This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full Disclosure Policy.
Scandinavian Farmhouse style uses clean lines, cozy textures, and rustic charm to create spaces that feel simultaneously modern and timeless. It combines the clean lines of Scandinavian design with the rustic warmth of a farmhouse, creating a welcoming and stylish haven that feels both modern and inviting.
As the years went by, and I renovated and decorated more and more spaces in both our Victorian house and our tiny house cabin, I developed an undefined style that I couldn’t put a label on. I knew what types of space and design details inspired me, and over time, I was naturally decorating this way without much effort. The term Scandinavian farmhouse style seemed to embody my vision and has become a term that sits comfortably when I think about how I decorate, especially in my attic space and tiny house cabin.
This post will cover Scandinavian Farmhouse style and give tips on decorating this way in your own home.
What is Scandinavian Farmhouse Style
Scandinavian farmhouse style draws inspiration from the uncomplicated, minimal elegance of Swedish and Danish decor, also known as Scandinavian style, blending it seamlessly with the down-to-earth and practical essence found in American farmhouse design style. It embraces simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature, that results in a tranquil and inviting space.
10 Elements of Scandinavian Farmhouse Style
1. Keep a Decluttered Space
Scandinavian-style decorating always keeps spaces clutter-free and well-organized. Use baskets and storage solutions to maintain a tidy space, aligning with both Scandinavian and modern farmhouse styles.
If you struggle with where to begin with purging, try the tips in my decluttering and organizing guide. It is important, to start with this step before you do anything else in your space, as you can take inventory of what needs to be stored and what decor you already have to use.
2. Neutral Color Palette with Pops of Warmth
Scandinavian Farmhouse Style will always have a muted, neutral color palette that is dominated by whites, grays, and natural tones. Accents of warm wood, earthy greens, and soft textiles infuse warmth into the space.
I love using Oxford white as a wall and trim color in both homes. It is a soft white with a slight blue undertone that gives the spaces in my home a beautiful base color to work with. Having one color for both the wall and trim not only makes it very easy when I need to do paint touch ups but it also makes the space feel like a blank canvas, allowing the furniture and decor to be the focal point of the space instead of the walls.
3. Clean Lines and Functional Design
Scandinavian influence brings clean lines and functional design to the farmhouse setting. Furniture used when decorating for Scandinavian farmhouse style features simple, uncluttered lines, which helps prioritize practicality without sacrificing aesthetics.
I love hunting for simple furniture options with very few ornate details and clean, straight lines. In the past, when I could not find what I was looking for, I built my own. The base to our dining table was found in the attic of our Victorian house when we first bought it. It was much smaller, and I decided to build one that would better fit the dining space using salvaged floorboards as the top.
This farmhouse kitchen hutch is another example of a piece with simple lines in our dining room area. I built this one using two different antique furniture pieces together to make one beautiful piece for this space.
4. Balanced Decor
It is important to strike a balance between the simplicity of Scandinavian design and the lived-in, imperfect charm of rustic farmhouse decor.
This balance is easier to achieve when you have the right types of decor. Touches of natural elements featured in antique and vintage decor help create a cozy, lived-in feel; the key is not to overdo it! Too many items begin to look like clutter, and no one item becomes the focus. I
5. Use Natural Elements
Draw inspiration from the outdoors by adding natural materials such as reclaimed natural woods, stone, and natural linen. These elements play a big role in this decorating style by adding texture and authenticity and creating a connection between nature and your home.
The natural look of wood accents like a vintage serving board, an antique sifter, or even birch wood stacked beside the fireplace are all great options.
6. Hygge Accents
The Nordic design concept of “hygge” is almost always present in Scandinavian Farmhouse Style. Warm textiles and cozy accents, such as chunky knit throws, throw pillows, and ambient lighting, create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
We have simple sofas with white canvas slipcovers in both our attic space and lower level living room. I love that these textured sofas offer a delicate look to the living space and allow other elements in the room to be the feature. In the winter decoring months, I add sheepskin rugs, cozy candles, and lots of natural elements to achieve the Hygge decor style.
7. Add Vintage and Repurposed Pieces
Embrace the charm of farmhouse living with vintage or repurposed furniture and decor. Weathered finishes, distressed wood, and antiques add character and tell a story within the space. I like to call them “investment pieces”.
Along with all the antique furniture I have collected over the years, I also look for other decor items, such as vintage light fixtures, French enamel buckets or flower containers, beautiful French canning jars, or even beautiful antique European cutting boards that I can stack in the kitchen. These types of decor will always add character to your space.
You can always refinish an old piece with raw or natural wood! Or try your hand at painted furniture to give it a fresh look.
8. Mix Old and New
As important as it is to add a touch of farmhouse style by using vintage or antique pieces, it is just as important to blend a few modern elements for an eclectic yet cohesive look.
9. Open and Airy Spaces
Scandinavian design emphasizes open and airy spaces. Natural lighting is maximized to create a bright and welcoming environment.
When we renovated the attic in our Victorian home, I knew the space would be stunning, with its high vaulted ceilings. The sun floods into this space which makes it the perfect place to spend time in. In the evening, the high ceilings make it the perfect space to cozy up and watch a family movie or read a book.
10. Farmhouse Textures
Finally, incorporate farmhouse decor textures such as shiplap, beadboard, and exposed wooden beams to evoke a sense of rustic authenticity. These elements add depth and visual interest to the clean lines of Scandinavian design.
I took a minimalist approach when decorating the attic, mainly because the shiplap we added provided so much texture and detail that we didn’t need much more in the space. The black color of the fireplace also added a striking contrast to the light wood floor. It didn’t take a lot to add a visual impact in this space because the detail on the walls was enough.
Scandinavian Farmhouse Decor
I have put together a few Scandinavian farmhouse style decor options for you. You can find so many more beautiful decor items in the B Vintage Style Shop.
More Design Ideas
I hope you found this inspirational and better understand what Scandinavian Farmhouse style is. Leave me a comment below if you have any questions, and don’t forget to add this one to Pinterest too. Here are a few more design ideas to help you create a home you love.
Frequently Asked
Scandi Rustic style, short for Scandinavian Rustic, is a design aesthetic that merges the clean, minimalist elements of Scandinavian design with the rugged and natural characteristics of rustic decor. This style emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature, creating spaces that feel both cozy and uncluttered.
A Scandinavian-style home is known for its clean, minimalist design, neutral color palette, and emphasis on functionality, which creates an uncluttered and inviting space. Natural materials like wood and a focus on maximizing natural light contribute to this decorating style.
A farmhouse-style home is like a cozy retreat with a mix of rustic charm and simplicity. It often has features like wooden beams, large porches, and vintage touches, creating a warm and welcoming vibe reminiscent of traditional farmhouses
