Tips AU

30+ Scandi bathroom design and ideas

By Elise Hodge

Updated: April 28th, 2022

It's chic, it's versatile and it's clutter free...

If you’re looking for a bathroom style that is classic, minimalist and totally on-trend, then Scandinavian style is for you. Characterised by simplicity and functionality, Scandinavian bathroom design has been a popular choice for bathrooms across the five Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland since the early 20th century.

But over the last few years, it’s really taken the rest of the world by storm. And it’s easy to see why. The simple style is so versatile, making it the perfect choice for any space – be it large or small. And it combines the best of the design world, using hand-crafted textures and materials and light and bright touches to create a calming effect.

So, if you’re looking to create a space that oozes style and lacks clutter (oh yes!), then dive into #+ amazing Scandinavian bathroom designs and ideas.

1. Warm tones

Create a cosy Scandi feel by designing your bathroom in warm tones. You can do this by using timber, adding rattan baskets for storage and decorating with dried flowers, candles and other little pieces of decor.

scandi-bathroom-warm-tones
Source: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

2. Timber

With Scandinavian style, the more timber the better. So think about how you can incorporate it with a feature wall, vanity or décor, even if it’s just a simple wooden stool.

scandi-bathroom
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

3. Timber shelving

Storage is a must in any bathroom. But just because you’ve got to have it, doesn’t mean it needs to look daggy. Take inspiration from this bathroom design. The timber looks fab especially with the decorative branch. There are so many other ways to incorporate timber into your bathroom–here are some wooden bathroom ideas.

scandi-bathroom-decor
Source: Photo by Darren Richardson on Unsplash

4. Neutral tones

You can create a modern Scandi bathroom by using different textures and finishings in a variety of neutral tones. For instance, you might have a timber vanity, a concrete sink, champagne tapware and plenty of white tile.

5. Light timber vanity

If this isn’t classic Scandinavian style, then I don’t know what is. When it comes to choosing your vanity, you can’t go past light timber. It’s easy on the eyes, looks beautiful and is versatile with so many textures and colours.

Scandi-bathroom-pale-timber
Source: Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

6. Exposed brick

Take your modern Scandi bathroom to the industrial side by incorporating edgy details. If you have a brick wall, leave it exposed to add some rawness and industrial bathroom vibes. This can create a beautiful feature in an otherwise very simple, neutral bathroom.

7. Vertical subway tiles

While subway tiles have been the go-to for a long time, you’ll be happy to know there are alternatives to the traditional horizontal pattern, such as laying them vertically! Don’t forget to consider other colours than white—for instance, grey vertical tiles might just be the right choice for you, especially if you love a grey bathroom.

8. Different textures

Just because you choose a Scandinavian style bathroom doesn’t mean you need to stick to one style of plain tile. Have a little bit of fun and combine different textures, colours and shapes. You might like one style of tiling around your tub, contrasted with a different sort of tile for your flooring and walls.

9. Black accents

If you want to go ultra-chic, then black is a must in your Scandinavian bathroom. I love modern black tapware and a black framed shower screen. Or, you might like to go dark by painting your bathroom walls. If you want to soften out this look, use simple white or light grey tiles paired with white and a touch of timber.

scandi-bathroom-dark-with-timber
Source: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

10. Blank canvas

Create a serene, modern Scandi space by keeping things simple with white and grey tiles.  Tiny tiles make a striking feature wall and they look great with a clean light timber vanity topped with a marble slab. With very small tiles, you’ll definitely want to get a tile grout cleaner though.

11. Natural marble

Make your Scandi bathroom look luxurious by installing marble elements. A marble vanity countertop always has me swooning – it’s sleek, luxe and stunning.

12. Handy hooks

The little details can make the biggest difference. Little hooks like this are a simple addition to your space that will prove handy for hanging up scrubbing brushes and even a hessian bag full of toilet paper.

scandi-bathroom-hooks
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

13. Feature wall

Feature walls don’t just have to be in the living room, they can be in the bathroom too. So if you have an exposed brick wall or if you have a blank wall, make the most of it by turning it into a stunning feature.

14. Double vanity

If you’re planning to share your bathroom with someone else, then it’s well worth investing in a double vanity. Of course, it’s important that you have enough space to do this – so this is best suited to a medium or large-sized master bathroom. If you’re going Scandi style, choose a vanity that’s white or timber. Or, take cues from this one and choose one that’s both!

scandi-bathroom-double-vanity
Source: Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash

15. Plants galore

You can’t create a Scandinavian space without some greenery. I love my indoor bathroom plants. The combination of water and steam keep them healthy all year round! Plus, plants look stunning against timber, white and other neutrals. And they’ll add all the life you need in your new bathroom.

