by How to style your dining room with Nordic natural furniture is a question I get asked a lot. It’s not just about picking a table and chairs; it’s about creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Nordic design is all about simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature. If you’re looking to bring that vibe into your dining room, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Start with a Neutral Base
Nordic design thrives on neutral tones. Think whites, greys, and soft beiges. These colours create a calm, airy feel that’s perfect for a dining room. Start by painting your walls in a light shade. This will act as a blank canvas for your Nordic natural furniture. If you’re not ready to commit to painting, consider large, neutral-coloured rugs or curtains to set the tone.
When choosing your dining table and chairs, stick to natural materials like wood. Light oak or ash are great options. They add warmth without overwhelming the space. Pair this with a simple, clean-lined table design. Avoid anything too ornate or heavy. The goal is to keep things light and fresh.
Don’t forget about lighting. A large, minimalist pendant light above the table can tie the whole look together. Go for something in a natural material like rattan or wood to keep the theme consistent.
2. Embrace Minimalism
Less is more when it comes to Nordic design. Clutter is the enemy. Start by decluttering your dining room. Keep only what you need and love. This might mean getting rid of that overcrowded sideboard or those extra chairs you never use.
When styling your dining table, keep it simple. A vase with fresh flowers or a single candle can be enough. Avoid overloading the table with decorations. The focus should be on the natural beauty of the furniture itself.
Storage is key in a minimalist space. Opt for furniture with built-in storage, like a bench with hidden compartments or a sideboard with plenty of drawers. This will help you keep the room tidy and functional.
3. Incorporate Natural Textures
Nordic natural furniture is all about texture. Think wool, linen, and leather. These materials add depth and interest to your dining room without overwhelming the senses. Start with your seating. Upholstered chairs in a soft linen fabric can add a touch of comfort and warmth.
Layer in textiles like a chunky knit throw or a sheepskin rug. These can be draped over chairs or placed on the floor for added texture. Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials. A wooden table paired with leather chairs can create a beautiful contrast.
Plants are another great way to bring in natural textures. A large fiddle-leaf fig or a collection of smaller potted plants can add life and freshness to the room. Just make sure they’re placed where they’ll get enough light.
4. Focus on Functionality
Nordic design is as much about function as it is about form. Every piece of furniture should serve a purpose. When choosing your dining table, think about how you’ll use it. Do you need extra leaves for when guests come over? Would a round table work better in your space?
Chairs should be comfortable as well as stylish. If you’re planning on long dinners or working from your dining table, consider chairs with padded seats or back support. Bench seating can be a great option for smaller spaces, as it can tuck neatly under the table when not in use.
Storage solutions should also be functional. A sideboard or buffet can double as a serving area during meals and a place to store dishes and linens the rest of the time. Look for pieces with clean lines and simple hardware to keep the look cohesive.
5. Play with Light and Space
Light is a crucial element in Nordic design. Natural light is best, so make the most of any windows in your dining room. Keep window treatments simple and light. Sheer curtains or blinds can let in plenty of light while still providing privacy.
If natural light is limited, use mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel larger. A large mirror on one wall can create the illusion of more space and brighten up the room.
Artificial lighting should be warm and inviting. Avoid harsh, bright lights. Instead, opt for soft, diffused lighting. A combination of overhead lighting, like a pendant light, and table lamps or wall sconces can create a cosy atmosphere.
6. Add Personal Touches
While Nordic design is known for its simplicity, it’s important to add personal touches to make the space feel like home. This could be a collection of your favourite books on a sideboard, a piece of art you love, or a family heirloom displayed on the wall.
Don’t be afraid to mix in a few vintage or handmade pieces. A vintage rug or a handmade ceramic vase can add character and warmth to the room. Just keep the overall look cohesive by sticking to a neutral colour palette and natural materials.
Personal touches can also come in the form of textiles. A set of linen napkins in a soft grey or a handwoven table runner can add a personal, lived-in feel to the dining table.
7. Keep It Cosy
Nordic design is all about creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere. This is especially important in a dining room, where you’ll be spending time with family and friends. Start with your seating. Chairs with padded seats or benches with cushions can make long meals more comfortable.
Layer in soft textiles like throws and cushions. These can be added to chairs or benches for extra comfort. A sheepskin rug under the table can also add a touch of warmth and luxury.
Candles are another great way to create a cosy atmosphere. A few well-placed candles on the table or sideboard can add a warm glow to the room. Choose unscented candles to keep the focus on the natural scents of the room.
8. Choose the Right Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touches that can make or break a room. In a Nordic-inspired dining room, less is more. Choose a few key pieces that complement the natural furniture and overall aesthetic.
A simple, elegant centrepiece for the table can be a great starting point. This could be a wooden bowl filled with seasonal fruit, a vase with fresh flowers, or a collection of candles. Keep it simple and understated.
Wall art should also be minimal. A single large piece or a small collection of framed prints can add interest without overwhelming the space. Stick to a neutral colour palette and natural themes, like landscapes or abstract designs inspired by nature.
9. Mix Old and New
One of the best things about Nordic design is its ability to blend old and new. Mixing vintage and modern pieces can create a layered, interesting look. Start with your furniture. A modern dining table paired with vintage chairs can create a beautiful contrast.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials, either. A wooden table with metal chairs or a leather bench can add depth and interest to the room. Just make sure the overall look is cohesive by sticking to a neutral colour palette and natural materials.
Accessories are another great way to mix old and new. A vintage rug paired with modern lighting or a handmade ceramic vase on a sleek sideboard can create a beautiful balance.
10. Don’t Forget the Details
It’s the little things that can really make a room come together. Pay attention to the details when styling your dining room with Nordic natural furniture. This could be the hardware on your sideboard, the finish on your dining table, or the texture of your textiles.
Small touches like matching napkin rings, a set of wooden coasters, or a collection of ceramic dishes can add a polished, finished look to the room. Keep the details simple and understated to maintain the overall aesthetic.
Finally, don’t forget about the practical details. Make sure your dining room is functional as well as beautiful. This might mean adding a charging station for devices, a place to store extra chairs, or a spot for guests to hang their coats.
Conclusion
Styling your dining room with Nordic natural furniture is all about creating a space that’s simple, functional, and beautiful. Start with a neutral base, embrace minimalism, and incorporate natural textures. Focus on functionality, play with light and space, and add personal touches to make the space feel like home. Keep it cosy, choose the right accessories, and don’t be afraid to mix old and new. Finally, pay attention to the details to bring the whole look together. With these tips, you’ll have a dining room that’s not only stylish but also a joy to spend time in. How to style your dining room with Nordic natural furniture doesn’t have to be complicated—just keep it real, keep it fresh, and keep it engaging.
