From Scandinavia to the mountain landscape, it's just a step | Vintage Armchairs | Norki

From the Scandinavian countries to the mountains... it's just a step away

Scandinavian design, with its clean lines and minimalist approach, is deeply inspired by the nature surrounding it. Its soft colours, natural materials, and spirit of simplicity resonate particularly well in modern interiors, especially in chalets. In this article, we will explore how vintage Scandinavian armchairs, such as the Åke chair or the Egg chair, perfectly integrate into a mountain environment, offering both comfort and elegance with the Norki signature! 

Egg chair and footrest in a rustic-modern mountain decor.

Scandinavian Design and Its Natural Influence

Scandinavian design has its roots in nature. It draws inspiration from the simplicity of daily life, the raw beauty of landscapes, and natural materials such as wood, wool, and leather. This approach gives rise to functional, clean, yet incredibly warm pieces of furniture.

A key element of this design is the concept of “Hygge,” which originates in Denmark. Hygge refers to the art of living comfortably and pleasantly, favoring warm and welcoming interiors. In a chalet, where the atmosphere needs to be both cozy and refined, Scandinavian design fits perfectly, creating spaces where you feel at home while being immersed in the surrounding nature.

Vintage Armchairs: An Elegant and Comfortable Choice

Vintage Scandinavian armchairs are the perfect example of the blend between comfort and aesthetics. Their simplicity allows them to be easily integrated into various types of decorations while adding a touch of refinement. The high-quality materials used in their construction, such as solid wood, soft leather, and warm fabrics, create atmospheres that are both elegant and comfortable.

In a chalet, a vintage Scandinavian armchair becomes more than just a decorative object. It is a functional piece of furniture that also contributes to the unique atmosphere of the space. Its clean design, far from being intrusive, integrates gracefully into the mountain landscape while creating a perfect contrast with the natural and rustic materials of the chalet.

Focus on Some Iconic Pieces of Scandinavian Design

The Åke Armchair

The Åke armchair embodies the essence of Scandinavian design: minimalist, comfortable, and elegant. Its natural wood structure, often paired with soft sheepskin or leather, creates a soothing atmosphere, perfect for a chalet. Its simple design integrates harmoniously with raw or painted wood elements, adding a touch of understated sophistication. In a chalet, the Åke armchair easily blends into the décor while offering optimal comfort for relaxing after a day in the snow.

The Egg Armchair

The Egg armchair is a true icon of modern design. Created by Arne Jacobsen in the 1950s, it stands out with its enveloping curves and exceptional comfort. This chair, with its bold and contemporary look, may seem contrasting in a traditional setting, but it is precisely this fusion of modernity and rusticity that makes it so beautiful in a chalet. It becomes a centerpiece that attracts attention while adding a touch of elegance, thanks to its refined materials such as leather or high-quality shearling.

Fauteuil Ake, IKEA, icone du design scandinave.
Fauteuil Egg par Arne Jacobsen, icone du design scandinave.

How to Integrate a Vintage Armchair into Chalet Décor

Integrating a vintage armchair into chalet décor is not just about choosing the ideal piece; it’s also about carefully placing it within the space. Here are a few tips for successfully incorporating a Scandinavian armchair into a mountain setting:

Balance between tradition and modernity: A vintage Scandinavian items can pair well with more traditional chalet elements. For example, an Åke chair in light wood can be placed next to a stone fireplace, creating an elegant contrast while still harmonizing with the environment.

Choice of materials: Natural materials are essential in a chalet. Opting for an armchair made of wood, sheepskin, or leather adds warmth and texture, echoing the raw materials of the chalet, such as spruce wood or stone.

Colours and textures: Choose neutral tones such as soft greys, beiges, or browns that blend with the surrounding landscape. You can also add warm color accents, like cushions or throws, to warm up the atmosphere.

Strategic placement of chairs: Place the chairs near windows to enjoy the view of nature, or around a fireplace to create a cozy and relaxing space.

Vintage white sofa from the 50s.
Rocking chair by Carl Malmsten, a unique piece of Scandinavian design.
Otto Schulz armchair, a unique piece of Scandinavian design.
Pair of vintage pelican armchairs by Finn Juhl, a unique piece of Scandinavian design.