Best Scandinavian Lighting Ideas

Like the core of the design trend itself, the essential elements of the Scandinavian lighting style combine simplicity and function. Fixtures and lamps are placed with tasks in mind, illuminating areas that need it most instead of flooding the space with a single ambient light source. The result is always muted, layered, and diffused, creating a soft, warming effect that casts light evenly throughout the space.

If you're looking for advice on decorating your living room Scandinavian-style, you're in the right place. Today, we'll explore this home décor trend through a lighting lens and dive deeper into how lighting plays into Scandinavian interior design. Embrace Scandinavian lighting fixtures and create a warm and inviting atmosphere with the suggestions that follow.

The Essential Elements of Scandinavian Design

The elements that characterize quintessential Scandinavian design also hold true for Scandinavian lighting, emphasizing natural color schemes, warm, neutral tones, and lots of light.

Natural light. Scandinavian homes typically try to maximize window exposure to allow as much sunlight as possible. To truly embrace the Scandinavian light style, consider your natural light sources before choosing additional fixtures, and let the sunshine guide you.
Natural materials. Wood, bamboo, glass, and other organic materials are common in this style as they lend a natural look and feel.
Neutral colors. Lighter colors like white, cream, grey, and tan/light brown brighten up the room and help to amplify natural light.
Simplicity. Scandinavian style stresses simple lines and curves, nothing extraneous or non-functional.
Function. Lighting in Scandinavian-styled homes is often used to create focal points in the room. For example, pendant lights are usually hung just slightly above head height. Scandinavian lighting is also functional lighting. Scandinavian lights are used to not only create an inviting atmosphere but also provide light for whatever task will be performed in an area, such as cooking or reading.

Now that we can visualize the Scandinavian design aesthetic let’s talk about living room lighting and how to get this look in your home.

Scandinavian Living Room Lighting: Get the Look

Modern lighting is right at home with mid-century and Scandi style. Revamp your entire space by combining modern lighting types with Scandinavian home decor and furniture. Here are a few stylish ideas to complete your living room lighting makeover.

Floor Lighting

Floor lamps are a common feature in Scandinavian homes, adding visual interest to minimalist interior design while providing the perfect lighting levels for reading or relaxing with good friends.

Pearl’s tall, slim silhouette is reminiscent of a string of pearls—a striking addition to corners or as a focal point in a seating group.

Chandeliers and Pendants

Some of the hallmarks of Scandinavian lighting style are soft curves, glass, and understated design. Spherical shapes are typical as they are futuristic, refined, and timeless. Here are some examples of various lighting types we love:

Bailey is a striking luxury chandelier. Its bubbles practically disappear in the light of day to emerge as an elegant light sculpture at dusk.

Angelica chandelier perfectly echoes the Scandi aesthetic. Its orbs perch delicately upon a bronze fixture that can be styled your way with round or rectangular settings to suit the room and create a well-lit and inviting atmosphere.

Jewels and Pearls is a Scandinavian-style pendant offered in five distinct styles. Mix and match for a striking display or hang strategically to create a layered effect typical of Nordic design.

Table Lamps

Pair your chandelier or pendant with Angelica Table lamps to complete your Scandinavian living room lighting design. They match perfectly with Jewels and Pearls or Angelica Pendants, echoing the spherical motif.

Get Inspired: Create the Scandinavian Living Room of Your Dreams

We hope today’s article has inspired you as you prepare to give your living room lighting the Scandinavian treatment. Our lighting experts are always ready to help with fixture selections, installation, and design intervention, so get in touch today; we are passionate about lighting and are excited to hear your ideas!

The Essential Elements of Scandinavian Design

The elements that characterize quintessential Scandinavian design also hold true for Scandinavian lighting, emphasizing natural color schemes, warm, neutral tones, and lots of light.

Natural light. Scandinavian homes typically try to maximize window exposure to allow as much sunlight as possible. To truly embrace the Scandinavian light style, consider your natural light sources before choosing additional fixtures, and let the sunshine guide you.
Natural materials. Wood, bamboo, glass, and other organic materials are common in this style as they lend a natural look and feel.
Neutral colors. Lighter colors like white, cream, grey, and tan/light brown brighten up the room and help to amplify natural light.
Simplicity. Scandinavian style stresses simple lines and curves, nothing extraneous or non-functional.
Function. Lighting in Scandinavian-styled homes is often used to create focal points in the room. For example, pendant lights are usually hung just slightly above head height. Scandinavian lighting is also functional lighting. Scandinavian lights are used to not only create an inviting atmosphere but also provide light for whatever task will be performed in an area, such as cooking or reading.

Now that we can visualize the Scandinavian design aesthetic let’s talk about living room lighting and how to get this look in your home.