MANAHIL IMRAN

282-2019
HISTORY OF FURNITURE
SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN

Here is where my presentation

begins
 “INTRODUCTION”
Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the
early 20th century, and subsequently flourished in the 1950s throughout the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland,
Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.

SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN HISTORY

• The minimalist style of Scandinavian design emerged during the 1930s within the five Nordic countries of Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
• The term “Scandinavian design” originated from a design show with the same name that traveled through the United
States and Canada between 1954 and 1957, its history started more than a century ago!
• After World War II, new ideas of democracy and freedom were spreading through Europe. There was a strong demand
for design and furniture that everyone could access, and gone were the days of luxurious rococo designs (such as the
ultra-fancy Victorian furniture). This was when Scandinavian design really began trending thanks to its beautiful, simple,
clean designs, inspired by nature and the northern climate.
• The formulation of a specifically Scandinavian style of modernist design may have begun during the 40s, but it was not
until the beginning of the 1950s that it began to take shape as a recognizable entity. The midcentury modern style was
heavily influenced by the appearance of Scandinavian design on the world stage in the early 50s. Most furniture
arrangements were uncluttered and simple, giving the entire space a cozy, content feeling described as hygge in Danish.
• It promoted simplistic ways of living and promoted beautiful designs and quality, sustainable products that were
affordable and easily accessible to people in all walks of life.
• Exhibitions showcasing Scandinavian design during the 1950s played an important role in the influence of these design
principles in Europe and North America.
• The Scandinavian design principles extend to all areas of design, from architecture to electronics, but it’s most commonly
used to describe interior design, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, and lighting.
 ELEMENTS OF SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN

If Scandinavian design had to be described in only two words, they

would be minimalism and functionality. With this in mind, let’s break
down the individual elements of this style:

• White walls – Simple, clean, and the perfect starting point for
Scandinavian style.
• Neutral color palette – Shades of white, gray, and black are
important for creating a cohesive and minimalist look…
• Unexpected pops of color– … but that doesn’t mean
Scandinavian style can’t have fun! Adding one or two colorful
decorations still keeps the design on point but with an
unexpected twist.
• Natural textures – Wood, stone, concrete, tile, fur, brick,
plants, and so on. Scandinavians are connected with nature, and
even bring some of these elements into their interior design.
• “Raw” elements – Speaking of elements, Scandinavians also
like to work with what is already available. Many homes will have
a lack of window treatments, carpets, and walls, which means
you’ll see natural wood floors, exposed brick walls, and original
windows.
• Simple and non-fussy layouts – To tie it all together,
Scandinavian homes like simple, clutter-free, and cohesive
interiors that emphasize an elegantly minimalist aesthetic.
 WHAT IS SCANDINAVIAN ARCHITECTURE?

Scandinavian architecture uses Scandinavian design elements such as merging

the structure with the surrounding environment, integration of wood and natural
materials, natural light, clean lines, neutral colors, and more. The overarching
theme of Scandinavian architecture is minimalistic and simplistic design.

SCANDINAVIAN EXTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENTS

We’ve already talked about a few of the design features you’ll see with these
homes, but here is a full list:

• Merging the structure with the surrounding environment

• Neutral color scheme
• Odd shapes.
• Use of natural light
• Integration of natural materials Despite being surrounded by snow, this home still
• Incorporation of functionality and comfort possesses a warm and inviting feeling. In the winter, it
is a place of sanctuary. In the summer, it will mesh
perfectly with the surrounding forest. The light wood
Large windows are used to incorporate the large amount of light Scandinavian mixed with the black makes for a gorgeous
countries get in the summer, and they use natural materials like wood — once combination.
again to help their structures blend into the environment. To combat those long
winters, the homes need to be functional and comfortable for when it’s too cold
to go outside.
Let’s look at some examples of some Scandinavian homes using these different
elements.
 WHAT IS
SCANDINAVIAN INTERIOR DESIGN ?

What we see on the outside is very similar to what we’ll see on the
inside of a Scandinavian home. Modern, straight crisp lines, simple,
natural shapes, and the use of natural elements. The interior is
completely influenced by the exterior design or Architecture of
Scandinavian.

• The main purpose of Scandinavian interior design is to improve

daily life through functionality, beauty and comfort. Natural elements used like leather and wood and natural colors are used

• To serve this purpose, the designers focus on furniture, lighting,

textiles, accessories, and utilitarian items.

