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  • Writer's pictureSarah Nantel
    • Nov 7, 2020

6 SECRETS OF STUNNING SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS DECOR

Scandinavian design is well known for its minimal and modern vibe. The holidays are no different and this beautiful style sets Nordic countries apart from the rest. Scandinavian Christmas decor typically boasts a simple color palette and sleek silhouettes. Northern lights and snowy winter scenes compliment natural evergreens and glamorous fur details. Keep reading for everything you need to know for a stylish and cozy Scandinavian holiday look this year.



1. A Neutral Colour Palette


A simple and minimal color palette acts as a perfect base for pops of red or green. When choosing your main pieces of furniture you will want to stick with neutral fabrics and black and white shades for contrast. Shimmery silver and bold red are common in Scandinavian design.


A Scandinavian Nordic living room decorated with minimal and modern holiday christmas decor with a simple christmas tree, white fireplace, black accents, a velvet sofa and a white rug.

source: House Beautiful

A scandinavian nordic inspired dining room with wishbone wooden chairs, a dining table covered with a black table cloth, black star lights, candles and greenery set up with minimal and modern decor for the Christmas holidays.

source: Stylizimo

A minimal and modern Scandinavian nordic inspired Christmas holiday dining table styled with black candles, greenery, white candles, pine cones and black plates with gold utensils for a minimal and modern feel.

source: Burkatron

A white brick fireplace styled for the Christmas holidays with greenery and candles on the mantel beside a Scandinavian inspired Christmas tree.

source: pinterest



2. Natural Elements and Minimal Ornaments


Mixing in greenery and natural elements is a key aspect of the Nordic style. Wreaths and garlands are a great way to bring in pieces of nature. Simple wooden beaded garlands look beautiful trimming the tree. Ribbons, white lights and simple ornaments are also popular choices.


A Scandinavian inspired beaded garland made from natural wood is strung on a green Christmas tree with twinkling lights for a minimal and modern look.

A wooden beaded garland laying amongst scandinavian inspired Christmas ornaments in the shape of forest animals like squirrels, foxes, deer and rabbits for a minimal and modern holiday decor look.

A simple natural wooden beaded garland strung above modern scandinavian wooden Christmas tree decorations sitting on a fireplace mantel.

A red and white Scandinavian nordic inspired ornament hangs from a green tree branch for the Christmas holidays.

A minimal and modern Christmas wreath as a branch hung from twine above a white fireplace mantel in Scandinavian nordic decor style.

A simple and modern wreath with white berries and pine cones is hung above a fireplace mantel lined with white Scandinavian houses and garland for the Christmas holidays.

A little girl in a red skirt and knee socks leans over a wicker Scandinavian inspired bassinet sitting on a white fur rug looks at her baby sister in front of a simple and modern wreath that hangs on the wall behind her.

source for all: Crate and Barrel



3. Tree Baskets


Whether it is wicker, rattan or seagrass, the Scandinavian design most always involves the Christmas tree being placed or stored in a basket. Sometimes a blanket or tree skirt in Nordic inspired colors like red and white is used as well. Galvanized pots are another option.


A Scandinavian style Christmas tree sitting in a rattan wicker basket with wooden bead garland and clear glass ornaments is set up for the Christmas holidays.

A nordic Scandinavian inspired tree skirt in red and white lays under the Christmas tree decorated with berries in a minimal and modern style.

A nordic Scandinavian inspired tree skirt in red and white lays under the Christmas tree decorated with berries in a minimal and modern style.

source: Crate and Barrel

A Christmas tree sitting in a wicker basket in a white living room for the Christmas holidays is decorated in a Scandinavian nordic style.

source: Happy Grey Lucky



4. Wrapping with Brown Paper


The tree is the focus of Scandinavian Christmas decor and with the tree comes simply wrapped gifts. Brown craft paper or postal paper, twine/ribbon and sprigs of greenery are used to capture the minimal, nature inspired feeling.


A modern Scandinavian Christmas tree decorated with minimal ornaments with simple gifts wrapped in brown paper sitting below the tree.

source: My Scandinavian Home

Modern and minimal Christmas holiday wrapping with brown paper on gifts lay amongst pine cones and sprigs of branches tied with twine.

Modern and minimal Christmas holiday wrapping with brown paper on gifts lay amongst pine cones and sprigs of branches tied with twine.


5. Twinkle Lights and Geometric Shapes


Scandinavians love their geometric elements. For the holidays, stars, diamonds and triangles are often seen. Illuminating a room with soft, dim candlelight can evoke a feeling of warmth and comfort. Twinkle lights and ornaments are usually displayed with candles. Nature is important and berry branches, pine cones and antlers are frequently used.


A modern and minimal Christmas display with bottle brush trees and wooden tree ornaments sits amongst white candles and thinking fairy lights for a Christmas holiday display.

A wooden tree ornament sits beside gold metallic candle holders and white Christmas tree candles under strings of wooden bead garlands for a Scandinavian Christmas display.

Two white paper snowflakes sit on a wooden stump for a Scandinavian Christmas.

Scandinavian style Christmas decor in red and white colors is set up for the holidays with candles, Christmas trees, and red ornaments.

source for all: Crate and Barrel

A Scandinavian style wall hanging made from natural tree branches, wood and white star shapes hags on the wall for Christmas.

source: Delineate Your Dwelling



6. Warm and Cozy Knits and Fur


The feeling of warmth is a large part of the holidays for Scandinavians. Cozines is key and chunky knits or (faux) fur is commonly used. Don't be afraid to mix up your textiles and include a variety of textures with blankets, throw pillows or poufs.


A cream and red chunky knit blanket with pom pom tassels that is perfect for the Christmas holidays.

source: Crate and Barrel

A modern and minimal living room set up with Scandinavian decor displays stockings hanging above the stone fireplace and an antler chandelier above a white section sofa at Christmas time.

source: Pottery Barn

A Santa holiday pillow that is modern and knit in holiday colors.

source: Michaels



A wooden beaded garland laying amongst red and white Scandinavian inspired Christmas ornaments and decor in the shape of forest animals like squirrels, foxes, deer and rabbits for a minimal and modern holiday decor look.

A simple and modern wreath with white berries and pine cones is hung above a fireplace mantel lined with white Scandinavian houses and garland for the Christmas holidays.

A wooden tree ornament sits beside gold metallic candle holders and white Christmas tree candles under strings of wooden bead garlands for a Scandinavian Christmas display.

A scandinavian nordic inspired dining room with wishbone wooden chairs, a dining table covered with a black table cloth, black star lights, candles and greenery set up with minimal and modern decor for the Christmas holidays.

A modern and minimal living room set up with Scandinavian decor displays stockings hanging above the stone fireplace and an antler chandelier above a white section sofa at Christmas time.

A minimal Scandinavian Christmas tree with wooden ornaments and stars with gifts wrapped in simple brown paper tied with twine and ribbons sits for the Christmas holidays.

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