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Scandinavian Furniture

At IconByDesign, one of our key furniture design influences is Scandinavian-style since we identify with its ethos of clean lines, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our solid wood Scandi furniture is designed to be timeless; this means it adapts seamlessly to a variety of interior styles from Scandinavian homes with light-filled interiors and neutral, natural furnishings to eclectic boho-chic apartments furnished with vibrant textural accessories or modern abodes with contemporary decor.   

You can pair one of our beautifully crafted Solid Wood Dining Tables, such as the Magnus Extension, Olivia Rectangular or Axel with a set of beautifully handcrafted real wood dining chairs – our furniture fits right in with your lifestyle. Our Scandinavian furniture becomes an integral part of your home as your story unfolds. Scandinavian and Mid-Century Modern furniture is furniture that’s effortless, elegant, easy. 

Which brings us to the question: what exactly is Scandinavian style?  

To put it simply, Scandinavian style is a Nordic aesthetic marked by minimalism and functionality. You probably recognise its key elements – white walls, pale wooden floors and minimalist furniture. The concept of Scandinavian design took root thanks to the talent and genius of designers like Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Alvar Aalto, Eero Arnio and Ingvar Kamprad (yes, the founder of IKEA). This style has impacted nearly every aspect of design since the early 1950s. 

This new Scandinavian approach combined beauty, simplicity and functionality. Scandinavian design furniture is characterised by clean lines and simple yet well-crafted joinery. The beauty and integrity of a piece lying in its simplicity and how well it was made. Form follows function. Most of all Scandinavian style is uncluttered and simple, giving the entire space the cozy feeling known as Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah").

The harsh Scandinavian winters meant that their homes’ interiors were designed to maximise natural light, resulting in a color palette that is largely white, pale neutrals and light-colored timber. People prized utility and simplicity above elaborate decoration in their homes.  Almost 70 years later, the Scandinavian design aesthetic still holds strong for its simple yet structurally solid style. And we at IconByDesign are proud to be a part of the leading Australian craftsman of Scandinavian design furniture.

Where Does Scandinavian Design Come From?

Let’s start with a geography lesson: The area of Scandinavia encompasses the European countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark (with Finland and Denmark often included). After World War II, new democratic social ideas were sweeping through Europe. Designers sought to reverse old ideas around beauty and status, stating that things that were previously only afforded by the upper classes should be available and affordable to the masses. 

Scandinavian design is a style of furniture that originated in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. It's characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Key principles of Scandinavian design include minimalism, simplicity, and functionality.

The history of Scandinavian design dates back to the early 20th century when designers like Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Hans Wegner began experimenting with new forms and materials. In the 1940s and 50s, Scandinavian design became popular worldwide thanks to its simple aesthetic and affordable prices. Today, it remains one of the most popular styles of furniture around the world.

Scandinavian Design Principles

Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Typically, there is nothing superfluous about Scandinavian design; it strips back the unnecessary, showcasing the essential elements of any product. When it comes to furniture, this means choosing clean lines over excessive ornamentation, focusing on the essentials, and using natural materials whenever possible.

Some of the key principles of Scandinavian design include:

Minimalism

This involves stripping away the unnecessary details to focus on the essential elements of a product. In furniture design, this might mean opting for simple, clean lines over ornate carvings or decorations.

Functionality

Scandinavian designers believe that form should follow function – in other words, a piece of furniture should be designed with a specific purpose in mind rather than being decorative only.

Beauty

While functionality is important, Scandinavian designers also believe that a piece of furniture should be pleasing to look at and aesthetically appealing.

Natural materials

Scandinavian designers prefer natural materials such as wood, leather, wool, cotton, or linen over synthetic fabrics like acrylic or polyester because they are more comfortable and durable than their synthetic counterparts. They also believe these materials have an organic quality that makes them easier on the eyes when compared with artificial ones.

Scandinavian Furniture Colors

Scandinavian design is usually characterized by light, neutral colors and simple shapes. Most Scandinavian designs tend to feature white or cream as the main color with other lighter shades like beige, gray, brownish-reds (like rust or orange), tan, taupe or chocolate brown used for accents.

Scandinavian colors are neutral and monochromatic – bright, warm whites with black and tan , and pale pastels. Pale blue is a popular accent color because it complements the natural landscapes of Scandinavia.

What wood is used in Scandinavian furniture? 

Wood is the predominant material in Scandinavian furniture design. Oak, walnut, birch and pine are commonly used because of their natural beauty and durability. The Scandinavian colour palette is natural and neutral. It’s about white space with light shades of colour. Think duck egg blue, soft green, gentle grey and natural linen. The warmth of the Scandi design furniture comes through the tones of solid oak furniture. The warmth comes through the tones of timber furniture and a variety of textures. The solid oak timber is in keeping with the light and bright design aesthetic of Scandinavian design.

Where can I buy Scandinavian Furniture? 

It's easy to get the Scandinavian style in your home! You will find IconByDesign’s range of affordable Scandi-inspired solid wood pieces available for sale online and we offer free delivery on orders over $999*. Our unique business model means that we source our Scandinavian furniture pieces directly from the craftsmen, enabling us to bypass the middleman and brand owners, and save on unnecessary costs. These savings are passed directly onto our customers.

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