Scandinavian dining room ideas and inspo.
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Design tips for decorating a scandinavian style dining room
Here’s how to achieve the scandinavian aesthetic room of your dreams.What’s the best way to design and decorate a scandinavian dining room?
Creating a dining room that serves as a welcoming hub for meals, gatherings, and memorable conversations begins with thoughtful planning. The arrangement of furniture not only influences the room's aesthetic appeal but also its practicality and comfort. By employing a strategic approach to your dining room design, you can achieve a space that harmonizes form and function, making every meal an experience to cherish.
Whether you're in the process of a dining room remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design:
- Paint or Wallpaper: Select a color or pattern that sets the desired mood for the dining room and complements the scandinavian style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall to serve as a focal point.
- Dining Table & Chairs: The heart of the dining room, your table should be chosen with care, considering its shape, size, and placement. This piece sets the tone for the room's overall design and functionality, acting as the anchor for all other elements. Pro tip: Divide your table’s outside dimensions by 24 inches to find out how many people you can seat comfortably. Complementing your table, the chairs should offer comfort and style.
- Storage Furniture: Practical yet stylish storage solutions like buffets, sideboards, and credenzas are key to a clutter-free dining area. They provide essential storage and a space for serving dishes. Position these pieces to maintain a clear pathway around the table, ideally 3-4 feet from the table’s edge.
- Area Rug: Love them or hate them, rugs in the dining room are a hot topic. A well-chosen rug can define the dining space and add a layer of warmth and texture. If you opt for a rug, ensure it extends at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides, allowing chairs to remain on the rug even when pulled out.
- Decorative Lighting: Central lighting, such as a chandelier or pendant, should be positioned directly above the table to illuminate the area evenly and serve as a visual centerpiece. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
- Curtains or Blinds: Window treatments not only help control the light and provide privacy but also serve to tie the room's design together. They offer an opportunity to inject color, texture, and pattern into the living space, making it more inviting and personalized. Whether flowing and sheer for a light, airy feel or rich and textured for a more luxurious look, curtains play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the dining room. Don’t forget the curtain rod!
Get creative and have fun with your scandinavian dining room makeover! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Room.
What materials and home decor should I use to achieve a scandinavian dining room design?
Scandinavian interior design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. Scandinavia most commonly refers to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Renowned for its minimalist aesthetic and clean lines, it is deeply rooted in the Nordic principle of creating light-filled, airy environments that evoke a sense of calm and comfort.
To achieve a Scandinavian dining room, start by cultivating an atmosphere that feels open and bright. Opt for a soft, neutral color palette that includes shades of white, beige, and gray to serve as a tranquil backdrop for your space. White walls not only amplify the natural light but also create a canvas for adding depth and interest through texture and subtle contrasts. Incorporate natural materials like light wood, leather, and wool to create a cozy and comfortable environment. Scandi furniture is elegantly simple and designed with both form and function in mind (and yes, Ikea has brought this Swedish design principal to the masses).
Decor in a Scandinavian home should be understated. You may be familiar with the concept of Hygge, a Danish word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality (it’s commonly used to refer to Scandinavian design). This can be introduced through soft lighting, plush textiles, greenery, and personal touches that make your space feel inviting and lived-in. Floor lamps are characteristic of Scandinavian spaces. The Scandinavian style creates a serene and clutter-free space that's both modern and homely, reflecting the Nordic lifestyle's focus on simplicity and wellbeing.