Scandinavian decor is ever 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’s 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 large 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. It’s all about having only what you love and use and nothing more.
Without clutter a home looks effortlessly calm, clean and inviting. So I would say this is the most important thing to do first. The good news is that it costs absolutely nothing and you could even make some cash by selling off your stuff.
2. add a lick of paint
After decluttering this is the next most important thing. Paint has the power to transform a room and being so budget-friendly it means that you can get big results for very little spend.
A fresh lick of white paint can do wonders for your home and white is a popular in Scandi homes 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, olive greens and even darker colours as long as they’re muted rather than bright.
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. This is my (AFF) favourite online shop to buy Scandi stuff and I’ve always had a good experience and found good prices on sales.
Simply put, it is better to invest in fewer quality pieces rather than lots of cheap pieces so that you end up buying less stuff and less often.
4. mix high end with budget
Choosing quality over quantity doesn’t doesn’t always have to mean expensive — budget friendly pieces that are good quality are just as good. One of the biggest secrets to staying within budget is to use a mix of both, while still achieving the look you want.
I use this idea throughout my home where I mix 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 to enhance the look. If not IKEA, there are other good quality budget offerings out there.
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 something similar would have cost far, far more.
Making doesn’t always mean starting from scratch, instead you could customise or upgrade an existing piece. You could also opt for some bargain second-hand pieces and add your own touch to it.
7. let the light in
Maximising natural light is important in Scandinavian homes and that’s why they often go without window coverings especially in living areas. However, this isn’t always practical for the rest of us so the next best option is to opt for (AFF) sheer curtains in living areas or in any room where you can.
Choose natural fabrics like cotton or linen that also add texture to a room and opt of neutral tones. While curtains can be expensive there are lots of budget-friendly places like ABC Blinds & Curtains and others where you can find them on a budget.
Another great way to maximise light is to place mirrors next to or opposite a window so they reflect maximum light. This is quick and doesn’t cost anything if you simply move your existing mirrors.
8. 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.
Bringing the outdoors in isn’t just about plants. Its equally about decorating with natural materials like wood, stone, linen, wool — all of which you will see plenty of in Scandi interiors. Once again this doesn’t have to cost a fortune but it is crucial to getting the Scandi look and creating a cosy and warm home.
9. 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 (AFF) layered lighting, sheepskins, blankets, 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.
Please note this post contains affiliate links which means that I may receive a small commission on any sales made. Buying through the links does NOT result in any extra cost to you.
*all photos via Alvhem
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