Skip to content Are you ready to transform your small apartment into a stylish oasis? Scandinavian décor is here to save the day! Known for its simplicity, functionality, and undeniable charm, this design style has taken over small spaces everywhere. Whether you work with a tiny living room or want to maximize your space without sacrificing style, Scandinavian trends are perfect for creating a light and airy vibe.
This article dives into Scandinavian décor trends tailored specifically for small apartment living rooms. Here are three key takeaways you’ll love:
- Effortless Minimalism: Learn to keep things simple yet chic without cluttering your small space.
- Functional Furnishings: Discover multifunctional furniture that will make your life easier and your space more livable.
- Cozy Comfort: Find out how to create a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft textures and neutral colors.
Let’s explore these trendy ideas for your small apartment living room to feel fresh, functional, and totally!
Embrace Natural Light
Natural light is a staple of Scandinavian design. The more sunlight you can let into your small apartment, the better! Big, open windows with minimal coverings help flood the room with light, making it feel larger and more welcoming. Use sheer curtains or go curtain-less for a bright, airy atmosphere.
Why this works: Natural light enhances the clean, minimalistic feel of Scandinavian décor while also making small spaces look bigger. The simplicity of white walls paired with sunlight creates a fresh, open vibe.
Tips: If you don’t have large windows, consider strategically using mirrors to reflect light around the room. This easy trick adds depth and brightness without taking up any floor space.
I’ve personally found that maximizing natural light can completely transform a small space. In my apartment, removing bulky curtains and opting for light sheers made the room feel instantly brighter and bigger. It’s an easy, cost-effective change that anyone can make.
Go for Neutral Tones
Scandinavian design is all about keeping things calm and neutral. Think soft whites, grays, and muted earth tones. These colors create a peaceful atmosphere, especially in small spaces cramped with bold, overwhelming colors.
Why this works: Neutral tones make the room feel more spacious and less cluttered, providing a canvas for experimentation with textures and accent pieces.
Tips: Start with a light base—like a white or pale gray sofa—and add subtle touches of wood, soft textiles, or greenery to keep it from feeling too sterile. Remember that simplicity is key!
Multifunctional Furniture
With limited space, every piece of furniture needs to do double duty. Scandinavian design is all about function without sacrificing beauty. Opt for pieces like a coffee table with hidden storage or a sofa that folds into a bed.
Why this works: Multipurpose furniture helps maximize your living space while keeping things clutter-free. Plus, the sleek, clean lines of Scandinavian-style furniture ensure it looks stylish even when packed with practicality.
Tips: Look for modular furniture that can adapt to your needs. For example, a shelving unit that serves as storage and a room divider can make a world of difference in a small space.
When I moved into my current apartment, I realized how critical multifunctional furniture is for small spaces. My coffee table serves as a surface for meals. It offers hidden storage for blankets and books, helping me keep my space neat and functional without overcrowding.
Layer with Soft Textures
Though Scandinavian décor is minimal, it doesn’t have to be cold. Layering textures is one of the best ways to bring warmth into your small apartment living room. Think plush rugs, wool blankets, and lots of cozy cushions.
Why this works: Soft textures make your space feel inviting and comfortable without overwhelming the clean aesthetic. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and minimal.
Tips: Mix different textures—like a faux fur throw on a sleek, modern chair—to add depth to the room. This trick looks great and makes your space feel more luxurious and welcoming.
Add Greenery for a Natural Touch
Plants are a key element in Scandinavian homes, bringing the outdoors inside. Whether it’s a small potted plant on a windowsill or a larger floor plant, greenery adds life and freshness to any room.
Why this works: Plants add color and warmth without taking up much space. They also help purify the air, making your apartment feel fresher and more inviting.
Tips: If you’re worried about maintaining live plants, choose low-maintenance options like succulents or air plants. Even a few sprigs of eucalyptus in a vase can bring a pop of green to your space.
Keep It Minimal with Floating Shelves
When you’re short on floor space, going vertical is key. Floating shelves are a fantastic way to add storage without crowding the room. Use them to display books, art, or plants while keeping your surfaces clutter-free.
Why this works: Floating shelves create storage in a sleek, space-saving way, aligning perfectly with the minimalist vibe of Scandinavian design. They allow you to showcase personal items without taking up valuable floor space.
Tips: Keep the items on your shelves curated and tidy. A few well-placed items will look intentional and stylish, while too much can start to feel cluttered.
Imagine you’ve just bought a small plant and a few favorite books, but your coffee table is already full. Instead of piling everything on top of each other, you install a simple set of floating shelves above your sofa. Suddenly, you have the perfect spot for the plants and books, and your room feels bigger and more organized without the extra clutter.
