Scandinavian cottages are known for their blend of simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty. Rooted in Nordic design traditions, these homes often highlight clean lines, natural materials, and strong connections to their surrounding landscapes.

From rustic wooden retreats nestled in dense forests to modern structures with expansive glass facades, Scandinavian cottages embrace both tradition and contemporary style.

Many feature practical details such as steep roofs for snowy climates, large windows to capture daylight, and porches or decks that extend living spaces outdoors.

This collection of 26 Scandinavian cottage ideas explores a variety of designs, showcasing how different architectural choices—ranging from thatched roofs and red doors to sleek A-frame windows and minimalist layouts—create welcoming, comfortable, and timeless homes.

1. Traditional Wooden Scandinavian Cottage with Welcoming Porch

This design features a classic wooden cottage with rich brown horizontal siding, creating a warm and inviting appearance. A prominent front porch, complete with a sturdy railing and wooden steps, extends across the facade, offering a charming outdoor living space. The dark-colored roof provides a strong contrast to the natural wood, while multiple windows, including a large one on the second story, allow for ample natural light. The surrounding lush greenery and mature trees enhance the cottage’s rustic and serene setting.

2. Contemporary Cottage with Dramatic A-Frame Window

This striking modern cottage design is characterized by its crisp white vertical siding and a bold, expansive A-frame window that dominates the front facade, reaching towards the peaked roof. The dark roof and dark-framed windows and doors create a sophisticated contrast against the white exterior. An open wooden deck with outdoor seating provides a direct connection to nature, inviting relaxation amidst the tall pine trees. Two wall-mounted lanterns flank the main entrance, adding both functionality and a touch of classic charm.

3. Forest Retreat with Warm Wood Paneling and Large Deck

This view highlights a cozy cottage nestled among tall trees, featuring warm-toned wooden vertical siding and a dark, sloped roof. A substantial wooden deck extends from the front of the house, providing a generous outdoor area for enjoyment and offering multiple entry points through large glass doors. The design incorporates large windows and glass doors that invite natural light and offer expansive views of the surrounding natural landscape, suggesting an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

4. Modern Duplex Cottage with Striking Vertical Windows in Winter

This unique Scandinavian cottage design presents a duplex structure with two prominent, tall gable ends, each featuring expansive vertical windows that stretch from the ground level almost to the roofline. The exterior is clad in light-colored vertical siding with dark window frames, set against a backdrop of snow-dusted ground and pine forests, indicating a design suited for varying climates. The clean lines and large glass sections emphasize a modern, minimalist aesthetic, while the subtle interior lighting hints at a warm and inviting internal space.

5. Elegant Gabled Structures with Grand Entrances

This image showcases a series of elegant gabled structures, unified by their light-toned vertical wood siding and dark metal roofs. Each section features tall, multi-pane windows that echo the gabled roofline, allowing for abundant natural light. The main entrance is highlighted by a robust wooden door, framed by large windows and a clean, stepped pathway leading up to it. A row of potted evergreen plants lines the gravel path, adding a touch of formal landscaping to the natural setting.

6. Welcoming Cottage with Prominent Entrance and Symmetry

This welcoming cottage features white vertical siding, a dark sloped roof, and a centrally placed, grand entrance with a tall, multi-pane window above double glass doors. The design emphasizes symmetry, with matching wall lanterns on either side of the entrance and neatly trimmed hedges lining the stone pathway. The presence of a “welcome” sign by the entrance reinforces the inviting nature of the home, while tall pine trees in the background provide a sense of seclusion.

7. Lakeside Scandinavian Cottage with A-Frame and Thatched Roof Accent

This charming Scandinavian cottage features horizontal wood siding in a light, natural tone and a distinctive A-frame front with a central section of multi-pane triangular windows that draw the eye upwards. The roof is partially visible, appearing to have a textured, possibly thatched, element towards the top, adding a unique character. A small wooden deck provides a modest outdoor space, complete with a classic wooden lounge chair, suggesting a relaxed lakeside or forest setting.

