You know that effortlessly beautiful Scandinavian aesthetic everyone’s obsessing over? Clean lines, natural materials, soft neutrals, and just enough greenery to make the space feel alive without cluttering it up? Yeah, nailing that look is trickier than Pinterest makes it seem.
I spent way too long trying to figure out why my living room didn’t have that calm, hygge vibe despite buying every white throw pillow in existence. The missing piece? The right plants. Not just any plants—specifically ones that complement Scandinavian design instead of fighting against it.
After years of trial and error (and yes, killing a few plants along the way), I’ve cracked the code on which indoor plants actually work in a Scandi living room. Let me save you the trouble 🙂
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First, let’s talk about the obvious superstar. For good reason, the fiddle leaf fig is essentially the poster child of Scandinavian interior design. Without being unduly ornate or vibrant, those large, architectural leaves produce an eye-catching focal point.
I have mine in a simple white ceramic pot next to my sofa, and it anchors the entire room. The vertical growth and bold foliage work perfectly against minimalist backgrounds—it’s like the plant equivalent of a statement piece of art.
Why it fits the Scandi aesthetic:
- Clean, sculptural silhouette
- Deep green contrasts beautifully with neutral palettes
- Tree-like structure adds height without visual clutter
- Works in simple, understated planters
Yes, fiddle leaf figs have a reputation for being dramatic (they really don’t like being moved around), but once you find their happy spot, they’re totally manageable. Bright, indirect light and consistent watering—that’s literally it.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is the introverted cool kid who doesn’t put in too much effort, while the fiddle leaf fig is the extroverted statement maker. Scandinavian minimalism is evident in the geometric quality of the upright, sword-like leaves.
I keep several throughout my living room in different sizes. The variegated patterns add visual interest without introducing color chaos, which is perfect when you’re working with that neutral Scandi palette.
Scandi-friendly features:
- Architectural, linear form
- Thrives on neglect (very hygge, very low-stress)
- Gray-green tones complement white and beige
- Works solo or in clusters
Put one in a corner that needs something vertical or in a tall, plain planter next to a window. The simple lines will complement your minimalist furniture rather than compete with it.
| Plant Trait | Scandi Match |
|---|---|
| Form | Linear, architectural |
| Color | Muted gray-green |
| Maintenance | Extremely low |
| Style Impact | Subtle sophistication |
Monstera Deliciosa
Without overpowering the space’s simplicity, the monstera adds the organic, natural element that is central to Scandinavian design. Texture and movement are added by those fenestrated leaves, which are the fancy term for the splits.
Ever wondered why you see monsteras in literally every Scandi-inspired room on Instagram? Because they manage to be dramatic and understated at the same time. I have a medium-sized one on a simple wooden stand, and it adds life without screaming for attention.
What makes it perfect:
- Organic shapes soften clean lines
- Dark green works with any neutral scheme
- Grows large but maintains elegant proportions
- Looks amazing in natural wood or white planters
If you want something manageable, start with a younger plant. With good light, they grow surprisingly quickly, and it’s strangely satisfying to watch those leaves split.
Rubber Plant
In the world of houseplants, the rubber plant is comparable to its sophisticated older sibling. Scandinavian design demands that those thick, glossy leaves have presence and substance without being busy or complex.
I particularly love the Burgundy variety for adding just a hint of deep color that doesn’t disrupt the neutral palette. It sits in my reading corner in a matte gray pot, and people always comment on how “grown-up” it makes the space feel.
Scandi design advantages:
- Bold but not flashy
- Deep burgundy or classic green options
- Substantial without being overwhelming
- Low-maintenance elegance
The glossy leaves catch natural light beautifully, which is crucial in Scandinavian interiors where maximizing light is everything. Wipe them down occasionally to keep that shine.
Pothos
We are now discussing the mainstay of Scandinavian plant styling. With its trailing vines, pothos adds movement and softness, counterbalancing the hard surfaces and straight lines that are common in Scandi spaces.
I drape mine from a high shelf above my TV console, and the cascading green adds warmth without cluttering surfaces. IMO, the marble queen variety with its white variegation is chef’s kiss for the Scandi aesthetic.
Why it works:
- Trailing form softens angular spaces
- Variegated options add subtle pattern
- Grows in almost any light condition
- Perfect for high shelves and ledges
FYI, you can propagate these endlessly, so one plant becomes five, which becomes ten. Great for filling your space gradually without breaking the bank.
Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
Practically speaking, the pilea is made for Scandinavian homes. It’s difficult to find in other plants the playful yet minimal quality of those perfectly round, coin-shaped leaves on delicate stems.
I keep mine on my coffee table in a small ceramic pot, and it’s become a conversation starter. The symmetrical growth pattern and unique shape add interest without disrupting the calm, uncluttered vibe you want in a Scandi space.
Scandi-style benefits:
- Unique geometric leaf shape
- Compact size perfect for surfaces
- Produces “pups” you can share
- Modern and whimsical simultaneously
They favor well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. They require very little upkeep, but they are not as resilient as snake plants. Just be careful not to overwater them (I can speak from soggy experience here).
Eucalyptus
Alright, so eucalyptus isn’t exactly a common houseplant, but bear with me. With the right maintenance, you can keep potted eucalyptus indoors, and those silvery-green leaves are ideal for the Scandinavian color scheme.
I alternate between live potted eucalyptus and dried branches in a simple vase on my mantel. The muted, dusty blue-green brings that Nordic forest vibe indoors without being too literal about it.
