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.

1 | Source: Evermotion

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

2 | Designer: A+ studio

A gallery wall is a great way to add personality to an otherwise minimal design.

3 | 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.

4 | Visualizer: Esphera

On the other hand, yellow accents against black and white, as we’ll see, is quite common. The rustic and unique coffee table here is a nice touch.

5 | Visualizer: Image Box Studio

Dangling caged lightbulbs are a creative alternative to a chandelier or typical track lighting.

6 | Designer: Studio Cuvier

A lovely purple rug brings a pop of color and texture to this bright white living room.

7 | 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.

8 | 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.

9 | Visualizer: Santiago Mañero

A tufted sofa with a smooth throw flips a traditional style on its head.

10 | Visualizer: AIV Studio

Scandinavian styling works particularly well with gorgeous wood flooring, whether new or vintage.

11 | 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.

12 | Visualizer: Alexey Gulesha

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

13 | Visualizer: Denis Krasikov

Use your sofa as a room divider in smaller, open space as seen here.

14 | 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.

15 | Visualizer: Design at Sketch

If you don’t have gorgeous deep wood floors, consider painting them in whitewash for an artsy loft effect.

16 | Visualizer: e5 Visualization

Indoor plants are one of the best ways to bring nature inside and warm up a space. Do check out our list of 32 Beautiful Indoor House Plants That Are Also Easy To Maintain if you would like to try it at your home.

17 | 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.

18 | 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.

19 | Visualizer: Denis Kraskikov

Chevron patterned flooring is one way to bring some creativity to hardwood.

20 | 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.

21 | Source: Evermotion

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

22 | Source: IKEA

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

23 | 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.

24 | Designer: Linda Bergoth

Storage is always an issue when it comes to minimalist. Long low shelving is particularly popular.

25 | Visualizer: INT2 Architecture

Tall shelving that displays your personality is another option.

26 | Visualizer: Thomas Deffet

Or store your favorite stories directly inside your coffee table as well as a mid-century credenza.

27 | Visualizer: Andrew Rodich & Olena Chyslova

The low angles of this oversized sofa emphasize the space of this living room.

28 | Visualizer: Kaan Kılıçay

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

29 | Visualizer: Tesla Studio

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

30 | Visualizer: supar diyono

In a space like this, living room and dining room must be separate but still work together.

31 | Visualizer: Koj Design

Dark colors like maroon and moss can still work as neutrals when done correctly.

32 | 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.

33 | Source: Bolia.com

Different floor textures from multiple rugs adds both comfort and style in this loft.

34 | Visualizer: Miysis

Natural wood against concrete is the epitome of warm industrial.

35 | Visualizer: Kaan Kılıçay

And if bright sunny yellow is a little much for you, tone it down a bit.

36 | Source: Svenskfast

In an answer to chevron madness, this triangle pattern is just different enough.

37 | Source: Svenskfast

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

38 | Visualizer: Sivak & Trigubchak

More long low shelving keeps the eye moving horizontally.

39 | Designer: Till Könneker

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

40 | Visualizer: Denis Krasikov

A touch of artistic whimsy can go a long way.

41 | Visualizer: Johny Mrazko

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

42 | Visualizer: Pavel Pisanko

Easter egg pastels give a space a delicate, feminine whimsy.

43 | Visualizer: PIX 3D STUDIO

Take inspiration from different eras, like this mod and mid-century space that fits perfectly into contemporary spaces.

44 | 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.

45 | Visualizer: Mitaka Dimov

The minimalism of this style is offset by the whimsy of the oversized owl drawing. The large unique floor lamp adds a special touch.

46 | Visualizer: PIX 3D STUDIO

Checked floors and whitewashed walls are a bit upscale dorm in this space.

47 | Visualizer: Marta Gord

Here’s a yellow option that’s a more neon and therefore gives the space a trendy, youthful glow.

48 | 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.

49 | Source: Bolia

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

50 | Visualizer: Diffuse Virtual

And a final entry into the black, white and yellow category is this dreamy mustard colored sofa.