Maximalist decor is having a moment in bedrooms — discover Swedish cottage style and where to find beautiful vintage Scandinavian wallpaper patterns to achieve the look.
Olivia’s Swedish cottage bedroom makeover is in full swing now that we’ve hung the sweetest vintage Scandinavian wallpaper. It already feels cozy enough to move in — she still asks for bedtime snuggles at ten, and I’m not ready for that to end.
Top Favorite Vintage Scandinavian Wallpaper Patterns
Olivia’s top request for the room was navy blue paint — a bold choice that I loved. To soften the dark hue and honor our family’s Swedish roots, I knew a vintage Swedish wallpaper would be the perfect complement.
After flipping through hundreds of vintage and vintage-inspired patterns, we chose an original 1920s Swedish archive design, Ragnvi by Sandberg, reproduced by Scandinavian Wallpaper. Its indigo-blue floral motif felt timeless and perfectly suited to a Swedish cottage theme.
During my hunt I fell for many other Scandinavian designs, so I pulled together a gallery of 30 favorites to inspire anyone who loves maximalist decor. Many of these patterns have been around for decades — their longevity speaks to timeless design and craftsmanship.
Click any image in the gallery below to view or purchase. I don’t earn affiliate commissions for these picks — I simply enjoy supporting small businesses that keep these historical patterns in production.
Most Popular Scandinavian Wallpaper Brands
Scandinavia — especially Sweden, Norway, and Denmark — has a deep tradition of textile and wallpaper design. Many historic patterns are still produced today, and Scandinavian brands are prized by interior designers for their balance of simplicity and pattern.
The Three Most Popular Swedish Wallpaper Brands
- Sandberg Wallpaper
- Boråstapeter
- Ulricehamns
Blending Modern and Traditional Design
These Swedish brands often marry classic motifs with updated colorways, so you can achieve a traditional cottage feel or a more contemporary maximalist look depending on how you style the room.
Choose modern fixtures, streamlined furniture, and minimalist accents to lean contemporary. For a traditional vibe, pair wallpaper with vintage lighting, heirloom pieces, and layered textiles. The same pattern can read very differently depending on those choices.
Decorating tip: If you’re trying wallpaper for the first time, start with a small space such as a powder room. It’s a low-risk way to experiment and makes a memorable impact without a major commitment.
How to Find a Paint Color to Complement Wallpaper
To pair with our chosen wallpaper, I searched for a deep but slightly muted blue that felt vintage without being too dark. Sherwin Williams Smoky Blue gave exactly the mood I wanted — moody, soft, and lived-in.
Tip: Use a color visualizer tool to match paint to your wallpaper photo. Many manufacturers offer a “match a photo” feature that suggests coordinating paint samples, which makes narrowing down options much easier.
We also added beadboard wainscoting beneath the chair rail, which grounds the wallpaper and adds classic cottage texture. Wainscoting is a simple way to balance busy patterns while keeping the room cozy and layered.
Next on the list is the ceiling — the old fan needs to come down, and I’m considering a fun faux wallpaper or painted design up there to continue the maximalist feel. A patterned ceiling or painted sky can be a delightful finishing touch in a cottage-style bedroom.
What do you think so far? Do any of the wallpaper patterns stand out to you, and would you use one in your home? I’d love to hear which designs inspire you.
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