When people say Scandinavian furniture today, they refer to that era from the early 20th Century that influenced a design aesthetic characterized by minimalism and functionality. However, it was not until the ‘50s when the movement gained traction first in the Nordic countries and elsewhere worldwide, including Australia. Aussies love the furniture styles emanating from the Scandinavian aesthetic because of its flexibility. It does not matter where you live in Australia since the uncomplicated and straightforward design of the pieces will go well with any interior.

But the terms simple and functional can also be applied to just about any furniture design in Australia. So, here are some characteristics of Scandinavian furniture:

• They typically use light wood, such as pine or birch, among others.
• In terms of shade, they tilt toward the warmer or lighter side. You can expect a lot of white, beige, or pastel colors or the wood’s natural tint. The original colors were muted, but with today’s technology, you have so many options.
• They are designed to be durable. In the early 20th Century, people took pride in their craftsmanship and designed furniture pieces to last several generations.
• They do not have ornate accents. Since they are meant to be functional, you won’t see many embellishments in the furniture pieces. But their simplicity is also their greatest strength.

Designing With Your Scandinavian Furniture

1. Scandinavian design likes to play with light. If you have large windows and multiple light sources, then you can better highlight the furniture pieces in your home.
2. If you are buying Scandinavian furniture, make sure you do not have wall-to-wall carpets in your home. They are designed to complement wooden floors.
3. Again, you have more color palettes to choose from today, but Scandi furniture pieces are essentially muted. The key elements to remember here are uniformity, harmony, and balance. Even if the Nordic winters can be long and cold, the design elements can be applied in Australia’s harsh summer weather.
4. Accessorise with metal. Wooden knick-knacks, decorative pieces, and even toys are hallmarks of Scandinavian design. But you can juxtapose the design with copper and metal pieces to break the monotony. You can also put some rugs on the floor but no wall-to-wall carpeting, please.
5. Use warm textiles. The original Scandi style uses natural fabrics like cotton and fur. You can accessorize your furniture pieces with mohairs or sheepskin. But you can also use a vintage Australian quilt as a throw if the weather gets too warm. While neutral colors originally characterize Scandinavian design, you can still play warmer colors like red, yellow, and orange. They go best with white furniture.
6. While simple decorative pieces provide the accents, indoor plants and blooms will complete the look. The flowers also go well with the natural elements featured in Scandinavian furniture. Further, they will add a splash of color to your space. The greenery will allow your room to breathe and should be excellent conversation starters if you have guests over.

Finally, buying Scandinavian furniture is as much of a mindset as a preference. While the furniture can work well as accent pieces of whatever interior design you have, be prepared to buy into the movement. The operative word here is minimalism. It is an opportunity to declutter your space.