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17 Hygge-Inspired Scandinavian Christmas Decor Ideas

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As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp, I can’t help but feel excited about the approaching holiday season. There’s something magical about transforming our homes into winter wonderlands, isn’t there? This year, I’ve fallen head over heels for Scandinavian Christmas decor. It’s a style that perfectly captures the essence of the season: cozy, minimalist, and utterly charming.

I’ve spent countless hours researching and experimenting with Nordic-inspired decorations, and I’m thrilled to share my findings with you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 17 fantastic DIY Scandinavian Christmas decor ideas that will bring a touch of hygge to your home. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, there’s something here for everyone. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the world of Scandinavian Christmas magic!

If you are looking for some products to add to your Christmas decor this year, check out these products below. 

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christmas village set of 5 lighted ceramic houses with remote control

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vincor battery operated flameless candles

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norfolk pine garland 9ft

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Understanding Scandinavian Christmas Decor

Before we roll up our sleeves and start crafting, let’s take a moment to understand what makes Scandinavian Christmas decor so special. The Nordic style is all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere using natural materials, simple designs, and a limited color palette. Think whites, grays, and muted tones accented with pops of red or green.

Key elements of Scandinavian Christmas decor include:

  1. Natural materials like wood, pine, and wool
  2. Minimalist designs with clean lines
  3. Warm, soft lighting
  4. Traditional symbols like stars, hearts, and gnomes (tomte)
  5. A focus on coziness and comfort (hygge)

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s move on to some DIY projects that will help you achieve this look in your own home.

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1. Rustic Wooden Star Ornaments

One of the most iconic symbols in Scandinavian Christmas decor is the star. These simple yet beautiful ornaments can be used on your tree, hung in windows, or arranged on a mantel. Here’s how to make your own:

Materials needed:

  • Thin wooden craft sticks
  • White or silver paint
  • Twine or ribbon
  • Hot glue gun

Steps:

  1. Arrange five craft sticks in a star shape.
  2. Use your hot glue gun to secure the points where the sticks overlap.
  3. Paint the star white or silver (or leave it natural for a more rustic look).
  4. Once dry, tie a piece of twine or ribbon to one point for hanging.

I love how versatile these stars are. You can make them in various sizes and even experiment with different wood stains for a unique look. They’re so simple to create, yet they make such a big impact on your overall decor.

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2. Cozy Wool Felt Garland

Nothing says “Scandinavian Christmas” quite like soft, cozy textures. A wool felt garland is the perfect way to add some warmth to your space. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!

Materials needed:

  • Wool felt in white, gray, and red
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread (or sewing machine)
  • Twine

Steps:

  1. Cut circles of various sizes from your felt (I like to use 1″, 1.5″, and 2″ circles).
  2. Fold each circle in half and sew along the straight edge, leaving the curved edge open.
  3. String the felt pieces onto twine, alternating colors and sizes.

I’ve draped this garland over my mantel, and it instantly made the room feel more festive and cozy. You could also use it to decorate your Christmas tree or hang it along a staircase banister.

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3. Minimalist Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are a beloved tradition in many households, and a Scandinavian-inspired version can double as a beautiful piece of decor. Here’s how to create a simple, elegant advent calendar:

Materials needed:

  • A large piece of linen or canvas
  • 24 small muslin bags
  • Black permanent marker
  • Twine
  • Wooden dowel
  • Seasonal fillers (chocolates, small ornaments, etc.)

Steps:

  1. Cut your linen or canvas to the desired size (I went with 24″ x 36″).
  2. Number each muslin bag from 1 to 24 using the black marker.
  3. Arrange the bags in rows on your fabric, pinning them in place.
  4. Sew each bag onto the fabric, leaving the top open.
  5. Attach twine to the wooden dowel and hang your calendar.

Fill each pocket with a small treat or activity for each day leading up to Christmas. This advent calendar not only serves its traditional purpose but also acts as a beautiful wall hanging that embodies the Scandinavian aesthetic.

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4. Natural Pine Cone Wreath

Bringing the outdoors in is a key aspect of Scandinavian decor. A pine cone wreath is a perfect way to achieve this look while creating a stunning focal point for your home.

Materials needed:

  • Foam wreath form
  • Pine cones (collected or purchased)
  • Hot glue gun
  • White spray paint (optional)
  • Ribbon for hanging

Steps:

  1. If desired, spray paint some of your pine cones white for contrast.
  2. Once dry, start attaching pine cones to the foam form using hot glue.
  3. Work in layers, filling in gaps with smaller pine cones.
  4. Attach a ribbon to the back for hanging.

I hung my pine cone wreath on my front door, and it’s been such a lovely way to welcome guests into our home. The natural textures and subtle colors perfectly capture the essence of Scandinavian style.

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5. Scandinavian-Inspired Paper Snowflakes

No Scandinavian Christmas decor would be complete without delicate paper snowflakes. These intricate decorations are surprisingly easy to make and can be used in countless ways throughout your home.

