Scandinavian decor is becoming more and more popular and it isn’t going anywhere because it’s not a trend, it’s a way of life. We all have a desire to live in uncluttered homes that offer warmth, cosiness and comfort which is exactly what Scandi interiors offer. It’s also so aesthetically appealing while being very functional too.
Sometimes it can feel as if you need big budgets to achieve the look but this isn’t the case. There are lots of ways to get the Scandinavian look on a small budget. In fact I’d go so far as to say that this style of decor is one of the most accessible for all budgets, big or small.
So if you’ve been hankering after this decor style but think it is way beyond budget, then read on for some tips and ideas on how to get the Scandinavian look on a budget. And the icing on the cake is that Scandinavian interiors are the number one decor look for increasing the value of your home by a substantial amount (source).
Tips to get the Scandinavian look on a budget
1. declutter
In a Scandinavian home you will never see clutter and that is one of biggest reasons so many people are drawn to this decor. Without clutter a home looks effortlessly calm, clean and inviting. So this is probably the one of the most important things to do first. The good news is that it costs absolutely nothing and you could even make you some cash by selling off your stuff.
2. add a lick of paint
After decluttering this is probably the next most important thing. Paint is so budget friendly and literally has super powers to transform a space. A fresh lick of white paint can do wonders for your home and white is a very popular Scandinavian choice as it maximises natural light. However it’s a myth that all Scandi homes are white because they simply aren’t! Other colours aren’t off limits – think sandy beiges, pale greys and even darker colours as long as they’re muted and you stick to one colour.
3. choose quality over quantity
Scandinavian decor is all about quality, timeless design that will last. This may not sound budget friendly, but in the long run it will be just that because you won’t be replacing any of your furniture in a hurry. Simply put it is better to invest in fewer but quality pieces rather than lots of cheap pieces. You end up buying less and buying stuff that lasts.
4. mix high end with budget
Choosing quality over quantity doesn’t mean you can’t throw in some budget friendly pieces that are still of good quality. This is one of the biggest secrets to staying within budget while still achieving the look you want. My favourite way to do this is to mix in affordable Ikea pieces with more expensive Scandinavian furniture. For e.g I have a simple Ikea bed but I invested in some beautiful, minimal bedside tables. I also have an Ikea sofa but I’ve got custom linen covers (affiliate link) to enhance the look. I’m actually yet to see a Scandi home without something from Ikea!
5. buy multi-functional pieces
Scandinavians are the best at combining form and function. They often create designs that serve more than one purpose like a coffee table with storage (perfect for hiding away unsightly things like remotes while still keeping them accessible). Other pieces could be a sofa bed for a small spare room that is also your home office or a mirror that doubles as a coat hanger. These kind of pieces save both space and money.
6. DIY it
Up-cycling, DIY’ing, refreshing is all a big part of the Scandi home. Instead of buying a new piece you could give an old piece of furniture a fresh lick of paint or you make something instead of buying. For e.g. we made these DIY open wardrobes for our bedroom – buying similar would have cost far more. Making doesn’t always mean starting from scratch, instead you could customise or upgrade an existing piece. You could also buy second hand where there are plenty of bargains and add your own touch to it.
7. embrace nature
Bring the outdoors in! Scandinavians have a deep love of nature and this is reflected in their interiors. Plants are often budget friendly and make a beautiful addition to your decor. Even a few foraged branches and stems dotted around will do the trick. But bringing the outdoors in isn’t just about plants. Its equally about natural materials like wood, stone, sheepskin, linen, wool – all of which you will see plenty of in Scandi interiors. Once again this doesn’t have to cost a fortune (hello H&M – affiliate link) but it is crucial to getting the Scandi look and creating a cosy and warm home.
7. get cosy
Creating a cosy home is at the heart of Scandinavian interiors. It really doesn’t cost much at all to create a cosy atmosphere. It decor terms it simply means adding touches like dimmer switches, lots of textures, rugs, a fireplace and/or candles which all go a long way to create a cosy home. If you’ve swooned over pictures of Scandi homes, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say that there is a warm and inviting feeling these homes evoke. And that feeling comes from creating a cosy space.
*all photos via Alvhem
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