Hygge

Hygge is a central part of Danish homes, and the concept of hygge isn’t going anywhere fast. Scandinavian styling of the home has been trending for a while now, since the clean, uncluttered look feels minimalist without actually doing away with all your possessions. While hygge is part of the inspiration for many Scandinavian designers, it isn’t just about décor – it is about so much more than that! However, despite the styling being relatively easy to get right, with no particular right or wrong way to do it, there are some key things to understand about the idea of hygge – so let’s take a deep dive into what it is and how to achieve it.   

What Is Hygge? 

The Danish word Hygge (pronounced Hyoo-ga) doesn’t really have a direct translation into English, since it means more than a single emotion, action, or way of life. The essence of hygge is something we have almost certainly all experienced, and enjoyed the feeling of from time to time though. It is to do with the feeling of contentment that we get from cosy, lovely moments that really stoke our wellbeing, and the satisfaction that comes from taking care of yourself with nourishing, wholesome food, and about being social with your friends and family. 

Denmark has become known as one of the happiest places to live, and the pursuit of hygge is likely to be one of the main reasons for their happiness levels – most of the elements of hygge are known to be good for you. 

Why Is Hygge Good For You?

In a way, finding pleasure in everyday moments and being conscious of being cosy and happy encourages mindfulness – which as many of us are aware, is great for your mental health. Experiencing hygge is said to reduce stress levels, and can increase emotional well-being – although despite the popularity of the trend, there has been a surprising lack of research about hygge directly. 

Until researchers start to publish studies about the hygge, we can look at other research that supports certain elements of the practice as being good for us. A great example is that warm, dimmer light was found to be more relaxing than bright white lights, for example – which is why we’ve included that in our list of ways to bring hygge into the home! 

Another great reason that hygge is so good for us is that nurturing your social connections are good for our mental health, which is a big part of the hygge lifestyle. When you’re being social with your family and friends, chances are you’re going to be sharing hugs, which is great for your levels of oxytocin, (also known as the cuddle hormone) which is really good for your mental health and happiness levels. Low levels of oxytocin from the lack of hugs is the reason that many of us were feeling sad during pandemic lockdowns, and why so many of us started to feel better when restrictions were lifted. 

 

How Did Hygge Become Popular? 

The topic of hygge almost certainly gained popularity due to social media – influencers that ‘discovered’ the photogenic nature of Scandinavian design during the era of the ‘Instagram aesthetic’ was definitely a huge part of it! But at the heart of it, hygge is a really wholesome thing to practice, and people recognised that it is so good for both our physical, and mental health. 

Since the topic of hygge started trending – around 2017, after the happiness researcher Meik Wiking released his bestselling book The Little Book of Hygge – the world of retail began to get on board with the idea of selling hygge to the masses. Sales of chunky knit blankets went through the roof, and as people began to understand the loveliness of the feeling, it became something that everyone wanted to aspire to. Although there are plenty of great products that can contribute to feelings of hygge, chances are that you’ll already own a large number of products that can help you to feel good. 

 

Ways To Bring Hygge Into Your Home

So, as we’ve established, hygge isn’t so much of a way of decorating as it is a way of life, which means that there are loads of ways to incorporate hygge into your home, but keep in mind that there isn’t a right or wrong way to do this. If something in your home makes you feel happy but doesn’t fit with what you see in posts about hygge, then don’t worry – hygge is a personal thing, so go with it! All that being said, we’ve pulled together some of the easiest, and most commonly used ways to build hygge – we’re sure you’ll find inspiration here. 

Simplify Your Décor 

Danish, and Scandinavian interior design tends to be on the simpler side – and although it isn’t quite minimalist in style, clutter is definite a no-no. It is definitely influenced by the outdoors, which means that bold colours don’t tend to be included, and bright, loud artwork tends to be passed over in favour of natural, and artisanal wall décor like macrame, or prints of outdoor scenes. 

In terms of colours, off-white shades are typically the most often used, such as sand, taupe, and light brown, but if darker tones are more your thing, keep them to more muted shades that work with your natural furniture. Typically, Scandinavian styling tends to use lighter woods, especially pine, but darker shades of wood can definitely work too. If you want to bring colour in, then light pastels are a great way to do that since they can look pretty natural, while adding plants can bring in deeper pops of colours, without being too garish. 

