Scandinavian Lighting: Denmark, Norway and Sweden

Scandi style has become very popular over the last couple of years. Consisting of pale birch timber finishes, curved furniture and subdued decors, Scandi is a trend that doesn't seem to be slowing down. While we have embraced the Scandi style in Australia, in Scandinavia they have moved away from softer decor and are starting to embrace vintage style lighting. Contemporary lights have also become very popular with the emergence of new designers pushing the envelope on lighting design. 

1. Denmark

The Danish have a word hygge which loosely translates to cosiness. The recent trend of creating hygge in spaces has been embraced throughout the interior design world. Lighting plays a big part in creating a space full of hygge, and the Danes are the professionals! Pendant lights, fairy lights and candles are all used to create a hygge space. Did you know that the Danish burn more candles per head than anywhere else in Europe?

In many eateries and cafes, lighting is placed over every individual table, thereby creating a beautiful visual display but also helping to create a warm atmosphere for the customers. These lights tend to be simple in design, small and uniform throughout the cafe. 

1. Scandi style lighting in Dunkin' Donuts (yes, even fast food restaurants can be stylish)
2. An amber glass orb shade.
3. A combination of up/down wall lights and plain light bulb pendants. Recreate the look with our Metal E27 Lamp Holder Pendants.

The Danish are still using Edison light bulbs with an exposed carbon filament. However with the advances in LED technology, you can recreate the Edison light bulb look and still have a long lasting light bulb. See our Edison style LED Light Bulbs here.

2. Norway 

In Norway, industrial and contemporary lighting are very popular in homes and eateries. Plain black pendants are the light of choice for most cafes and restaurants. However in apartments and houses, people are having fun with their lighting. Contemporary chandeliers have become popular to create a bold statement. The PH Artichoke Lamp made by Poul Henningsen more than 40 years ago is a staple in homes and can often be seen through residential windows. Another famous Scandinavian light is the PH 5 Pendant Lamp by Poul Henningsen, which creates low hanging, atmospheric and filtered lighting.

1. Industrial style lighting in a French restaurant. Recreate the look with our Industrial Pendant High Bay Light.
2. The iconic PH Artichoke Lamp. See our Artichoke Timber Pendant Light for a similar look.
3. A contemporary take on a chandelier in a Norwegian loft style apartment. 

3. Sweden 

Stockholm in Sweden is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It has embraced the history of the city and has restored every old building to its former glory. In the absence of modern sky-rise buildings, they have kept their lighting vintage to match their heritage buildings too. Even modernised interiors give a nod to the old lighting styles to create a unique design space. 

1. 1970s style lights at the ABBA museum. Get the look with our Retro Pendant Light.
2. Chandelier in The Royal Palace.
3. Vintage styling in a burger bar. Recreate the look with our Cloche Glass Wall Lights and Carlyle Glass Pendant Light.

The Scandinavians have always been at the forefront of design trends and we love taking inspiration from them. Below is some inspiration to get the Scandinavian look in your home. 

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Pinterest)

Do you love the Scandi look? Let us know in the comments below.