Scandinavian folklore style is the secret ingredient for your cozy holiday gatherings


The holiday season is that time of year when friends and family gather to share traditions, indulge in savory morsels, and create lasting memories. But before you get to the festivities, you’ll need to deck the halls of your home. Not sure where to start? Well if you ask us, there is no better way to imbue a warm and inviting atmosphere than with an aesthetic we like to call Scandinavian folklore

Now, you might be asking yourself, “What is Scandinavian folklore?” Take traditional Scandinavian style — like you might find in rural Sweden: think simple and rustic furniture flaunting natural materials and earthy tones — and pair it with bold shades of red, yellow, green, and black. This modern take on the classic aesthetic continues to focus on comfort and warmth, but adds a colorful twist to the mix, resulting in the coziest of spaces.

Ready to dress up your guest room? Or transform your dining space? IKEA Kreativ has done the work for you. Check out our take on a Scandi folklore bedroom and dining room below. All that’s left for you to do is jump right in and make each room your own. Add, swap, or delete products until the space looks and feels just right. 



Scandinavian folklore bedroom

green bedroom idea with black bed and nightstands and floral bedding with yellow pillows

There is no better way to welcome visitors to your home than with a guest bedroom that’s bursting with hygge charm. Case in point, this dreamy setup. The sage green backdrop lends a calm and soothing note to the space, which your guests will appreciate when they’re ready to catch some zzz’s. But if green walls don’t speak to you, feel free to change the color to a shade you love. 

Black pieces of furniture and decor such as the GRÅFJÄLLET nightstands and BURVIK side table punctuate the space and draw the eyes to the center of the room, while the white KOPPANG dressers and HAUGA wardrobe balance the dramatic hue and lighten the mood. Items showcasing natural materials — like the ULRIKSBERG side chair, LACK wall shelves, and 



TOLKNING storage baskets under the bed — are sprinkled throughout the room to add warmth to an otherwise cool palette. The classic silhouette of the STJÄRNÖ bed frame and the GRUNDBRO wall lamps are a nod to tradition and lend an old-fashioned note that’s oh-so-charming. Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to dress up the bed. Mix and match duvet sets and accent pillows until you find a dreamy combination that balances both comfort and style. 

Ready to get started? Jump into the pre-designed room above and give it your personal touch. Change the wall color, add new products, and swap or delete items that don’t quite suit your aesthetic. The panel on the left-hand side offers a curated list of items that will help you find alternatives or  finishing touches. If you’re looking for something you don’t see in this panel, you can always search or browse for other items, too. When you’re finished with your room design, share it with friends and family for a second opinion, or go directly to checkout. 



Looking for a little more inspiration? Check out this article: 

6 guest room ideas that will make it hard for visitors to leave


Scandinavian folklore dining & living room  

open dining room and living room idea with red and light wood chairs and cabinets with farmhouse dining table

Holiday-themed playlist? Check. Plenty of candles for ambiance? Check. Mouthwatering menu? Check, check. As every good host or hostess knows, the last thing you want to worry about on the day of your fête is whether or not the dining and living spaces look as good as the food. Luckily, IKEA Kreativ makes it easier than ever to visualize your home decor ideas with the help of this Scandinavian folklore design. 

A spacious SKOGSTA dining table and alternating red and light wood PINNTORP chairs provide a picture-perfect gathering spot to share a meal. The coordinating HEMNES bookcase and glass door cabinet complement the festive scene, lend plenty of visual interest, and provide lots of storage space for dishware, table linens, and accessories.



After everyone has finished eating, move the party over to the living area. The VRETSTORP sleeper sofa is the perfect spot for guests to digest and talk (or sleep) the night away. The handsome FJÄLLBO coffee table anchors the seating area and can also act as the dessert table. And when the festivities are over, indulge in a nightcap while perched in the PERSBOL armchair. If that all sounds good to you, get started quickly and easily in the pre-designed room above. You can add new products and swap or delete items until you get the perfect combination. 

If that all sounds good to you, get started quickly and easily in the pre-designed room above. You can add new products and swap or delete items until you get the perfect combination. Once you’ve decided on the big pieces of furniture, dress up your design with a few accessories. Select pieces that will fit in with your existing decor, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that matches your style and personality. The curated panel on the left is full of stylish options that will help you round out your space. Now, the only thing left to do is send out the invites. 



Hungry for more? Check out these two articles:

3 ways to set up a practical dining area using IKEA Kreativ

7 ways to declutter your living room or common area