Opt for Light Wood Furniture
Light wood is a hallmark of Scandinavian design. It brings a natural warmth to your space while keeping things bright and airy. Whether it’s a coffee table, dining set, or shelving unit, incorporating light wood can soften the overall look of your living room.
Why this works: Light wood offers a natural, clean finish that doesn’t overpower the room. It blends seamlessly with neutral tones and adds a sense of calm to your space.
Tips: For a true Scandinavian feel, choose pieces made from oak, birch, or ash. Pair them with soft textiles in neutral colors to maintain balance.
Incorporate Geometric Patterns
Scandinavian design loves simple, geometric patterns. These patterns can be introduced through rugs, cushions, or wall art. Think bold but not overwhelming—clean lines and understated prints are key.
Why this works: Geometric patterns add visual interest without cluttering your space. They bring a playful energy to the room while staying true to the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic.
Tips: Stick to neutral tones or monochromatic patterns for a subtle look. A black-and-white geometric rug, for instance, can make a big impact while keeping things grounded.
Invest in Quality Lighting
Lighting is essential to creating the perfect Scandinavian living room. Simple, stylish lighting fixtures like pendant lights or floor lamps serve a functional purpose and enhance the space’s cozy, hygge feel.
Why this works: Good lighting helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, especially in small spaces that might not get enough natural light. Scandinavian lighting is both functional and decorative, often featuring minimalist designs in metal or wood.
Tips: Consider layering your lighting with floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead fixtures. Warm-toned bulbs will give your space that cozy glow, perfect for relaxing evenings.
Stick to Simple, Open Layouts
Small spaces can easily feel cramped, but the Scandinavian design is all about creating flow. Keep your furniture layout open and uncluttered, allowing easy movement around the room. Choose fewer pieces with a big impact rather than trying to fit in too much.
Why this works: An open layout makes your living room feel larger and more inviting. Scandinavian design prioritizes space and light, so keeping things simple and airy is key to achieving this aesthetic.
Tips: Avoid pushing all your furniture against the walls. Play with positioning to create intimate areas while maintaining a sense of openness.
Play with Black Accents
Although Scandinavian décor leans towards light and neutral tones, adding a few black accents can create depth and contrast in your living room. Whether through black picture frames, a sleek black lamp, or even black hardware on furniture, these details add sophistication without overwhelming the space.
Why this works: Black accents break up the monochromatic look and introduce a bold touch that highlights other elements in the room. They add drama while keeping the overall look clean and minimal.
Tips: Keep black elements small and sparing to maintain balance. Too much can overpower the light, airy feel that Scandinavian décor is known for.
Opt for a Statement Rug
A statement rug can anchor your living room and combine the design. Scandinavian-inspired rugs are typically neutral with subtle patterns. Still, you can opt for something bolder to add personality to your space.
This works: Rugs provide a cozy, comfortable feel underfoot and help define different areas in an open space. A statement rug can become the room’s focal point while maintaining Scandinavian simplicity.
Tips: Choose an appropriately sized rug for your room—too small can make your space feel disjointed. Make sure the front legs of your furniture are on the rug to help tie the room together.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Natural materials, like wood, stone, wool, and leather, are central to Scandinavian design. Incorporating these into your living room brings warmth and texture while staying true to the style’s simple, natural aesthetic.
Why this works: Natural materials help ground the space and give it an organic, relaxed vibe. They work beautifully with neutral color schemes and keep the room from feeling too sterile.
Tips: Mix materials for added depth. For instance, a wooden coffee table paired with a wool rug and a leather armchair will create a rich, layered look that’s still cohesive and minimalist.
Use Storage Baskets for Decluttering
Small apartments often need help with storage, but the Scandinavian design offers stylish solutions. Woven baskets, fabric bins, and other minimalist storage containers help keep clutter out of sight and add a decorative element to your living room.
Why this works: Storage baskets are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They allow you to maintain a clean, organized space while blending into the overall design.
Tips: Opt for natural materials like wicker or cotton in neutral tones. Place baskets under coffee tables, on shelves, or beside sofas for easy access while keeping your space tidy.
In my experience, using woven storage baskets has been a game-changer. They’re perfect for hiding small items like remote controls, magazines, or toys, keeping the room tidy and stylish. Plus, they add a touch of texture that complements the neutral tones in the room.
Add a Cozy Fireplace (or Faux One)
A fireplace is a quintessential feature of Scandinavian homes, offering warmth and comfort. Even if your apartment doesn’t have room for a real fireplace, a faux fireplace or a small, portable electric version can bring that cozy Scandinavian vibe into your space.
Why this works: A fireplace, whether real or faux, adds a focal point to the room and enhances the hygge feeling—a sense of cozy well-being—that Scandinavian design is known for.