When you’re looking for soft furnishings and accessories, being influenced by the outdoors means looking for natural materials such as wood, cotton, or have the effect of natural products that would have traditionally been used in the outdoors, such as faux fur. 

Play With Textures

Since the Scandinavian interior design tends to utilise a more neutral colour palette, then visual interest can be created with textures. Whatever colour you choose for your sofa, layer up blankets and rugs, pile up cushions and throws – whatever is going to make you feel cosy and comfortable is right to bring in here.  

Adding textures to your furniture is just the start when you’re decorating. In living rooms and bedrooms, where cosiness is essential, bring in textured curtains, wall art, and light fittings to keep things from being too stark, and in kitchens, add visual interest by adding fabric runners along kitchen tables, baskets for storage, and planters for growing herbs along window sills.  

Replace Harsh Lighting

The cosy, hygge atmosphere isn’t generally achieved with garish strip lights or super-bright, daylight bulbs. While they might be necessary for day to day activities, having a range of lighting options available means that you can really create in hygge your space effectively.

When you’re shopping for light bulbs, be sure to choose warm white bulbs (rather than the bright white, or blue-toned daylight bulbs) so that you get the soft glow that you need. In addition to your overhead light, add plenty of lighting options such as architectural floor lamps (these can act as a point of interest in the room), table lamps, and other cosy options such as LED fairy lights or LED strips to build a warm glow of light, rather than the bright ambient light of day time. 

Candles are a wonderful way to add to your calm and cosy atmosphere and add to the ambient lighting too. Whether you decide to dot tiny tea lights around your space in little jars, or add larger pillar style candles on mantlepieces or in fireplaces that aren’t in use, or use two candlesticks on your table while you dine – these are all fantastic ways to bring in hygge. If you’re concerned about the risk of fire (of course, candles should never be left unattended) then look for LED candles – these can create the same effect, but won’t endanger you if they accidentally get left on all night. 

Use Your Fireplace

We can’t think of anything cosier than snuggling up in our pyjamas, with a warm drink and a blanket as a fire crackles in the fireplace. We’re writing this post at the end of the summer, and we’re honestly ready to get a fire going as soon as possible! Once your chimney is swept, all you really need is a great coal scuttle and fire tools to keep your fireplace well maintained. 

If you don’t have a fireplace or wood burner, or the effort of a real fire is too much after a busy day, you can still create the feeling of a warm fire in your home. There are some great, efficient electric wood burning stoves that are available at a relatively affordable price – and the best thing about electric versions is that there is absolutely no clean up required the next day. 

Should an electric wood burner be low on your list of priorities to buy, (and we do understand it is a luxury!) then try using groups of candles – carefully, of course – or head to YouTube on your TV and play one of the many videos of a gorgeous fireplace with a crackling fire. There are so many fireplace videos available, and many play for up to twelve hours – giving you plenty of time to enjoy your book, chat with friends or family, or to gently relax and doze off to. 

Create A Snug 

A snug is a place in your home that inspires you to curl up and get comfy, and while it might be a sofa, it isn’t quite the same thing as a sofa in a room where there is a TV. A snug might be a little-used corner of a corridor, a window seat, or an underused nook. Often, snugs are styled with bookshelves nearby, so you’re inclined to get a book out and sit for a while to enjoy, and you can include anything that is likely to encourage you to enjoy the space! That might mean creating a bar cart with a little trolley, adding a sweetie jar, or even a telescope for stargazing through a window. 

Display Your Happiness 

If you have photos that really capture the essence of a great trip, or a memory that makes you smile every time you think of it, it is a shame to keep those images saved on your PC, rarely to be accessed. Having photos printed means that you can enjoy them much more often! Get your absolute favourite photos printed onto canvas – this is really inexpensive to get done today – and then find great photo frames for other, smaller prints. 

