All Things Scandinavian & Nordic

By Kat La Mantia | October 3 2023 | BlogAdultsChildren'sGeneralAllGift

Winter is the perfect season for a little injection of Northern culture. From hearty food to knitted clothes, Nordic and Scandinavian life emphasizes all things cozy and comfortable. The Danish concept of “hygge” showcases this best. Hygge is all about balance, contentment, and taking things slow. Rather the daily rush of work, chores, getting dinner on the table, and routines that prioritize efficiency and productivity, “hygge” asks us to take a more holistic approach to our days. Instead of getting everything done, focus more on connecting with others and with ourselves. Curl up by a warm fire in your favorite soft blanket. Invite friends over to chat over a cup of hot cocoa or tea. Take a relaxing walk in nature and notice which flowers are in bloom and how birds call to each other from tree to tree.

Hygge acknowledges that it’s the little things in life that are the most rewarding. Scandinavian design follows a similar ethos, with architecture and furniture adopting a minimalist aesthetic with an emphasis on natural materials and shapes–evident in everything from the latest IKEA releases to the iconic wishbone chair.

While Scandi design often feels modern, Nordic and Scandinavian culture also celebrate their traditions. Intricate floral patterns, runes, and rustic baked dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients emphasize this heritage and fit right alongside today’s cottagecore trends.

Take a look below to check out some of our favorite books that showcase the food, clothes, and lifestyle of these Northern lands, and then click into our title list to explore even more!

More Scandi and Nordic Titles

9781800921139
Capture the spirit of a cosy Nordic Christmas with eleven crocheted decorations to create.
$19.95 US
Sep 26, 2023
8-1/2 x 11
Paperback
128 Pages
Search Press

A Love Letter to the Baking of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden [A Baking Book]
9781984861948
A collection of 75 recipes for luscious cookies, cakes, tarts, pastries, breads, and smørrebrød at the heart of Scandinavian baking traditions
$29.99 US
Oct 03, 2023
7-7/16 x 10
Hardcover
256 Pages
Ten Speed Press

20 Nordic designs for all year round
9781782219835
20 beautifully designed sock patterns for experienced knitters themed on the four seasons.
$23.95 US
Feb 22, 2022
8 x 10-1/4
Paperback
176 Pages
Search Press

Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day
9780593420942
A complete guide to Friluftsliv, the Nordic secret to unplugging and connecting more deeply with nature.
$23.00 US
Nov 01, 2022
5-1/2 x 8-1/4
Hardcover
272 Pages
TarcherPerigee

Assembly-free models for the little ones
9781849948067
Easy crochet patterns for beautiful clothes and accessories for babies and toddlers.
$25.00 US
Mar 07, 2023
8 x 10
Paperback
240 Pages
Batsford

90 Sweet and Savoury Recipes from North Wild Kitchen
9783791388618
Nevada Berg takes readers back into her Norwegian kitchen, offering a year’s worth of new baking recipes in this seasonally focused, gorgeously photographed celebration of slow Nordic living.
$35.00 US
Apr 18, 2023
7-1/2 x 10-1/4
Hardcover
256 Pages
Prestel

Embracing the Nordic Art of Coziness Through Recipes, Entertaining, Decorating, Simple Rituals, and Family Traditions
9780399579936
A food and lifestyle book dedicated to the Scandinavian concept of hygge (loosely translated as "coziness"); how to create it for yourself and others, and how to incorporate it into holidays, travel, decor, entertaining, and everyday life, with approximately 30 recipes.
$22.00 US
Nov 14, 2017
8 x 8
Hardcover
168 Pages
Ten Speed Press

9780744033359
A beautifully illustrated and compelling collection of more than 30 ancient Norse myths for children.
$21.99 US
Aug 17, 2021
9 x 11
Hardcover
144 Pages
DK Children
Age 7-9 years

Harness the Magic of the Ancient Northern Oracle
9781401963637
A new addition to the Made Easy series, this book will teach readers about the ancient power of Northern traditions, the runes and their magic.
$15.99 US
Nov 30, 2021
5-1/4 x 8
Paperback
256 Pages
Hay House UK

Over 40 Scandi knits for men, women & children
9781800920774
Over 40 traditional and modern Norwegian knitwear patterns for all seasons and all the family. From Internet sensation Lasse Matberg."This book offers intermediate and experienced knitters an inspiring guide to create eye-catching, durable knitwear that will never go out of style". - Publishers Weekly
$29.95 US
Oct 18, 2022
8-1/4 x 10-2/3
Hardcover
192 Pages
Search Press

9781782692492
A beautifully illustrated new translation of a beloved Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale
$9.99 US
Mar 17, 2020
5-13/16 x 7-7/8
Paperback
64 Pages
Pushkin Children's Books
Age 7-10 years

20 Nordic-Inspired Prints
9780525576846
20 dramatic Nordic prints for framing
$20.00 US
Mar 26, 2019
8-1/4 x 10-5/16
Poster
20 Pages
Clarkson Potter

Original Designs Inspired by Nordic and Fair Isle Knitting Traditions
9781611803884
Nordic knitting projects that blend contemporary patterns with traditional colorwork for a style that will appeal to all knitters.
$24.95 US
Nov 15, 2016
8-1/4 x 9-1/4
Paperback
144 Pages
Roost Books

9783791359168
This stunning book examines design exchanges between the United States and Scandinavia over nearly a century and explores the fascinating reasons why Scandinavian design has continued to resonate with Americans.
$65.00 US
Apr 15, 2020
9-3/4 x 11-1/2
Hardcover
336 Pages
Prestel