Tips: If you opt for a faux fireplace, decorate the mantle with candles, plants, or a simple mirror to enhance the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Choose Low-Profile Furniture
Low-profile furniture, like a low-slung sofa or a minimalist coffee table, is perfect for small apartment living rooms. Scandinavian design favors pieces that don’t dominate the space but create a balanced, harmonious environment.
Why this works: Low-profile furniture opens up the vertical space in your living room, making the area feel larger and less cramped. It also enhances the clean lines and simplicity that Scandinavian décor is known for.
Tips: Pair your low-profile furniture with taller elements like floor lamps or plants to add contrast and create a visually interesting mix of heights.
Invest in Timeless Pieces
One reason Scandinavian décor has such staying power is its timelessness. Investing in high-quality, classic pieces—like a well-made wooden dining table or a neutral-toned sofa—will give your living room a long-lasting style that won’t go out of fashion.
Why this works: Timeless pieces ensure that your space looks elegant and sophisticated for years, no matter how trends change. Scandinavian design focuses on functionality and quality, which makes these pieces worth the investment.
Tips: Opt for neutral or natural tones and simple designs when choosing timeless pieces. This will allow you to easily change smaller décor items without replacing big furniture.
Create a Reading Nook
Scandinavian living rooms often feature cozy nooks, perfect for relaxing with a good book. If you have a small corner in your living room, turn it into a reading nook by adding a comfy chair, a small side table, and a soft throw.
Why this works: A reading nook provides a functional, quiet space while enhancing the room’s cozy, welcoming vibe. It’s also a great way to use an awkward or unused corner.
Tips: Choose a chair with a simple, clean design in a neutral tone. Add a soft lamp nearby for the ideal reading light and a basket for extra blankets.
Picture yourself coming home after a long day. You head straight for the small corner of your living room where your reading nook is set up. The chair is cozy, the lighting is soft, and there’s a blanket waiting for you. You grab your favorite book, curl up, and enjoy a peaceful evening—proof that even the smallest spaces can become a personal sanctuary.
Hang Simple Wall Art
Scandinavian décor doesn’t mean bare walls! Simple, minimalistic wall art—abstract prints, black-and-white photography, or nature-inspired artwork—can add a personal touch to your living room without overwhelming the space.
Why this works: Wall art brings personality and warmth to the room. It’s a simple way to add color and interest without cluttering the space, staying true to the Scandinavian love for simplicity.
Tips: Stick to neutral or muted tones that complement your room’s palette. A gallery wall with clean, matching frames can add a modern, stylish touch.
Incorporate Hygge Elements
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish concept that refers to a sense of cozy well-being and contentment. In your living room, this can be achieved by adding elements like candles, soft blankets, and comfortable seating areas that invite relaxation and togetherness.
Why this works: Hygge creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes your space feel like a true sanctuary. It’s all about comfort and enjoying the simple things, which aligns perfectly with the Scandinavian design ethos.
Tips: Light candles in the evening, drape soft blankets over your sofa, and create inviting seating arrangements that encourage relaxation and connection.
Imagine a cold winter evening where you light a few candles, drape a soft wool blanket over your legs, and settle into your sofa with a warm cup of tea. The flickering candlelight and the cozy atmosphere make your living room feel like the ultimate retreat from the world outside.
Keep Clutter Hidden
Clutter can easily take over small spaces and make the room feel chaotic. Scandinavian design embraces clean, uncluttered surfaces, so finding ways to hide everyday items is key. Think closed storage, minimalist baskets, or cabinets with sleek doors.
Why this works: Hidden storage helps maintain the calm, organized vibe of Scandinavian décor. You can enjoy an open, airy, and serene space by keeping things out of sight.
Tips: Opt for furniture with built-in storage, like ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments. This way, you keep your living room clutter-free without sacrificing style.
Conclusion
Scandinavian décor is truly a lifesaver for small apartment living rooms. With its emphasis on minimalism, functionality, and cozy comfort, it’s no wonder this design style continues to inspire. By embracing natural light, incorporating multifunctional furniture, and layering soft textures, you can create a living space that feels open, welcoming, and full of personality.
Three key takeaways from this article:
- Effortless Minimalism: Keep things simple and clutter-free with light colors and functional furniture.
- Functional Furnishings: Invest in pieces that serve multiple purposes to maximize your limited space.
- Cozy Comfort: Add warmth and texture through textiles and small details to create a space that feels like home.
Ready to transform your small apartment? Dive into these Scandinavian décor trends and make your living room the cozy, stylish retreat you’ve always dreamed of. And don’t forget to share your makeover journey! Pin this post for future reference, or share it with friends who could use design inspiration. Let’s create spaces that make us feel happy and at home.