• The elements used in this design have a strong bond with abstract
and natural shapes. This is done through the usage of natural
elements such as leather, stone, wood, hemp, and natural colors
and traditionally crafted items.

• Scandinavian interior design focuses on function and on minimalist

aesthetics.

Clean crisp lines, wood with metal finishes

Some important interior design elements which we can find in a
Scandinavian home are the following:

• Warm textiles
• Simple decorative accents
• Wood combined with metal finishes
• Plants and fresh flowers
• Neutral colors
• Clutter-free
• Limited window treatments
• Appropriate lighting
• Form and functionality throughout
• fireplace
Neutral colors, appropriate lighting and Limited window treatment
clutter free space

Wood combined with metal finishes Wooden floor, A FirePlace and Natural Warm textiles
Lighting
 Some Key Features of Scandanavian
Interior
• Muted, dark hues
• Airy spaces filled with light
• Wood furniture and wood accents
• Decorative, statement pendant lights
• Multifunctional and flexible designs Natural Textile
• Plush sofas and tactile fabrics
• Hanging plants and lush greenery
• Natural textiles Hanging plants and lush greenery
• Steel, brass, or copper accents
• Artworks as focal points in a minimalist space

Wood:

Wood is a key element in here, and not just any wood,

light-themed woods such as ash, pine and beech. These
elements are incorporated into Scandinavian design
through walls, wooden toys, wood slats and wooden
flooring.

Warm tones of wood, teak and oak, are preferred to be

used on the walls, ceilings and cabinetry.
Muted, dark hues
What are scandinavian colors?

• Scandinavian interiors and furniture designs feature white, off-

white, and gray hues along with muted blue and green colors.

• Darker accents can also create bold color contrast.

• Other hues include beige and cream hues as well as muted

brown colors.

• There are several main neutral colors in Scandinavian design such

as deep onyx, elegant charcoal, medici grey, stone white, golden
basketry, fossil grey, and white cliff beige.

• Scandinavian design also has many bright colors and fun

patterns. Not only neutral colors, but other bright colors are also
used such as floral colors.

• The use of monochrome neutral colors makes the Scandinavian

design more flexible in accepting other complementary colors.

• Not only the coloring concept alone, but the use of patterns in
various colors is also important to provide a Scandinavian accent.
 SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN TRENDS

• Floors:

➢ No Wall to wall carpets

➢ Light wood tones of wooden floors
➢ Area Rugs only

• Interior surfaces:

➢ Warm wood tones are used on ceiling ,furniture and cabinetry.

➢ Teak and oak woods used.
➢ If pine wood is used so it is grayed down by an oil used.

• Eco-Friendly Materials:

➢ Organic, sustainable building materials for flooring, walls, siding

and roofing.

• Fireplaces:

➢ Most homes have large fireplaces to provide adequate heat.

➢ Fireplace designs are usually simple, but often embellished with
beautiful tiles.
 ADD SOME HYGGE
BRING NATURE INSIDE
Hygge is a Danish word that roughly translates to cozy
togetherness. And since Scandinavian design is informed by the We can honor nature as a
dark and bitterness of Scandinavian winters, staying warm and Scandinavian design principle by
comfortable is essential. incorporating natural elements,
such as light and bright wood,
To increase hygge, add things that remind you of warmth and nature-inspired sculptural pieces,
comfort, such as candles, soft blankets, and slippers. If you have a house plants, and natural textiles
fireplace, make this a focal point and gathering place. Add personal and upholstery, such as wool,
touches that make you happy. mohair, sheepskin, linen, jute,
burlap, and more. Use plants and
Hygge is very much about relaxation and ease, so don’t be afraid to natural objects in vignettes. Let in
keep throw blankets unfolded, covers rumpled, and well-loved light and views from outside.
items in clear view. And when planning the layout of your rooms, try
to create oases of comfort, such as cozy chairs for reading and
drinking tea.
 What is Scandinavian style furniture?

