73 Brilliant Scandinavian Christmas Decorating Ideas

Scandinavian Christmas decorating can create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in your holiday home. We all have some typical style for decorating our homes for Christmas each year, but why not try something totally new this holiday season? In the past, we have featured Scandinavian-style Christmas homes such as Beautiful Scandinavian Christmas home, Beautiful Norway home with Scandinavian interiors and School house converted into fabulous family home, where you can find some additional inspiration. We have gathered together for you a vast collection of an assortment of Scandinavian-inspired holiday interiors that will help you emulate your own Nordic Christmas.

For a classic holiday with a fresh twist, go Scandinavian with homespun touches in red, white, and wheat. Create a pleasing mix of creams, whites, silver, gold, and reds, offering a clean approach to holiday decorating. It feels fresh, yet comfortable in a way that simply modern style can struggle with.

Scandinavia is comprised of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (and usually Finland and Iceland) and thus has a wonderful European flair intertwined with deep-rooted history. There is a definite focus on nature and the use of greenery, candlelight, and handmade treasures.

Where it differs from homespun decorating is, again, the use of light colors and keeping accessories to a minimum. Simplicity is the key to carrying off a true Scandinavian decor scheme, nothing too flashy or glitzy. For even more ideas, see our Scandinavian decorating ideas for a cozy Christmas.

Tell Us: Which one of these ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!

1. Christmas Tree and Sheepskin-Draped Dining Chairs

Sheepskins draped over white spindle chairs and a large paper star above the table give this dining room a cozy Nordic feel. (via My Scandinavian Home)

2. Red and White Table With Lanterns and Stars

Clear chairs with red cushions, white lanterns and hanging wooden stars keep this table festive yet simple. (via ACHICA)

3. Paper Star Lamp and Red and White Tree

A white paper star lamp lights the corner by the fireplace, and red and white ornaments and hearts cover the tree. (via Ikea)

4. White Living Room With a Candlelit Tree

Garland wraps the staircase railing, and a small tree with clip-on candles sits in the corner of this white living room. (via Fresh Interior Ideas)

5. White Dining Table With Greenery and Mismatched Chairs

Looking for super simple table decoration ideas? Try this: Snip branch tips from your Christmas tree (or use rosemary branches) and place one in a clear glass votive at each place. Sprinkle a handful of small vintage ornaments in silver and gold randomly down the center of the table, and ground the arrangement with a few tall candles. (via Decorators Notebook)

6. Candle Tree Centerpiece

Votive candles circle a metal tree centerpiece set on a ring of pine and red berries. (via Pinterest)

7. Burlap and Fabric-Wrapped Ornaments

Strips of burlap, linen and white fabric wrapped around ball ornaments, finished with twine hangers, make rustic handmade decorations. (via Flash Decor)

8. Tomte Elf Dolls

Tall tomte elf dolls in red pointed hats add a playful Scandinavian touch to a bench or windowsill. (via Pinterest)

9. Mini Christmas Tree in a Jar

When you put up the big tree, snip off a piece of branch (from a place that won’t be noticeable) and place it in water to create a pint-size Christmas tree for the tabletop. It could be placed in the guest room to welcome holiday visitors. (via Founterior)

10. Cardboard Reindeer

Create this playful reindeer project with a couple of corrugated cardboard boxes and our free printable reindeer template. Materials needed: cardboard boxes, scissors, pencil, craft knife, glue, large red pom pom (or just paint it red), and a black marker pen.

• Step 1 Enlarge the reindeer head, and antlers, print, and cut out.
• Step 2 Flatten your cardboard box, and place the templates on top. Trace out the patterns onto the cardboard. Cut out two heads, a large antler, and the smaller antler pieces.
• Step 3 Cut slits in all the pieces as shown on the templates. Apply glue to the slits in the large antler and slot the smaller pieces in place. When dry, attach the antlers to the two reindeer head pieces.
• Step 4 Use a black marker pen to draw an eye on each head piece. Glue the heads together at the nose and affix a red pom pom with glue (or red paint).
• Step 5 Mount the reindeer head securely on the wall or the back of a door with picture hanging strips.
• Step 6 Add a wreath around the neck of the reindeer’s head and a collar with a jingle bell on it.

