How to Capture Lagom at Home

Lagom encourages you to pare back to only the things that matter most; that way your life feels more manageable and comfortable. It’s part of Scandinavian minimalism, in which you let go of the material things you don’t truly need. It’s easy to collect piles of clothes and knickknacks over the years, but if you don’t regularly use them, they just create overwhelming clutter in your home. Tidy up by using chic storage containers to store the things you can’t give up.

Sunlight is limited during Swedish winters, so natives decorate with bright neutrals like white and light grey. Whether featured on walls, furniture, or even bedding, lighter colors make a space feel airy, bright, and open. You can also try grey-tinted tones of blue or brown for a little natural contrast. The tranquil, earthy feeling this palette inspires is perfect for Lagom in the home. It creates a clean base to bring you back to basics.

For many homeowners, the Scandinavian minimalism prominent in Lagom interiors can feel a little empty. Instead of filling up your home with more clutter, try filling in those empty spaces with fresh, healthy plants. Something low-maintenance like cacti or succulents can free up more peace of mind. Silk plants don’t require any care, offering the restorative simplicity that makes up the heart of Lagom.

Swedish decorators are more selective about what they add to their walls. While gallery walls in the U.S. are fun and varied, the Lagom lifestyle suggests only hanging what’s necessary in your home. If blank walls feel too sterile, consider using functional wall decor like shelves or mirrors. When each piece of decor feels chosen and special, you and your space will feel more full of purpose.

While Lagom is a minimal style, you can still make it feel snug and welcoming. Just like its Danish cousin, Hygge, Lagom embraces comfort and relaxation. While you might not decorate with tons of blankets, investing in a few plush throws to supplement an evening filled with warm drinks and tasty snacks will always feel like “just enough.”

Swedish decorators often use a focal point to create a theme and continuity to a room. This focal point can be anything from lamps to furniture but should be treated like a centerpiece. For it to feel “just right,” it’s shouldn’t be too flashy or modest, but it should set the tone for any colors, textures, or materials used throughout the space. Unique statement pieces like modern floor lamps or dining tables can set the scene with a little drama to draw in the eye.

One of the elements that ties Hygge and Lagom together is the lack of overly manufactured materials. Don’t be afraid to adopt simple fabrics like cotton or leather into your home decor. Wood and stone accents also add a soothing atmosphere to any room. When every other part of life offers too much choice, natural materials are reliably pretty but practical.

Having enough storage space is important to feeling content. Invest in easy, multifunctional furniture like coffee tables or ottomans with built-in storage to hide any items that don’t belong out in the open. Use a storage frame with drawers or shelves to elevate the look of your bedroom and keep the clutter contained. The sufficiency that comes with achieving more with less is exactly what Lagom is all about.