Scandinavian-style bedrooms: our design ideas

Scandinavian bedrooms are designed to be bright and comfortable. Looking for a few tips and tricks to achieve the perfect look? You just need a few functional furniture pieces, natural materials and a lick of paint! Check out our advice on how to create a practical bedroom that channels the best of Nordic design.

The bed is truly the star of the show in a cosy Scandi-style room. If space allows, place the bed right in the middle of the room to set the tone for your whole décor – as a bonus, it should also make it easier to get up in the morning! A typical Nordic-style bed will often be made of pale-toned woods (a common feature of Scandi design, as you'll soon find out!) and feature a basic design complete with tapered legs. But if you're looking something a little different, there are plenty of solutions. Why not go for a plush padded headboard for a comfy spot to lay your head as you enjoy your bedtime cup of tea? Or what about a rattan bed?

Now you've picked out a bed, you just need to tackle the rest of the furniture. When it comes to bedside tables, a traditional set with drawers will work but some basic floating shelves will also do the job! Your choice will all come down to your tastes and storage needs, as well as your budget. If you want to top off your furniture with a roomy wardrobe or dressing room choose between classic white or a light-coloured wood (we did say it was a classic...!). Otherwise, a chest of drawers with a geometric design to match the bed will do nicely. In short, it all depends how much clothing you have to stash away!

White, off-white, baby blue, powdery pink, sage green... a Scandi bedroom offers the opportunity to really run with pastels. Team up a few different shades, go for pure white or mix up your pastels with some brighter tones! The best way to pull off the look? Go for little splashes of colour. Painting just one corner in a pearly grey, for example, can be a great way to create a reading nook or even a games corner. Or add some contrasting notes with an old wooden armoire repainted in a fresh yellow.

In fact, you can add colour anywhere you like in a Scandinavian bedroom. When it comes to painting the walls, white is the simplest option but pale blue or green also have a certain something. Alternatively, you can go for a patterned wallpaper with a graphic design to really open up the room.

The same general rules apply to your bed linen and other soft furnishings. If you're having trouble choosing between a small pattern or a solid colour, no problem – go for both! Mix up a blue sheet with a white patterned duvet cover, mismatching cushions and a (faux!) fur blanket. But most importantly, have fun and remember that the more elements there are in your Scandi bedroom, the better it will look. If you're hoping to add more texture to your Nordic bedroom, it couldn't be easier. You just need a few contrasting pieces such as black bedside lamps or a metallic-framed mirror to brighten the space. Besides, you'll need one to get dressed!

Got a big bedroom to decorate? Lucky you! You can go all out with larger items like a rattan armchair or a woven pouffe! Finally add a white, beige or gold floor lamp, a desk and a small shelf unit to create a custom-made reading nook or home office.

Scandi-style light fixtures often feature clean, streamlined designs. From wall lights to hang over bedside tables to large wood, bamboo or rattan pendant lights, and paper globes, there's plenty of choice when it comes to overhead lighting. Install these lights a little lower than you would in a classic bedroom and the space will feel immediately cosier.

As a little bonus, here are a few extra ideas for finishing off a Scandinavian theme. If plants are your thing, good news – a bit of greenery works perfectly in a Nordic bedroom. Otherwise, you can dot around some vases of dried flowers or even empty vases if you're looking for really hands-off design! Some frosted glass bowls, sisal rugs with geometric patterns and light-toned wood frames for your holiday snaps... there really is no end of décor options.

So, there you have it – there's no need to fly all the way to Oslo to create a flawless Scandinavian vibe. Just stock up on faux fur, pale wood and pastel colours, and get stuck in!