Download Our Free Reindeer Template

Prefer the original? You can also download the template that inspired this project.

(via Good Housekeeping)

11. Scrap-Wood Advent Calendar Tree

Feeling crafty? Try creating a Nordic-style tree out of small wood scraps. It would look beautiful on its own, either painted or left bare, but you can also attach small packages to turn it into an Advent calendar. (via Founterior)

12. Simple Tree on the Staircase

A sparse little tree in a burlap sack sits on the stairs, topped with a straw star. (via Lantliv)

13. Bare Branches With Star Ornaments

Another way to bring in a touch of the woods is with an armful of bare branches. Simply plunk them in a nice big vase (no water needed) and attach ornaments, holiday cards, or any embellishments you wish. (via An-Magritt Moen)

14. Candlelit Table With Apples and Pomegranates

If you already have a set of basic white dishes and table linens, all you need to re-create this look are a few red accents. If you use items that are not too holiday-specific, you can reuse most of the items throughout the year. (via Lantliv)

15. Window Wreaths on Red Ribbon

Welcome visitors in from the cold with candlelight and simple green wreaths hung from each window. You can create these quite easily using wreath forms from a local crafts supply shop and greenery snipped from the trees outside. (via Pinterest)

16. Driftwood Wall Tree With Lights

Pieces of driftwood stacked in a tree shape and wrapped in string lights make a wall tree that takes up no floor space. (via Flash Decor)

17. Pallet Wood Tree With Globe Lights

Pallet boards cut in graduated lengths form a simple tree, finished with a strand of globe lights. (via Flash Decor)

18. Red and White Tree With Straw Stars

Set the scene with a smorgasbord of cool, crisp trimmings — from store-bought straw stars to mock “cross-stitched” ornaments (get the how-tos). Completing the look: a tree skirt of sheepskin and gifts in solid-hued paper. For more ideas, see these Nordic-inspired gift wrapping ideas. (via Good Housekeeping)

19. Christmas Tree With Glass Icicles

Glass icicles and silver baubles dangle from this tree, which stands in a metal bucket on a jute tree skirt. (via Lantliv)

20. Barn Doors With Red Snowflakes and Stockings

Red twig snowflakes and striped stockings dress up a pair of white barn doors, with lanterns glowing in the snow. (via Flash Decor)

21. Clawfoot Tub and Iron Candelabra

An iron candelabra on the windowsill and a tree cutting in the next room bring a hint of Christmas to this white bathroom. (via Lantliv)

22. Sweater Stockings and Straw Wreaths

A row of sweater stockings — stitched up quickly from secondhand cable knits — are ready to be stuffed with presents, while silver glass holders glow on the mantel (for safety, use LED candles). Store-bought and homemade wheat wreaths are staggered on the wall above. To make these clever stockings, use old sweaters from your basement or a consignment shop. (via Good Housekeeping)

23. Burlap and Toile Stockings

Burlap stockings with toile cuffs, stuffed with raffia, hang from a rooster door knocker. (via Flash Decor)

24. Wooden Star Ornament on Ribbon

A wooden star ornament with a white snowflake design hangs from a red and cream striped ribbon. (via The Contemporary Home)

25. Ornaments Displayed in a Wooden Cubby

Hang silver and glass ornaments in the compartments of an old wooden cubby, then wrap it with fairy lights. (via Pinterest)

26. Dining Room With Paperwhites

Any sort of blooming flowers are most welcome in winter, and the delicate white blooms of paperwhites look especially fitting alongside natural holiday decor. Cluster pots full of blooming bulbs in the center of the dining table or along a buffet or entry table. Just be aware that paperwhites have a strong fragrance once in full bloom, so if you are sensitive to flower fragrances, you might want to choose a different plant. (via Highland Homes)

27. Wheat Stalk Centerpiece

To make this no-fuss natural centerpiece, loosely cinch craft-store wheat stalks with red and white ribbon. Place faux snow inside clear glass vases and nestle stalks on top. Surround with almonds in the shell and evergreen cuttings for easy organic elegance. (via Good Housekeeping)

28. Red and White Kitchen Shelves With Heart Garland

Red and white mugs, a heart garland and NOEL letters turn open kitchen shelves into a cheerful holiday display. (via Not on the High Street)

