If you have a minimalist, clean decor style with a splash of rustic, why not try incorporating Scandinavian Christmas decorating ideas into your home this year? You’ll love these Scandivanian Style Christmas decor inspirations – 40+ DIYs and ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
A Minimalist “Less is More” is the Way to Go
After the past few years, it’s definitely feeling like less is more these days. Most of us have been pushed to our limits with all things COVID related and the aftermath, but how many of us are hoping to end the year on a high note by ringing in Christmas? (Hand raised!)
You might be like me and wanting to start your Christmas decorating early, just to have a few extra weeks of being merry and bright. So I’ve been giving some thought to how I want to decorate this year.
Last year, I used a lot of decor with a little bit of a European flair…navy and white striped ribbon, lots of faux and real evergreens and juniper branches, dried oranges… lots of wood tones and whites mixed in. (You can see what I did in my home for Christmas in 2019 here!)
I’m not sure I really want to stray from that too much, but I’ve been thinking of throwing in a little more Scandinavian decor. It leans clean and minimalist, so in a year when we’ve had too much, Scandinavian decor is a nice way to counter that.
What is Scandinavian Decor?
When you think of Scandinavian decor, which is something of is its own version of minimalistic decorating, a few things come to mind, more than just Ikea-type furnishings.
Here a few consistent traits of Scandinavian decor:
Think “Hygge” (cozy, peaceful, content with the simple things)
Simple in design
Unobtrusively classy and classic
Minimalist: Clean lines, little clutter (you can see a full post on minimalist Christmas decorating ideas here!)
When it comes to winter and Christmas decor, you can see how it expands on those basic elements.
You want to remember that Scandinavia consists of Finland, Norway, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, an area where winter is the coldest and darkest; that definitely influences its decor style. Scandinavian style decor both incorporates that as well as combats it.
Scandinavian decor in the winter consists of lots of wintery accents like pine evergreens and snowy whites.
But it’s also about staying warm and cozy, so there’s lots of soft textiles, candlelight and warm wood tones as well. You definitely can sense the comfy, rustic feeling to it.
Dominant Elements in Scandinavian Christmas Decorating
When thinking about how to incorporate those traditional Scandinavian decor elements with Christmas decorating, here are some of the basics:
Elements from nature: Branches (with ornaments or other things hung from them), logs, and natural greens (pine, juniper, eucalyptus)
Wood: Rustic and wooden pieces
Cozy textiles and fabrics: Soft blankets, knits, furry accents
Neutral Colors and Simple Color Palette: Lots of whites, greys/silvers, blacks, and wood tones.
Light and bright: White decor, natural light
Contrasts: Black and White, Grey and White, Wood and White, Green and White
Stars: Made from dough, clay, wood, twigs, metal
Don’t Have to Be a Purist
When thinking about decorating your own home for Christmas, there’s no pressure to make it full-on Scandinavian or minimalist decor.
There’s no rulebook, and it’s your house. Lean more rustic, lean more minimalist. Throw in some color. Add in what you love, leave out what you don’t.
It’s that easy.
40+ Scandinavian Decorating Ideas and DIYs
Below you’ll see 40+ different ideas to give you that Scandinavian warmth you’re looking for. They are on all ends of the spectrum – some a little more minimalist, others a little more rustic. But any combination of them will complement each other beautifully!
Most are pretty easy DIY projects, and a few are just pictures for inspiration.
OK, let’s go!
Natural Evergreen Tree
I love the simple, clean look of this green and white decor.... the evergreen branches hanging on the hooks to coordinate with the evergreen tree, the wreath on the chandelier in the background - a clean, snowy Christmasy look.
Star Garland
If you are a black-and-white decor person, you definitely can incorporate that into Christmas decor! With greens mixed in, this is a refreshing change from the traditional red that we see for Christmas. And stars are totally underused in Christmas decor in my opinion!
Log and Stars Christmas Wall Hanging
This is another really simple but beautiful way to use stars... this branch banner is an easy DIY that has a striking effect!
DIY Driftwood Christmas Tree
Here's a beautiful DIY making a Christmas tree from driftwood. This would look amazing both indoors or as porch decor!
A Rustic Stacked Wood Christmas Tree
If you're wanting a wood tree a little smaller, maybe something to put on a tabletop, this would be a perfect option!
Wooden Christmas Tree
Here's another super-cute table-top Christmas tree you can try! These trees are made from small wood slices and a foam cone!
DIY Faux Fur Christmas Trees
What is more cozy for a winter scene than a furry Christmas tree! I love the idea of incorporating a soft texture to make it that much more comfy.
