Bathroom in Scandinavian style (+60 photos)
In modern homes, the bathroom has long ceased to play a purely practical role. It is designed on the level with the living room and bedroom, trying to preserve the stylistic unity of the space. You can go aside functionality or sacrifice it, focusing on the decor. Bathroom design in Scandinavian style will be the “golden mean” uniting these two interior components.
Style features
Beautiful and functional items should be accessible to the middle class, and housing should have a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. On these principles, the Scandinavian style was born in Northern Europe half a century ago, in order to spread to the rest of the continent in our time. You don’t have to be a rational Swede to appreciate them..
It is difficult to draw clear boundaries between styles, when even historical trends are transformed under the pressure of the needs of the modern world. Scandinavian has its own visual image, which is at the intersection of minimalism and Nordic country. It creates a feeling of cleanliness, openness, comfort in the interior and consists of the following elements:
1. Light and space. The harsh northern climate rarely pleases with the sun, so the bright interior compensates for this disadvantage..
2. Monochrome. It should be comfortable at home – this, apparently, means the absence of stress. The color scheme of neutral shades, characteristic of the direction, does not oblige to anything, does not put pressure on residents, but gives a feeling of freedom.
3. Functionality. Furniture has practicality, inner content and is aimed at making life more convenient.
4. Minimalism. The space should be holistic and not fragmented by numerous objects. Beauty comes from flowing lines, geometric shapes, textures, color combinations. Bright accents only emphasize the overall composition.
5. Naturalness. In the Nordic countries, where industrialization was a little late, craft traditions have taken root deeper. This is one of the reasons for the popularity of natural raw materials as a basis for furniture or decoration. The other lies, of course, in their natural beauty and lively energy, thanks to which wood occupies a leading position in the interior..
In the bathroom, it is more difficult to follow design canons, since specific conditions and a relatively small area dictate their own rules. But the Scandinavian style will perfectly match the space, bringing Nordic freshness along with home comfort..
Scandinavian bathroom colors
A bathroom of any size will look spacious if you choose a laconic palette of shades. The presence of windows and natural light will only enhance the effect, and artificial lighting will give a modern look..
White color
Frosty freshness and snowy distances – an invisible companion of the interior, inspired by the Scandinavian landscapes. White can act as a color center or a link between other shades. It is used for wall and ceiling decoration so often that it has become an unwritten rule. You can diversify such a coating by the texture of the material, as well as a combination with other cladding options..
In a Scandinavian-style bathroom, the concentration of white is increased by plumbing fixtures. The sense of purity that this color creates is fully consistent with the purpose of the space..
Bright accents
Do not think that the Scandinavian style is monotonous. Its monochrome can be diluted with rich, but not “flashy” shades embodied in small details. Given the dominant position of the universal white, it will not be difficult to create a harmonious combination here..
Cold or light shades of blue, green, less often orange and yellow are perfect for such an interior. The black color, which is characteristic of the Finnish variation of the style, will help in creating the boundaries of the space..
For the implementation of bright accents, decor or textiles are mainly used. Floor covering, which in any room should be several shades darker than wall covering, can also become the center of contrasting combinations..
Natural shades
In the Scandinavian style, natural scales are due to the presence of natural materials. This is another reason for the comfortable atmosphere in such interiors: the closer they are to nature, the freer the residents feel..
Light or dark wood is present in the form of furniture filling, and stone is used for decoration. Such details “enliven” the bathroom and break the stereotype of the “sterility” of the design.
Finishes and materials
Bathroom surfaces are often in contact with water and are also exposed to high temperatures. In this regard, finishing materials are selected taking into account their characteristics and only after – visual qualities..
Floor
It is better not to experiment here, opting for ceramic tiles. It is presented in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, has strength and durability.
You can choose solid colors to create a more austere design, or choose a product with geometric patterns. The direction involves the use of ethnic Nordic motives, the stylization of which looks good on the flooring.
