With most of the country under an Arctic blast right now, we’re here to help make your winter a little more bearable.
You might have come across the word Hygge. While you might not know what it is or how to pronounce it- by the way it’s “hoo-ga,” this Danish concept is a little tricky to define. But if you’ve ever enjoyed reading a book by the fire on a cold winter’s day while sipping your favorite cup of tea, you’ve experienced hygge without even knowing it.
Hygge isn’t about things, but rather it’s about creating an atmosphere or an experience. It’s the feeling of home. Enjoying the simple things in life with the people you love, in a space where you feel safe and relaxed.
The Dane’s obsession with all things cozy is the reason why Denmark is known as one of the happiest countries in the world, despite their long, cold winters. So instead of moaning about the weather, isn’t it about time you embraced the Hygge way of life? We promise it will make your winter much easier.
So how do you create Hygge?
1. Fire
Hygge cannot exist without fire or candles, period. Fire speaks to our most instinctual desire for both warmth and stillness. From quiet, solitary mornings to lively evenings with the ones we love, they allow hygge to glow.
2. Books
So many of us have moved to digital books and there’s nothing wrong with them – reading is great no matter the medium. But there’s something so satisfying and cozy about choosing an actual book to read from a shelf. We use books in all of our designs because they evoke romanticism, patina, and above all hygge!
3. Things made of wood
Humans have been interacting with wood from the very beginning so it’s obvious that having some wood around is essential to creating a hygge environment. Something about moving one’s hand over the rough or smooth surface of wood makes us feel calm and relaxed
4. Blankets and pillows
Blankets and pillows are an absolute must for the hygge home. They evoke instant come hither coziness. For blankets, we favor natural fabrics, such as wool, cotton, or fleece because they tend to be best for snuggling up with a cup of coffee or tea, so very hyggeligt. And it’s such a comforting feeling to lay back on a nice pillow, preferably with a down insert, while reading or relaxing.
5. Handmade ceramics
Ceramics made with the humanistic touch of an artisan are instantly recognizable to the eye and hand. Perhaps it’s their imperfection that makes them perfect for the hygge home. Be they vintage or new, as long as the handmade quality is apparent, you can’t go wrong.
6. Notebook and pen
Call us old-fashioned but there is something special about the tactile feel of pen to paper that is just pure hygge, especially if you have a hyggeligt nook to snuggle up in. Spread notebooks with pens throughout your home and you will find yourself using them. Your stress level will drop instantly. Write down some of your favorite moments as it will make you mindful of the experiences that brought you the greatest joy.
7. Sheepskin
Sheepskin naturally regulates temperature, making it a wonderful material for all seasons, especially winter. We love them draped over dining chairs or the back of a cozy lounge chair.
8. Tea
Because tea. Warming, comforting. How can it not be hygge?
9. Bring the outdoors in
In other words, indoor plants galore could not be more hygge. It gets us back in touch with nature at a time when spending time outdoors becomes less desirable due to the cold.
10. Think tactile
As you are probably figuring out from this blog post, hygge isn’t really about how things look, it’s more about how a vibe or an experience. Running your fingers across wood, fur, or the imperfect feel of handmade ceramics is not the same as touching plastic, glass, or commercial-grade fabric. Think about how things feel when you touch them, their tactile nature, and incorporate them into your home for hygge.
Now that you know how to create some hygge in your life, here are some ideas to serve as inspiration….
Some of the links in this post are associated with affiliate income