For the rest, store them in photo albums, or consider having them printed into books that can be stored near your sofa or your snug. Sitting down with a hot drink, flicking through photos that remind you of good times, and talking about those memories with a loved one is a great example of being able to create the feeling of hygge.

Cherish Your Past

Hygge isn’t about things you own, or décor as such, and it definitely isn’t about cluttering up your space with junk. Rather, it is about keeping, loving, and using the things that mean a lot to you. That means displaying little mementos from a holiday, your wedding, and so on. Maybe you, or your child won a trophy or an award years ago but it still makes you feel warm and fuzzy – they’re the things to use to decorate your home with to build the feeling of hygge. 

Fill Your Home With Scents

Experiencing hygge is definitely multi-sensory, and so filling your home with delicious scents is a great way to increase the feeling. If you’re baking, then you’ll be smelling delicious vanilla, cinnamon, or warm bread. If you love coffee in the mornings, having a pot on the stove can increase that hygge, and the scent of whatever is cooking for dinner will fill your home – all of which are great too. 

If you’re not a whizz in the kitchen, or you don’t have time, then you can increase the feeling of hygge in your home by bringing in scents in other ways. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers and even plug-in scents can help you to feel happy. If you’re into using essential oils, then reach for blends that include lavender, bergamot, and lemongrass – but these are far from the only ones that can help to calm and promote a sense of wellbeing, so try different ones and see what works for you. 

Things You Can Do To Enjoy Hygge

Hygge isn’t just about decorating your home – it is partly about things that you can do to provide yourself with comfort and reassurance in day to day situations. Some of those things are bigger, and take a bit more organising, but the simpler you can make things to enjoy, the better. 

Bring In Friends And Family 

You know that feeling when you’ve spent an absolutely brilliant evening with friends and family, eating and drinking up a storm and there’s barely been a moment of quiet because there’s been too much hilarity? Everyone leaves with full tummies and feeling happy, (and yes, perhaps a little merry!) with lots of talk about how “we really shouldn’t leave it this long again next time”? That is what hygge is all about. 

It doesn’t need to be an impressive meal with posh ingredients and expensive wine either. A warm casserole or pasta, some freshly baked bread and lovely salted butter from the supermarket will do the trick perfectly to evoke the feeling of hygge in everyone. 



Simplify Your Menu

As we just mentioned, hygge doesn’t call for fancy, complicated recipes that take hours to put together. In fact, some of the most delicious meals are the quickest and simplest – even down to beans on toast for lunch. Of course, if you truly enjoy the process of cooking a complicated dish, then that counts as hygge too, so feel free to indulge if it makes you happy. 

For dinners, slow cookers are absolutely perfect for bringing together feelings of hygge – especially in the winter months. Putting delicious meals on the table when you get home from work after a long day is easy when you’ve left it cooking all day, and the flavours have been able to develop over time. 

Cuddle Up Together With A Hot Drink 

Warming drinks are at the heart of hygge – and let’s face it, most of British culture revolves around putting the kettle on, so this isn’t likely to be too much of a stretch to do! Whether your preferred hot drink is tea or coffee, there’s something delightful about using a teapot, or a cafetiere, and being able to slowly work your way through a full pot of it on a leisurely morning rather than making it in the cup. 

It isn’t just about making it in the pot though – having a great mug that you love drinking out of is part of the experience. Your preference might be for a larger size, so you don’t have to refill so often, or it might be for a classic cup and saucer, or maybe you just love a pretty print

Of course, when you’re making a round of hot drinks for everyone, there’s a lot to be said about having a tasty little treat on the side! If you’ve been baking your own cake or biscuits, you’ve been to the bakery, or you’ve simply opened a packet of digestives, any time you’re snuggling up with a warm drink is the right time to enjoy.



Upgrade Your Loungewear

When we say upgrade – we mean unless you really, really love them, get rid of those old pyjama bottoms, slippers with a hole in, and jogging trousers that you bought to go to the gym that one time and never went again. What you’re looking for in your loungewear, if you’re really looking to feel hygge, is to feel that really satisfying “ahhh” when you change into them, so it is well worth getting the best quality that you can afford. 