Here are some other amazing examples of just how great bathroom plants can really add to a space.

scandi-bathroom-plants
Source: Photo by Beazy on Unsplash

16. Gold shower head

Gone are the days of plastic white shower heads that get really gross really quickly… When you’re considering what to include in your new bathroom, consider all of the new, modern options. My favourite is brass or gold – and it looks so stunning. But best of all, it’ll work in almost any space, and you can combine it with white, timber and grey for the perfect Scandi finish.

scandi-bathroom-white-gold
Source: Photo by Raquel Navalon Alvarez on Unsplash

17. Black and white

Forget colours and strip back your bathroom design to black and white. A black and white bathroom design is classic yet contemporary at the same time, so you can be sure it’ll look great in years to come.

18. Cool tones

Make your bathroom into a natural oasis by using shades of grey, blue and green. You can do this by decorating with house plants, adding a towel over your bath and by hanging a pretty print on your wall.

scandi-bathroom-greys
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

19. Timber and stone

When designing your bathroom, it can be tempting to stick to one kind of material for the sake of simplicity. But why not have some fun by combining textures, colours and patterns? For instance, you might have timber panels on a wall, stone tiles through the wet space and brass tapware.

20. Handy storage

When it comes to bathroom design, there’s nothing more frustrating than having no storage. Ever tried squeezing all of your makeup and toiletries into one tiny drawer or stashing it all under the sink? Doesn’t work so well… Save yourself the hassle and install a nice large storage unit. You’ll have room for everything!

Having the right cupboards and vanities is everything in a bathroom, so make sure that you check out these bathroom storage ideas to get the right solution for your home.

21. Timber bathroom

In my world, there’s no such thing as too much timber… even when it comes to bathrooms! This bathroom design is a little less classic Scandinavian and a little more rainforest retreat – and I’m here for it. Add in some plants and you’ve got a peaceful oasis to retreat to at the end of the day.

Source: Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

22. All black

Lover of all things contemporary and sleek? Me too. And when it comes to modern Scandinavian style, aim for gorgeous clean lines and minimalist design—two signature aspects of this style. But you can bring in trendy black too, for instance with a large black vanity, black lighting, tapware and mirror frames.

23. Tiles galore

Can you really have too many tiles? Personally, I feel that the more tiles you have, the better. So think about how you can add interest to your bathroom with tiles. You could consider white subway tiles with white or grey grout, large square mosaic tiles, or even tiny colourful tiles – the choice is yours.

scandi-bathroom-clean-lines
Source: Photo by Kim Schouten on Unsplash

24. Simple

Sometimes less is more – and that’s the case for this tiny bathroom. Small square 3D tiles combined with a soaker tub and spa-inspired décor creates a clean, polished Scandi look.

scandi-bathroom-decor
Source: Photo by Castorly Stock from Pexels

25. Brass accents

There aren’t many design details I love more than brass. It’s beautiful, subtle and rustic all at once. And it’s so easy to incorporate into your bathroom. You can simply switch out old taps for brass taps or add lights with brass fixtures to your wall. Or, if you want an easy addition to your bathroom, simply hang a brass mirror – beautiful!

26. Natural textiles

Scandinavian bathrooms are simple and understated, so aim for textiles in soft, neutral, natural tones. The more organic the look, the better. Enhance the natural feels with a lush potplant!

scandi-bathroom-hang-towels
Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

27. Concrete and marble

If you love a mix of textures, think about contrasting concrete and marble. It’s simple, yet so stylish. Marble elements in a bathroom are always stunning, and concrete bathroom walls and ceilings are beautiful and smooth.

28. Calming green

Add some tranquillity to your bathroom by placing some potted plants by your bath or shower. These beauties will not only look great but they’ll also help to keep your air fresh. And you’ll hardly have to look after them – the steam from the bath and shower will do that work for you!

scandi-bathroom-timber-and-white
Source: Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

29. Hanging lights

It’s true that bathroom lights can often be a little boring… But they don’t have to be! Why not install a pod or two of industrial bathroom hanging lights. These lights add so much character to a space, standing out beautifully against stark white walls.

30. Grey tiles

I honestly believe that your choice of tiles can completely transform your bathroom. Make the wrong pick and you could be in big trouble. If you’re creating a Scandi-style space, then grey tiles are a good option. And the best thing is that they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so they’re versatile for any space!

dark-scandi-bathroom
Source: Photo by Michael C on Unsplash

There you have it, 30+ Scandinavian bathroom designs and ideas that’ll have you scouring all the online stores for your perfect pieces!

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you. Which bathroom design is your favourite? I’m personally obsessed with the last one – that all-black vanity and hardware looks so sleek and high-end. But I’m also a sucker for a light and bright white bathroom filled with plants – so natural and relaxing!

Comment and tell me your favourite. And – if you have any other handy bathroom ideas, share them too!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise H

I've recently moved into a new home and I've been having so much fun decorating it with pretty wall prints and Scandinavian-inspired furniture. So as well as being a freelance writer, I'm always on the lookout for new design pieces for my home!

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