Scandinavian Minimalism: Key Elements and Top Furniture Choices

Scandinavian minimalist design focuses on clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. Key elements include neutral colours, natural materials, and uncluttered spaces. This style enhances your home by creating a calm, organised atmosphere. To achieve it, choose quality over quantity and incorporate standout pieces like the Delphi Sofa,

Rhiannon Hills | November 25, 2024

Discover the Charm of Scandinavian Minimalist Design in Your Home

History of Scandinavian Minimalist Design

Scandinavian design was originally inspired by a shift away from the ornate and cluttered styles seen before the early 20th century. The design philosophy behind this was influenced by the Nordic lifestyle and environment, focusing on simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Designers like Hans Wegner, Borge Mogensen and Arne Jacobsen were the leaders in this movement, creating iconic and timeless pieces. By blending affordability with high-quality craftsmanship, Scandinavian design gained international recognition, making it both accessible and highly desirable to a wide audience.

Key Elements to Create Minimalist Design

Minimalist Scandinavian design is defined by several key elements:

Simplicity: Clean lines and uncluttered spaces are fundamental. Each piece of furniture is carefully selected to serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose.
Functionality: Furniture is designed to be both beautiful and practical, with a focus on usability and comfort.
Natural Materials: Wood, leather, and wool are commonly used, bringing warmth and texture to interiors.
Neutral Colours: A palette of whites, greys, and earth tones creates a calm and serene environment.
Craftsmanship: Attention to detail and highquality materials are essential, ensuring each piece is built to last.

How Minimalist Scandinavian Design Boosts Your Home Style

Incorporating minimalist Scandinavian design into your home not only elevates its aesthetic but also creates a soothing, clutterfree environment. This design style encourages mindful living, where each item has a purpose. The result is a harmonious space that promotes relaxation and wellbeing, making your home a sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world.

How to Create Minimalist Design

To achieve a minimalist Scandinavian interior, start with a neutral colour palette and focus on quality over quantity. Choose furniture pieces that are both functional and beautiful, and avoid unnecessary decoration. Embrace natural light and open spaces, and incorporate elements like wood and leather to add warmth and texture.

Scroll down to explore our top 5 furniture pieces that embody the essence of minimalist Scandinavian design.

Discover the Charm of Scandinavian Minimalist Design in Your Home

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3 seater sofa designed by Gubi for Pierre Paulin

1. Pacha Sofa

The pacha sofa gives the sensation of sitting on an entire cloud sensation is made possibly by the many modular combinations available. Its organic and hyper-relaxed feel comes through its ergonomic precision and craftsmanship in this striking creation. Optional added armrests on either sides provide even more support, and its elegant choice of Black or Pearl Gold base offers a wealth of possibilities in ones living room, lobby of foyer.

From $ 6,861

Pierre’s greatest childhood influence came from his uncle motorcar designer Georges Paulin as well as great-uncle sculptor Freddy Balthazar Stoll. While studying at the Camondo Decorative Arts School in Paris, his teacher, Maxime Old, recommended Paulin to Marcel Gascoin’s workshop. It was there that Paulin embraced Scandinavian aesthetics and later begun to admire the clean lines of American designers. Paulin created his most iconic models during his collaboration with Kho Liang Le from the late 1950s to 1975, many of which are still in production.

Pierre Paulin had a rather productive design career, with numerous exhibitions and publications but expressed that he had a desire to mass-produce some of his unreleased work. Currently, Paulin, Paulin, Paulin is a family business succeeded by his wife, son and closest business collaborator Michel Chalard. They carry the torch to continue his dream when Paulin passed in 2009.

dining chairs designed by Gubi for Komplot Design

2. 3D Dining Chair

The 3D Dining Chair from Gubi was designed in 2003 and has since won many design awards. A permanent exhibition fixture at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, this designer chair was the pioneer of the innovative technique of moulding three-dimensional veneer. Its seamless and round edges give the chair extreme comfort and an air of lightness. This revolutionary technology enables the thickness of the veneers to be half of what it originally used to be. The 3D Gubi Chair, with its clean-cut lines and striking colours, remain as a contemporary classic even today.