Materials needed:

  • White paper
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • String or fishing line

Steps:

  1. Fold a square piece of paper diagonally, then fold it in half two more times.
  2. Use a pencil to draw a snowflake design on the folded paper.
  3. Carefully cut along your drawn lines.
  4. Unfold to reveal your snowflake.
  5. Hang using string or fishing line.

I’ve created dozens of these snowflakes and hung them from my ceiling using clear fishing line. The effect is magical – it’s like having a gentle snowfall inside! You can also use them to decorate windows or create a festive backdrop for your holiday photos.

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6. DIY Scandinavian Gnomes (Tomte)

No Scandinavian Christmas would be complete without the presence of gnomes, or tomte as they’re called in Nordic countries. These charming little creatures are said to protect the household, and they make for adorable decorations.

Materials needed:

  • Socks (for the body)
  • Rice or beans (for filling)
  • Faux fur or felt (for the beard)
  • Wooden bead (for the nose)
  • Felt (for the hat)
  • Hot glue gun

Steps:

  1. Fill a sock with rice or beans to create the body.
  2. Tie off the top of the sock.
  3. Cut a triangle of felt for the hat and glue it onto the body.
  4. Glue faux fur or felt onto the body for the beard.
  5. Attach a wooden bead for the nose.

I’ve placed these gnomes all around my house – on shelves, windowsills, and even as table centerpieces. They never fail to bring a smile to my face and add a touch of whimsy to my Scandinavian-inspired decor.

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7. Minimalist Twig Christmas Tree

For a truly unique and on-trend decoration, try creating a minimalist twig Christmas tree. This project perfectly encapsulates the Scandinavian love for natural materials and simple designs.

Materials needed:

  • Straight branches or twigs of varying lengths
  • Twine
  • Scissors
  • Small ornaments or fairy lights

Steps:

  1. Arrange your twigs from longest to shortest.
  2. Tie them together vertically with twine, spacing them evenly.
  3. Hang small ornaments or wrap with fairy lights.

I’ve set up my twig tree in a corner of my living room, and it’s become a real conversation starter. It’s a great alternative to a traditional Christmas tree, especially if you’re short on space or want to create a more subdued holiday atmosphere.

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8. Cinnamon Stick Candle Holders

The scent of cinnamon is synonymous with Christmas, and these DIY candle holders bring both fragrance and style to your Scandinavian-inspired decor.

Materials needed:

  • Pillar candles
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Ribbon (preferably in a natural color)
  • Hot glue gun

Steps:

  1. Measure the height of your candle and cut a piece of ribbon to fit around it.
  2. Glue cinnamon sticks vertically along the ribbon.
  3. Wrap the cinnamon-covered ribbon around the candle and secure with glue.

I’ve placed these candles on my dining table and mantel. They add a wonderful warmth to the room, both visually and with their subtle cinnamon aroma. It’s like having the essence of Christmas baking wafting through your home all season long.

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9. Woven Paper Heart Baskets

These charming baskets are a staple of Scandinavian Christmas decor. They’re traditionally filled with treats and hung on the Christmas tree, but they also make lovely decorations on their own.

Materials needed:

  • Colored paper (red and white are traditional)
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Steps:

  1. Cut two heart shapes of equal size from different colored paper.
  2. Cut slits in both hearts, being careful not to cut all the way to the edges.
  3. Weave the strips of one heart through the slits of the other.
  4. Glue the edges together to form a basket shape.

I’ve made dozens of these baskets in various sizes. The larger ones I’ve filled with pine cones and ornaments to use as centerpieces, while the smaller ones decorate my tree. They’re a fun project to do with kids, too!

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10. Natural Wood Slice Ornaments

These wood slice ornaments are a beautiful way to bring a touch of nature to your Christmas tree or holiday garland.

Materials needed:

  • Wood slices (you can buy these or cut them yourself from a branch)
  • Acrylic paint
  • Fine-tipped brush
  • Twine
  • Small drill or nail and hammer

Steps:

  1. If needed, sand the surface of your wood slices.
  2. Paint simple Scandinavian-inspired designs like snowflakes, stars, or hearts.
  3. Once dry, drill a small hole at the top of each slice.
  4. Thread twine through the hole for hanging.

These ornaments have become some of my favorites. They’re so versatile – you can customize the designs and colors to fit your specific decor scheme. Plus, they make wonderful gifts for friends and family.

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11. Nordic-Inspired Painted Wooden Ornaments

These simple yet elegant ornaments capture the essence of Scandinavian design with their clean lines and minimalist patterns.

Materials needed:

  • Wooden ornament shapes (circles, stars, hearts)
  • Acrylic paint in white, red, and black
  • Fine-tipped paintbrushes
  • Twine or ribbon for hanging

Steps:

  1. Paint your wooden shapes with a base coat of white.
  2. Once dry, use red and black paint to add simple Nordic-inspired patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, or geometric designs.
  3. Attach twine or ribbon for hanging.

