Scandinavian Christmas decorations: 6 stylish ideas for the living room

Hyggelig
Decorate in a Scandinavian way: six stylish decorating ideas for Christmas

Other countries other manners. This saying, which is as banal as it is correct, applies to many situations in life, but above all to Advent and Christmas. Every year for the first time in Advent, smokers, nutcrackers and lovingly hand-painted wooden angels march in the living rooms of Germans. In addition, filigree turned pyramids with small figures turn on the table. There are light arcs in the windows, and the illuminated poinsettia should not be missing for many people. The northern lights of Europe decorate their living rooms very differently at Christmas. Reduced to the bare essentials, as usual simple – many Swedes, Finns, Danes and Norwegians decorate the house in white, dark blue, red and black during Advent. Wood, paper and nature play a big role. Would you like to have a little Scandinavian Christmas flair in your home? Here are a few ideas and suggestions.

1. Decoration tip: Gnome (Julenisse, Tomte Gnom)

Julenisse, Tomte Gnom or simply Wichtel are the names of the funny beards who move in, especially in Denmark and Norwegians, in the run-up to Christmas. The trademark of the felty journeymen: They pulled their hats completely over their faces, only the bulbous nose peeks out between the beard and pointed cap. Possible reason: You want to remain anonymous. They are available in all sizes, with or without dangling legs. The elves are part of the Scandinavian Christmas decorations like the smoker in this country. Usually they appear as Elf couple on.

2. Decoration tip: paper stars

Stars are one of the most important symbols of Christmas. Stars also play a central role in Scandinavian Christmas decorations. Folded paper stars in particular stand or hang in many living rooms, especially in Norway. If you don’t have the creativity or time to make things yourself, the paper stars are ready to hang up. The most popular colors are gold, white, and green. Similar to Germany, some can also be equipped with incandescent lamps, like this one stylish perforated star from Best Season. The big advantage of paper stars: They can be used flexibly. They can be hung on the wall or in the far window with a thin thread. Individually or as an ensemble in different colors and sizes (here is a Set of nine stars available). Cardboard stars are also suitable as standing decorative elements for sideboards or shelves.

3. Decoration tip: (Tea) light houses

There are hardly any households missing the light houses, especially in Norway. The different shapes of the houses can be perfectly combined with each other. A tea light can be placed on the base plate, which then lets the house shine in a warm glow. Usually the houses are made of unglazed porcelain. So caution is advised here. Once slipped out of your hand, the house is definitely gone. The best places for the small or large illuminated row of houses as well small church and Canal house are the windowsill and the mantelpiece.

4. Decoration tip: trees / wooden figures

In Scandinavia, wood is also used as a decorative element outside of Advent and Christmas. When the first of the four numbered advent candles burns, more figures made of wood move into the living rooms. First and foremost, small fir trees. In contrast to the delicately carved ring or chip trees from the Ore Mountains, the decorative trees in the far north are more puristic. But no matter how cool and smooth the light-colored wood may appear: On an angular piece of furniture, several of these six to ten centimeter high trees bring the forest into the living room in style. In Sweden, so-called Dala horses (Dalahest) the festive decoration in December. They are also made of wood and can often be painted and decorated yourself.

5. Decoration tip: candle holder / lantern

As spartan and subtle as the Scandinavians decorate, they bring light into their four walls during the Christmas season. Probably also because in northern Europe there is not a single or very few hours of sunshine on many days during the winter months. In addition to fairy lights that are attached both inside and outside, they love candles in all sizes, colors and shapes. The matching candlesticks and candle holders are often made of glass, porcelain, Volume, concrete or wood, like this one Lantern on a teak base. They are also placed in front of the front door or on the windowsill.

6. Decoration tip: Blankets and pillows

In order to make yourself really hyggelig on the sofa or in the armchair during the Christmas season, pillows and blankets should not be missing in which you can snuggle up. By far the most popular motifs: deer and elk. Of course, whatever you like is allowed here. The main thing is cozy. In the best case scenario, use the blanket to pick up colors that you have already used in the Christmas decorations. These Christmas blanket with deer motif and typical Norwegian pattern is both a throw for the sofa and a classic blanket for cozy evenings.

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