't swap out overhead light fixtures, a Scandi-inspired floor or table lamp can add the same cozy glow to your dining room. Choose a lamp with a light-toned wood base or a simple matte black or white design for a modern finish.
Make your Scandi dining room interior unique – and give pals something to talk about – by hanging a few prints up to build a gallery wall. A simple black, white, and gray palette is great for a calm Scandinavian room, but we love pastels, too. Stick to simple shapes, lines, and designs to create a peaceful, modern atmosphere. Use black, white, or natural wood frames so that the art stands out.
If your interior aesthetic leans to the less-is-more side, one large print may work better in the dining room instead of a gallery wall. A large piece of art looks amazing in a room with high ceilings. For a balanced look, hang two pieces that are the same size on either end of the sideboard. (Even better: Place candlesticks underneath the art to give it an extra oomph.)
Yes, it's true that Scandi interior design is all about keeping it minimal, but it's important to treat yourself to some fun extras from time to time. Curate a shelf or the top of your sideboard with thoughtful pieces of Scandinavian decor. To keep it simple, stick to a small color palette. We love white marble figurines, a trio of ceramic vases, or a couple of artfully placed books. Scandinavian design favors natural elements, so a branch or dried flowers can work, too. The most important thing when decorating is to go with your gut – it will tell you when enough is enough. Then, just add a glass of wine and your favorite takeout and you're ready to enjoy your Scandinavian-style dining room.
Pro Tip:
Obsessed with all things Scandi? Check out our guide What Is Scandinavian Design? for more inspo.
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