Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland - the name of any of these Scandinavian countries primarily evokes natural beauty: majestic glaciers and picturesque fjords, clear lakes and vast forests. The caring attitude of Northern Europeans towards this heritage is quite logically reflected in all areas of their activities.
The fireplace Contura 21 C (Contura, Sweden) in concrete with two containers for firewood is a striking example of Scandinavian design with its clean straight lines, minimal decor and emphasized functionality. A steel firebox i20 with fireclay lining was used, the vertically opening door is made of cast iron.
Steel fireplace stove Q-bic (Rais, Denmark) with a built-in hinged base and a firewood rack in the lower part.
The Jasa fireplace (Tulikivi, Finland) with a ceramic finish will fit into both modern and classic interiors. Ceramic 3D cladding decorates its surface, and large doors effectively frame the beauty of the fire. The fireplace has low emissions; combustion air is supplied from outside. The model is perfect for installation in a modern home with low energy consumption.
Fireplace location options
The position of the fireplace in the room plays an important role. It can act as the main accent or as an addition to the overall composition. Sometimes the structure of the room itself suggests where the hearth will look best, and in other cases its location may be determined by technical issues and the appropriate arrangement of chimney pipe systems.
Angular
If the fireplace is located in the corner, then it can have a wide variety of structure and shape. Its presence in the interior will brighten up and fill the corner, and from this angle the flames of the fire can be seen from all sides. When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the fact that many designs of this type can “steal” quite a lot of space. Therefore, for a small room, a corner fireplace with a rounded façade would be a good option.
Along the wall
This option can be safely called classic. The fireplace, installed along the walls, can be attached either to the floor or to the wall. An important feature that is worth considering concerns the extremely tight fit of the structure to the wall. You should not install a fireplace on a protruding wall, near a door or passage. Its role is to create a cozy corner and place guests in a comfortable environment. Therefore, a suitable wall for its installation must be selected from a non-passage area of the room.
Warmth the Scandinavian way
Residents of northern countries know all about the cold and how important warmth is for a comfortable life. That is why fireplaces and stoves from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark are highly efficient; they are often equipped with heat-storage blocks, and also include elements made of natural stone or heat-storage concrete in the design. A rational approach is embodied in efficiency: there is a constant struggle to reduce the amount of wood burned and maximize the useful use of thermal energy. Not a kilowatt wasted!
The free-standing biofireplace Globe (Vauni, Sweden) is a stylish design element of the interior, a model of a unique design. It can be rotated 360°. Thanks to the innovative burner design, the fireplace does not emit smoke or odor during operation.
Elegant wood-burning model Viva L 120 (Rais, Denmark) in a steel case, lined with fireproof chamotte. Watching the flames is easy and pleasant - through the panoramic front and two side windows.
Compact model Contura 610G (Contura, Sweden) with built-in firewood. The stove can be supplemented with a heat storage unit.
Island location
The island position of the fireplace has a number of advantages. The flame of the fire is visible from all sides, the fireplace itself can become the object of dividing the room into zones, and its non-standard location will add a special originality to the interior. The fireplace can be attached to the floor or to the ceiling; in the second case, the main load falls on the chimney mount.
Wall and ceiling finishing
White walls and ceilings are what distinguishes the Scandinavian style from all others. The walls can be painted or covered with wallpaper in light shades. It is allowed to have a relief pattern on the wallpaper. The ceiling can be covered with regular whitewash. If preference is given to a suspended ceiling, then you should choose the simplest option. There should be no eye-catching details on the ceiling other than a chandelier and several lamps.
Scandinavian style rejects everything unnecessary. If you want to follow it, you must refuse to decorate the walls with photographs, carpets, and old paintings. The only decoration can be canvases made in the modern style. By placing one of these paintings above the fireplace or sofa, you can add originality and lightness to your living room. If you cannot do without photographs, then black and white photographs hung in large frames above the fireplace or in the area of the sofa will look best in the living room. Black and white photographs will emphasize the whiteness and spaciousness of the room, making it even more cozy and attractive.
Built-in
If the owner of the house wants to create a living and unique picture in his interior, then a built-in fireplace is an excellent opportunity to make such a wish come true. When installing it, the entire body is built into a false structure, from which only the facade protrudes. The uniqueness of this option is that such a false wall can separate two rooms and, accordingly, the fireplace can be double-sided.
Scandinavian style in the exterior
Scandinavians living in cold climates appreciate every minute of warmth that the stingy northern sun gives them. Therefore, in the local area of a Finn or Swede, everything is always ready so that the owner and unexpected guests can sit comfortably, cook something tasty and quickly light a fire if the weather changes suddenly. As for design, the principles are the same as for the interior: maximum natural materials, simple shapes and unlimited comfort. No less important are the thoroughness and reliability of all items, primarily outdoor heating devices.
