There's just something about a Swedish interior we can't seem to get enough of. It's that undeniably cool and chic combination of monochromatic tones, high-low décor mix, textured layering, and minimal aesthetic, saturated in natural light, of course, that makes us all want to style our homes like them. But if there's one room in the house that is quintessential to our Scandinavian friends, it's the Swedish bedroom. While it really doesn't look like there's much to it on the surface, if you delve beneath the covers you'll see it's the small details that make a big impact. Scroll down to see how you can style the perfect Swedish boudoir at home.
Keeping in line with the simple and clean Swedish style, each and every piece needs to be carefully selected. It takes a little trial and error along the way to get the look right, but it's all about the editing process. So when you choose a side table, look out for styles that have something unique or unusual about them. Another option is to swap out the typical side table for a cool accent chair or library ladder instead, this will totally ramp up the cool factor.
No Swedish bedroom is complete without a stylish fabric pendant lamp hanging overhead. This is hands down one of the most iconic lighting styles favored by the Scandinavians. Just hanging this alone will give your boudoir that authentic Swedish look stat.
The minimal style of a Swedish bedroom might seem stripped back, but it's cleverly layered with simple décor elements to create subtle visual interest. The industrial wall sconce is a good example of this. Place one on each side of the bed and witness the transformative power of their soft lighting. Sconce's are the secret to elevating your Swedish room into something really special, and it just looks really cool too.
There's something very comforting about a Swedish interior, it's beautifully edited but always a little undone too. It's this lived-in look that keeps us coming back, and their bedrooms make us want to curl up and read a book in them all day. Every single Swedish bedroom we've come across looks as though it's never been made, ever. So if you're a fan of an undone bed (kids will love this too) then this is definitely for you. To get the look, purchase high-quality linen sheets that come with a textured and raw yet luxe aesthetic. You can get away with this dishevelled design when the messiness is made with high thread count, designer sheets. It's that "I'm expensive, but I'm not trying too hard" look.
The Swedish aren't too dissimilar to the French when it comes to style. They're minimalists, preferring to invest in the classics over trendy pieces, and always take a less is more approach to style, both personal and at home. So, of course, they love to have their clothing on display. Invest in a sleek clothing rack, either a rolling one or ceiling style, and hang your favorite clothing items on pretty wooden or copper hangers. Your bedroom will double as a fashion showroom, and who doesn't love waking up to a rack of designer clothing everyday?
Despite their love of white, we've noticed the Swedish have a penchant for a dark accent wall. Not only does it look cool, but it's also a good idea, especially in the bedroom, where darker is actually better for you. In fact, studies show excess light in the bedroom can affect sleep quality, disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm. So if you like the look of this, then you're in luck, because you will probably get a better night's sleep as a result. Pretty and practical, of course the Swedes would think of that.
Ruffling up your linen sheets clearly isn't enough texture for the Swedes, and in the case of their bedroom, the more the better. It seems every single bedroom we've come across has a throw in a rugged fabric from furs to chunky knits or hand dyed wool varieties. Just place it casually at the edge of the bed or folded in half along the end for a look that's lived in yet loaded with style.
Since so much of their interior is based on a white, black or gray palette, metallics are often used to lift it out of the monochrome mood. Choose a table or floor lamp in copper or brass, place it on either side of the bed and watch how it instantly elevates the bedroom. Not only is it pleasing to the eye, but it's also a handy reading spot—Sunday mornings in bed will never be the same.
Mixing in greenery is another way the Swedes add color to their mostly neutral bedrooms. But when you've given so much thought to everything else, the planter also deserves some careful consideration. We've noticed the paper bag planter cover is extremely popular among Swedish boudoirs, it's impossibly chic and über hip. Another idea is to pop your typical terracotta pot into a handmade basket. Think of your plant as another decorative feature in the room and have fun with it.
How would you design a Swedish bedroom? Share your style notes and tips in the comments below.
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