Minimal, Functional Decor for Compact Living Areas in Scandinavia
Sprucing up compact spaces? Go for Scandinavian design, a foolproof approach tailor-made for small dwellings like cramped Copenhagen apartments or cozy log cabins. Here's a lowdown on lighting, color, furniture, greenery, and additional insights to create a cozy, inviting abode.
Embrace the Light
White walls and light-toned floors are your allies, bouncing light around and making rooms appear more spacious. Feel like splashing some color? Opt for a soft pastel palette, such as blue-grey or blush, and maintain a consistent color scheme throughout the house.
Light-hued decor, fabrics, and lightweight woods like beech, ash, or pine are your friends. Opt for transparent or mesh furniture, as in this petite Swedish kitchen, to create a transparent, open view. If your existing furniture features darker shades, breathe new life into them with white or grey paint.
In case your windows are stingy on natural light, clever artificial lighting replaces the brightness. Place smaller lamps strategically around the space to create soft, inviting pools of light, rather than opting for a single overhead harsh light. Pendant lamps, slim-profile floor lamps, and wall lamps work like a charm.
Cut Back on Clutter
Scandinavian design and minimalism go hand in hand: both philosophies underline the importance of keeping just the essentials. Streamline your living space by getting rid of unwanted items. When your collection is streamlined, arrange your remaining belongings for a curated, ordered feel.
In a compatible living setup, even swap doors in favor of curtains, as in this Stockholm apartment. Minimize the partition of studio flats or combined kitchen-living spaces using subtle rugs rather than screens or different-colored walls, as this helps make the space feel bigger.
Avoid overly intricate patterns: opt for larger, simpler designs (or go pattern-free) to keep the space open. While wall art is optional, display one large piece instead of several small ones for a cohesive look.
Furniture Tailored for Small Spaces
Sofas and furniture featuring clean, geometric shapes and lacking elaborate decor are highly recommended. A corner sofa with one arm, as in this tiny Stockholm apartment, evades a "boxed in" appearance common in smaller spaces. To make the most of your budget, reorganize your existing furniture or explore pieces with streamlined designs that suit your mini dwelling.
Climb the Walls
Clear floor space by fully utilizing the wall area. Attach wall mounts for your lamps, plants, or guitars, and opt for open shelving whenever feasible. Employ tall storage units over wide ones in tight spaces.
Space Saver & Multifunctional Solutions
Eliminate the need for dedicated wardrobe space by using furniture that simultaneously serves as storage, such as beds, benches, and coffee tables. Studio apartment bedrooms and guest bedrooms can double as living spaces if you replace your bed with a futon—without sacrificing the style of our European linen duvet covers. Opt for wheeled furniture, or attach wheels to existing furniture, to move it around conveniently and serve various purposes (reading, eating, working, or socializing).
Selecting Fabrics Wisely
Light, airy textiles take up less space than heavy materials. Look for light-colored paper, linens, and crepe when shopping for lampshades, curtains, or bedding. Opt for our Danish-style bedding made from breathable, moisture-wicking European linen, available in various colors.
Give special attention to curtain placement: most people hang curtains too low and too narrow, which narrows the space and impedes the entry of vital light. Ensure curtains edge one foot above the top of the window, elongating both the window and the wall. They should be wide enough to allow full exposure when drawn.
Embrace Greenery
A touch of nature can take a clinical, compact space and turn it into a relaxing and engaging environment. While keeping with the overall simplicity of the design, choose broad-leaved, flowerless varieties of plants, such as the snake plant or spider plant. Their green hue complements the natural feel of our organic linen duvet covers adorned with Denmark's beloved plants.
How do you prepare small spaces at home? Do you have tips and tricks you think we should add? Let us know on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter!
Written by our website's experts.
With a focus on minimalism, incorporate light-colored furniture and decor for a spacious look. Opt for geometric shapes and open designs to maximize small spaces.
Trim down clutter by reorganizing belongings and incorporating multifunctional furniture like beds and benches. Utilize vertical space with wall mounts and tall storage solutions.
