- Swedish interiors often include interesting, yet simple, architectural details. Leaded glass windows, high ceilings, wall moldings, hardwood flooring, and traditional Swedish tile stoves are often seen.
- To reflect what little natural light there is, mirrors are found in almost any room. Pairs of wall sconces, either electric or with candles, and simple oval mirrors with delicate carved frames are popular.
- Crystal or painted iron chandeliers, wall sconces, and simple table lamps provide lighting.
- Swags of ribbons, wreath shapes, hearts, sheaves of wheat, and scrolling designs are typical in Swedish interiors. Diamond, circle, and oval shapes are seen often.
- Accessories are kept at a minimum, allowing open space and light to take center stage. Avoid clutter. Simple straw wreaths, candles, tableware, painted stylized wooden horses, and straw goats are common.
- A simple wreaths hung from ribbons in front of windows or on shelves adds informal elegance to rooms decorated in the Swedish style. Wreaths are particularly popular and the shape provides wall decor and interest to furniture, hardware, and light fixtures.
- White or pale colored paint and simple wallpaper are common. Narrow moldings, tonal sponge-painting, hand stencils, and small-motif wallpaper are the designs of choice for Swedish interiors.
- Flooring is usually light in color, achieved with pickled or bleached wood, pale paints, or softly stenciled motifs. Low-contrast stripes or geometric shapes are painted on floors with soft colors. Patterns on rugs are achieved with simple woven stripes or open florals.
- Hand stencils are found on walls, doors, and furniture. Colors are delicate with low contrast.
- Fresh flowers are the primary accessory for decorating Swedish interiors. Their simple shapes and delicate colors bring color, freshness, and any room. Vases of clear glass or soft, plain white or cream create a beautiful contrast with colorful flowers.
See more about Swedish Design.
Learn more about decorating styles in our Decorating Styles Guide.
