When people say Scandinavian furniture today, they refer to the early 20th-century era that influenced a design aesthetic characterized by minimalism and functionality. However, it was not until the ’50s that the movement gained traction first in the Nordic countries and elsewhere worldwide, including Australia. Aussies love furniture styles emanating from the Scandinavian aesthetic because of their 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.

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

• They typically use light wood, such as pine or birch.
• 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 you have so many options with today’s technology.
• 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. But their simplicity is also their greatest strength.

Designing With Your Scandinavian Furniture

1. Scandinavian design likes to play with light. If your home has large windows and multiple light sources, you can better highlight the furniture pieces.
2. If you buy Scandinavian furniture, avoid having wall-to-wall carpets. They are designed to complement wooden floors.
3. Again, today’s color palettes are more varied, but Scandi furniture pieces are essentially muted. The key elements to remember here are uniformity, harmony, and balance. Although Nordic winters can be long and cold, the design elements can be applied to Australia’s harsh summer weather.
4. Accessorise with metal. Wooden knickknacks, decorative pieces, and 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 do not use wall-to-wall carpeting.
5. Use warm textiles. The original Scandinavian style uses natural fabrics like cotton and fur. You can accessorize your furniture pieces with mohair or sheepskin. But you can also use a vintage Australian quilt as a throw if the weather gets too warm. While neutral colors originally characterized Scandinavian design, you can still play with 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 an excellent conversation starter if you have guests.

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