Scandinavian style furniture is minimalist and practical. Scandinavian

furniture style is dominated by natural wooden surfaces, which have
functional geometrical basic shapes. Scandinavian design is also known
for its many contributions to furniture design. Designers often use only
solid wood to craft chair, tables, and other furniture items. Natural
materials like leather, linen, and Kvadrat textiles complement wood
surfaces. Function plays a crucial part in all Scandinavian furniture design.
Cleverly hidden storage, modular shelving, or flexible designs are found.
The influence of Finnish designer Alvar Aalto's famous curved wood
armchairs and Arne Jacobson's Egg, Drop, and Swan chairs continue to be
felt to this day.

“SCANDINAVIAN THEME FURNITURE TYPES”

✓ Sofas & Sectionals : ✓ Dining Furniture

With the beautiful, mid-century and
Scandinavian Designs includes sofas in
minimalist designs Scandinavian
mid-century styles in leather, fabric, and
style dining pieces includes: dining
over 10 upholstery color options.
tables, dining chairs, benches,
Sectional sofas are very common in the
counter & bar stools, sideboards,
furniture of Scandinavian style.
dining cabinets, bar carts, wine racks
and more. Beautiful collection of
dining furniture.
✓ Accent chairs :
Scandinavian style includes a variety
of mid-century accent chair designs
based on some of the most iconic
chairs. With just over 100 different
styles of accent chairs, Scandinavian
Design carries recliners, swivel chairs,
ottomans, power recliners, Stressless
recliners, lounge chairs, benches,
trunks, and more. Beautiful selection
of comfortable, well styled chairs.
✓Beds & Bedroom Sets
With the characteristically minimalist
style and wood accented pieces.
Scandinavian Design includes
shoppers platform beds, upholstered
beds, storage beds, loft beds, bunk
beds, panel beds, with matching
nightstands, dressers, benches, vanity
tables and more. Nicely designed and
styled beds and bedroom furniture.
✓ Desks
Scandinavian style has a great
collection of desks that might work
for us. From sit / stand desks, lift
tables, L-shaped desks, storage
desks, corner desks, double desks and
more, their clean lines and mice
designs are sure to provide both form
and function to your workspace.
 “SCANDINAVIAN FURNITURE”

THE MAIN MATERIALS

Most commonly used woods are: Oak, Mahogany, Pine and Teak.
The finish is rarely \ rough, but polished or stained. The wood is
usually veneered(veneer refers to thin slices of wood, usually
thinner than 3 mm that typically are glued onto core panels). It can
be seen in chairs such as the Ant chair.

THE COMPLEMENTARY
MATERIALS ARE NATURAL

The materials that are most often combined with wood are -Leather
and Wicker (on chair seats for example). Cotton and wool are also
very common. A combination of teak and imitation leather can be
seen in chairs and arm-chairs. Cots and mirrors are often made with
wicker and rattan. Shapes are Restrained with Few
Decorative Elements.
 FEATURES
• 3 LEGGED PIECES ARE TYPICAL

Many stools and tables adopt this form. For example: Lisbon” Chair, Hans Wegner Teak and Oak 3-
LISBON CHAIR legged Round table, Artek Alvar Aalto Stool 60 etc.

• PARTICULAR SHAPE OF LEGS

Legs are nearly always slender and tapered when made of wood. They may also be made of metal—
generally tubular shape. Compass legs are also a very typical feature.
HANS WEGNER
TABLE
• THE LONG, LOW SIDEBOARD IS A SIGNATURE PIECE

The round or elongated handles are usually integrated into the wood, although sometimes they have
small metal knobs. On bedside tables, cabinets and chest of drawers, the handles are often made in
the form of a metal U.

ALVAR AALTO
STOOL 60
 The brilliant Scandinavian designers who
rewrote history with their innovative
SCANDINAVIAN designs include Alvar Aalto; Poul
DESIGNERS Henningsen; Arne Jacobsen; Borge
Mogensen; Verner Panton; Hans J. Wegner;
and Maija Isola. Just pick up any book on
Scandinavian design and architecture and
these designers will certainly be noted.
Hans J. Wegner with his
Arne Jacobsen with his designed chair called “The
designed chair called “The Wishbone Chair”
CONCLUSION Egg”

Scandinavian design is simple and graceful at the same time.

The practical aspect and the focus on natural materials and
craftsmanship are very important. So, if you want to go Nordic
yourself, it’s best to keep things open and light. However, do
experiment with brightly coloured accents. You’ll notice quickly
when you’re overdoing it.

Alvar aalto designed armchair 400

with reindeer fur
 THANKS!
Does anyone have any questions?