DIY Scandinavian Felt Christmas Trees
How cute are these little trees? I think they're perfect for those little spaces where you need something, but not too much.
Nordic Reindeer Decor
This is an adorable addition to neutral Christmas decor! These reindeer add a simple and natural touch.
Christmas Tree Cutting Boards
Cutting boards play nicely with the preference for wood in Scandinavian decor. Add in a Christmas shaped cutting board, and now you have a charming Christmas vignette for your kitchen.
Mint & Gold Modern Christmas Tablescape
This is a beautiful example of a tablescape you can create in a minimalist style. The Scandinavian touches are simple and can also be modified to colors you use.
DIY Wooden Christmas Tree
If you like those pointed cone type trees in the tablescape above, this post will show you how to make them!
Advent Wreath
Here's a beautiful way to celebrate Advent - with candles each Sunday approaching Christmas. I love the look of this centerpiece and it would add a beautiful touch to your decor along with a meaningful family tradition.
DIY Minimalist Hanging Advent Calendar
Here's another Advent option if they are a family tradition. This is a perfect way to create one while keeping with minimalist decor.
DIY Branch Stocking Display
Oh, I just love, love, love this. So many things you can do with a branch on your wall! So easy but what an impact!
diy minimal christmas decor
Another fun way to use branches as decor around the house! This is textbook minimalist but right on trend, covering boho, Scandinavian, rustic. (You'll find another cute way to use pine branches in this post, especially if you lean a little more boho!)
Hoop Wreaths on Branch
Can never go wrong by displaying wreaths on a branch! I've fallen in love with hoop wreaths this year, and I love how this is displayed. Check out this post... many more ideas along these lines!
Cluster of Wreaths on Branch
This is another way you can hang several wreaths on a branch for a more woodsy Scandinavian look: use bamboo wreath forms with frosted winter greens. This post has a lot of Scandinavian style decor through the whole house!
ASYMMETRICAL HOLIDAY WREATH
Hoop wreaths carry all the Scandinavian charm, and an asymmetrical one like this can be easily customized. This is great inspiration if you want to make a display like the one seen above.
Simple Yarn Christmas Wreath
Cozy white yarn is a wonderful way to keep decor simple yet classy. You have so many ways to customize this with the choice of yarn as well as the embellishments you put in the middle. The softer and cozier the yarn, the better.
DIY Wall Christmas Tree
If you dont like to crowd your house during the holidays with a big tree, this is a great alternative!
Minimalist Christmas Tree
If you are still wanting a physical tree of some sort, you can always keep it simple in the decor, like this one .Here, less truly is more. Soak in this whole picture... so many ideas here!
Easy Evergreen Tree Topiary Using a Tomato Cage
Evergreen topiaries are perfect just about anywhere.... you can never go wrong with greens, and this one is made from a tomato cage!
DIY Dried Oranges and Evergreen Decor
Evergreens along with dried oranges are another way to incorporate that nostalgic European feel to Christmas. Arranged as a wreath and/or table garland (or even in a decorative bowl or basket!), there's no wrong way to put this together. This post will explain how to dry the oranges as well.
Pine Sprays
Here's another way to use evergreen pines. Just adding a touch of greenery throughout the house can go a long way! These pine sprigs are easy to put together and look amazing with a few decorative ornaments attached.
Brown Paper Gifts Under the Tree
I'm a big fan of using wrapped presents as decor around the house, not just under the tree! You'll see several fun ways to wrap gifts here, that really take things up a few notches!
Farmhouse Style Printable Gift Tags
.And while you're wrapping gifts as decorations, add in a few of these free printable gift tags. They'll look just beautiful together.
Minimal Christmas Gift Wrap with DIY Twig Stars
I think these twig stars are not only perfect for gifts, but to hang around the house! I can totally see this as a mantel garland or hung in strands from a branch.
Hand Drawn Christmas Wrap
This is a charming and easy way to add Scandinavian Christmas decor: wrap food boxes with plain paper and draw simple Christmas designs! You can also purchase Kraft paper to keep with a simple Scandinavian theme as well, if drawing isn't your thing. Wrap with raffia and add juniper and orange slices.
Christmas Scented Salt Dough Recipe and Star Garland
Here are those sweet little stars! How pretty do they look strung together on garland like this? Just love.
DIY Button Garland for the Christmas Tree
Button garland is another garland that adds sweetness to Christmas decor in keeping with the Scandinavian/minimalist theme. And you can get the kids in on this one!
