Swedish Windows: Light, Life, and Lagom

Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels

Hello Bloggers - almost there! On Day 28 I'd like to tell you about light, life, and lagom in Sweden.

No flashy labels. No neon trend-hopping. Just clean lines, muted tones, and clothes meant to last. Swedes dress in a way that’s quietly confident and utterly wearable. That’s lagom - the Swedish word for “just right.” In this context, it means balanced, functional, and stylish without being loud.

You even see it in their homes. Especially the windows.

I didn’t take any photos of Swedish windows, and now I wish I had. Not because they were grand or dramatic, but because they quietly told stories of care, calm, and a culture that finds beauty in balance.

Much like in the Netherlands or the rest of Scandinavia, many Swedish windows don't have curtains, but are lovingly arranged with potted plants, soft-glowing lamps, and thoughtful symmetry. It’s not about showing off. it’s about creating warmth, inside and out. Even passersby are invited into this visual coziness, like a quiet hej through the glass.

Speaking of being invited: When you enter a Swedish home, make sure to remove your shoes. 

Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels

This attention to small moments spills beyond the windowsills. I spotted a tiny “fairy door” set into the base of someone’s house. It was Easter-themed, complete with eggs and hens. It wasn’t just for children, but for everyone walking past. A gentle reminder that the seasons are worth noticing and sharing.

Six months from now, I imagine it’ll be transformed into Tomte’s workshop, with red caps and snow-dusted beards.

A tomte is a small, bearded, gnome-like creature, usually faceless or with eyes hidden beneath a bushy white beard. Traditionally seen as a protective household spirit, the tomte is a Scandinavian cousin of the garden gnome, only older, cozier, and far more rooted in folklore.

Come December, the jultomte - the Christmas version - even takes over Santa’s job. But instead of flying in from the North Pole, he knocks on the front door and asks, “Finns det några snälla barn här?” (“Are there any good children here?”). You’ll spot tomtar all over Sweden in December: as plush toys, ornaments, window displays, and outdoor decorations. They lend the season its cozy, slightly mystical air.

Photo Credit: Wichtel-Paradies.ch

Even utility boxes in Stockholm join in. One I saw had been cleverly wrapped to look like a stately building, windows and all. It’s a perfect example of lagom: Functional, playful, and quietly beautiful, without trying too hard.

Another thing I learned: there is no trespassing law in Sweden because it's not considered necessary. On the contrary, Sweden has a concept called “Allemansrätten” (the Right of Public Access), which is quite unique and generous compared to many other countries. 

You are generally allowed to walk, cycle, ski, and camp temporarily on most private land, including forests, fields, and lakeshores, even if it belongs to someone else. You can roam freely, pick berries, mushrooms, and flowers (except protected species), and enjoy nature. The key conditions are that you don’t disturb or destroy anything, respect the environment, and don’t interfere with the landowner’s privacy or farming activities.

However, you cannot enter private gardens, yards, or land immediately surrounding houses without permission.

Swedish windows, fairy doors, utility boxes... They may not be loud, but they’re full of heart. Maybe that’s what lagom really means.

Have you ever noticed how people decorate their windows where you live or travel? What do those choices say about the culture?