Scandinavian vs. Bohemian Style: What's The Difference
Scandinavian Style
The key elements of Scandinavian style furniture include natural materials such as solid timber furniture, clean lines, neutral colours and a focus on functionality. This design emphasizes simplicity and minimalism and avoids clutter and unnecessary decorations.
Some examples of interiors that embody Scandinavian decor are the use of solid timber pieces, white walls and large windows to let in natural light. Using natural materials, including wool, linen and wood, is also common in this theme. The decor is minimal and often includes simple geometric patterns and natural elements like plants.
Characteristics Of Scandinavian Style
- Minimalism -Â It is characterised by its minimalistic aesthetic, with a focus on essential elements and a lack of excess. It values simplicity and functionality over ornamentation.
- Functionality -Â Scandinavian design is all about creating functional spaces that are easy to live in. This style values practicality and usability over aesthetics.
- Natural Materials -Â The theme makes use of natural materials such as wood, wool, and linen, which are often seen in solid timber furniture, flooring and textiles.
- Neutral Colour Palette -Â Its colour palette is often composed of neutral colours such as white, grey, beige and black. This creates a serene and calm atmosphere in the space.
- Light And Bright - Large windows and light colours are also characteristic of this style, which helps to create a bright, open, and airy atmosphere.
- Natural Light -Â This style values natural light and often includes large windows to let in as much light as possible. This helps to create a bright and open atmosphere in the space.
- Nature-Inspired -Â It is often inspired by the natural beauty and rugged landscapes of the Nordic countries and often incorporates natural elements such as plants, wood, and stone.
- Clean Lines -Â The use of clean lines and simple geometric shapes is common in Scandinavian design. This helps to create a sense of simplicity and minimalism in the space.
- Comfort And Cosiness -Â Despite the minimalistic aesthetic, Scandinavian decor values comfort and cosiness. This can be achieved through the use of soft textures and warm colours, as well as through the incorporation of functional elements such as comfortable seating.
Bohemian Style
Characteristics Of Bohemian Style
- Eclectic -Â Bohemian style is characterized by its eclectic nature, which is reflected in the use of a mix of patterns, textures, and styles in decor and furniture.
- Colourful -Â This style makes use of vibrant colours and bold patterns, creating a lively and playful atmosphere in the space.
- Free-Spirited -Â It is often associated with a carefree and artistic lifestyle, and this is reflected in the decor, which is often unique and one-of-a-kind.
- Layering -Â This is all about layering textiles, patterns, and textures to create an interesting and unique space.
- Natural Materials -Â It commonly incorporates natural materials such as woven wicker, rattan, and wood, which add warmth and texture to the space.
- Natural Materials -Â It commonly incorporates natural materials such as woven wicker, rattan, and wood, which add warmth and texture to the space.
- Vintage And Handmade Elements -Â Incorporating vintage and handmade elements into the decor is common in this style, as it adds a sense of history and personality to the space.
- Cultural And Ethnic Influences -Â This design embodies items with cultural or ethnic influences, such as textiles from different cultures or vintage pieces from different countries.
- Personalized -Â The decor is all about creating a space that reflects the individual's personal style, so there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to decorating.
- Comfort -Â This values comfort and relaxation and often includes comfortable seating and plush textiles to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
- Unique And Unexpected -Â It is known for its unique and unexpected elements, such as the mixing of different patterns, colours and textures, which creates a one-of-a-kind and personalized space.
Comparison Of Scandinavian And Bohemian Styles
Aesthetics And Design Principle
The main difference between Scandinavian and Bohemian styles is in their aesthetics and design principles. Scandinavian style is characterized by its simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, while Bohemian style is characterized by its eclectic, colourful, and free-spirited nature.
Functionality And Practicality
While both styles are functional, the focus on functionality is stronger in Scandinavian style. This design movement emphasizes simplicity and minimalism and avoids clutter and unnecessary decorations. On the other hand, Bohemian style is more about creating a unique and personalized space, with a focus on layering textiles, mixing patterns, and incorporating natural elements.
Overall Vibes And Atmosphere
The overall vibe and atmosphere of Scandinavian style are clean, crisp, and serene. The neutral colour palette and natural materials create a sense of simplicity and relaxation. On the other hand, the overall vibe and atmosphere of Bohemian style are eclectic, colourful, and lively. The use of vibrant colours, patterns, and textures creates a sense of energy and creativity.
Incorporating elements of both styles in your home can create a unique and personalized space that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle. By blending the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian style with the eclectic and colourful nature of Bohemian style, you can create a space that is both practical and visually interesting.
Experimenting with different themes and finding a look that suits your personal taste and lifestyle is a fun and rewarding process. Don't be afraid to mix and match elements from different styles, and remember that the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy in your home.