29. Reindeer Stockings by the Woodstove

Red and cream stockings with reindeer appliqués hang above a woodstove topped with pinecones. (via Retreat Home)

30. Paper Snowflakes on a Wood Wall

Large white paper snowflakes hung on a weathered gray wall are an easy decoration for a porch or shed. (via Petra Boase)

31. Rustic NOEL Letters With a Twig Wreath

Rustic wooden letters spell NOEL, with a twig wreath standing in for the O. (via Founterior)

32. Floating Candles in Glass Jars With Rosemary

Float tea lights in clip-top jars of water with sprigs of rosemary and red berries. (via The Relaxed Home)

33. Deer Silhouette and Twinkle Lights

Don’t limit yourself to the tree — white Christmas lights (with white cords) can be draped on shelves and mantels, coiled inside glass vessels or wooden birdcages, or hung vertically in the corner of a room. Covered twinkle lights make lovely accents, too, so keep an eye out for interesting versions. (via Furnish Burnish)

34. Candles in Glass Bottles With Pine Sprigs

Tie a pine sprig with twine around the neck of each glass bottle, then add white taper candles. (via Pinterest)

35. White Kitchen With a Hanging Wreath

An evergreen wreath hung from the ceiling on ribbon gives this white kitchen a festive focal point over the island. (via Lantliv)

36. Black Paper Star and Modern Candelabra

A modern black candelabra, pinecones on a linen runner and a black paper star keep this table clean and graphic. (via An-Magritt Moen)

37. White Wooden Stars Above the Mantel

White wooden stars hang above a mantel lined with frosted garland and pillar candles. (via The Relaxed Home)

38. Tree Cuttings in Vintage Containers

Cluster a group of vintage containers and fill them with fresh tree cuttings for a display that will last for months when cared for properly. (via Founterior)

39. Birch Bark Candle Jars

Wrap small jars in birch bark, tie them with twine and add a tea light and a sprig of pine. (via Founterior)

40. Plum Pillar Candles on a Tray

Deep plum pillar candles tied with twine sit on a metal tray with hydrangea and eucalyptus. (via Home&Cottage)

41. Red and White Kitchen With Hyacinths

Red striped towels, a wire star and pots of hyacinth bulbs add holiday color around the kitchen sink. (via Lantliv)

42. Minimalist Tree With Black and Gold Ornaments

Black, white and gold ornaments and a copper star are all this minimalist tree needs. (via Nina Holst for Stylizimo Blog)

43. Jingle Bell Ornaments With Red Bows

Silver jingle bells tied with red polka dot ribbon are easy, cheerful tree ornaments. (via The Contemporary Home)

44. Twine-Wrapped Glasses and Striped Straws

Red and white baker’s twine wrapped around plain glasses, with striped paper straws, makes a fun party setup. (via The Relaxed Home)

45. Origami Cranes on Bare Branches

Origami paper cranes dangle from bare branches for a light, airy display. (via Founterior)

46. Red Gingham Table With a Berry Wreath Chandelier

A berry wreath hangs over the table, and red gingham cushions tie onto each chair. (via Ideal Home)

47. Felt Star Napkin Ring

A red felt star slipped over a rolled napkin, with a sprig of pine tucked in, dresses up a simple place setting. (via Ideal Home)

48. Nordic Knit Pillows and Throws

Pile a chair with Nordic knit pillows, a red heart pillow and patterned throws for a comfortable spot to read. (via The Relaxed Home)

49. Cozy Bedroom With Nordic Stockings

Nordic knit stockings hang from a white sleigh bed in this attic bedroom with a woodstove. (via Ideal Home)

50. Rustic Table With Sheepskins and a Candle Chandelier

Sheepskins soften the wicker chairs at this rustic table, lit by white candles and an evergreen chandelier. (via Flash Decor)

51. Outdoor Vignette With Galvanized Tubs

Galvanized tubs, evergreen boughs, glass jars and an old sewing machine base come together in a snowy outdoor display. (via Vita Ranunkler)

52. Christmas Tree With Real Candles

Are you looking for something different to spice up your holiday party this year? Get inspired by Scandinavian traditions and serve spiced cookies along with warm glogg instead of eggnog, or light real candles on the tree — just be sure to use a fresh tree and have someone standing by to douse flames if need be! (via Lantliv)

