If I Had 3 Words to Explain Scandinavian Minimalism, This Would Be It

The deeper aspects of it

Minimalism is about what you can see to some extent, but the core of it is in the unseen. We often think about all things stylish, sleek, and clutter-free, but those words are only covering some of the more superficial aspects of minimalism, not necessarily the deeper ones.

I always have fun playing “would you rather”, “this or that”, or “explain in 3 words” with my kids, and somehow it got me thinking about minimalism the Scandinavian version of it. If I only had three words to explain this form of minimalism, these are the ones I would go for.

Nature

Scandinavian minimalism in a photo could be the one featured above. Sandy dunes, greens, and homes, not too large, in the midst of it all. It’s about appreciating nature and being one with it.

You see this over and over again in homes decorated with Scandinavian minimalism in mind. There are green plants showing life, you’ll find art on the walls portraying the beauty of nature, and there are always materials taken from nature.

Wood and wool are some of the most common materials you’ll see. As for the latter, Scandinavians love it because it lasts. Instead of wasting time shopping and adding stuff to the house by purchasing new things more often than necessary, wool is known to be resilient and an option when you’re looking for things that will stay in your house for a long time without having to be replaced because it breaks. We have a wool throw blanket that has been with our family for 10 years. It still looks great and serves its purpose of keeping us warm.

Nature has a prime spot in Scandinavian minimalism.

More than decor and style, it is a way of living. Nordic people are outside in rain, sunshine, blizzards, and snow. They celebrate the great outdoors during all seasons.

Scandinavian minimalism reflects this lifestyle. People gladly meet up by a bonfire to get warm, eat hotdogs and drink coffee after skiing on local trails on a cold winter day. Going out in nature doesn’t require a whole lot of packing. A good pair of shoes and a thermos with coffee will do. For a beach trip during the summer, swim gear, a towel, and drinks to stay hydrated are more than enough. You don’t always need a lot to have a good time in nature.

You don’t need a whole lot of decor to feel at home.

Ordinary

It’s not about the grand stuff. The Danes are amazingly stylish and talented at designing furniture and interior details, but the designs are often extremely down to earth. Classy and elegant, sure, but also with a relaxed and ordinary feel to it.

Scandinavian minimalism values all things ordinary. That coffee mug you got from your grandmother, or the sweater you knitted five years ago. It’s about celebrating the small, ordinary, and functional things. You don’t purchase a cup that’s too fancy to use because it looks trendy and modern, but you make sure to use that treasured cup that has been in the family for decades.

According to Scandification, Scandinavian minimalism arrived in the international landscape in the mid-20th century. This version of minimalism built its efforts around functionality and modernism. As the concept of it evolved, Scandinavians started to focus more heavily on the importance of quality craftsmanship, as well as the value of comfort and inner peace.

It’s where you get that relaxed feel without too much stuff and also without letting your space feel overly sleek and clinical. You’re at ease in a space that’s practical and one that you’re comfortable in.

A space that feels like you, one where you’re content.

Wholeness

The lack of clutter in Scandinavian minimalism helps to see things as they are. You can see things clearly because there is not a lot of stuff in the way, taking up space. But more than outside clutter, this way of living is about being calm and feeling whole on the inside. Because you’re content, you don’t have any fear of missing out. You’re happy and at ease with where you’re at.

That sense of inner warmth and wholeness is one of the more important elements of Scandinavian minimalism. You don’t need a lot, as long as what you do have bring you the feeling of being whole as a person. Your space reflects that. As the Modern Dane writes, this form of minimalism is centered on ordinary life, that which most people could afford, and taking pleasure in the small things.

At its core, Scandinavian minimalism is so much more than a style. It’s a way of living. It’s about not needing all the stuff to be fulfilled.