21 Scandinavian Bathroom Ideas - Colours, Accessories, Materials & More

Scandinavian design is celebrated for its simplicity, functionality, and comfort, making it the ideal choice for a bathroom transformation. Here are 21 ideas to help you turn your bathroom into a Scandinavian sanctuary

 1. Start with a Natural Colour Scheme

Set the right tone for your space by choosing a predominately white colour scheme with hints of neutral and natural colours. This means including:

Soft blues and greys. These calming colours can be used at intervals as an alternative to white. Beige, tan or brown. When used in accessories like toothbrush containers or accents on the wall, these add warmth and a feeling of cosiness.

• Black and dark green. Create contrast and depth by using shades sparingly. 

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2. Introduce contrasting accents

To add contrast in a Scandinavian bathroom, darker accents throughout the space. This will create depth without overwhelming the minimalist design. Consider choosing fixtures that provide a completely different tone to your white walls, like brushed brass or matt black..

Also, use accessories like soap dispensers and picture frames. Pair these darker elements with light, natural materials like wood or stone to maintain balance and prevent the space from feeling too stark or cold.

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3. Choose functional furniture

As Sorcha McCrory, Managing Editor at Scandinavia Standard describes, Scandinavian design is founded in “the touchstones of simplicity, functionality, and comfort.” For that reason, you should seek to centre your bathroom around efficient, effective pieces of furniture. 

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4. Incorporate natural materials

There’s no use choosing the right colours if the materials you go for don’t contribute towards your desired aesthetic. For a Scandi design, you should look to include a natural finish or clean white surfaces wherever possible.

Take our Raffinata vanity as an example of how this looks in practice. It comes in oak, white and stone finishes and, featuring beautiful clean lines, scratch-resistant materials and antibacterial surfaces, it’s a practical yet elegant sink-come-storage space. 

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5. Select the right lighting

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram in the past few months, you’ll undoubtedly have heard of the concept of Hygge. Translated as a feeling of cosiness and warmth, it’s something that plays a key role within Scandi design. And lighting is a key contributor if you’re looking to create this ambience.  

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6. Focus on the small details

Another Scandi bathroom idea that’s key to a homely sense of Hygge is including small, beautiful details. So take a look at including: 

• Plush towels set on a sleek towel ring
• A cotton bath mat.  
• Candles with natural scents
• Plenty of plants and foliage, particularly birch, snake plants and aloe vera
• Personal touches like art or photographs

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7. Keep it Minimalist

To achieve a true Scandinavian look, keep clean lines and uncluttered surfaces in the bathroom. Opt for streamlined fixtures like wall-mounted taps and frameless shower screens to create an open, airy feel. Use built-in storage to hide toiletries and keep a tidy look. The space should be functional and visually calm.

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8. Be sure to declutter

Scandinavian design is clean and minimalist above all else. So, at the same time as including cosy details, you need to be sure to avoid clutter. Here’s how you can achieve this balance with smart storage ideas:

Include baskets. Opt for those made of natural materials like hemp or rattan for a more Scandi look. Use jars. To create a clean aesthetic and save space, decant soaps and shampoos into glass jars.   

• Add a mirrored cabinet. These create a more spacious feel whilst providing plenty of storage opportunities. What’s more, our range comes with warm lighting to help you create that ambient atmosphere. 

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9. Add Soft Textiles

Use soft textiles to add warmth to the bathroom. Use plush towels, cotton bath mats, and linen shower curtains. Choose textiles in neutral or pastel tones to complement the minimalist colour scheme, while adding texture to prevent the room from feeling sterile. Layering different fabric types and patterns, like waffles or herringbones, adds a tactile element. It enhances the cosy, Hygge-inspired atmosphere.

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10. Include Greenery

Greenery plays a crucial role in Scandinavian design, bringing in elements of nature to create a fresh and vibrant atmosphere. Select easy-to-care-for plants like snake plants, aloe vera, or peace lilies that thrive in humid bathroom environments. Use simple, white ceramic pots or woven baskets to complement the natural look. Place them on windowsills, shelves, or hang them from the ceiling. 

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11. Opt for a Freestanding Tub

A freestanding tub acts as a minimalist centrepiece that enhances the spa-like feel of a Scandinavian bathroom. Choose a sleek, simple design with clean lines, such as an oval bath, to complement the room’s streamlined look. Place the tub to maximise space and light, like near a window or under a skylight. Consider adding a wooden bath caddy for warmth and practicality.

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12. Use Open Shelving

Open shelving is a practical and stylish storage solution that aligns with the Scandinavian ethos of simplicity and functionality. Use floating wooden shelves to store neatly folded towels, small plants, and minimalist decor items. The open design encourages you to keep items tidy and nice-looking. It’s worth noting that we do offer Vanity Units with Open Storage Space which can give your bathroom a real spa-like feel.

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13. Add a Wooden Stool

Incorporate a small wooden stool or bench to provide both practicality and a touch of warmth to your bathroom. Use the stool as a surface to hold towels, bath products, or a small potted plant, enhancing the natural, earthy feel.

14. Integrate a Walk-In Shower

A walk-in shower with frameless glass doors enhances the open, spacious feel typical of Scandinavian bathrooms. Use large, neutral tiles for the shower walls and floors to keep a seamless look. A rain shower head would add a luxurious, spa-like touch. The shower area must be well-lit. Use natural light or strategic lighting which avoids a sense of confinement and keeps it airy.

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15. Install Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating is a luxury. It suits the Scandinavian focus on comfort and practicality, especially in cold climates. Consider installing underfloor heating beneath natural stone or tile floors to keep the bathroom warm and inviting. This feature boosts comfort and cuts the need for bulky radiators. It helps create a clean, uncluttered look.

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16. Use Mirrored Cabinets

Mirrored cabinets provide essential storage while also helping to make the bathroom feel more spacious and bright. Choose cabinets with sleek, frameless designs that blend seamlessly with the surrounding decor. Choose models with built-in lighting. It will boost the light, and add a warm, cosy feel to the space.

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17. Incorporate Woven Baskets

Woven baskets from natural materials like hemp, jute, or rattan add rustic charm. They also work as practical storage solutions. Use these baskets to store towels, toiletries, or laundry, and place them under vanities or in corners to maximise space. The baskets' natural texture adds warmth. It complements the bathroom's clean lines and neutral palette.

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18. Choose Matt Finishes

Opt for matt finishes on fixtures and fittings to add a modern, understated elegance to your bathroom. Matt black or brass taps, showerheads, and handles reduce glare. They also provide a sophisticated contrast to glossy surfaces, like tiles or mirrors

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19. Keep Accessories Simple

Select simple, functional bathroom accessories like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and bins in neutral tones or natural materials. Choose designs with clean lines and minimal detailing to avoid visual clutter. Consider coordinating all accessories for a cohesive look. For example, use matching sets in brushed metal or ceramic for a consistent, streamlined style.

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20. Include Glass Jars for Storage

Glass jars are a stylish yet practical way to store bathroom essentials such as cotton wool, bath salts, or swabs. Choose clear glass jars with wooden or cork lids to maintain the natural, minimalist feel. 

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21. Opt for Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are an excellent space-saving solution that aligns with the Scandinavian focus on functionality and clean lines. Choose sliding doors made from natural materials like wood or frosted glass to maintain privacy while adding a touch of elegance. 

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Bringing your Scandi bathroom to life

If you’re ready to transform your space with functional essentials and sleek accessories with just the right lighting, get in touch. We offer a very reasonably priced bathroom design service, where our experts can help your Scandi bathroom design come to life.