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 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.