Of course, this will look different for all of us – if you prefer brushed cotton over cashmere or silk, that’s fine! Whatever feels good against your skin is the right decision here, and as long as you feel deliciously cosy and ready to relax, that is what you’re looking for. Finding great slippers is another matter of personal choice (and if you hate slippers, that is OK too!) – so whether your choice is leather, fleece lined slippers, or a fluffy pair of booties, it is well worth splashing out a little. 

Indulge In Time For Yourself

Finding time to indulge in things you love doing can be hard, but if you want to experience more hygge, then it is time to carve that out in your schedule. Your hobbies are satisfying for a reason! If the activities that you love can be done at home, while you’re feeling warm and cared for, then scheduling your hobby on your calendar can add to your feeling of hygge. Great hygge hobbies include baking (since the odd indulgent treat alongside warm drinks is definitely hygge!), knitting or sewing, writing, drawing – the opportunities really are endless.  

Turn Off The TV 

While the TV is often the first thing to get switched on when we’re settling in for the evening, there is a lot to be said for not switching it on at all – unless you’re going to a fireside YouTube channel, or to play a great playlist, of course. By taking the odd evening away from the TV (and your phone, if you can manage it!), you’re going to be more able to connect with your loved ones, appreciate the music, and to go to bed feeling that the evening was well spent. 

While we’re talking about it, if you’re in the market for some great hygge playlists, there are hundreds on Spotify – and the songs on some of those playlists illustrates just how diverse the idea of hygge is to different people! 

Snuggle With Your Pet 

While not all pets are great for snuggling with – if they require a terrarium or a tank, maybe not – but there really is something to be said for having a really good cuddle with a furry friend. You’ll get the same hit of oxytocin that you would get from hugging another person, which has been shown to lower stress levels and reduce the chances of heart problems – and they’ll love the attention that you’re giving them too. 

Get Outdoors

There’s a lot to be said for the health benefits of getting outdoors in the winter if the weather allows. Even if it is cold, get wrapped up warm and stomp around the local park, down country lanes or even along the beach. The endorphins built when we exercise does us all good, and there’s a lot to be said about the feeling of coming in from the cold to thaw out. Add in a warm house and a hot drink, maybe a bath or warm shower too – well, that’s perfect for hygge. 

Take A Bath

Self-care is definitely well worth taking your time over, and a long, leisurely bath definitely fits with the practice of hygge. Lighting a few candles, using your favourite indulgent bath products, maybe bringing in a warm drink (or maybe a glass of wine!) and spending a while reading or simply enjoying is perfect for creating that hygge. Don’t forget to get clean, warm pyjamas for after you get out, so you can really make the most of that ‘ahhh’. 

Hygge In The Summer

While hygge is perhaps best experienced in the cooler months – since it is quite literally all about feeling comfortable, cosy and content – there are some great ways to get your hygge fix during the summer months. Hygge is almost a way of life, and if you think about it, there are plenty of simple feel-good moments that we can enjoy in the summer. 

Get Outdoors

Most of us don’t need any encouragement to get ourselves outdoors in the summer months, and if you love that hygge feeling, then there isn’t anywhere better to get it than being outside in a natural environment. This isn’t a phenomenon linked solely to hygge, of course – Japanese culture calls it ‘forest bathing’, other cultures refer to ‘grounding’, and there have been countless scientific studies that have examined the link between good health and exercising outdoors. 

Getting outside into nature will look different depending on where you live. Even if you live in a city, there are ways you can get your outdoor hygge fix. Your own outdoor space is a great place to start, but you might also look for parks and waterways, and even small public gardens. Sitting and taking the time to appreciate the beauty of nature will help you to feel the contentment of hygge. If you live in the countryside, or by near the coast, then there are countless ways to get your hygge fix outdoors! Going for a hike, wandering along the beach, meeting up with friends or family for a day exploring the woods – they are all fantastic ways to feel hygge.

Outdoor Dining 

Eating outdoors is a quintessential part of summer! Whether we’re taking breakfast and coffee on the patio, having a picnic lunch, or barbequing dinners al fresco that stretch into the evening – we love all of them! The ability to savour every second of sun on our skin, and warmth into the evenings while enjoying delicious summer salads and grilled dinners is part of the feeling of summer hygge. 

