Cozy Minimalist & Scandinavian Christmas Decor
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through links on my site, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.
Will it be cozy minimalist or Scandinavian Christmas decor for the tired and weary when we’ve just made it through the Thanksgiving holiday?
For the busy and those who just don’t want to get fancy this year?
And what’s the difference between Scandinavian & Minimalist design?
Something may be both Minimalist and Scandinavian, but their main differences lie in the materials used.
Scandinavia comprises three Northern European countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Scandinavian Christmas decor is also known as Nordic Christmas decor.
The traditions of countries in the Northern European region, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, inspire it.
Most notably, it draws from the idea of ‘Hygge’ – a Danish term that signifies a sense of well-being and coziness. Which Scandinavians value significantly during the cold, dark winter months they endure.
This concept is reflected in decor that features warmth and comfort. Natural and simple materials are used to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Simple DIY Wood Ornaments:
This Christmas tree is simplistic at best. But wrapped in paper torn at the edges, it also signifies warmth.
The common themes in Scandinavian Christmas decor include nature and simplicity.
Scandinavians value spending time outdoors, a sentiment reflected in this style.
Everything has a place in Scandinavian rooms, and unnecessary tchotchkes are nowhere to be found. Light, airy spaces are favored.
Scandinavian style focuses on organic materials. Its elements include clean lines, minimalism, and a lack of clutter.
It’s all about using natural materials and minimalist shapes in open spaces.
Christmas Candles:
Minimalism, which strives to create space and simplicity, has a distinctively spiritual and philosophical undertone.
Anything considered “minimalist” has become a modern buzzword.
It is considered a way to simplify our lives and help us cope with an overwhelming world.
Minimalist design is about prioritizing the essentials.
Scandinavian design is fundamentally pragmatic and founded on a history of practical, functional, and relaxing homekeeping.
However, it leaves plenty of room to embrace the possessions you love!
Fresh Greenery Window Garland:
A simple garland brought in from the outdoors and adorned with dried orange slices is eye-catching in this kitchen.
Cozy Vintage Centerpiece:
Candles with sprigs of greenery and dots of red bring a cozy atmosphere to this living room.
No-Cost DIY Pine Wreath:
Do you want to try making these simple wreaths hanging from a branch? Click here for instructions.
Cardboard Snowflakes:
These elegant yet straightforward cardboard snowflakes would look as beautiful in your window as in your tree.
Swedish Candle Wreath DIY:
You can find this DIY Swedish candle wreath with instructions for making your own here.
Wine Bottle Centerpiece:
Save wine bottles. At Christmastime, add water and pine sprigs.
It’s so simple, yet it looks like a million bucks—and it’s free! Click here for more.
A Pine Forest:
A grouping of various trees lined up on the windowsill is charming yet simplistic.
Cozy & Calm Kitchen:
A cozy kitchen with touches of red.
Gingerbread House Centerpiece:
What is the Scandinavian term for minimalist?
Lagom: Lagom is a Swedish word roughly translated as “just the right amount.”
It typically describes the country’s Scandinavian minimalism aesthetic, which values simplicity and functionality.
Lagom is about living with what you need and nothing more.
Why are Scandinavians so minimalist?
Scandinavian minimalism is partly a philosophy born of necessity.
It originated from a need for endurance and comfort in a challenging climate.
Northern Europe’s harsh and prolonged winters necessitated functional structures that could withstand severe conditions.
What are the rules of Scandi style?
An authentic Scandi palette would have no more than four key shades and rely heavily on whites and lighter hues.
If you decide to forego the fancy trimmings this holiday season, one of these ideas may spark your creativity.
At the same time, it could bring a sense of calmness to your home.
I like how everything always looks so nice and clean with that Scandinavian design. It seems so calming and relaxing. I love the wooden snowflakes. They’re so unique.
Beautiful post, Brenda. This is such a peaceful,calm look and way of living. I will continue to use my ornaments and decor of many years as it means something to me emotionally. I have greatly culled my things, given a lot away, and have only the things I love. It’s all good, however direction we go in decorating or not.
Love the dear photo of Ivy – she is just so pretty! That fur!
Thank you for all the careful work you do in creating this blog.
The candle displays really struck me. There was one at a website I checked out (I think it was My Scandanavian Home) where short white candles were put into small terra cotta flower pots and surrounded with short evergreen cuttings and then arranged on a piece of textured cloth, just stunning. I also liked the candles displayed in the pretty red and white cups filled with evergreen clippings and red berries. Easy but so pretty and speaks to the season. I checked out how to make those cardboard snowflake ornaments. I was a little skeptical that such pretty ornaments could be made out of toilet paper rolls! But I read through each step, the instructions were very clear and illustrated. I haven’t the patience for that sort of crafting but it was interesting how with patience and a steady hand with a glue gun such pretty things can be created out of cardboard rolls I throw into the recycling bin. I also really liked the use of the birch logs of various sizes for decorations.
I love all of these ideas. They are so peaceful. It’s a great way to get away from the chaos of the everyday.
Good evening Brenda,
Love this post and all of the beautiful Christmas decor. Scandinavian design is beautiful but I am more of a maximalist.
Hope you are feeling better. What did you make or bake this week.
My design aesthetic is more Scandinavian Maximalist!
Such beautiful pictures and ideas. I always use greens all winter long. The desk with the Singer sewing machine bottom brought back many memories!
Gorgeous, saving this post , I’m beginning to embrace a bit of minimalism….
These are great Christmas decor ideas. I especially like Sarah Joy’s decorations as that is my style of decorating. I have a log home so it is so much fun to decorate at this time of year.
Brenda, I am loving today’s post. I probably will go back to it over and over in the next few weeks. I have been following My Scandinavian Home for a number of years now. Every post is beautiful. Thank you!