Scandinavian-style bathrooms: our design ideas

In this guide, we'll give you all the information you need to create the perfect Scandinavian-style bathroom. This hugely popular decorative theme takes its inspiration from Nordic countries and is all about whites, pale woods, natural tones and cosy vibes. So here are our top tips and tricks to create your own Scandi haven – without having to leave the house.

The colours used in Nordic design are clean, cosy and bright, which is great news because that's exactly what a bathroom needs! To create the perfect Scandi mood in a bathroom, it's a good idea to focus on white. Bright, peaceful and elegant, white is the perfect option for walls as it helps to reflect the light. Looking for a really on-trend bathroom? Go for white all over from the floor right up to the ceiling with white furniture to match. If you'd rather go for colour, there's good news for you, too – blue is also a great option for a Scandinavian-style bathroom. Of course, any keen decorator will know that blue comes in an infinite variety of tones. To stay loyal to the Nordic vibe, an icy polar blue will work best. When it comes to green, it's best to stick to a few plants to add a splash of greenery to your décor.

Chosen the wall colour for your Nordic bathroom? Now you have couple of options: you can either paint or tile. If you like to keep things traditional, go ahead and tile inside of the shower, around the bath or above the toilet or sink. Prefer to do things differently? Paint can work just as well! It's possible to apply a few coats of special waterproof paint and leave it to dry for several days. On the other hand, you don't need to be a pro to lay tiles. In fact, the process is fairly straightforward. The bonus of tiles is that they are highly durable, waterproof and will protect your walls, especially those that come into contact with water. Paint is a quick and affordable solution as long as you choose a special bathroom paint designed to withstand water. If you are redecorating an old bathroom, it is also possible to repaint old tiles using a special kind of paint.

Decided to refit the whole bathroom? No problem! We'll help you find the perfect furniture to blend right into your Nordic ambience. Most Scandinavian-style furniture has one point in common and that is: pale-toned wood. These pieces must be moisture-resistant and will form the very heart of your Nordic bathroom. Your choice of furniture depends on the amount of space you have to work with. A vanity unit is usually a must-have and it is possible to pick a unit with a built-in basin if you like. When it comes to extra storage, a tall cabinet is absolutely essential. If possible, match the cabinet to your vanity unit to create a cohesive look. And what about the bathroom mirror? From round to rectangular, framed to frameless or even bathroom mirror cabinets, the choice is yours to make!

Not got a lot of space to work with? Not to worry – your little Scandi bathroom will just have to be an oasis of organisation. The idea here will be to maximise space to ensure the bathroom is still a pleasant space to use. It can be a good idea to line up your furniture with the shower or bath at the back of the bathroom to create the illusion of depth. Use white for all your furniture and surfaces to bring more light into the space and create a sense of uniformity between your walls and units. When it comes to decorative elements, a few small touches can be added without overwhelming the room. One or two ceiling-hung plants will add a touch of nature to the bathroom which is a major part of Scandi style. You can also add interest with small bathroom accessories like soap holders or little baskets.

Now you hold the key to the perfect Nordic-style bathroom – all that's left to do is to get started! And once you've enjoyed a nice soak in your newly decorated bathroom, you can make a start on the rest of the house...!