The Scandinavian countries are famous for good design. Scandinavian style means bright colors, cozy interiors, natural materials and excellent lighting. Scandinavian lamps are a great design in which aesthetics and function are equally important. Check how you can use them in your interior.
Scandinavian style – what are its characteristics?
Where does the Scandi trend come from? Perhaps the source is the concept of hygge, the Danish way of living well. It is about appreciating small pleasures, cultivating relationships, peace and the joy of contact with nature. Scandinavian design is a unique combination of harmony in the surroundings, comfort, functionality and aesthetics.
Scandinavian style: space and nature
Scandinavian-style interiors are characterized primarily by simplicity. They are minimalist, but without extremes: functionality is the most important thing. Scandi style means naturally warm boards and soft textiles, but without pomp and heavy furniture. The background of Scandinavian interiors is usually white and shades of gray. The colors are whitened and refer to natural colors. Natural materials also dominate: wood, wool, wicker, natural fibers. In the rustic version, the Scandinavian interior will be full of old wood and worn white. In the minimalist version – equipment elements can be made of plastics, metal, with a loft look. What should Scandinavian-style lamps be like?
Scandinavian hanging lamps
Scandinavian lamps are most often associated with geometric shapes. White or black lamp, equipped with metal, openwork lampshades with decorative Edison bulbs visible. This is the most common choice, but not the only one. The Scandi style also includes a fabric lampshade, wood as a detail and milky glass lampshades. Check out the hanging lamps, which are distinguished by their interesting, well-planned and balanced form and natural materials. Get inspiration from the Hamptons, Zen or mid-century modern styles.
Scandinavian lamps: rustic or modern?
If the interior has a slightly rustic character, it is worth checking how the chandelier will look in the arrangement. Remember that it does not have to be very classic – a modern lamp will have an interesting design and will fill the center of the room with light. Modern hanging lamps with an integrated LED light source are a good solution for interiors closer to minimalism, where traditional chandeliers will not harmonize with the decor. Their light panels are hidden under a cover of plastic – milky acrylic glass, but they still perfectly expand Scandinavian-style arrangements. Scandinavian hanging lamps: where do they fit and how can they be used alternatively? Hanging lamps are primarily the main light in many interiors, but especially in the living room, bedroom or dining room. It is worth remembering that they can perform more functions than just providing a light background for the room.
Scandinavian ceiling lamps
Ceiling lamps that match the Scandinavian style are primarily lamps with rounded edges. The main material will often be frosted glass, but metal or wood may also be used. However, the lamp should be rather simple, without extravagant patterns or crystal elements. Ceiling lamps are usually used in the bathroom. Before choosing a model, make sure that it meets the requirements for protection against contact with moisture. You can read more about this in the article Which IP rating should you choose for your bathroom?
Wall lamps in Scandinavian style
The wall lamp can have several functions – general lighting, functional light for reading and working, building a light, decorative background. When choosing wall lamps, first of all, take into account the function and match the features of the lamp to the needs in a given place. A wall lamp in a Scandinavian style should not stand out significantly from the background in color. A white or strongly whitened frame will work well almost everywhere. Check whether lamps with wooden, textile or matte gold elements will better match the arrangement.
Table and floor lamps in Scandinavian style
The Scandinavian style, full of harmony and space, is perfect for the workplace. However, a desk and even an armchair in the living room will require a good reading lamp. Floor and desk lamps come to the rescue. In the Scandinavian version, it is easiest to choose a lamp with a classic textile lampshade. Such a lamp will be useful not only after dark – it will improve working conditions when it’s drizzly autumn outside.
Can bedside lamps be replaced?
Many desk lamps are also used in the bedroom as a bedside table accessory. A bright lampshade will also work great here. We encourage you to consider an unusual but very functional solution. Classic desk lamps can replace small hanging lamps. It is worth considering this, if only because it will leave more space on the bedside table, and we will also avoid tangles of cables winding between the furniture.
Technical lighting in Scandinavian style
Scandinavian-style lamps are primarily associated with a large fixture in the central point of the room. It is worth remembering that a feature of good arrangement is providing light from various sources. It is also important to divide them into zones. We discuss this in detail in the article How to plan lighting?
Do technical lamps fit into a Scandinavian interior?
Yes! It is also worth using technical lamps in a Scandi-style interior. They are small, so they will not clutter up the space. They come in many shapes and colors. Stylistically matching fixtures will primarily be cylindrical in shape, white or black. If you don’t want them to be visible, use recessed fixtures. Thanks to them, the light, so important in the Scandi style, will be strong enough and pleasantly diffused. A decorative, interesting lamp in the center of the living room and small technical fixtures that will discreetly fill the space with light – this is the perfect solution.
Light color for Scandinavian-style interiors
It is generally accepted that warm lighting suits some interiors and cool lighting suits others. It’s a myth! The basis of general lighting should always be a neutral color. The neutral light available in most lamps with an integrated source is usually slightly warm white. This shade will create the perfect main lighting in a Scandinavian interior. And if you choose bulbs yourself, choose ones with a color temperature of 3000 K. Also pay attention to the differences in colors in the interior depending on the function of a given lamp. You can read more about this in the article Light color: how to choose it?
Scandinavian lamps in the Maxlight offer
Use the inspiration to choose the perfect lamps for your living room, bedroom or kitchen. Don’t forget that the Scandinavian style works perfectly in the office and service space! Its lightness and color harmony allow you to focus, create a good atmosphere for conversation and display your products. If you need help in arranging the light of your space, contact Maxlight experts.