Styles in furniture - Scandinavian

Simple lines, functionality, convenience, natural colours and bright spaces. It's Scandinavian style, a lifestyle characteristic of Nordic countries, welcoming, warm and soothing.

The Scandinavian style emerged in the 1920s, but became world-famous in the 1950s. It was a broad design movement that influenced areas ranging from architecture to interior decoration, furniture and lighting. It is the most enduring modern style, and is as current now as it was in the early years when it became the style of choice in Europe and the USA. Simple lines, functionality, natural colours, lightness, airy spaces are the elements that have made it a way of life.

A minimalist, clean and functional style that doesn't compromise on aesthetics

Scandinavian style is characterised by a minimalist, clean vision that combines functionality with beauty. The emphasis is on simple lines and bright clutter-free spaces, on functionality. Nothing is superfluous, what is not useful is removed so as not to clutter the space. It's a Nordic lifestyle that, far from being cold, is welcoming, warm and soothing.

The Scandinavian style emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and by the 1930s had spread to all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. It originated in Denmark in 1914 under the name Skønvirke (Elegant Works - in Danish), as a magazine that promoted works with romantic influences and Art Nouveau of Danish craftsmen. Unlike Art Nouveau, the contemporary style which was mainly aimed at the elite, the new style promoted craftsmanship and was more accessible and democratic.

Soon, well-known representatives appeared and manufactured iconic products for the style, thus giving rise to the so-called the golden age of Scandinavian design. Alvar Aalto, Olav Haug, Arne Jacobsen, Bruno Mathsson, Kaare Klint and Borge Mogensen are just some of the designers of the era. The basic concepts of the works were functionalism, constructivism and sometimes surrealism. Their fame remained local until the 1950s when new opportunities for global exposure led to a virtual explosion of Scandinavian design. This was followed by 20 years of market domination when the big design awards went only to the Nordic countries.

Since then, Scandinavian style has remained in the public eye even when contemporary with other styles. The simple and clean lines, the calmness given by the light and airy spaces, the natural materials and colours have made it a perennial favourite. Many now identify it with the honest, democratic Scandinavian way of life, the place where some of the happiest people on the planet live.

Specific elements of Scandinavian style

Functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship are the main elements of the style. Natural materials are used to create products in this style, especially light-coloured wood such as frasin or fagul, wool and linen textiles, leather and glass. The look is minimalist, straight lines, light and natural colours with vibrant accents.

How can the style be characterized? Briefly:

• Minimalist aesthetics
• Discreet design dedicated to function
• Light, bright, neutral colours combined with darker, contrasting shades
• Airy spaces full of light
• Lack of curtains and drapes
• Unfinished wood flooring or discreet, simple, light-coloured carpets
• Wooden furniture in natural colour
• Lights that delimit spaces and have a decorative role
• Multifunctional and flexible design
• Sofas in neutral colours and textured fabrics
• Natural textile material
• Stainless steel, brass or copper accents
• Artworks as focal points in a minimalist space.

Comfortable, multifunctional and simple furniture, wood as light as possible

Scandinavian-style furniture is minimalist and practical. The few pieces in a room really need to be important and useful. Sometimes the pieces are multi-functional, with a chair also being used as a table or cupboards that also divide the room. Unlike the minimalist style that tries to reduce some pieces of furniture to symbols, Scandinavian furniture emphasises convenience. Chairs are simple but not uncomfortable. The furniture is simple, but not simplistic.

As Nordic countries are very much about nature and naturalness, solid wood in its natural colour is used a lot for furniture pieces. Local species with light-coloured wood such as beech, ash or pinwith fine grain and discreet design. Wood is combined with natural textiles, leather or metal elements. The design is simple, the lines clean.

Very important in Scandinavian design is light. The long, dark winter days have left their mark on the Nordic way of thinking so furniture is as light as possible, vibrant accents are few, walls are white and windows are large and uncovered by curtains or drapes. Light fittings are present on both ceiling and wall, delineating spaces and enveloping everything in warm, discreet light. Lamps and candles are commonplace decorative objects with, of course, a functional role.

Scandinavian style, very popular and always in fashion

Combining minimalist aesthetics with functionality and comfort, Scandinavian style is still one of the most popular styles of furniture or interior design today. Versatile and timeless, Scandinavian furniture and lighting create stylish, bright and comfortable living spaces. Warm and natural textiles, simple patterns, natural colours, open and airy spaces all contribute to a more comfortable feel. Homes decorated in Scandinavian style are refined, elegant and comfortable, making them timeless.