The Danish Pastel Trend That Gives Off Serious Grown-Up Barbie Vibes

Homes are supposed to be about self-expression and showing off your personality. And that design philosophy has never been more at the forefront than it is now. Design trends are more creative and more specific, often centered around unique feelings and tastes to create brand-new aesthetics. Others are revampings of well-established aesthetics, putting a spin on a style that has been popular for years. As is the case with Danish pastel.

Starting in 2020, the aesthetic quickly gained fame on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. It borrows from Scandi or Scandinavian interiors that are known for being clean, minimalistic, and neutral. But as the name suggests, the color scheme of Danish pastel is anything but neutral. The aesthetic is bright, colorful, and fun. This style can also be a form of colorful minimalism, where there is some focus on using simple design and creating uncluttered interiors but incorporating color in nearly every detail. It's the ideal mix for those who may like unfussy interiors without giving up the color.

At its heart, Danish pastel is eclectic with a mix of influences. Overall, the style is a little funky and a little soft, drawing from both modern and vintage décor. The aesthetic brings in psychedelic 70s-inspired swirls and florals, smiley faces, Yin Yangs, and peace signs. Checkerboard and gingham in lighter shades are also popular as accents throughout the spaces. Curvy, squiggly, and wavy lines and blobby, organic shapes are also popular in both the décor and furniture.

As for color, as the name suggests, pastels reign supreme. Light and soft shades of purple, pink, blue, and green are particularly popular in the Danish pastel aesthetic. As an accent, lighter shades of beige and tan, as well as white, are part of the color scheme. Blonde woods help bring in some texture and a natural element.

Danish pastel differs from its Scandinavian predecessor by being a little more decorative. Artistic collections of prints, twisty candles in vintage candle holders, uniquely shaped lamps, vases of flowers, and kitschy decorative items are often seen dotted around these spaces.

Knowing the basics of any style is a great starting point for designing or decorating a space. But as with any style, there are certain items that come to represent the look. So if you're looking for a specific shopping list of pieces to bring Danish pastel into your home, here are a few items that sum up the style.

For furniture, minimalistic Scandinavian furniture is only half of the style. Think streamlined legs, natural materials, and sculptural design. But bubbly, blobby, and rounded furniture juxtapose the sleek lines of Scandi design. Curved sofas and waterfall coffee tables are popular choices for this aesthetic. On the wall, colorful prints featuring organic shapes and nature motifs in an overall abstract style adorn the room. And, of course, few walls are plain white. Many feature an accent color, bold wallpaper, or painted checkered print, sometimes all in the same room.

Accenting Danish pastel spaces are mirrors with wavy frames or ones that have a free-form, blob-like shape. Colored glass vases hold fresh flowers like tulips or daisies. Throw pillows are shaped like groovy 70s flowers, and blankets can be checkered print. Twisted, spiral, and squiggly candles in vintage candle holders accent coffee tables. Danish pastel is meant to look eclectic and collected, so sourcing pieces and décor from antique shops, small businesses, local stores, as well as big box stores helps to achieve the playful and unique design.