Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and timeless elegance, and a dining room buffet is the perfect canvas to showcase this aesthetic. Buffets aren’t just functional pieces of furniture—they’re an opportunity to add style, texture, and personality to your dining space. With clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful accents, you can transform your Scandinavian buffet into a focal point that exudes warmth and sophistication.
I remember styling my first Scandinavian-inspired buffet after moving into a new apartment. Its sleek, light wood finish looked beautiful on its own, but it felt incomplete. Adding a few carefully chosen items—a ceramic vase, a round mirror, and some woven baskets—made all the difference. The buffet became more than just a storage piece; it became a design feature that tied the entire room together.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your existing setup, these 10 ideas will help you style your Scandinavian dining room buffet in ways that are both functional and beautiful.
1. Use a Minimalist Color Palette
A signature of Scandinavian design is its neutral and cohesive color palette. Stick to whites, grays, beiges, and light wood tones as the base for your buffet styling. These hues create a serene and balanced look, ensuring the buffet blends seamlessly into your dining room.
For a more dynamic touch, introduce subtle accent colors through decorative items like a pale green vase or muted blue artwork. The idea is to maintain a soft, understated aesthetic that feels clean and inviting.
Tip: Layer similar tones, such as cream-colored ceramics on a light oak buffet, to create depth without overwhelming the simplicity.
2. Anchor the Space with a Statement Mirror
Adding a statement mirror above your buffet is a classic Scandinavian trick for making a room feel larger and brighter. A round or oval mirror with a minimalist frame (like wood or black metal) adds softness and elegance to the buffet area while reflecting natural light around the room.
Pair the mirror with low-profile decorative items on the buffet, such as candles or small planters, to avoid visual clutter. This creates a balanced look where the mirror becomes the centerpiece.
Idea: Choose a mirror with a leather strap or wooden frame for an authentic Nordic touch.
3. Incorporate Functional Storage Baskets
Scandinavian design values both form and function, so why not incorporate stylish storage into your buffet styling? Woven baskets or felt storage bins can sit on the lower shelves of an open buffet or even on top, adding texture while providing space to store extra linens, napkins, or seasonal décor.
Wicker and seagrass baskets are especially popular in Scandinavian interiors, as they add a natural, earthy element to the space. Opt for neutral colors to keep the design cohesive.
Tip: Use baskets in varying sizes to create visual interest while keeping the look organized.
4. Display Scandinavian Ceramics
Ceramic pieces are a hallmark of Scandinavian design and make excellent buffet décor. Display handcrafted vases, bowls, or mugs in neutral tones to add a touch of Nordic artistry. These items often feature simple shapes and muted glazes, perfectly complementing the buffet’s clean lines.
Cluster a few ceramic pieces together on one side of the buffet for a curated look, or space them evenly for a more symmetrical approach.
Example: A matte white vase paired with a gray stoneware bowl and a small terracotta planter creates a balanced, harmonious vignette.
5. Add Greenery with Plants
Plants bring life and warmth to Scandinavian interiors, making them a perfect addition to your dining room buffet. Choose low-maintenance greenery like pothos, rubber plants, or peace lilies, and display them in minimalist planters made of ceramic, wood, or metal.
For a cohesive look, select planters in neutral colors or materials that complement the buffet. Larger plants can sit directly on the floor beside the buffet, while smaller ones can be grouped on top.
Tip: For seasonal flair, swap greenery for fresh flowers in a simple glass vase or dried branches in the winter.
6. Create Height Variations with Decorative Objects
One of the secrets to beautifully styled buffets is incorporating items of varying heights to add dimension and balance. Start with taller objects, like a vase or a lamp, and layer shorter items in front, such as candles or stacked books.
This layering effect keeps the buffet visually interesting while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic that Scandinavian design demands. Be mindful of symmetry—if you have a tall item on one side, balance it with something of similar height on the other.
Example: A tall ceramic vase on one end, a pair of tapered candlesticks in the middle, and a small stack of books on the other side create a balanced yet dynamic look.
7. Incorporate Artwork or Framed Prints
Artwork is a subtle yet effective way to add personality to your buffet. Choose minimalist or abstract pieces in neutral tones to maintain the Scandinavian aesthetic. Framed prints can be hung above the buffet or leaned against the wall for a more casual, modern look.
For a truly Nordic touch, opt for prints that feature natural landscapes, geometric patterns, or line drawings. Frames in light wood or black metal are ideal for enhancing the Scandinavian vibe.
Tip: If your buffet is already styled with decorative objects, stick to one large piece of art to avoid overcrowding the space.
8. Add Texture with Textiles
Textiles are an often-overlooked element in buffet styling, but they can add a lot of warmth and texture to the space. Drape a neutral linen runner across the top of your buffet or fold a woven tablecloth and let it cascade slightly over one corner.
This subtle addition softens the buffet’s clean lines and ties the piece into the overall dining room design. Textiles also provide an opportunity to introduce subtle patterns, like stripes or herringbone, for added interest.
Example: A beige linen runner topped with a ceramic vase and a few candlesticks creates a cozy, layered look.
9. Incorporate Scandinavian Lighting
Lighting is an essential part of any Scandinavian interior, and your dining room buffet is no exception. A sleek table lamp or a small pendant light above the buffet can serve as both functional and decorative elements.
Look for lighting with clean, simple designs—such as a matte black base or a frosted glass shade—that complement the buffet’s minimalist style. Warm white bulbs create a cozy ambiance, perfect for evening meals or gatherings.
Tip: If space allows, consider pairing a lamp with decorative objects like vases or books for a balanced vignette.
10. Keep It Simple and Balanced
Above all, Scandinavian design emphasizes simplicity and balance. Avoid overcrowding your buffet with too many items, and leave plenty of negative space to let each piece breathe. Instead of filling the surface with décor, focus on a few thoughtfully chosen items that align with the overall aesthetic of your dining room.
When styling your buffet, step back periodically to assess the arrangement. Does it feel balanced? Are the colors cohesive? Simplifying your setup ensures the buffet remains functional, stylish, and true to Scandinavian principles.
Example: A single vase with dried flowers, a small stack of books, and a candle create a minimalist yet impactful display.
FAQ Section
1. What colors work best for styling a Scandinavian buffet?
Neutral tones like white, gray, beige, and light wood are ideal. For subtle accents, use muted greens, blues, or pastels.
2. How can I avoid making my buffet look cluttered?
Focus on a few key pieces, such as a vase, a candle, and a framed print. Leave negative space between items to maintain a clean, airy look.
3. What type of plants are best for Scandinavian buffets?
Low-maintenance greenery like pothos, rubber plants, or peace lilies work well. Choose planters in neutral tones to complement the buffet’s style.
4. How can I incorporate lighting into my buffet styling?
Add a minimalist table lamp or hang a pendant light above the buffet. Choose warm white bulbs for a cozy, inviting glow.
5. What materials should I look for in decorative objects?
Natural materials like wood, ceramic, glass, and woven textures are ideal for maintaining a Scandinavian aesthetic.
Conclusion
Styling a Scandinavian dining room buffet is all about balance, simplicity, and functionality. By incorporating natural materials, clean lines, and thoughtfully chosen accents, you can create a space that feels both beautiful and practical. Whether you’re adding a statement mirror, layering ceramics, or introducing plants, each element contributes to the serene elegance that defines Scandinavian design. Experiment with these ideas to create a buffet that enhances your dining room and showcases your personal style.