For your home, this means making the most of what outdoor space you have – whether that is sitting on the doorstep, building a full outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and barbeque grill, or something in between. This is your home, and there isn’t a ‘correct’ way to do summer hygge, so make it what suits you best. If you don’t have your own space, then meeting friends with picnic baskets in the park, portable barbeques and even take away fish and chips on the beach can create that feeling of summer hygge.  

Camping

Camping is one of those things that we know people generally either absolutely love, or they hate – but doing it right can bring about real feelings of hygge. All that time out in nature, cooking your dinner over a barbeque, and sitting around the campfire chatting means that going to bed listening to the sound of light rain on canvas is super satisfying. 

The key to successful camping is keeping warm, and so piles of blankets and cushions (and maybe a spare air bed, just in case) are essential. Our best tip is to make sure you have a blanket beneath you on an airbed – it helps to stop the cold from coming up and making you cold in the night. There are more ideas for hygge camping in this post – we can’t wait to try them all on our next trip!


Light A Fire

If you’ve enjoyed sitting by your fireplace or log burner indoors, then there is a great chance that you’re going to get the same sort of satisfaction from sitting by a fire outside. You might build a fire pit into your garden, with seating, so you can light a fire any time you like; if you don’t currently have a garden, or you don’t want to build it in, then a portable fire pit is ideal to get the effect without making permanent changes, or risking the spread of fire.  

Dress Your Home For Summer

While the summer months are all about enjoying the warmth, the Great British Summer doesn’t always play ball in the way that we’d like it to. So while in the winter, you might have piles of blankets and throws around to create that hygge, on those cooler summer evenings, sometimes we still crave the comfort of a blanket. Switching out those thicker, fluffier blankets for summer weight, cotton blankets can provide the hygge feel you crave, without the heaviness of winter fleeces. 

Bring Colour In

Although much of the cosy hygge feel centres around natural fabrics and relaxing, neutral shades, bringing in summery pops of colour can create a lovely effect. If you want to stick with the natural look, then look for accessories such as pillows and throws that get their colour from natural dyes – did you know that avocado stones can produce a lovely shade of what is known as millennial pink?

Make The Most Of Summer Produce 

While you’re bringing colour in, don’t forget about seasonal fruit and vegetables. A huge bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter can be the perfect way to bring colour in, while a home-grown salad makes for an incredibly satisfying lunch on the patio. 

We’ve all enjoyed a particularly crisp and juicy apple, or a delicious bowl of strawberries (whether with cream, or balsamic vinegar as some more daring folks might suggest!), or blackberries in a crumble at the end of the summer. So, if you’re lucky enough to be able to grow your own fruit and vegetables, then enjoy them as much as you can! 

If you’re unable to do that right now, you can still enjoy the best of the summer produce! By visiting pick your own patches, farm shops or farmers markets, or simply buying from the local supermarket – when fruit is in season, it’ll all taste fresh and satisfying, which is a huge part of summer hygge.  

Dot Flowers Around

Summer brings a riot of colour into our gardens and the countryside beyond, and there are beautiful seasonal flowers available everywhere, from daffodils and tulips through the spring, peonies in May and June, through to sunflowers at the end of the summer. 

Just as with fruit and vegetables, if you can, bring in cut flowers that you’ve proudly grown in your own garden – this is perhaps one of the greatest feelings of hygge, when you’ve created something you love and can see the benefits! 

But if not, you can buy lovely flowers that are grown locally at a farmer’s market, or simply buy an inexpensive bunch while you’re out doing the weekly shop at the supermarket. Having fresh flowers dotted around your home is a real treat – and one that is well worth indulging in. 

Final Thoughts

As we’ve covered in this post, hygge isn’t just about the way you decorate your home – it is so much more than that! And as there are many different ideas of what hygge means, there really isn’t a single, correct way to achieve it. However many of these ideas you love, and find the most satisfying – they’re the right ones for you. As long as the end result is you feeling good, and taking care of yourself and your loved ones, you’re doing hygge right.