I’ve scattered these ornaments throughout my home – on the tree, tied to gifts, and even hanging from doorknobs. They add just the right touch of Scandinavian charm wherever they go.

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12. Scandinavian-Style Paper Village

Create a charming miniature village that looks beautiful on a mantel or as a centerpiece.

Materials needed:

  • White cardstock
  • Craft knife and cutting mat
  • LED tea lights
  • Glue

Steps:

  1. Draw or print simple house shapes onto white cardstock.
  2. Carefully cut out the shapes, including windows and doors.
  3. Fold and glue the houses into 3D structures.
  4. Place LED tea lights inside for a warm glow.

This paper village has become the focal point of my holiday decor. It’s especially magical in the evenings when the LED lights create a warm, inviting glow.

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13. Minimalist Wooden Bead Garland

This simple garland adds texture and interest to your Scandinavian Christmas decor.

Materials needed:

  • Large wooden beads
  • Jute twine
  • Scissors
  • Optional: paint in white or light gray

Steps:

  1. If desired, paint some of the wooden beads white or light gray.
  2. Once dry, thread the beads onto jute twine, alternating painted and natural beads.
  3. Tie knots at each end to secure.

I’ve draped this garland over my Christmas tree and along my staircase banister. It’s a subtle addition that really ties the whole Scandinavian look together.

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14. DIY Scandinavian-Inspired Candle Holders

These simple candle holders bring warmth and light to your space, a key element in Scandinavian decor.

Materials needed:

  • Small wooden blocks or slices
  • Drill with spade bit
  • Tealight candles
  • Sandpaper
  • Optional: white paint

Steps:

  1. Sand your wooden blocks or slices until smooth.
  2. If desired, paint some of the blocks white.
  3. Use a spade bit to drill holes slightly larger than your tealights.
  4. Insert tealights into the holes.

I’ve grouped these candle holders together on my coffee table and sideboard. They create such a cozy atmosphere, especially on long winter evenings.

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15. Woven Paper Star Ornaments

These intricate-looking stars are actually quite simple to make and add a beautiful Scandinavian touch to your tree.

Materials needed:

  • Strips of paper in white and one other color (red or gray work well)
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • String for hanging

Steps:

  1. Weave four strips of paper into a square base.
  2. Fold the remaining ends of the strips to create points of the star.
  3. Secure with glue and trim any excess.
  4. Attach string for hanging.

These stars have become some of my favorite ornaments. They’re delicate and beautiful, perfectly capturing the Scandinavian aesthetic.

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16. Natural Twig Candle Holder

This rustic candle holder brings a bit of nature indoors, a key aspect of Scandinavian design.

Materials needed:

  • Glass jar or vase
  • Thin twigs
  • Twine
  • Pillar candle
  • Hot glue gun

Steps:

  1. Clean and dry your twigs.
  2. Use hot glue to attach twigs vertically around the outside of your glass container.
  3. Wrap twine around the twigs in several places to secure.
  4. Place a pillar candle inside.

I’ve placed this twig candle holder on my dining table as a centerpiece. It creates such a warm, natural ambiance that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

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17. Scandinavian-Inspired Fabric Wall Hanging

This simple wall hanging adds color and texture to your space while embodying the clean lines of Scandinavian design.

Materials needed:

  • Linen or cotton fabric in white or off-white
  • Fabric paint in red and gray
  • Paintbrushes
  • Wooden dowel
  • Twine

Steps:

  1. Cut your fabric to the desired size.
  2. Paint simple geometric shapes or traditional Scandinavian motifs on the fabric.
  3. Once dry, attach the fabric to the wooden dowel.
  4. Tie twine to the dowel for hanging.

This wall hanging has become a focal point in my living room. It’s a beautiful way to incorporate Scandinavian design elements into your holiday decor.

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Bringing It All Together

As I look around my home now, filled with these handmade Scandinavian-inspired decorations, I’m struck by how cohesive and inviting everything feels. The natural materials, simple designs, and cozy textures all work together to create a warm, festive atmosphere that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Remember, the key to Scandinavian Christmas decor is not perfection, but creating a sense of warmth and togetherness. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these projects, or to put your own spin on them. The most important thing is that your decor reflects your personal style and makes you and your loved ones feel at home.

I hope this guide has inspired you to try your hand at some DIY Scandinavian Christmas decor. Whether you tackle all of these projects or just a few, I’m confident that you’ll love the cozy, Nordic-inspired atmosphere they create in your home.

So, go ahead and embrace your inner Scandinavian this holiday season. Light some candles, put on some soft music, and get crafting. Before you know it, you’ll have transformed your space into a winter wonderland that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Happy crafting, and God Jul (Merry Christmas in Swedish)!

If you love Christmas decor as much as I do, check out these other articles I think you might like. 

Minimalism: Your Guide to Scandinavian-Style Christmas Decor

17 Christmas Tree Theme Ideas to Transform Your Winter Decor

Winter Home Decor Basics: Cozy Up Your Space

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    October 31, 2024 @ 12:56 pm

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