From $ 456

Komplot Design, was founded by Danish architect Poul Christiansen and Russian industrial and graphic designer Boris Berlin in 1987. The studio mostly designs furniture and multidisciplinary design solutions for both Danish and international companies, including Gubi and Le Klint. This design duo believes in using materials in a natural and organic way by not forcing them to behave a certain way and letting their nature guide their design sensibilities.

Their designs for Gubi include the 2D and 3D Chair series that come in the Dining Chair, Stool and Bar stool variations. The 3D lounge chair has also since become a hallmark piece for Gubi.

storage designed by Gubi for Greta M. Grossman

3. 62 Sideboard

The 62 Sideboard was ahead of its time with its unique combination of materials. The elegant metal pipe legs sit on ball feet, giving this magnificent piece an airless appearance. The rectangular sideboard features black gloss panelling next to warm American Walnut that creates its luxurious appearance.

From $ 6,099

Greta Grossman (1906 – 1999) only really gained prominence as a designer when Gubi discovered and reproduced her designs. With a career spanning over a forty year period, she was an important designer that influenced many to follow her footsteps in a time period where female designers were few. Grossman drew inspiration from European Modernism and played a key role in defining the aesthetic of mid-Century Californian Modernism.

The most iconic furniture pieces she designed for Gubi would be the Grasshopper floor lamp and the Cobra floor and table lamps. Many of these won design awards and her work was frequently displayed in Sweden museums.

1. No.1 Sofa

Designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia The No.1 Sofa, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1955, is a quintessential example of minimalist Scandinavian design. This designer sofa embodies Mogensens signature style, combining clean lines with functional details. The removable and mobile cushions add versatility, while the tightly upholstered frame and conical wooden legs provide a sturdy yet elegant structure. Its timeless design ensures it remains a classic piece, transcending everchanging trends.

2. Flaneur Sofa

Designed by GamFratesi for Gubi The Flaneur Sofa, crafted by the Danish-Italian duo GamFratesi, is a true masterpiece of minimalist design. Inspired by the classic roll-arm chair, this sofa seamlessly blends timeless comfort with sleek Scandinavian aesthetics. The addition of precise 3mm piping around the seats enhances its clean and cohesive look, making it an ideal choice for any modern living space.

3. Delphi Sofa

Designed by Hannes Wettstein for Fredericia The Delphi Sofa is a testament to the seamless blend of form and function. Its sleek design is complemented by plush seating, offering both style and comfort. The use of highquality materials ensures longevity, making it an investment piece for your home.

4. Grand Sideboard

Designed by Jacob Plejdrup for DK3 The Grand Sideboard is a versatile piece that embodies the essence of Scandinavian design. Its clean lines and ample storage make it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Crafted from natural wood, it adds a touch of warmth to any room while maintaining a minimalist look.

5. Beetle Chair

Designed by GamFratesi for Gubi The Beetle Chair is a modern classic, known for its unique design and exceptional comfort. Its sleek silhouette and highquality upholstery make it a standout piece in any minimalist interior. The chairs refined craftsmanship reflects a commitment to quality and elegance, making it an ideal addition to your home.

scandinavian interior recommendations

3 seater sofa designed by Gubi for Illum Wikkelso

Croissant Sofa

From $10,674

Illum Wikkelso was a Danish furniture designer who’s well-known for his masterpieces created in the 1950s and 1960s. Wikkelso’s designs are characterized by clean lines and waves that he found in the Danish landscape. His work is considered to be an excellent example of a wonderful pairing of being both naturally organic and highly functional

storage designed by Montana for Peter J. Lassen

Montana Modular TV Console

From $TBC

Naval officer turned furniture designer Peter J. Lassen founded the reputable shelving company Montana Mobler A/S in 1982. He strongly believes that good furniture design requires honesty and respect for the craft and the materials. Likewise, his designs follow suit – simple and functional. Since 1954, he worked with well-respected architects Arne Jacobsen, Jorn Utzon, Piet Hein and Verner Panton for many years. It is not difficult to see that many of these design giants have left their influence on Lassen and the design idea for the Montana shelving system.

Currently, Peter J. Lassen is a member of the board for Montana Mobler A/S alongside his son Joakim Lassen.

