Introducing hygge, a trend that values comfortable living. Pronounced hyoo-gah, its roots lie deep in Danish culture and mean “to give courage, comfort, joy.”
Hygge first appeared in the late 1800s and is similar to other European coziness concepts of German and Dutch descent. Hygge took off as a lifestyle and home decor trend in Great Britain in 2016 and then again in 2017 in the United States.
Hygge’s benefits are undeniable. In fact, many people participate in the hygge lifestyle without even knowing it. Have you ever curled up on a comfy sofa with tea and a book on a rainy day? That’s how easy it is to live a “hyggelig,” or nice life!
As a homeowner, you can follow countless home decor trends. But can home decor actually improve your day-to-day life? With a few simple tips, you can transform your space into a cozy, relaxing atmosphere that embraces the core essentials of hygge.
Simplicity is Key
Scandinavian design, known for its minimalist style, overlaps with hygge. Keep your home’s decor simple with understated furnishings and fixtures.
Keep your home’s color palette simple. Bold colors create abrasive environments while hygge values calming atmospheres. Stick to subtle earth tones like beige, olive, moss, or terracotta for walls, furniture, and accents. Avoid clutter and opt for clean lines with ample negative space to create a welcoming, cozy space.
Furnish for Friends and Family
The right furnishing that promotes snug, warm, and comfortable is key to establishing a hygge lifestyle. Look for pieces that promote hygge’s cozy and companionable principles. That means having ample seating, such as sofas and chairs with extra throw blankets in living spaces and bedrooms.
Focus on furnishings made from natural materials like wood, cotton, wool, and leather that evoke warmth and comfort. Prioritize sofas and chairs with plush cushions, and leave blankets draped over armrests to increase coziness. These simple additions invite guests to curl up on the couch and get cozy.
Also, anticipate guests’ needs (such as a water glass by the bed) and provide it for them. Ensure lighting is ample for comfortable reading.
Light Your Way
Hygge lighting is known for its dim, low-light vintage vibes. Consider recessed lighting and smart-home technology for easier daily life.
A hygge atmosphere stems from your taste and preference. You may prefer dimly lit spaces while also seeking natural light. Maximize natural light through large windows, skylights, and other openings during the day. Transition to warm incandescent or halo lighting in the evenings.
Candlelight is another hygge classic, but be sure to place candles safely and blow them out before bed to prevent fire hazards.
We recommend grouping varying candle heights and shapes on shelves, mantels, and tables to give your own personal flair.
Consider new window treatments as well. Curtains of natural fabrics like linen or cotton soften harsh light and promote hygge coziness. Opt for shades to control sunlight, allowing or blocking as much light as you prefer.
Cultivate Cozy
Making your home a comfy haven of contentment is easier than you may think. Winterizing your home helps you retain warmth and save on utility costs long-term.
Laying materials for a cozy look is simpler than you think. Start with plush area rugs on hard floors, and add pillows and throws to sofas and beds. Then, hang woven wall tapestries for visual texture. Display natural items like stone bookends, wood bowls, and plants as a finishing touch.
Keep your home tidy so it feels cared for and welcoming. But don’t overdo perfection — a few askew books promote hygge’s casual charm.
However, you hygge, remember happiness starts at home. Design your way within your budget and reap everyday benefits that bring you joy.
The Hygge Lifestyle
Hygge is more than a home decor style — it represents a lifestyle centered around finding joy, contentment, and comfort through life’s simple pleasures.
Follow these tips to make your lifestyle more hygge:
- Quality time with loved ones is essential for hygge. Plan regular family dinners, game nights, or movie nights surrounded by candles, pillows, and cozy blankets.
- Food and drinks are also a great way to express a hygge lifestyle. Think of warm soups, stews, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Make it special by using your best mugs and dishes.
- Getting cozy with a good book, puzzle, knitting, or other hobbies allows you to relish leisure time, and are excellent activities to embrace hygge by yourself. Do these in a favorite spot like a sunny window nook or fireside armchair.
- Hygge can even extend to self-care routines. Take long baths with Epsom salts, essential oils, and soft candlelight. Follow up with herbal tea and a nourishing face mask or hand cream.
- Slow down and be fully present during simple daily tasks as well. Mindfully sipping morning coffee, taking evening strolls, enjoying the sunset — these all have room for hygge.
Bringing Hygge Outdoors
While hygge is often associated with cozy interiors, this Danish concept can extend to outdoor living spaces.
Fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces invite gathering around flickering flames – a hygge classic. Position the fire source safely away from structures, plants, and seating areas and provide guests with blankets to ward off the chill.
Outdoor string lights draped over a patio, gazebo, or garden create a magical ambiance. Go for solar power to avoid electrical cords everywhere, and use lantern-style lights or sconces to illuminate walking paths.
Furnish outdoor living areas with weather-resistant, comfort-maximizing pieces. Deep cushions, throw pillows, and padded loungers encourage curling up while enjoying the fresh air. Natural touches like rattan can also evoke hygge.
Open-air structures like screened porches, pergolas, and gazebos make spending time outdoors more pleasant. Install ceiling fans to keep the air moving on muggy days. And add a cozy rug to increase the welcoming feel.
When cooler weather hits, break out fire pits, fleece blankets, warm drinks, s’mores ingredients, and patio heaters. Enjoy the season’s sights and smells bundled up with loved ones.
So, Is Hygge Here to Stay?
Hygge may seem like just another trend, but its core values — comfort, coziness, and connectivity — are timeless. This Danish living concept resonates across cultures.
While hygge first went international around 2016, its practice remains popular years later. Focusing on a soothing home environment and meaningful connections during uncertain times provides comfort. Hygge offers an intentional way to do so.
Given hygge’s versatility across styles and emphasis on what really matters, it’s likely here to stay. Rather than perfect spaces, hygge encourages treasuring imperfections that add warmth and character. Spending quality time with loved ones takes priority over material goods. Through this lens, home becomes much more than a physical structure.
FAQs About Hygge
What are some key elements of hygge?
Some core aspects of hygge include natural materials, soft textures, warm lighting, spending time with loved ones, enjoying simple pleasures, and creating an overall cozy environment.
How do you pronounce hygge?
Hygge is pronounced “hoo-gah.” The word comes from a Norwegian term meaning “wellbeing.”
What colors are associated with hygge style?
Natural, muted earth tones like cream, tan, light brown, slate blue, and sage green compliment hygge’s cozy aesthetic. Avoid bold, loud colors.
What fabrics work well for hygge?
Natural, textured fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, and cashmere suit the hygge style. Incorporate woven blankets, knit pillows, velvet upholstery, and embroidered accents.
What types of lighting help create hygge?
Warm, soft lighting works best for a hygge home. Opt for incandescent bulbs, candles, lanterns, and firelight. Use dimmers to control brightness.
Can you incorporate hygge outdoors?
Definitely! Cozy elements like patio fireplaces, string lights, deep seating, and blankets create an outdoor hygge haven for relaxing.
