The Scandi-Boho aesthetic continues to capture the imagination of homeowners from all around the globe, and for good reason. It blends the clean lines and calming simplicity of Scandinavian design with the warmth, texture, and soulful charm of Bohemian style. Oftentimes, the result is a space that feels harmonious, creative, and effortlessly chic.
If you want to bring this aesthetic into your own home, it’s important to carefully consider your choice of furniture, colour palette, and decorative elements—including layered textiles, handcrafted pieces, and curated art posters. As a top source of art pieces from some of the best up-and-coming artists, DROOL can help you achieve that vibe. Here are our recommendations for marrying these two classic styles:
1) Start with a Neutral Base
A calm, neutral colour palette is essential to the Scandi-Boho look. Soft whites, muted greys, warm taupes, and beige tones form the foundation of the aesthetic, setting a peaceful backdrop that allows textures and accents to shine. During seasons where natural light can be limited, these lighter tones will help reflect daylight and create a sense of openness and serenity indoors.
2) Choose Furniture That’s Both Functional and Relaxed
Furniture also plays a central role in Scandi-Boho interiors. In line with Scandinavian aesthetics, opt for well-made, understated pieces in light or natural wood tones, and avoid anything overly ornate or bulky. Invest in pieces like a simple oak dining table, a mid-century style sofa with tapered legs, or a minimalist wooden bed frame.
To introduce Bohemian flair, layer in second-hand or vintage pieces like an antique trunk used as a coffee table or a distressed wooden stool repurposed as a bedside table. These items will add character and prevent the space from feeling overly cold and uniform.
3) Layer with Natural Textures
Next, to successfully blend the calm, minimalist appeal of Scandinavian style with the expressive charm of Bohemian design, focus on adding texture and visual depth. Incorporate natural materials like rattan, bamboo, wool, jute, linen, and seagrass to create a balanced mix of tactile elements.
Drape a chunky knit throw over a neutral-toned sofa, place a handwoven jute rug on wooden flooring, or hang airy linen curtains that softly filter the light. Thoughtful touches like these will introduce visual warmth and bring a sense of handcrafted authenticity to your space.
4) Try Out Handcrafted and Artisanal Decor
Decor is where your personality and creativity can truly shine through in a Scandi-Boho aesthetic. Hand-thrown pottery, textured wall art, macramé hangings, and handwoven baskets will all make wonderful additions, as they bring a sense of soul and authenticity into your home.
Additionally, consider investing in contemporary art prints from emerging artists. Minimalist line drawings, abstract organic shapes, and earthy-toned compositions will all work particularly well with the Scandi-Boho palette. You can also look for prints that feature botanical forms, desert landscapes, or soft geometric elements in natural hues like ochre, rust, sage green, and terracotta. These styles maintain the calm visual tone of Scandinavian interiors while adding the expressive, personal touch characteristic of Bohemian spaces.
5) Add Houseplants for Life and Freshness
No Scandi-Boho space will be complete without a generous touch of greenery. Houseplants help soften interiors and add an organic element that breathes life into your space.
In terms of choices of plants, you can opt for a mix of hardy, low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, spider plants, or ZZ plants. Be sure to group them together in corners, on shelves, or along windowsills for maximum impact. You can also combine different heights and leaf shapes to add a dynamic, Bohemian feel while maintaining the soothing orderliness that Scandi interiors are known for.
6) Play with Light and Ambience
Scandinavian interiors are known for making the most of available light, especially since natural daylight can be limited for much of the year in the aesthetic’s namesake countries. Boho spaces, on the other hand, favour a warm, ambient glow.
To combine both approaches, maximise natural light with sheer curtains or no window dressings at all. Avoid heavy or dark fabrics that block light unnecessarily. In the evenings, introduce softer lighting using floor lamps, table lamps, or paper lanterns. It’s also a good idea to use warm white bulbs instead of harsh cool-toned ones, as these feel much cosier and more inviting.
7) Keep Things Calm and Uncluttered
While Bohemian interiors are often layered and eclectic, the Scandi-Boho style requires a more refined balance. Embrace the Scandinavian principle of lagom, which translates roughly to "just the right amount." In practice, this means keeping your space clutter-free while still allowing it to feel lived-in and personal.
To adopt this curated approach, choose your decorative items carefully and avoid over-accessorising. You can also use closed storage solutions such as wooden cabinets or woven baskets to help hide everyday essentials while still contributing to the overall aesthetic. Additionally, regularly edit your space. Remove items that no longer serve a purpose or spark joy, and make room for new inspirations.
The key to achieving the Scandi-Boho aesthetic is creating balance. In a nutshell, Scandi-Boho is all about marrying simplicity with soul, functionality with flair, and clean lines with handcrafted warmth. Whether you're in a small apartment or a larger home, the Scandi-Boho style will adapt beautifully to most homes and lifestyles, encouraging practitioners to slow down and fill their spaces with items that bring both comfort and character. Browse for the perfect art pieces for a Scandi-Boho home design on DROOL, or take our Art Finder Quiz to discover artists whose works are in line with the aesthetic.