The modern open fireplace Loke (Jotul, Norway) will create a cozy and attractive atmosphere on the terrace of a country house. Thanks to its stable design, the fireplace will not tip over even in strong winds. It is made from corten steel or regular steel, painted black.
The Roma Garden fireplace (Nordpeis, Norway) can be installed both indoors and outdoors. The model is equipped with a grill grate: it is not only a source of warmth and light at night, but also delicious food. Roma Garden runs on wood and briquettes. The fireplace lining is made of heat-resistant composite.
Thanks to its thoughtful design, the Globe biofireplace (Vauni, Sweden) can also be used outdoors. Its spherical rotating dome serves as protection for the flame if the wind suddenly rises. And the witty design of the model will look appropriate anywhere.
Types of fireplaces
Depending on the type of structure and finances, everyone can choose a fireplace model of a suitable shape, design and concept. In private and country houses, classic fireplaces with real wood do not cause difficulties in design and further operation. The same cannot be said about the apartment. In multi-storey buildings, apartment residents can use an alternative solution - an electric model. In addition, a false design would be a more budget-friendly option. Each option has its own characteristics and advantages.
False installation
The simplest and most budget-friendly option for a Scandinavian-style fireplace, the photo of which is shown below, is a false design.
This type of fireplace is made from different materials:
- brickwork;
- laminated chipboard;
- polyurethane;
- drywall.
Whatever the false fireplace in the Scandinavian style is made from, its cladding is done using a variety of finishing materials. This option allows you to decorate the structure with a natural finish, which is typical for a Scandinavian interior.
Electric fireplaces
These models are great for apartments, and their flames are indistinguishable from the real thing. Their advantages are as follows:
- affordable price;
- do not require an additional ventilation system;
- absence of soot and smoke;
- modern design.
Classic
A classic fireplace with a real fire and burning flames requires a special approach to installation. The fireplace frame must be made exclusively from fireproof materials. Wall and floor finishing requires additional insulation. For a better view, the fireplace should be placed in the center of the room away from windows and doors. In addition, it is important to take care of a good ventilation system.
In order for the fireplace to look harmonious in composition with other interior elements, it is important to pay special attention to its location in the room, as well as the exterior decoration.
Features of the Scandinavian style
The traditional Scandinavian style, so popular in recent years, was formed under the influence of difficult weather conditions: cold climate and lack of daylight in the house. It also reflected the main character traits of the people who inhabited the north of Europe: restraint, taciturnity, a rational approach to everything. Therefore, the main features of the Scandinavian style in the interior are many light shades, a minimum of decor, high-quality, reliable and comfortable furniture, which may serve more than one generation of the family. The main colors are white, light gray, blue, beige. Natural materials are actively used: wood of various types and stone.
The elegant fireplace stove Contura 596 (Contura, Sweden) with a panoramic cast-iron door and small side windows is equipped with a highly efficient fuel combustion system.
Three-sided fireplace insert Unico 13 (Lotus, Denmark) made of thick steel, lined with vermiculite. A convection casing is built into its body to blow air from the room and cool the inner body, which allows the fireboxes to be integrated into a limited space.
The Scan 85-2 fireplace stove (Scan, Denmark) is designed to heat rooms up to 160 m². It is available in different color options for the cladding, so it will not be difficult to choose the model that best fits into a specific interior.
Textiles and decor
Monochrome Scandinavian-style interiors need to be complemented with accessories.
Bright decorative elements add variety to the white color in your living room.
Designer tips for choosing souvenirs for room decoration and textiles are as follows:
- The decor is selected in the form of products made of ceramics, plaster, and wood. Options - candles, various framed photos, baskets, boxes. Original, hand-made decoration is welcome, which will add style to the room;
- Textiles will add a bright accent, adding comfort to the interior. Sofa cushions, blankets and small rugs made from natural materials - wool, linen, satin or cotton - will set a special mood in the living room.
Green bright decor will be a highlight in your stylish living room.
Useful tips
The basis of this style is minimalism, comfort and beauty.
To make all this become part of your apartment, use a few rules:
- Large windows or mirrors to create false windows.
- The floor, walls, and ceiling are decorated in white.
- Buy furniture from environmentally friendly and natural materials.
- Furniture - clear shapes and simple lines.
- Removing interior partitions.
- The main recommendation is more imagination and originality.
Designers respect the customer’s ideas in the design of apartments and houses in this style.