62 Dresser

From $4,573

2 seater sofa designed by Juul for Jens Juul Eilersen

101 Sofa

From $6,120

storage designed by House of Finn Juhl for Finn Juhl

Finn Juhl Sideboard

From $TBC

Finn Juhl was a Danish architect, interior and industrial designer, most known for his furniture design. He was one of the leading figures in the creation of “Danish design” in the 1940s, having won many accolades for his revolutionary furniture designs.
Of them, the most notable few would be the Chieftain Chair, FJ Sideboard, Poet Sofa, 46 Sofa and the France Lounge Chair. He is highly credited as one of the few designers among other iconic designers such as Borge Mogensen and Hans Wegner, who made “Danish Modern” known throughout the world.

storage designed by Andersen Furniture for ByKATO

S6 Sideboard

From $6,552

byKATO is a Danish design company co-established by Karl Rüdiger Rossell and Tonny Glismand in 2010. They are dedicated to making everyday lifestyle furniture modern and functional. Their goal is to stand between the gap of commercial industrial design and quality craftsmanship, combining only the best raw materials while giving the utmost attention to the most minute of details.

dining chairs designed by Gubi for GamFratesi

The Masculo Dining Chair designed by GamFratesi awakens all senses within its shape. The sleek Masculo dining chair highlights Danish elegance, paired with a playful Italian edge – seen in its slender, sculptural legs and its overly large backrest that gives the impression of it floating in the air. The wooden legs are elegant looking but create sturdy structure, whilst comfort is created within the upholstery.

Masculo Dining Chair - Wood

From $1,524

GamFratesi studio was founded by Danish architect Stine Gam and Italian architect Enrico Fratesi. This award-winning Danish-Italian design duo is a rising star in the design world with their poetically organic, yet defined, style that bridges northern and southern design culture.

GamFratesi’s designs take their creative drive from a combination of tradition and the contemporary in an experimental approach with materials and techniques. With their dual traditional background, Stine and Enrico draw on classic Danish furniture and craft traditions, as well as the classic Italian intellectual and conceptual approach. From this cross-cultural substrate they create furniture that respectfully reflects tradition while also featuring subtlety embedded stories, symbols and associations.

GamFratesi are the award winners of the 2015 Finn Juhl Architectural Prize, 2015 Milano Design Award, Guest of Honour at the 2014 Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair, 2013 Elle Decoration International Design Award and the Three-Year Working Grant from the Danish Arts Foundation.

The Bat Dining Chairs design highlights the Scandinavian focus on simplicity and function. This chic design is available with a wide range of upholstery options, ensuring that the Bat Dining Chair sits successfully within many interior styles.

Bat Dining Chair - Wood

From $1,138

storage designed by Naver Collection for Soren Nissen & Ebbe Gehl

AK 2730 Sideboard

From $9,367

Both Soren Nissen Ebbe Gehl were trained cabinetmakers at Rud Rasmussen’s workshop in Copenhagen and started their partnership in 1970. Since then, they have been rather productive as furniture designers, designing many pieces for international furniture brands such as the Naver Collection. Given their cabinetmaker backgrounds, many of their designs are marked by beautiful workmanship using wood as a raw material. This award-winning duo have received international recognition and some of their designs have been exhibited in Europe, Japan and the USA.

They are best known for their designs for the Naver Collection. These include an extended range of sideboards, china cabinets, coffee tables, chests of drawers and tables.

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Reviews

★★★★★

My fiancée and I were searching for modern furniture pieces that not only look beautiful but also are practical. Danish Design ticked all the boxes - superb comfort and aesthetics value, a decent variety of different furniture lines, and staff who are willing to take their time to explain the pieces to you. For many of their sofa lines, they have a wide array of different fabrics (and colours) to suit your lifestyle (eg, warmer or cooler materials). We ended up getting a Bolia couch and a Skovby dining table - wish we had gotten more! Definitely will return again

Joshua Foo

★★★★★

Best furniture in town. Go check out pieces from Finn Juhl, especially the chieftain chair!

Dileep Marar

★★★★★

Danish Design has always been my go-to place for furniture shopping. They have the most fashionable but also timeless pieces. And while some are not cheap they are made with great quality. We bought our favourite dining walnut table that is ever so timeless but also the most versatile being able to sit 6 and up to 10-12 when we extend it. It is our third time renovating and we are taking this favourite piece w us in our move… and more importantly we always get great service from danish design even after many years.