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Scandinavian Christmas is quiet. Instead of many colors and many objects, it uses a few natural materials: white, wood, wool, paper and greenery, with warm light from candles and small lamps.
This style is a good fit for a small home, because it uses fewer things and leaves empty space. Here are ten ideas to get the look without a big budget.
The look in four rules
- Few colors: white, cream, natural wood and one accent, usually soft green, grey or a muted red.
- Natural materials: wood, wool, linen, paper, pine.
- Warm light: candles, string lights and small lamps instead of one bright ceiling light.
- Empty space: leave some shelves and surfaces bare; it is part of the style.
01A simple tree with natural decor
A small tree with paper stars, wood beads and white lights, with no heavy colored balls, looks Nordic at once. A real or a flocked tree both work. See also our tree ideas for a small living room.
02Paper stars in the window
Large folded paper stars with a light inside are a Scandinavian classic. They hang in the window and glow in the dark.
03A candle arch in the window
An electric candle arch, called a candle bridge, is a typical Nordic window light. It is safe to leave on and gives the room a soft glow from the street.
04Wool and knit textures
A chunky knit throw on the sofa, a wool pillow and a sheepskin on a chair make a room warm. Choose cream, grey or oat colors.
05Wood ornaments and little figures
Small wooden trees, houses or animals, in light wood, stand on a shelf or on the table. They are simple, and they last for many years.
06A plain greenery garland
A simple garland of fir or cedar, with no extra ornaments, on a shelf or a table is enough. Add a few candles and stop. See our garland ideas.
07White and wood in the kitchen
Light wood boards, white mugs and a linen towel with a small red stripe turn a kitchen into a Nordic one without any extra decor. See also our Christmas kitchen decor ideas.
08Candles in simple holders
White candles in wood, glass or black metal holders, in groups of three at different heights, are the center of the style. Keep real flames away from paper and greenery.
09A minimal table
A linen runner, plain white plates, a wood board and a single candle make a table that looks ready in five minutes. See our Christmas table decor ideas.
10A straw goat or star
A small straw goat, like the Swedish Yule goat, or a straw star is a traditional Nordic decoration that costs little and looks good on a shelf or a tree.
A shopping list for the look
- Light: warm white string lights, a candle arch, a few flameless candles.
- Textiles: a knit throw, a linen runner, a wool pillow.
- Greenery: a small tree and one garland.
- Wood and paper: stars, beads, small houses.
- Accent: one muted red or green thing in each room.
Keep it calm
The most common mistake is to add too much. If a corner looks busy, take one thing away. A Nordic room looks good because the eye has somewhere to rest.
Before you pay
- Choose natural colors in a matching warm tone, not pure bright white next to cream.
- Check the size of every item against the shelf or table.
- Choose flameless candles near a tree, curtains or paper decorations.
- For a quiet, small-space plan, see our small apartment Christmas decorating ideas.
