How To Create A Scandinavian Christmas Look In Your Home

Scandinavian Christmas isn't about buying Nordic-branded things - it's a short list of colours, natural materials and a lot of low, warm light.

Done properly it feels cosier than a room stuffed with tinsel, because your eye gets somewhere to rest.

Honest note: we make cards, pin badges, prints and party decorations, not paper star lanterns or foliage.

The palette, and why it's short

• White, natural wood, kraft paper, deep green foliage - and that is the whole list.
• One accent only if you want one: rust red, or brass. Not both.
• No multicoloured lights, no silver-and-gold mixed, no printed patterns.
• The restraint is the style. Adding a sixth colour undoes it entirely.

Natural materials to bring in

• Winter foliage: spruce, eucalyptus, bay, and whatever evergreen the garden gives you.
• Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and pine cones on jute string.
• Wooden beads, birch stars and plain wooden candle holders.
• Wool and sheepskin on chairs - the warmth is half the look.
• Unbleached linen for the table, ironed damp so it lies flat.

Hanging paper stars the Nordic way

• Natural kraft paper star lanterns in a window are the single most recognisable Nordic decoration.
• One large star per window, centred, rather than a cluster - symmetry is the Scandinavian bit.
• Fit battery LED wire lights inside so the star glows from dusk.
• Hang at the same height in every front-facing window and the house reads as one piece from the street.
• Full hanging guide - Read the guide

Light, which does most of the work

• Warm white only, around 2700K. Anything cooler kills the whole effect.
• Lots of small light sources at low level beat one bright ceiling light.
• Candles in plain glass or wood holders, grouped in threes.
• Turn the big light off entirely after dark - this is the actual trick.
• Timers on the window stars so they come on at four o'clock.

Keeping it cosy rather than cold

• Minimal doesn't mean empty - layer textures instead of adding colours.
• Chunky knit throws, wool cushions, a rug underfoot.
• Something growing: paperwhites, hyacinths, or a bowl of moss.
• Warm scents - pine, orange, clove - do as much as anything visual.
• Leave surfaces half empty on purpose.

Shop party decorations

How to write it so it lands

• Four colours maximum.
• Warm white light, low down, ceiling light off.
• Leave some surfaces empty.

Where to shop next

• All our Christmas guides
• Party supplies
• Bunting and banners
• Christmas cards
• Wall art and prints
• Funny pin badges
• Paper Christmas decorations
• Over-table Christmas decorations
• Eco friendly Christmas decorations
• Christmas bedroom ideas
• Alternative Christmas tree ideas
• Christmas mantelpiece ideas
• Christmas bay window ideas
• Hanging garland around a door frame
• How to hang prints without damage
• Christmas gift ideas
• Christmas card messages
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Christmas Card Messages
• Christmas Cards UK: The Complete Guide
• Pin badges
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

What colours are Scandinavian Christmas decorations?

White, natural wood, kraft paper and deep evergreen, with at most one accent - usually rust red or brass. The short palette is what makes the style read.

What is the Scandinavian paper star in the window called?

It's usually sold as a paper star lantern or Advent star. One centred in each front window, lit with battery LED wire lights, is the classic Nordic arrangement.

How do you make a minimalist Christmas look cosy?

Layer textures rather than colours - wool, sheepskin, linen, wood - and use many small warm lights at low level instead of the ceiling light.

Do you need a real tree for a Scandinavian Christmas?

No. A branch, a potted spruce or a wall-hung wooden tree all fit the style, and often suit a small UK flat better.

Where do you buy winter foliage in the UK?

Florists and garden centres from late November, supermarkets for eucalyptus, and your own garden for holly, ivy and bay - cut on a slant and keep it cool.

Do you sell paper star lanterns?

No. We design and print greetings cards, enamel pin badges, prints and party decorations in the UK. Paper stars and lights are recommendations from elsewhere - the only things linked to our own shop are ours.