13 Scandi-inspired dining room ideas for a refined but laidback space

'When it comes to Scandinavian design, there’s often a big misconception – minimalism,' says Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture. 'There are parallels, such as the focus on function, clean lines and light colours, but Scandinavian design is more than just neat and necessary.

'Equally essential as pure function is beauty that draws inspiration from Nordic nature. A feeling of quiet elegance, no matter the object, material or pattern.'

Be selective when it comes to choosing decor and furniture for your dining space, and consider how each item looks, as well as how it functions.

Image: Warm Nordic Cow Horn Dining Chair, Nest

'The dining room is the perfect space for integrating nature-inspired materials like woods and cotton into your home,' says Lisa Cooper, head of product at Thomas Sanderson.

'Wood is a versatile material and great for adding a rustic and traditional feel to any space. It can be complemented by nature-inspired accessories like crisp linen napkins to bring in that fresh, clean feeling.'

We think a wooden dining table is a perfect base upon which to build the rest of your space. You can mix and match seating such as benches and chairs for a relaxed look, or keep everything cohesive for a more refined finish.

'Scandinavian design is all about good lighting, clean lines and bright, decluttered spaces that breathe out a sense of serenity,' say the team at Pappelina. 'Don't be afraid to minimise and always keep in mind that the key is quality over quantity.'

Invest in key pieces and add in the rest slowly over time – remember, it's better to fill a room gradually by adding high-quality pieces that you love, rather than overwhelming your space with purchases you've made in a rush.

Image: Skovby Circular Table SM33, Back in Action

Yes, it's true that neutrals are the foundation of Scandi interiors, but you shouldn't limit yourself to these tones.

'Neutral, earthy tones are the main protagonist, but a pop of colour is also a key factor that makes the Scandinavian home stand out and adds a splash of joy,' advise the Pappelina team. 'Shades of red or green can make a difference.'

Image: Bloomingville Vitus Dining Chair, Sweetpea & Willow

'When designing a Scandi-inspired dining area, textiles should be natural and layered, and accessories nature-inspired, including houseplants, advises Tracey.

'Flooring should ideally be wooden or natural stone and chosen to complement the neutral colour palette,' she says. 'If choosing carpet, these should be made of natural fabrics such as jute or wool.'

Image: Summer 2023, Layered Lounge

'Scandi design has always been very minimal and pared back, using high-quality materials that focus on craftsmanship to create items that will last for years to come,' says Rikke Blaeside, design and range manager at Jysk.

'The minimalist feel of Scandi style interiors creates the perfect canvas to build upon, meaning that you can revamp a room in a sustainable way by switching out and reusing finishing touches around the home, rather than undertaking a full decorative overhaul. This simple, no-clutter approach to interior design is what makes both hygge and Scandi styles perfect for many.'

Image: Ferm Living Arum Table Lamp, Nest

Often, it is the finishing touches that really transform the look and feel of a room, and your dining area is no different.

'Decorating your dining room doesn’t have to be that mammoth project that you expect it to be,' says Rikke. 'There is no need to paint the walls, get a new sofa or new armchairs – you can simply change the cushions, throws and rugs.

'These items all have a way of influencing the entire room. They can define different areas in a room, and either create harmony or add some spark to your decor.'

Image: Suspension Stemlite Black Chrome, Nedgis

When it comes to getting a Scandi look, the Pappelina team say it's all about hygge: 'The home should be one's sanctuary, the safe place where you can switch off and recharge.

'Soft blankets, cushions, candles and indoor plants bring in a feeling of cosiness, while by adding a rug you can level up and change the energy of the room or space, get the right ambience and embrace the homey feeling even more.'

Image: Sheepskin From Iceland, Jord Home

Neutrals don't only have the ability to create a soothing space, they can also feel warming and inviting. The right shades create a cocoon-like feel without feeling claustrophobic.

Rikke advises: 'Choose a neutral scheme that feels welcoming and relaxing, where guests and family members will look forward to retreating to at the end of the day. Soft blues and sage greens work well to accent a neutral palette while also adding character and warmth to the room.'

Image: Grand Majestic Katla Natural 4558 floor, BerryAlloc

There's plenty of room for experimentation in Scandi-inspired dining rooms, so if you're looking to create a moodier feel, why not try out a darker colour palette?

If you combine darker colours with elements that are distinctly Scandi, you'll still tap into the look.

Image: Barn Cabinet with Sliding Door, Cuckooland

'Well-known for their connection with nature, Scandinavian countries incorporate elements of the natural world throughout their decor which provides a restorative, grounding effect', says Helen Pett, design ambassador at Arteriors London.

'Incorporating lighting in natural materials is a lovely touch as the illumination thrown around the room through a rattan or wicker shade can create a uniquely different feel than through fabric, often creating a more whimsical aesthetic.'

Helen says you can achieve a glimmer of light dotted through tighter, more detailed wicker designs, or a pooling effect through larger, sculptural open weaves.

Image: Florence Carpet in Ocean Plain, Carpetright