15 Beautiful Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas

By Interior Designer, Tracy Svendsen | Published November 08, 2023 | Updated October 26, 2024 |

Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas: If you are someone who appreciates the Scandinavian design style, bring the cozy and enchanting charm of this aesthetic into your home this holiday season. In this article, we will explore seven idyllic ideas to help you deck the halls the Scandinavian way.

These decorating tips embrace simplicity, natural elements, and warm touches to create an inviting, chic, festive ambiance. Scandinavian Christmas decor is characterized by its minimalistic yet stunning aesthetics.

Think crisp whites, fresh greens, and touches of red for a traditional twist. Incorporate pinecones, fur throws, and flickering candlelight to evoke a rustic and cozy atmosphere. Whether you hang delicate paper star lanterns, drape lush garlands across windowsills, or adorn your tree with handmade ornaments, these ideas infuse your space with the unmistakable Scandinavian charm.

So, why not step away from the conventional and embrace a Christmas that radiates simplicity, elegance, and a touch of Nordic whimsy? Let’s dive into these seven idyllic Scandinavian Christmas decorating ideas and immerse ourselves in the magic of the holiday season. Feature image courtesy of Simply Scandi.

Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of Simply Scandi

1. Embracing Simplicity and Minimalism in Scandinavian Holiday Decor

Scandinavian countries are known for their minimalistic approach to design, and this is particularly evident during the holiday season. To achieve the Scandinavian Christmas look, keep it simple. Stick to a neutral color palette of whites, grays, and natural wood tones, and let the beauty of simple pieces shine through.

Avoid cluttering your space with too many decorations, and stick to a few key pieces that make an impact. When decorating your home, consider incorporating natural and rustic Christmas elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, and birch logs.

These elements add a country touch to your decor and help to bring the outdoors inside. You can also add candles to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Choose unscented candles in simple candleholders to create a calming and serene ambiance.

Finally, remember to declutter your space before decorating. Scandinavian design is all about clean lines and uncluttered spaces, so ensure your home is tidy and organized before decorating.

Scandinavian Christmas Living Room Ideas

Scandinavian Living Room Ready for Christmas
Image courtesy of Kathy Kuo Home

2. Natural Elements and Materials for a Rustic Feel

One of the hallmarks of Scandinavian Christmas decor is the use of natural elements and materials. Look for decorations made from wood, wool, and other natural fibers. For example, you can create a wreath using evergreen branches and pine cones or hang a wooden garland across your mantle.

In addition to natural materials, consider incorporating cozy textures to add warmth to your decor. Faux fur throws and pillows are a great way to add a touch of luxury to your space—layer rugs and blankets to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Christmas Mantel with Fresh Greenery & Glowing Candles
Image courtesy of Monika Hibbs

Remember to bring the outdoors inside. Place evergreen branches in a vase or hang them from your chandelier. You can also create a centerpiece using pinecones, berries, and other natural elements.

Minimalistic Christmas Decor
Images courtesy of Cates Hill

3. Hygge: Creating a Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish word that roughly translates to “coziness” in English. Creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere is essential to Scandinavian Christmas decor.

To achieve this, focus on creating a warm, welcoming space that invites relaxation and comfort. One way to create a hygge atmosphere is to incorporate soft lighting. Use candles and warm-toned lights to create a cozy ambiance. You can also add soft textiles like blankets and pillows to make your space more inviting.

Another way to create a hygge atmosphere is to focus on the senses. Incorporate scents like cinnamon and pine to make your home smell like Christmas. You can also serve warm drinks like hot cocoa or mulled wine to create a cozy and inviting vibe.

Hygge Christmas Ideas
Image on left courtesy of Skies of Parchment, Image on right courtesy of Emily Henderson

4. Scandinavian Christmas Living Room Ideas

The living room is the heart of a home during the holiday season, and it’s the perfect place to embrace Scandinavian Christmas decorating. Scandinavian living rooms are characterized by their minimalistic yet stunning aesthetics. To achieve this look, keep things simple and maintain a neutral color palette. Think whites, grays, and natural wood tones for a clean, uncluttered space.

One of the easiest ways to add a touch of Scandinavian Christmas to your living room is by incorporating natural elements. Evergreen branches, pinecones, and birch logs create a festive atmosphere. Place them in vases or add a garland to hang across your mantle.