Why it belongs:
- Muted, silvery tones match Scandi colors perfectly
- Subtle fragrance adds sensory appeal
- Works fresh or dried for flexibility
- Elegant without trying hard
If keeping it alive seems like too much work, dried eucalyptus in a minimal vase delivers the same aesthetic impact and lasts for months. No judgment—we’re all about that effortless vibe here.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant has this glossy, architectural quality that makes it look almost too perfect to be real. The deep green, waxy leaves catch light beautifully, and the upright growth pattern fits seamlessly into minimalist spaces.
Because Scandinavian apartments aren’t always blessed with incredible light, I have one in my darkest corner, and it thrives. This plant is ideal for real-life Scandi living rooms rather than just styled photos because it literally doesn’t care about your lighting conditions.
Functional Scandi features:
- Tolerates low light like a champion
- Glossy texture adds dimension
- Compact footprint
- Virtually indestructible
Place it in a simple white or concrete planter, and you’ve got instant sophistication. The ZZ plant asks for basically nothing in return—water it every few weeks and forget about it.
String of Pearls
Do you want to give your Scandinavian living room a little unexpected charm? Without adding busy patterns or vivid colors, the delicate, organic texture of a string of pearls softens sharp edges.
At eye level, those tiny bead-like leaves add visual interest to the little hanging planter I have next to my window. It has a subtle personality that works in Scandi design; it’s eccentric but restrained.
Scandi-compatible qualities:
- Muted gray-green color
- Delicate, trailing form
- Interesting without being loud
- Perfect for adding vertical layers
These need bright, indirect light and careful watering (they’re succulents, so less is more). Hang them where their pearls can cascade freely, or let them spill over the edge of a shelf.
Olive Tree
It may seem excessive to bring an olive tree inside, but bear with me. The timeless Mediterranean-meets-Nordic quality of the silvery-green foliage and gnarled trunk actually looks great in Scandinavian interiors.
I invested in a small potted olive tree last year, and it’s become the centerpiece of my living room. The muted color palette and organic form fit perfectly with the natural materials and neutral tones. Plus, there’s something about having a tree in your living room that just feels luxurious.
Why it enhances Scandi style:
- Silvery foliage complements cool-toned palettes
- Tree form creates architectural presence
- Mediterranean simplicity matches Nordic minimalism
- Brings nature indoors dramatically
These need plenty of light and don’t love central heating, so place yours near a bright window and keep the air from getting too dry. Rotate it regularly for even growth.
Philodendron
There are numerous options in the philodendron family that are suitable for Scandinavian environments. I especially like the split-leaf varieties for their architectural drama and the heart-leaf varieties for their straightforward, uncomplicated trailing growth.
I have a Brasil philodendron on my bookshelf with its lime-green and dark green variegation adding just enough visual interest without disrupting the calm palette. It grows fast, looks lush, and requires minimal fussing—very on-brand for the low-key Scandi lifestyle.
Scandi design wins:
- Multiple varieties for different needs
- Trailing or upright growth options
- Adaptable to various light conditions
- Adds greenery without demanding attention
Philodendrons are forgiving and versatile. You can train them up a moss pole for vertical interest or let them trail for softness. Either way, they bring life to your space without complicating the aesthetic.
Peace Lily
Although the peace lily’s graceful white blooms and rich green foliage may seem too conventional for Scandinavian design, they are actually ideal. The flower’s simplicity—just a pure white spathe—perfectly complements the minimalist ideology.
I keep one on my side table, and when it blooms, it’s like having fresh flowers without the maintenance. The dark foliage provides depth against white walls, and the blooms add a sculptural element that feels intentional, not fussy.
Scandi-appropriate features:
- Simple, elegant white blooms
- Dark green foliage for contrast
- Low-maintenance flowering
- Clean lines and organic form
Peace lilies tell you when they need water by drooping slightly, making them nearly impossible to kill. They tolerate lower light better than most flowering plants, which is perfect for those cozy, window-light-dependent Scandi spaces.
Choosing the Right Planters
When aiming for a Scandinavian aesthetic, your choice of planters is just as important as the plants themselves. This is something that is rarely discussed. I’ve witnessed flawless plants fall short because they were placed in the incorrect pot.
Stick with natural materials and neutral colors—white ceramics, matte gray concrete, natural wood, or woven baskets. The planter should fade into the background while the plant takes center stage. No busy patterns, bright colors, or overly decorative designs.
Scandi-approved planter styles:
- White ceramic with clean lines
- Matte concrete or cement finishes
- Light wood stands or planters
- Natural woven baskets as cachepots
- Simple terracotta in muted tones
I use mostly white ceramic pots in different sizes throughout my living room. The consistency creates cohesion without being matchy-matchy, and it lets the green of the plants really pop against all the neutrals.
Bringing the Scandi Plant Vibe Together
It’s not necessary to cover every surface with greenery in order to create the ideal Scandinavian living room. It’s about picking plants that go well with the design—clean lines, organic materials, and that effortlessly serene ambiance we all strive for.
You don’t need all eleven of these plants. Start with 2-3 that fit your space and lighting conditions. A fiddle leaf fig in one corner, a snake plant on a shelf, and some trailing pothos might be all you need to nail the look.
The secret is self-control. Every plant should have space to breathe and be appreciated because Scandinavian design values simplicity and negative space. Prioritize quality over quantity and deliberate placement over haphazard dispersion.
Your living room should feel like a calm sanctuary where nature and design coexist peacefully. And honestly? Once you get the plant situation right, everything else just falls into place. Now go create that dreamy Scandi space you’ve been pinning for months.