Swedish Easter is a feast for the eyes as much as the table. The season marks the joyful arrival of spring after a long, dark winter — and with it comes a burst of color, light, and natural beauty. Decorations play a big role in creating that special påskstämning (Easter atmosphere), and in true Scandinavian fashion, the aesthetic is charmingly simple, rustic, and inspired by nature.
Unlike the glitter-heavy approach seen in some countries, Swedish Easter décor is all about light tones, handmade touches, and elements that connect us to the natural world: wood, feathers, fresh flowers, twigs, and soft pastels.
🌸 The Iconic Påskris – Feathered Birch Branches
No Swedish Easter home is complete without a påskris – a bouquet of bare birch twigs placed in a vase and decorated with bright feathers. This custom dates back centuries, originally a symbolic Christian tradition representing penance. Today, it’s a cheerful spring decoration found in nearly every Swedish home.
Feathers are traditionally tied to the twigs in bold Easter colors like yellow, pink, purple, and green. Some families also add hanging ornaments like miniature eggs, birds, or little wooden chickens. Kids often make their own decorations at school or during Easter craft sessions.
Tip: If you don’t have access to birch, any springy branches (like willow or cherry) work beautifully too.
🐣 Hand-Painted Eggs & Table Settings
Eggs are the ultimate symbol of rebirth, and in Sweden, they’re not just eaten – they’re painted, displayed, and gifted. Hand-decorated eggs, both real and wooden, are a popular craft activity for kids during påsklovet (Easter break). You’ll find everything from intricate folk designs to minimalist pastel-colored eggs tied with ribbon.
At Easter meals, these decorative eggs often feature in table centerpieces or as personalized place settings. Tuck a mini egg or feather into a linen napkin for that perfect Nordic tablescape.
🌼 Flowers & Natural Elements
Spring flowers are a key feature of Swedish Easter décor, often placed in simple ceramic or glass vases throughout the home. Some of the most common Easter blooms include:
påskliljor) – the golden flower of Easter in Sweden
– often in mixed pastel bouquets
and crocuses – early spring favorites for a fragrant touch
– a lovely way to bring greenery indoors
Add moss, stones, or small branches for a woodland-inspired look that connects the indoors to the awakening nature outside.
🧙♀️ Easter Witches & Whimsy
One of Sweden’s most unique traditions is the påskkärring – the Easter witch. On Maundy Thursday (Skärtorsdag), children dress up as little witches with painted freckles, scarves tied around their heads, and long skirts. They go door-to-door handing out drawings and cards in exchange for candy, much like trick-or-treating.
Miniature witch figurines with brooms are often used as part of the Easter decorations – a whimsical, uniquely Swedish nod to folklore and fun.
🕯️ Scandinavian Easter Style: Minimal, Bright, and Joyful
Swedish Easter décor reflects the broader values of Nordic design – clean lines, soft textures, and a sense of calm. Use a muted color palette of yellows, whites, soft blues, and greens, accented with natural textures like wood, straw, and wool.
Candles, hand-thrown ceramics, and heirloom items are often mixed in to add warmth and soul to the setting.