Another way to create a cozy and inviting living room is to add soft textiles. Faux fur throws and pillows are perfect for adding warmth and luxury to your space.

For lighting, stick to warm-toned lights and candles to create a hygge ambiance. Place candles in simple candleholders or lanterns to create a calming and serene atmosphere.

Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of West Elm

5. Scandinavian-Inspired Table Settings

Consider incorporating natural elements and traditional motifs when creating a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas table setting. For example, you can make a centerpiece with evergreen branches and pinecones. You can also incorporate Scandinavian-inspired tableware, such as wooden plates and bowls, or traditional red and white linens.

Scandinavian Christmas Tablescape Ideas
Image courtesy of Simply Scandi

Layer candles on your dining table at various heights to create a cozy and intimate setting. White candles contrast beautifully with earthy brown pinecones and vibrant shades of green.

Scandinavian Centerpiece Ideas
Image courtesy of Stylizimoblog

6. Scandinavian Style Christmas Trees

No Scandinavian Christmas decor is complete without a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. When decorating your tree, stick to a simple color palette of whites, grays, and natural wood tones. Avoid using too many bright colors or flashy ornaments.

Instead, incorporate natural elements like wooden ornaments, pinecones, and burlap ribbons. Add candles or fairy lights to create a warm and inviting glow.

Finally, consider topping your tree with a traditional Scandinavian star or a Dala horse ornament. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your tree and create a unique focal point for your holiday decor.

Scandinavian Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of Stylizimoblog

7. Transform Your Fireplace Mantel

Transforming your mantel into a Scandinavian winter wonderland can add warmth and charm to your holiday decor. Start with a base of fresh evergreen branches, like pine or fir. Drape them along the mantel for a lush, organic feel. You can also mix in holly or dried eucalyptus sprigs for added texture.

Use an assortment of candles in varied heights—think pillar candles, votives, and tea lights. Opt for neutral or soft colors for the candle holders, such as white, gray, or natural wood. This will create a warm, inviting glow while staying within the Scandinavian aesthetic.

Choose a few impactful pieces instead of cluttering the space. Handcrafted wooden ornaments, ceramic figures, or minimalist wall art can serve as focal points. Aim for items in earthy tones or whites to maintain a cohesive look.

Layering textiles adds a cozy touch. Place a soft faux fur or knitted throw at one end of the mantel. This not only adds warmth but also creates an inviting, hygge atmosphere.

Scandinavian Fireplace Mantel
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest

8. Elevate Your Stairway Railing

To create a welcoming Scandinavian Christmas entryway, wrap greenery around the railing with pine branches, eucalyptus, or cedar. Intersperse dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks for a warm, festive touch.

Soft white or warm yellow string lights can add a cozy glow. Drape them along the railing, weaving in and out of the greenery. Choose a few simple, rustic ornaments in natural colors—like wood, metal, or glass. Hang them from the railing or attach them to the greenery.

Paper Honeycombs and Pendants
Image courtesy of Layered Lounge

9. Bring Nordic Charm to the Bedroom

Creating a cozy and festive vibe in your bedroom during the holiday season can bring a sense of warmth and charm that embodies the Scandinavian style. Stick to a soothing color scheme of whites, grays, and natural wood tones. This minimalist approach allows for a serene environment.

You can add subtle hints of red or green to evoke a festive feel without overwhelming the space. Incorporate soft, inviting textiles like cotton or wool blankets, faux furs, and linen pillowcases. Layering these materials adds warmth and enhances the cozy vibe synonymous with Scandinavian design.

Nordic Christmas Bedroom
Image courtesy of Annie Selke

10. Scandinavian Centerpieces

Incorporating Scandinavian Christmas centerpieces into your holiday decor brings a touch of charm and elegance to your dining experience. Scandinavian design emphasizes minimalism, which means centerpieces can be simple yet striking. This allows the beauty of natural materials to shine without overwhelming the dining room or coffee table.

Scandinavian centerpieces can vary widely—from understated arrangements with just a few key pieces to more elegant and elaborate setups. This versatility allows you to tailor your centerpiece to fit your style and the size of your gathering.