8. Classic White Cottage with Dark Accents and Traditional Windows

This classic white cottage presents a neat and clean aesthetic with white horizontal siding and a dark grey metal roof. Black-framed windows, including a prominent dormer window on the roof, offer a sharp contrast and traditional appeal. The front entrance features a dark-framed glass door, flanked by inviting wall lanterns and leading to simple wooden steps, embodying a timeless and cozy design. The surrounding green lawn and distant trees complete the picturesque setting.

9. Inviting Woodland Cottage with Extensive Decking

This inviting woodland cottage is clad in warm, horizontal wooden siding and boasts a large, multi-pane A-frame window section that creates a dramatic visual impact and allows for maximum natural light. The dark metal roof complements the natural wood tones, and an extensive wooden deck wraps around the front and side of the house, offering ample space for outdoor living and entertaining. The setting among tall pine trees reinforces the natural, serene appeal of the design.

10. Rustic Charm Cottage with Shingle Siding and Red Door

This cottage exudes rustic charm with its warm-toned wooden shingle siding and a matching shingled roof. A bold, deep red front door serves as a focal point, flanked by decorative wall lanterns and potted plants. The design incorporates multiple windows with dark frames, contributing to its traditional and cozy aesthetic. A pathway made of rectangular stone pavers leads up to the entrance, set against a backdrop of dark gravel and lush greenery.

11. Striking Scandinavian Cottage with Thatched Roof and Red Door

This distinctive Scandinavian cottage features dark horizontal siding providing a stark yet elegant backdrop for its unique elements. The most striking feature is its undulating thatched roof, which adds significant character and a traditional, organic feel. A vibrant red front door stands out against the dark facade, surrounded by tall, multi-pane windows that extend up into the gabled roofline. A spacious wooden deck with comfortable outdoor seating arrangements invites relaxation.

12. Elegant Two-Story Cottage with Multiple Windows

This elegant two-story cottage showcases rich brown vertical wood siding and a dark metal roof with multiple gables and dormers. The design incorporates a variety of window sizes and placements, ensuring a bright interior. A welcoming front entrance, accessible via wooden steps, is subtly illuminated by outdoor lanterns. The surrounding landscape of green grass, shrubs, and distant mountains suggests a tranquil and scenic location for this well-proportioned home.

13. Grand Woodland Retreat with Dark Siding and Expansive Glass

This grand woodland retreat features a dark vertical wood siding that blends seamlessly with the surrounding dense forest of tall pines. A defining characteristic is the sweeping, multi-story A-frame window that dominates the facade, offering magnificent views and flooding the interior with light. The dark metal roof contributes to the dramatic and sophisticated aesthetic, while the overall design suggests a deep connection to its natural, secluded environment.

14. Coastal-Inspired Cottage with Thatched Roof and Open Deck

This charming cottage combines light-toned horizontal siding with an eye-catching thatched roof that extends gracefully over the eaves. The front features large glass doors and adjacent windows, inviting the outdoors in and leading to an open wooden deck. The design appears to be set in a bright, grassy landscape with scattered rocks and foliage, suggesting a coastal or open natural environment, enhancing its serene and relaxed feel.

15. Luxurious Scandinavian Cottage with Stone Chimney and Deck

This luxurious Scandinavian cottage is a standout with its warm wooden vertical siding and a prominent, rough-hewn stone chimney that commands attention. It features a dark metal roof and expansive windows that frame views of the surrounding pine forest. A multi-level wooden deck provides extensive outdoor living space, complete with built-in seating around a fire pit, making it ideal for entertaining and enjoying the natural surroundings.

16. Homely Scandinavian Cottage with Shingle Siding and Red Door

This homely Scandinavian cottage features light-brown shingle siding and multiple gabled dormers that add architectural interest. A vibrant red front door creates a warm focal point, flanked by decorative wall lanterns and potted green plants. The cottage is set amidst a well-maintained garden with a winding path of white stepping stones, enhancing its welcoming and picturesque appeal.

17. Shingled Cottage with Prominent Gable and Large Windows

This cottage showcases light-toned wooden shingle siding which provides a textured and classic look. A large, prominent gable end features an expansive window design with multiple wooden frames, allowing for abundant natural light and offering wide views. The dark, possibly shingled, roof complements the rustic siding, and the design sits on a bed of gravel, surrounded by mature pine trees, giving it a natural and enduring presence.

