Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas

Embrace the Nordic Magic: Scandinavian-Inspired Christmas Ideas for Your Home

By Interior Designer, Tracy Svendsen | Published November 08, 2023

Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas: Bring the cozy and enchanting charm of Scandinavian Christmas decorating into your home this holiday season. In this article, we will explore seven idyllic ideas to help you deck the halls the Scandinavian way. 

Embracing simplicity, natural elements, and warm touches, these decorating tips will create an inviting and effortlessly 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

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. Consider incorporating natural elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, and birch logs when decorating your home. 

These elements add a rustic 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

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 pinecones 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.

Finally, 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.

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

Minimalistic Christmas Decor
Images courtesy of Cates Hill

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, inviting 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

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. This section will explore some cozy and enchanting living room ideas that will infuse your space with the unmistakable Nordic charm. 

Scandinavian living rooms are characterized by their minimalistic yet stunning aesthetics. Achieve this look by keeping things simple and maintaining 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

Scandinavian-Inspired Table Settings and Centerpieces

When it comes to creating a Scandinavian-inspired table setting, think about incorporating natural elements and traditional motifs. For example, you can create a centerpiece with evergreen branches and pinecones.

You can also incorporate Scandinavian-inspired tableware like wooden plates and bowls or traditional red and white linens. Finally, consider adding candles to your table to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Scandinavian Christmas Tablescape Ideas
Image courtesy of Simply Scandi

Scandinavian Centerpiece Ideas
Image courtesy of Stylizimoblog

Scandinavian Christmas Tree Ideas

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

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, decorating with small paper baskets filled with candy or nuts is common. 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

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 Christmas decor is about simplicity, natural elements, and warm touches. By embracing these principles, you can create a festive ambiance that is both inviting and effortlessly chic. 

Whether you choose to decorate with traditional Scandinavian symbols, create your 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 whimsy? With these seven idyllic Scandinavian Christmas decorating ideas, you can bring Scandinavia’s cozy and enchanting charm into your home.

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