Natural Christmas Tablescape
Image courtesy of Jenni Kayne

Scandinavian Christmas Tablescape
Image courtesy of Design Enthusiasm

The event’s centerpiece was a decadent hot chocolate bar, showcasing white chocolate and gingerbread flavors to complement the overall color scheme and aesthetic. Delicate snowflakes added a touch of elegance to the scene. The textured tablescape and thoughtful details created a captivating and inviting ambiance.

11. Add Rustic Elements

To truly capture the essence of Scandinavian Christmas decor, integrating rustic holiday elements can add warmth and charm. Utilize materials like wood, metal, and stone to create a grounded and earthy feel. Wooden ornaments, aged barn wood for centerpieces, and stone candle holders can all contribute to a rustic vibe.

Rustic Lodge Decorating Ideas
Images courtesy of Pottery Barn

12. Layering Textiles in the Winter Months

Layering textiles in winter is a beautiful way to create warmth and comfort in your home. Incorporate different textures to add depth. Consider faux fur throws, chunky knit blankets, or velvet cushions. These not only provide warmth but also create visual interest.

Warm and Inviting Winter Living Room
Image courtesy of Vogue (Francois Halard Photography).

13. Outdoor Scandinavian Christmas Ideas

Embrace the Scandinavian spirit outside your home this Christmas. Adorn your front door or porch with evergreen branches, holly, and pinecones. A simple wreath made of fresh greenery can set a charming tone.

Set up a small outdoor seating area with cozy blankets and cushions. Faux fur throws are perfect for adding warmth and comfort. – Consider a fire pit surrounded by seating to create a cozy gathering spot for family and friends, complete with hot drinks to enjoy.

Scandinavian Christmas Front Porch
Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

14. Scandinavian Christmas Traditions and Customs

Finally, some unique traditions and customs associated with Scandinavian Christmas celebrations are worth noting. For example, in Denmark, it is traditional to celebrate “Julefrokost” (Christmas lunch) on December 24th. This is a time for families to come together and enjoy a feast of classic Danish dishes like pickled herring, roast pork, and rice pudding.

In Sweden, it is traditional to celebrate “Julotta” (Christmas morning) with a church service. This is followed by a breakfast of rice porridge and mulled wine.

In Norway, small paper baskets filled with candy or nuts are common decorations. These are known as “Julekurver” and are often hung on the Christmas tree or around the home.

By incorporating these traditions and customs into your holiday celebrations, you can create an authentic Scandinavian Christmas experience that is both meaningful and memorable.

Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas
Image courtesy of My Scandinavian Home

15. DIY Scandinavian Christmas Decorations

If you’re feeling crafty, consider making your own Scandinavian Christmas decorations. This is a great way to save money and allows you to create unique and personalized decorations that reflect your style.
One idea is to create your paper star lanterns.

These delicate decorations are a staple in Scandinavian Christmas decor and are easy to make using paper, scissors, and glue. You can also make natural ornaments with pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and dried orange slices.

Finally, consider creating a wreath using evergreen branches and other natural materials. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your decor and create a unique centerpiece for your home.

DIY Scandinavian Christmas Decoration Ideas
Image courtesy of Cates Hill

DIY Ice Lanterns
Image courtesy of Stylizimoblog

Ice lanterns are an easy and affordable way to decorate your doorstep in the winter . A large bowl is used to make the candle, and a smaller bowl to make a whole for the candle. Add flowers and greenery for a hint of color. View the complete DIY Ice Lantern Tutorial.

Conclusion: Bringing Scandinavian Charm Into Your Holiday Decor

Scandinavian decor is about simplicity, natural elements, and warm touches. By embracing the principles celebrated in Nordic countries, you can create an inviting and effortlessly chic festive season. Consider including natural tree branches, wood bead garland, tall candles, paper snowflakes, layers of cozy texture, and Nordic Christmas decorations.

Whether you decorate with traditional Scandinavian symbols, create your own DIY decorations, or incorporate cozy textures and soft lighting, these ideas will infuse your space with the unmistakable charm of the Nordic region.

So, this holiday season, why not step away from the conventional and embrace a Christmas that radiates simplicity, elegance, and a touch of Nordic style? With these seven idyllic Scandinavian Christmas decorating ideas, you can bring Scandinavia’s cozy and enchanting charm into your home.

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