Walls
The tile is also used for wall cladding, and sometimes allows you to replace natural stone with a high-quality imitation. Variants of the hexagonal shape, resembling honeycombs, are very popular..
In the spacious bathrooms, tiles can be combined with other materials. For example, cover the walls with plaster or wood paneling in an area with less humidity. Mosaic is often used for a built-in shower cabin..
Finishing white bricks will be an interesting alternative to tiles. You just need to worry about applying a moisture-resistant coating in advance..
Ceiling
From the ceiling in a Scandinavian-style bathroom, much is not required – it should be flat and light. If the original surface does not have noticeable flaws, you can get by with ordinary putty and white paint, choosing moisture-resistant options.
In a room with high walls, single-level stretch ceilings made of PVC film look perfect. This design does not deteriorate from dampness, and is also very durable. It is suitable for installing recessed lights. The main drawback is a thin canvas that can be damaged by piercing objects.
Bathroom furniture
Scandinavian-style furniture should be as functional, simple and compact as possible, and the layout should assume the presence of spacious areas for movement.
A bathroom furniture set can only include the most essential items, which are sometimes limited by storage space. These include wall-mounted or floor-standing cabinets that fit under the sink. Built-in constructions are not uncommon. Hanging hooks and ladders are recommended for bathrobes and towels.
Large bathrooms can have a small seating area with chairs or benches. This solution will create a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere in the interior..
The furniture design is minimalistic, symmetrical and geometrically correct. If the room is finished with a matte surface, wood objects can be varnished for contrast, and vice versa..
Plumbing
When buying Scandinavian-style sanitary ware for a bathroom, the main question comes up: a bath or a shower stall? The answer depends on the needs of the owners and the size of the area. If space permits, you can place both items. But in the case of a limited square footage, rational inhabitants of Northern Europe will prefer to have a shower, since, for reasons of hygiene, it is better to wash under running water.
Whichever option you choose, the design of the plumbing must match the style. An acrylic bathtub can be with a triangular or rounded bowl, although standard rectangular models also do not lose their relevance. Built-in shower cabins look the most organic compared to stand-alone modern designs.
Hanging sinks, toilet bowls, bidets are used to save space and create the effect of weightlessness in the room. Plumbing fixtures are usually made of metal that blends seamlessly into the natural ambience of the bathroom.
Decor and lighting
The minimalism of the Scandinavian style does not mean the complete absence of decorative elements. They just stand out less and often combine a practical function..
Textiles will help diversify the Nordic bathroom: towels with initials and rugs with geometric patterns. Even dressing gowns on display should fit in with the design..
According to the rules, mirrors with a carved frame are not allowed, but for decoration it is worth experimenting with their shape: round, triangular, diamond-shaped.
The special thing about a Scandinavian style bathroom is that even the laundry basket can be the center of attention. Wicker, textile containers or sets for sorting clothes by color look good – in the spirit of rationalism.
Nothing complements the natural atmosphere like potted plants. They can be placed on the floor and other horizontal surfaces.
In order to uniformly illuminate each area of the room, it is necessary to think over a multi-level lighting system. It includes a central part (lamps built into the ceiling, sconces) and a local part (lighting above the mirror, in the shower).
Scandinavian style small bathroom design
Scandinavian style is focused on the needs of people, making it suitable for decorating spaces of all sizes and layouts.
Its characteristic white color visually expands the interior. Compact furniture does not take up much space. Laconic forms do not split the design, as well as decorative elements..
Refusing a bathroom in favor of a shower will be a practical solution for a small size. Instead of cupboards with facades, there are open shelves. Large mirrors and gloss visually add volume to the room.
Scandinavian style bathroom design – photo
Calm and harmony is brought by simply contemplating Nordic interiors, not to mention living in them. We have prepared a selection of beautiful Scandinavian-style bathrooms and we hope they will inspire you to make the right decision. Happy viewing!