Geometric Beaded Garland
If beads and geometric shapes are more your thing, why not try this garland! It would look amazing on a tree or just around the house.
Jingle Bell Garland
I just love the simplicity of this jingle bell garland. So nostalgic but modern at the same time. Be sure to look at this post...there are more ideas!
3D PAPER STAR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.
This is another fun idea with stars but adding a little depth with a 3D paper version! I can think of so many places these would look just beautiful. (Hint - you can use one of these stars in the jingle bell garland above!)
Wooden Christmas Tree Shadowbox Sign
This wooden Christmas tree sign has all the natural and earthy feel with the wood, and the tones you choose can add that rustic touch. Simple design but so striking.
DIY Farmhouse Reindeer Names Sign
A simple, minimalist sign announcing the reindeer is a perfect addition to Scandinavian decor...clean, bright, black-and-white white with wood. Perfect contrast.
Water Free Snow Globe Ornament DIY
This is a super-cute way to use an ornament more as decor than something that goes on the tree! Like a mini-cloche, these winter scenes in a clear ornament are wonderful.
Homemade Acorn Christmas Ornament
How incredible would these look on a tree? Simple, clean... if you aren't a fan of a busy Christmas tree, these are a must! They would also look great around the house!
DIY Fabric Covered Christmas Ornaments
I've seen a few spins on this idea of using fabric on top of ornaments. I love how the stamped letters look and the rustic fabric choice is spot on. - You also use something like this in a basket or bowl as well.
DIY Minimalist Geometric Ornaments
Geometric shapes are very popular in Scandinavian decor - and these ornaments would look amazing hanging from your tree, from chandeliers or in doorways.
Clay Christmas Ornaments
If you want a little more variety for ornaments, these clay ones are a great choice. And you can customize the colors to fit your decor!
Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments
Not only do these ornaments look adorable, they smell amazing! Hang them on a tree or around the house. And they look absolutely charming when you add a few embellishments with a paint pen!
Super Easy Hand-Lettered Wood Slice Christmas Ornaments
The black and white lettering look amazing on these wood slices - keeping things simple but stylish.
Easiest Ever Christmas Centerpiece DIY You Need To Make
I'm all for easy! Grab some ornaments in a color of your choice, put them in a hurricane vase, add some branches, and.....done.
So inspiring, right? I’m just loving these ideas, and I know this is a post I’ll keep coming back to myself for inspiration!
If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to see them! Please tag me on Instagram @100affections or leave a comment on Pinterest!
And if you liked these ideas, this website has a bunch of more creative ways to create a Scandinavian Christmas – 24 days worth!
More Christmas Decoration Inspiration
If you are looking for more Christmas decor ideas since we are starting so early, I have LOTS!
You can find decor, ornaments and even DIY gifts below!
First, if you are looking for more budget-friendly ways to decorate for Christmas along with DIYs, here are my best tips for Christmas Decorating on the cheap!)
If you want some more Christmas DIY crafts to try, take a look at these 30 Fantastic Farmhouse Christmas DIY projects. I also have a post on 30 DIY Christmas Advent Calendars to get the kids in on the fun!
If you like to make ornaments, here are 40 Easy & Cheap Homemade Christmas Ornaments, in farmhouse style as well!
If you like to be inspired by Christmas décor, here are 30 Amazing Farmhouse Christmas Decorating Ideas, for mantels, entry ways, kitchen & dining areas as well as shelves and console tables.
And don’t forget about the porches- here are 30 Stunning Christmas Porches along with decorating and styling tips as well!
And if you need a wreath to go on that front door (or even inside), here are 30 Easy & Classy Christmas Wreath DIYs.
If you need some creative ways to decorate using all the Christmas cards you get, here are 30 Stylish Ways to Display Christmas Cards (that’s also free decor!)
While getting our hands messy, let’s not forget about the gifts! Here are 50+ Homemade Gifts from Kids– and 75+ Homemade Gifts from Adults! Got the whole family covered!
Hope you found something you loved!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
Bonnie Parker says
A small correction. That should be Hygge, not Hygee.
Merry Christmas. Gud Jul.
Kate says
Thank you!! Going to fix it now!
Jackie says
How early is too early to decorate for Christmas?! These ideas are so beautiful! I will totally be using this post as inspo. We are having our kitchen cabinets painted this month so I think we will have to wait for that project to be finished before we get our Christmas decorations out but this is making me so excited to get our tree up!
Kate says
Never too early! Hope you found some ideas you love! This is one of my favorites, too! Thanks for coming by, Jackie!