53. Lanterns in the Snow

A metal lantern tied with a gingham heart and a candle jar sit on a red sled in the snow. (via Pinterest)

54. Log Cabin Bath With Lanterns and Plum Towels

Lanterns, lavender soaps and stacks of plum and white towels warm up this log cabin bath. (via Home&Cottage)

55. Wooden Tray With Candles and Pinecones

Arrange tea lights, pinecones, a wood bead garland and little deer ornaments on a rustic wooden tray. (via Pinterest)

56. White Deer Head and Wooden Star

A white faux deer head and a white wooden star hang on a weathered wood wall with candles below. (via The Relaxed Home)

57. Lighted Tree With Wrapped Presents

Warm white lights and felt ornaments fill this tree, with wrapped presents piled underneath. (via Ideal Home)

58. Kitchen Windows With Garland and Sunburst Mirrors

Evergreen garland drapes across the kitchen windows, with gold sunburst mirrors hung on the panes. (via Flash Decor)

59. Gingerbread Hearts in the Window

Hang gingerbread heart cookies on twine in a kitchen window. (via Pinterest)

60. Window Seat With Eucalyptus Garland and Ice Skates

A eucalyptus garland with hanging letters, grain sack pillows and vintage ice skates turn this window seat into a winter nook. (via Vita Ranunkler)

61. Potted Tree With Paper Cone Ornaments

Pink paper cone ornaments hang from a tall potted tree, with an old wooden ladder leaning nearby. (via Tine Kjeldsen)

62. Gray and White Living Room With XMAS Letters

Metal XMAS letters on a shelf, layered pillows and a pallet coffee table keep this living room soft and neutral. (via Flash Decor)

63. White Living Room With Potted Hyacinths

A small wreath on the cabinet, garland over the doorway and a bowl of hyacinth bulbs keep this living room fresh for the holidays. (via Vita Ranunkler)

64. Window Seat With Sheepskins and Hanging Amaryllis

Whether you choose faux or the real deal, sheepskins are incredibly effective at cozifying any space. Place one where you can sink your toes into it upon waking in the morning, drape one over your sofa, or place one at every seat around the dining table. Just looking at them will make you feel warmer. (via Lantliv)

65. Bare Branch With White Ornaments and Kraft Paper Gifts

White ornaments and a wood slice garland hang from a bare branch above a table of kraft paper wrapped gifts. (via Pinterest)

66. Christmas Tree With Feather Birds and Paper Tags

Feather birds, paper tags and white stockings give this tree a soft, handmade look. (via Vita Ranunkler)

67. Merry Christmas Clothespin Letters

Clothespins stamped with letters spell out MERRY CHRISTMAS along a red ribbon, a fun way to hang holiday cards. (via The Relaxed Home)

68. Slim Silver Tree With a Velvet Stocking

Much of the appeal of the Scandinavian approach to decorating comes from the pared-down, neutral palette. Putty gray, natural wood, and white plus a metallic hue create a peaceful mood; red, white, and wood are cheery and fun. (via Pinterest)

69. Hanging Pine Bough With Paper Cones

A pine bough hung from the ceiling with white paper cones adds greenery overhead in this white room. (via Vita Ranunkler)

70. Bright Kitchen With a Woodstove and Basket of Logs

Wood in all its forms is an essential element of Scandinavian decorating at all times of the year, and even more so during winter. If you have a working fireplace or woodstove, you can make an attractive and useful display with the logs you plan to use, such as placing them in a large basket. (via Lantliv)

71. White Workspace With a Sheepskin Chair

A sheepskin over the desk chair and a vase of amaryllis make a white workspace feel ready for winter. (via My Scandinavian Home)

72. Pallet Wood Headboard With Twinkle Lights

Twinkle lights outline a pallet wood headboard, with two stockings hung from the top. (via Songbird Blog)

73. Ice Wreath With Berries and Pinecones

This unique Scandinavian tradition would be the perfect project for a snowy day, and it would look splendid outside at a holiday party. Just fill a container with water, then place a second smaller container inside it. Use a few rocks in the smaller container to displace water until the top is roughly at water level, then gently arrange leaves, berries, and acorns in the water below. Set the containers outdoors to freeze overnight, then unmold them. (via Pinterest)

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