18. Elegant Wooden Cottage with Covered Porch and Red Door

This elegant wooden cottage features warm-toned vertical wood siding and a contrasting dark metal roof. A charming covered front porch, supported by sturdy posts and complete with a wooden railing, provides a sheltered entrance. A bright red front door adds a pop of color and warmth, inviting visitors inside. The house is set in a spacious green lawn, surrounded by a lush forest, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting.

19. Coastal White Cottage with Thatched Roof and Spacious Deck

This coastal-inspired cottage features clean white horizontal siding and a distinctive, undulating thatched roof with dormer windows, giving it a soft and organic profile. The dark-framed windows and double glass doors provide a sophisticated contrast to the white exterior. A spacious wooden deck extends from the front, offering ample room for outdoor furniture and relaxation, suggesting a perfect spot for enjoying the sea breeze or natural views.

20. Compact Multi-Level Cottage with Elevated Entrance

This compact cottage design features warm-toned wooden vertical siding and a dark, steeply pitched roof, blending well with the natural environment. A unique element is its multi-level structure, with an elevated main entrance accessed by a long set of wooden stairs leading up to a large glass door. A secondary entrance is visible on the lower level, adorned with wall lanterns, adding to its functional charm. The surrounding lush greenery suggests a secluded and tranquil setting.

21. Bright White Scandinavian Cottage with Balcony Feature

This bright white Scandinavian cottage embodies a fresh and airy feel with its crisp white horizontal siding and dark metal roof. A distinctive feature is the small balcony on the second floor, accessible from a wooden-framed door, offering a private outdoor space. The main entrance below features a natural wood door, flanked by traditional lanterns and leading to wooden steps. The cottage is set in a light gravel area surrounded by green grass and trees, exuding a clean and inviting atmosphere.

22. Rustic Scandinavian Cottage with Thatched Roof and Covered Porch

This rustic Scandinavian cottage boasts light-toned horizontal siding and a charming, irregular thatched roof that extends prominently over a covered porch. The porch is supported by robust wooden posts, creating a sheltered space for a bench and outdoor seating. Large windows with multiple panes allow for ample light, and the overall design radiates a sense of cozy, traditional comfort, blending harmoniously with its natural surroundings.

23. Symmetrical White Cottage with Natural Wood Accents

This symmetrical white cottage features vertical white siding with light grey trim, creating a clean and modern look. The natural wood frames of the windows and glass doors provide a warm contrast against the cool white exterior. A large wooden deck extends from the front, offering a spacious area for outdoor seating and enjoyment of the surrounding nature, including tall pine trees. The overall design emphasizes balance and simplicity, characteristic of some Scandinavian styles.

24. Modern Farmhouse Cottage with Bold Black Accents

This modern farmhouse cottage features crisp white vertical siding and a sharp, dark metal roof, creating a striking contrast. The design includes prominent black-framed windows and a solid black front door, which serve as bold accents against the white. A spacious wooden deck provides a welcoming outdoor area, and the cottage is set amidst a lush green lawn and distant mountains, embodying a blend of traditional form and contemporary aesthetics.

25. Light-Toned Scandinavian Cottage with Expansive Gable Windows

This light-toned Scandinavian cottage showcases pale horizontal siding and a dark metal roof, topped by a dramatic gable end featuring a large, multi-pane window configuration that reaches the peak. The expansive glass facade maximizes natural light and offers sweeping views of the surrounding pine forest. A wooden deck extends from the front of the house, indicating a design that values connection with the natural environment and outdoor living.

26. Cozy Brown Scandinavian Cottage with Minimalist Deck

This cozy brown Scandinavian cottage features dark brown vertical siding with white trim around windows and the door, creating a warm and inviting appearance. It is topped with a light-colored metal roof that provides a subtle contrast. A minimalist wooden deck offers a simple outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying the serene forest setting. The design emphasizes clean lines and functional beauty, characteristic of many Scandinavian homes.