History of the Scandinavian Style
The Scandinavian style was born in the 1930s in Denmark. What we now refer to by this name is the so-called modern Scandinavian. Rooted in modernism, this movement is characterized by functionality and simplicity of form. Its heyday is dated to 1954–57, when a traveling exhibition showcasing Scandinavian design was organized in the United States.
Founders of the Scandinavian Style
In an effort to make design more user-friendly, Scandinavian designers turned to natural materials such as wood, leather, and hemp. Their goal was to achieve a democratization of design. They pursued this by lowering production costs, which they managed to do in part through mass production.
The best-known pioneers of this style were Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, and Hans J. Wegner. Their work embodies the qualities still guiding contemporary Scandinavian designers today: durability, functionality, and reliability, alongside intangible traits such as simplicity, joy and boldness in creation, user-friendliness, and the absence of ostentation. A key element—functionality—reflects the desire to make life easier for people. That’s why the founders of this style focused primarily on interiors, designing furniture, lighting, and other everyday objects.
Scandinavian Design in Harmony with Nature
Scandinavian design is also closely linked to ecology and a deep respect for nature. Both in concept development and in production, designers approach the environment with great care. They aim to highlight the hidden beauty of materials and use them judiciously. The decoration of a simple piece of furniture might be nothing more than the unique grain pattern on a wooden tabletop, while the wavy shoreline of a lake or the shape of a branch can serve as inspiration.
Scandinavian-style interiors are bright and spacious, typically featuring large windows without curtains. The climate of northern Europe contributed significantly to their current design: long, cold winters with little sunlight meant people spent a lot of time indoors. Therefore, every effort was made to make homes cozy and maximize natural light. This explains the prevalence of white, both on walls and floors.
Bright, open Scandinavian homes seem to invite you in. They are perfectly encapsulated by the Danish word hygge (coziness), referring to a good life in the company of close friends and family.
Thanks to its strengths, the Scandinavian style quickly spread around the world. Today, not only Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians can enjoy its charm. It has also become popular in Poland, where local manufacturers are competing to create designs that embrace Scandinavian principles.
