Article: Scandinavian Design Trends for 2025
Scandinavian Design Trends for 2025
It’s difficult to find out about Scandinavian design trends in the English-speaking world—most news outlets take an overly broad view or refer to “trends” that are, in fact, several years old (we’re looking at you, Japandi).
For that reason, we’ve gone straight to the source. We’ve dived into leading Scandi publications and blogs to bring you the biggest Scandinavian design trends for 2025, from the use of sustainable materials to the color palette, multi-functional furniture, and more.
- Rich, Earthy Colors
On her blog, Trendenser, Swedish interior designer Frida Ramstedt compiles a weekly round-up of the top Scandinavian design news. Her latest posts are full of 2025’s new releases, and there’s a definite trend towards rich, warm, earthy tones such as red, khaki, and brown.
Among Ramstedt’s bulletins was the news that Swedish company Höganäs Kakel has collaborated with designer Carin Wester to create a tile collection inspired by five prominent Swedish women. They revealed the collection by sharing photos of Wester’s stove, which she had decorated with a deep burgundy “Karin” tile inspired by artist Karin Larsson. In other news, Swedish clothing store Kärret has released new versions of their popular woolen blanket, Tvåmanfilt, in burgundy and beige colors.
Paint companies Beckers and Flügger (in collaboration with Arne Aksel) have also released their 2025 paint collections. The palettes are on the earthier side, though Flügger’s bright purple “Prince” shade is a fun exception to the rule.
Finally, Pantone—an American company, but with worldwide influence—have released their Color of the Year for 2025. This year’s color is Mocha Mousse: a creamy brown that is “infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement,” according to Pantone’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman.
If you’re a fan of nature-inspired tones, check out our selection of solid-color, Scandi-style duvet covers. Though we don’t have a Mocha Mousse set (yet!), we do have dreamy green, blue, off-white, and gray tones inspired by colors found in Danish landscapes.
- Sustainable Shopping
From Jan. 17–19 2025, interior designers and buyers will meet in Stockholm for the Formex trade fair, which takes place twice a year. Before the event, they release a trend guide in collaboration with trend expert Jan Rundgren.
For spring 2025, Rundgren identified three key words: Sophisticated, Arise, and Authenticity. The first two words reference the return of retro designs: the fun and color of the 80s (Arise) and the elegance of the 90s (Sophisticated). “The second-hand market is growing, and it gives people the opportunity to express themselves in a more sustainable and creative way,” says Rundgren. Certainly, nothing is more sustainable than shopping vintage, so head to your local antiques store and see if you can find a few treasures for your home.
Rundgren’s third word, “Authenticity,” focuses on craftsmanship and natural materials. “The craft is a counterweight to mass production and consumerism,” he says. “We see that both industry and the business world are putting more and more importance on sustainable production.”
High-end, handcrafted pieces tend to look better and last longer than those that are mass produced. They’re also made in smaller batches, so you’re less likely to see the same item in someone else’s home.
Natural materials such as wood, marble, and linen are timeless—but now, they’re particularly in vogue. Be aware, though, that not all natural materials are sustainable. We’ve covered at length the environmental and social damage caused by the cotton industry: water loss, chemical pesticide and fertilizer use, and bonded labor. When buying furniture, look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, which means that the wood has been sourced from responsibly managed forests. When buying fabrics, look for OEKO-TEX and GOTS certification. We’ve published a full guide on how to buy safe, responsibly-made linen, plus a guide to different textiles and their sustainability credentials (or lack of them).
At The Modern Dane, our organic linen bedding is made by craftspeople in Guimaraes, Portugal and carries GOTS, European Flax, and OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1 certifications. Shop the full collection here.
- Multifunctional Furniture
For those of us who live in small apartments or even a single room, there’s never enough space no matter how much we declutter. This is where multifunctional furniture comes in—and according to Hemmode.com, we’ll be seeing a lot of it in 2025. “[Multifunctional furniture] improves comfort, functionality, and convenience in a small space,” they write.
Multifunctional furniture falls under two broad categories. The first is furniture that provides storage, which is more varied than you’d think. There are the obvious media consoles and desks, of course—but also beds, benches, sofas, coffee tables, and ottomans.
The second category is furniture that saves space by folding away into something else. Think sofa beds, wall beds and even desk beds, such as this unusual piece that was once displayed in the IKEA museum. Check out Resource Furniture (US) and Futon Company (UK) for more small-space ideas.
- The “Anti-Trend”
It’s ironic, of course, but an undeniable “trend” we’re seeing in 2025 is…not following trends at all. “Not everyone cares about trends that much,” writes Erika Wallin, project manager at Blomsterfrämjandet, in Aftonbladet. “The important thing is to have your own style, and that is a trend we’ve been seeing.”
Wallin recommends creating a deliberately mismatched look, which is cheaper, easier, and more sustainable to maintain. “Mix and match chairs and crockery as you like, shop second hand and recycle things,” she says. “That things look used is part of the charm.”
With their romantically rumpled texture and nostalgic, nature-inspired designs, our organic linen duvet covers sit perfectly in a space furnished with vintage items. Match our Agern set with a pair of mid-century nightstands and retro lamps for a look that’s straight out of a classic movie.
What’s on your home to-do list in 2025? Will you be following any of these trends? Let us know on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter!