Thinking of creating a Scandinavian-style bathroom? If you love minimalist design, clever lighting and natural materials, then a Scandi bathroom will tick all your boxes. Scandinavian designs focus on the idea that “less is more”. Think clutter-free bathrooms that are calming and accessible.
The Scandi style is perfect for everyone, from people updating their current spaces to those looking for inspiration for a full bathroom renovation. The mixture of clean lines, natural tones and natural materials can turn your bathroom into a welcoming space. And the best bit is you don’t need massive changes to achieve this, small, thoughtful touches go a long way to transform your space.
10 Scandi-style bathroom ideas
Here are ten Scandi-style bathroom ideas to help you create a bathroom you’ll love.
1. Start with a clean, minimal foundation
The Scandinavian style starts with simplicity and minimalism. Begin by decluttering your space and keeping only what you really need. Think about ways to store personal items out of sight and choose fixtures that create a sense of openness.
Looking for small Scandi-bathroom ideas? If you are working with a smaller space, this minimalist approach is especially important. By avoiding visual clutter and minimal accessories, you can transform your room, making it feel larger and more relaxing.
2. Layer soft, neutral colours
Scandinavian interiors are most recognisable for their soft and warm tones, think white, grey, beige and warm taupe. These natural hues reflect natural light and create a soothing sense of balance.
If pure white feels too harsh, try layering off-white shakes that are warm-toned. For example, a pale grey wall paired with a cream vanity and natural wood accents can add depth without your bathroom being stark white. Likewise, for bathrooms with limited natural light, try to opt for warmer whites to prevent the space from feeling cold.
3. Incorporate natural materials
Nature plays an important role in Scandinavian design, so incorporating natural materials is a great way to capture the beauty and calmness of Scandi designs. Wood, stone and natural textures soften hard lines of modern bathrooms and add texture and warmth.
Play with wooden vanities, bamboo shelving or even simple wooden stools or woven baskets to bring charm to a minimalist space. Pair these natural wood tones with natural stone tiles or matte finishes to create a beautiful balance of texture and tone.
If you are looking into a full bathroom renovation, then the addition of a walk-in shower or walk-in bath with natural stone wall panels or wooden accents can elevate the look while still being 100% accessible.
4. Add warmth with wood and texture
The reason Scandinavian bathrooms feel so inviting is due to the warmth that has been introduced through natural wood and textures. Try the following for easy changes to elevate your bathroom:
- Floating wooden shelves
- Linen shower curtains
- Wooden bath mats
- Woven baskets
- Soft cotton towels
- Elegant candles.
Adding warmth and texture goes a long way to visually warm up your bathroom, keeping it cosy instead of stark.
5. Use lighting to create a calm atmosphere
Lighting is a key element in a Scandinavian-style bathroom. In Nordic countries, they put a lot of emphasis and importance on natural light. Using natural light is a great way to soften your space compared to harsh and bright lights.
Use layered lighting, overhead lights for practicality, wall sconces for soft ambience, and a few candles or diffused lamps to create a spa-like calm.
6. Mix textures to add depth without clutter
Texture is what gives most Scandinavian bathrooms their depth and personality, but we want to do this mindfully without over-cluttering the space. Try mixing:
- Matte tiles with glossy ceramics for contract
- Wood accents with stone surfaces
- Soft towels and linen to contract the hard bathroom lines.
We recommend you stick to two or three main textures to keep the feel of your bathroom cohesive as too many competing materials can make the room feel too busy.
7. Bring nature indoors with plants
Adding plants is a great way to get that spa feeling in your bathroom. For bathrooms, it is best to choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in humidity, such as ferns, ivy, or eucalyptus.
There are so many benefits to adding plants to your space; not only do they purify the air, but they also soften hard surfaces and are very space-efficient. You can use small potted plants on shelves or hanging plants that won’t add too much clutter and give you that spa feeling.
For inspiration, check out our guide to the best plants for bathrooms.
8. Maximise space with smart storage
While there is a big focus on minimalism and clean spaces, that doesn’t mean your Scandinavian bathroom shouldn’t be designed with practicality in mind. Use smart storage ideas to keep the space clear and clutter-free while still having access to everything you need.
Try wall-mounted cabinets, floating vanities, or hidden shelves behind mirrors. If you are short on space, utilise vertical storage to free up floor space. Open shelves can hold neatly folded towels or baskets for a tidy yet relaxed look.
9. Create a spa-like experience
Many spas use Scandinavian design ideas to create that calm and serene atmosphere. Bring comfort and calm into your bathroom with soft towels, simple candles, woven baskets, and accessories like wooden soap dishes.
Adding a walk-in shower or walk-in bath is also a great way to enhance relaxation and is best for accessibility needs, offering a safe yet luxurious modern bathing experience.
10. Finish with simple, functional accessories
No Scandinavian bathroom is complete without some final finishing touches. Choose simple functional accessories that keep with the clean and minimal look, such as matte black taps, brass towel rails,and stone soap dishes, to tie the overall design together.
With your decor, stick to matte finishes and natural colours to help the details tie into your bathroom’s overall design. Scandinavian design values functionality and beauty in equal measure, so each piece should serve a purpose while complementing the overall aesthetic.
Scandinavian bathroom styles capture everything that makes modern designs appealing. Simplicity, warmth and balance. By focusing on clean lines, soft colours and natural materials, you can create a space that feels calm and simple yet is still functional and accessible.
Whether you are refreshing an existing space or want a complete redesign, Scandinavian styles are a great source of inspiration for a bathroom that is as beautiful as it is practical. For inspiration on accessible, bespoke bathroom design, explore our range of walk-in showers and walk-in baths, crafted for comfort and style.
