White, light, and functional – Scandinavian design is the perfect solution for small spaces. Lifestyle concepts such as hygge were made for tiny log cabins and cozy Copenhagen apartments. Whether you’re sprucing up a studio flat, brightening the bathroom, or joining the tiny home movement, you can draw on decades of tricks developed by the masters of Scandinavian design.
Let the Light In
White walls and light-wood floors bounce light around a space, making rooms look larger. Can’t live without color? Choose muted pastel tones like blue-grey or blush; keep the color scheme monochrome to avoid breaking up the space. For a seamless flow, maintain the same color palette throughout all rooms, creating the feel of one continuous space.
For décor, stick with light-colored fabrics and woods like beech, ash, or pine. Transparent or mesh furniture creates a clear line of sight, as seen in small Swedish kitchens. If your furniture is dark, repaint it white or grey. For dark floors, use light-colored rugs. Mirrors also help reflect light—place a full-length mirror or even create a mirrored wall.
Struggling with small windows? Use well-placed artificial lighting. Rather than a single fluorescent light, use multiple smaller lamps to create soft, candle-like light pools. Pendant lamps, slim-profile floor lamps, and wall lamps with pale, translucent shades help diffuse light without glare. Choose bulbs that emit white light with a hint of yellow for a warm brightness.
Cut Back on Clutter
Scandinavian design shares minimalism’s focus on function. Keep only what you need. Donate or recycle extras, and arrange what remains so it looks curated, not chaotic.
Some small apartments ditch doors for curtains, keeping spaces open during the day. Avoid dividing rooms with screens or varied wall colors. Instead, define areas subtly with rugs.
Skip busy prints; go for large patterns, stripes, or grids that elongate walls or floors. Wall art is optional—show personality through cushions, throws, or bold Scandinavian-inspired duvet prints. If you do hang art, one large piece is better than many small ones.
Furniture for Small Spaces
On a budget? Just rearranging furniture can transform a room. Move items blocking windows to let in more light.
Choose clean-lined, geometric furniture with minimal detail. Fewer, larger pieces work better than many small ones. A one-arm corner sofa avoids the boxed-in feel often found in small living rooms.
Go Vertical
Use wall space fully. Mount lamps, plants, or instruments like guitars on walls. Choose tall, narrow storage over wide pieces. Avoid cramming every inch with storage—blank space gives the room breathing room.
Maximize Multitasking
Use dual-purpose furniture like beds, benches, and coffee tables with built-in storage. Just note these pieces can feel boxy, so reduce what you store to keep the space open.
Studio or guest bedrooms can double as living rooms by using a futon. Fold it up to switch from sleeping to entertaining mode. Scandinavian linen duvet covers work beautifully on futons, too.
Wheeled furniture adds flexibility. Move chairs easily from work to dining to relaxing. Stools can serve as seats or small tables.
Alos Read : DIY Wall Art Ideas for a Minimalist Home: Simple Yet Stunning
