The popularity of Scandinavian design is on the rise, and for a good reason. This style is all about simplicity, functionality, and minimalism, seen in furniture, home decor, and clothing. But what about bathrooms? Can Scandinavian design be translated into this often small and cramped space? The answer is yes, and here are some ideas for doing it. No matter your style, these ideas can help you create a beautiful and functional bathroom with all the hallmarks of Scandinavian design.

Natural Finish

Scandinavian style is all about taking inspiration from the great outdoors and bringing it into your home. So, when it comes to choosing materials and finishes for your bathroom, think about incorporating natural elements. Solid wood is a popular choice for bathroom furniture as it ages beautifully and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. If you are worried about the cost of kitting out your bathroom with all-new furniture, then switch out some of your existing pieces for solid wood versions – like swapping your plastic towel rail for a wooden one or replacing your mirror with a wooden frame.
Another way to bring the outdoors in is to incorporate plants into your bathroom design. Plants are visually pleasing and help purify the air, so they are a great addition to any room in the house. If you do not have much natural light in your bathroom, opt for hardy plants that do not need direct sunlight to thrive, like ferns, spider plants, or peace lilies.

Let in the Light

Scandinavian countries are known for their long, dark winters, so it is no surprise that one of the critical elements of the Scandi style is making the most of natural light. In a bathroom, this means choosing bright colours and finishes that will reflect light around the room and incorporating windows and skylights to let in as much daylight as possible.
Consider installing a skylight to brighten the space if you plan a complete bathroom renovation. If this is not possible, simply painting the walls and ceiling in a light colour will help to create the illusion of a brighter room. When choosing finishes, opt for glossy tiles and taps as they will reflect light around the room, making the space appear larger.

Neutral

There are a few reasons you might want to stick with neutrals when designing your Scandinavian bathroom. Firstly, these colours will help maximize the room’s available light. Pale colours reflect light well, so using them will help to brighten up the space. Additionally, using neutral tones will create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom – perfect for unwinding after a long day.

When choosing the right colours for your Scandinavian bathroom, you cannot go wrong with white. White walls, floors, and ceilings will help create that bright and airy feel that is so characteristic of Scandi design. You can then add pops of colour to your towels, accessories, and other decor items. Grey is also a popular choice for Scandinavian bathrooms, as it is a calming and versatile colour.

Dark Tone

When it comes to Scandi bathrooms, dark tones are often seen as a way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication. It is mainly the case for accessories, such as taps and mixers, where black can make a statement. In terms of using dark tones in the bathroom itself, walls are a great way to add a touch of drama. Dark walls can create a stylish and contemporary look, paired with white or light-coloured fittings and furniture.

If you are worried about dark tones making your bathroom feel small or cramped, then using them sparingly can be a great way to strike the right balance. As an accent colour, black can add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.

So, if you are looking to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your Scandi bathroom, consider using dark tones. Whether through your choice of accessories or painting the walls, a little bit of black can go a long way!

Monochrome

One of the easiest ways to give your Scandinavian bathroom a monochrome look is by using black accents. It can be in fixtures, such as a sink or toilet, or in the form of an accent colour. You can also use black paint to cover unsightly areas, such as mold or tiles.

Another way to create a monochromatic look is by using a single colour scheme. It can be achieved by painting the walls, ceiling, and floors all in one colour. A popular choice for Scandinavian bathrooms is white, as it creates a clean and spacious feel. You can also use other light colours, such as pale blue or grey.

Add a Pop of Colour

Although the Scandi style is often associated with minimalism and neutral colours, there is no reason why you cannot add a pop of colour to brighten up the space. Injecting a bit of colour is the perfect way to add personality to a Scandi-style bathroom.

If you plan a complete bathroom renovation, consider painting the walls a light neutral colour. Alternatively, if you are working with an existing bathroom, switch out some of your accessories for brighter colours – like towels, toiletries, or storage boxes.

Wood

One of the best things about Scandinavian design is that it is so versatile - it can be combined with a variety of styles easily. If you want to add a bit of wood to your Scandinavian bathroom, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Since wood is a natural material, it will blend well with other raw materials such as stone and plants. You need to keep the overall design clean and simple - too many elements will make the space look cluttered.

Geometrical Shapes

One of the reasons why geometrical shapes are a perfect match for Scandi bathrooms is that they create a sense of calm and order. In a bathroom, where function takes precedence over form, it is essential to have clean lines and uncluttered surfaces to wash up and get ready as stress-free as possible. Geometrical shapes also help reflect light around the room, making small bathrooms appear brighter and more spacious.
If you want to add a Scandi twist to your bathroom but are worried about cold, try incorporating organic shapes into the design. Curved lines and soft edges will help to create a warm and inviting space. Think about adding a freestanding bathtub with organic curves or choosing a vanity unit with rounded edges.

Tiles

Scandi bathrooms often pair white square tiles with charcoal grout for tiles. It creates a bright and clean look that is perfect for this style. If you want to match the tile in your Scandi bathroom, consider using honeycomb wall tiles, gray subway tiles, or mid-century wood vanity with white tile with black grout. These are all great options to help you achieve the perfect look for your bathroom.

Furniture

Scandinavian style is all about simplicity, so when choosing furniture and fittings for your bathroom, opt for pieces with clean lines and simple shapes. Wall-mounted cabinets are a great choice as they help create the illusion of more space, while flat-panel cabinets will also help keep the look clean and uncluttered.

When choosing a vanity unit, opt for a simple design with straight lines and an integrated basin. Or, if you are short on space, consider a corner sink that will help make the most of the room. If you have a larger bathroom, consider adding a freestanding bathtub, as it will become a real focal point in the space.

Accessories

When it comes to accessorising your Scandi-style bathroom, less is more. So, resist the urge to fill every surface with trinkets and instead choose a few key pieces that will enhance the look of the space.

A common mistake is to overcrowd surfaces with toiletries and other items, so instead, opt for storage that will keep everything tidy and out of sight. Wall-mounted shelves are a great choice as they provide ample storage without taking up too much space, or you can invest in some stylish baskets or boxes to keep things organised.

When it comes to choosing bathroom accessories, opt for simple and stylish pieces that will complement the look of the space. A few well-chosen items – like a scented candle, a plant, or a sleek soap dispenser – will add personality without clutter.

FAQs

What are Scandinavian colours?

In Scandinavian design, the focus is on simplicity and functionality. It means that the colours used in Scandinavian homes are typically muted shades of grey, beige, and white. However, this does not mean that these homes are without personality – a touch of colour can often be seen in accessories or accents.

Can you use marble floors in Scandi bathrooms?

Yes, you can use marble flooring for Scandinavian-inspired bathrooms. Stone and marble are often used in Scandinavian interiors to create a chic and timeless look. The combination of the two creates a look that is both elegant and stylish.

Which cabinets match perfectly with a Scandi bathroom?

Scandinavian bathrooms typically feature clean lines and simple designs for fixtures. It is why flat-panel cabinets are a popular choice, as they create a streamlined look. You can also choose to install a vessel sink or an integrated sink to keep with the minimalist aesthetic.

Can you use a corner shower in Scandi bathrooms?

When it comes to showering, many Scandinavian bathrooms feature a corner shower. It helps to save space and create a more efficient layout. You can also use subway tile or other designs to create a unique shower space.