How to Set a Scandinavian-Inspired Table

There’s something very relaxing about going into a dining space where everything just... breathes. That’s exactly what a table with a Scandinavian look is.

With its simple grace and useful beauty, this style has won over hearts all over the world.

But how do you get that neutral, clean look? This blog is your guide to setting a Scandinavian-inspired table.

What Is the Scandinavian Style?

Scandinavian design is rooted in the idea that beauty should meet function. Think soft minimalism with soul. It leans into a muted palette and natural textures. There’s also a reverence for simplicity that goes beyond “plain.”

Scandinavian table settings highlight raw, organic materials like:

• Linen napkins and tablecloths
• Porcelain or ceramic tableware with matte or semi-matte finishes
• Wooden chargers, bowls, or candle holders
• Hand-blown glass or minimal cutlery

What Does Scandinavian Dinnerware Look Like?

Scandinavian dinnerware reflects the broader design ethos. It’s simple but thoughtful. Expect porcelain with matte finishes and minimal or no decoration. Most pieces come in muted colors.

Textures are subtle but important. Matte glazes, unpolished rims, and soft speckles are all common.

Key Characteristics:

• Neutral and muted color palette
• Organic, slightly imperfect shapes
• Mix-and-match potential
• Durability and everyday usability

Why Is Scandinavian Tableware Popular?

The popularity of Scandinavian tableware isn’t just a design trend. It’s a lifestyle choice. People are drawn to its quiet beauty and functionality. It supports the idea of intentional living, that is, owning fewer but better things.

Scandinavian tableware encourages us to slow down and enjoy meals. It celebrates the art of everyday rituals. Be it morning coffee, a family dinner, or weekend brunch—all by elevating them with beautiful yet practical pieces.

How to Choose the Right Dinnerware

Start With a Plain, White Canvas

White dinnerware is the heart and soul of a Scandinavian-inspired table. It’s your foundation or the blank page that lets every other element shine.

But here’s the catch: not all whites are the same.

Some have cool undertones that feel crisp and modern. Others carry warmer hints that feel more welcoming. Both work, but it just depends on the mood you are going for.

Tips for Choosing White Dinnerware

• Stick to simple shapes without fussy details or ornate edges.
• Mix up the textures like matte dinner plates and glossy salad bowls.
• Don’t shy away from slightly imperfect handmade ceramics
• Remember that bright white channel a modern Scandinavian vibe, while creamier whites lean into that cozy Nordic cottage feel.

Bring Depth and Texture With Beige

White alone can feel a bit bland. That’s where beige comes in. From oat-colored napkins to sandy-toned ceramics, beige softens the table and keeps things from feeling too stark.

When you go shopping for plates, look for ones that have nice, soft colors. Think about bowls and plates in colors like oats, sand, or light clay. Handmade porcelain or pottery in these colors looks great when paired with white or light wood accents.

Beige dinnerware brings that same cozy and unpolished charm that makes Scandinavian style so inviting in the first place. It’s unfussy and works year-round, from summer to wintertime.

Add Character With Light Wood

Wood brings life and warmth to any Scandinavian table setting. From serving boards or salad bowls, or even the table itself, it allows you to connect your dining experience to nature. This is something that’s deeply valued in Nordic culture.

Wooden dinnerware adds an organic softness that porcelain or ceramic can’t quite match. The best part is that wooden pieces age with grace. Each use adds a bit more character and subtle color shifts.

In a Scandinavian setting, wood brings that earthy, effortless balance that ties everything together. Here are some ways to use wood:

• Chargers or placemats made of light oak or beech
• Wooden salad bowls or serving utensils
• A raw-edge wooden centerpiece board
• Birch or pine candle holders

These additions add contrast, texture, and a grounded feel to your table setting.

Seasonal Switch-Ups

One of the best parts about this style? You don’t need to buy new dinnerware for every season. Just tweak the details.

Winter

• Layer white plates on wood chargers
• Add deep green napkins or pinecones
• Finish with candles or a wool runner

Spring

• Bring in creamy speckled ceramics
• Add tulips or wildflowers in a simple vase

Summer

• Use gauzy linens
• Add citrus in bowls or a splash of sea blue

Autumn

• Add amber glassware and rust-colored napkins
• Throw in a ceramic pumpkin or natural foliage

Your base pieces stay the same—just layer new elements as the seasons change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scandinavian Dinnerware

What materials are best for Scandinavian dinnerware?

Stoneware and ceramic are the most popular choices. They’re durable, heat-retaining, and offer that organic finish typical of Nordic aesthetics. Porcelain is also used for a sleeker look, while wood is used for serving pieces.

Can I put Scandinavian dishes in the microwave or dishwasher?

Modern Scandinavian-style dinnerware offers the convenience of being both microwave and dishwasher-safe. Be sure to consult the manufacturer's label, as certain handmade items might come with unique care guidelines.

Is Scandinavian dinnerware sustainable?

Nordic dinnerware brands naturally embrace sustainability. Most use:

• Clay, wood, and other materials sourced locally
• Production methods that waste less energy
• Simple packaging that you can recycle

Even affordable Nordic-inspired options tend to follow these earth-friendly practices. The simplest green choice? Buy fewer, better pieces that last longer.

Can I use Scandinavian-style dinnerware for special occasions?

The beauty of Scandinavian tableware is how it shifts between everyday meals and special gatherings without fuss. When guests arrive, elevate your Nordic table by:

• Swapping paper for proper linen napkins
• Adding candles because Scandinavians love their candlelight
• Mixing in a touch of gold or brass
• Using those simple ceramic platters and wooden boards for dramatic serving

The clean design gives you room to dress things up or down. That white plate works as hard on Wednesday night as it does for your holiday feast.

How do I care for my porcelain tableware and serving pieces?

Porcelain stands up to daily life beautifully, but a few simple habits will keep it looking pristine for years, especially those hand-glazed or speckled Nordic pieces you treasure.

Most modern porcelain handles dishwashers and microwaves without complaint, but always check the maker's advice first. To keep your pieces looking their best:

• Skip the temperature shocks. Hot dish, cold counter equals trouble.
• Choose gentle detergents and soft cloths instead of scratchy scrubbers that damage the glaze over time.
• When stacking plates in the cupboard, slip something soft between them—a paper towel works perfectly to prevent those tiny scratches that add up.
• Found coffee stains or marks? Mix a little baking soda with water into a paste, or try diluted white vinegar instead of harsh chemicals.

With these small gestures of care, your porcelain will maintain its quiet Nordic elegance through countless meals, whether it's Wednesday's simple dinner or Sunday's gathering of friends.

What brands or collections offer Scandinavian dinnerware?

Famous Nordic brands include:

• Iittala
• Broste Copenhagen
• Ferm Living

But you don’t need to splurge. Catalonia Plates offers beautifully minimalist dinnerware inspired by Nordic simplicity, without the premium price tag.

How do you mix Scandinavian pieces with other styles?

Scandinavian dinnerware pairs beautifully with other aesthetics. For example:

• Add boho charm with rattan placemats or colorful textiles
• Bring in coastal vibes with blue or sea-glass accents
• Elevate it for formal dining with metallic flatware or crystal glassware

Set a Scandinavian Style Table with Catalonia Plates

You don’t need a design degree or a curated Pinterest board to set a Scandinavian-inspired table. All you need is the right dinnerware with clean lines, soft whites, and character.

Catalonia Plates boasts a wide range of minimalist tableware that captures the Scandinavian vibe. Explore our full collection of haute cuisine tableware today!