What is a hygge lifestyle?

A hygge lifestyle embraces all things cosy and comforting – think fluffy slippers, warming drinks, chunky blankets, and quiet nights spent in front of a log fire. As it’s a way of life that embraces the joy in the humdrum, you’re likely to find a follower of the hygge lifestyle curled up with a book and a cup of steaming hot chocolate, or cooking up a hearty soup in an old trusty saucepan. A classic hygge evening would include board games with loved ones and would feature homemade food and maybe a warming glass of gløgg (mulled wine).

Miles away from modern hectic lifestyles, hygge is all about embracing the mundane and being happy with what you have. It’s about slowing down and appreciating the small cosy things that make life so wonderful.

Why is hygge so popular?

The concept first became popular in the United Kingdom in 2016, following the release of several books about the joy of hygge. Nobody knows why exactly hygge is so popular but in a world where excessive lifestyles are plastered over social media and feeling stressed and burnt out is the norm, hygge is the perfectly peaceful antidote which could explain why so many people are craving it.

Can I make my home feel more hygge?

Using hygge as inspiration is the perfect way to make your home a warm and welcoming place during cold winter months, and there are lots of ways to do it. From cushions to candles, we’ve created this cosy blog post to help you make your home hyggelig (Danish for hygge-like) enough to make any Dane proud.

Warning – if you follow all our steps, you may never want to leave your warm and cosy home ever again!

Neutral colour scheme

The classic hygge look is understated and uncluttered, so when it comes to colours, it’s best to stick to neutral hues. The hygge colour palette consists of creams, beiges, and light greys – all shades that will make you feel calm and comforted. Scandinavian simplicity at its finest.

Decorate with candles

Our Danish friends just love candles, making them a vital part of the hygge vibe. According to the European Candle Association, every year more candles are burnt in Denmark than in any other European country – that’s a huge six kilos of candles per Dane!

So to get the full hygge experience, make sure you decorate with some candles. Don’t plump for anything too extravagant – hygge is all about low-key living after all – so keep it neutral. White candles are perfect and when it comes to scents, think cinnamon, apple pie, pine needles, and anything else that will make your home smell irresistibly cosy.

Make everything comfortable

Cushions and blankets are essential aspects of a hygge home so pile them high. Textured furnishings are especially good to create warmth, so go for fleecy cushions, knitted blankets, and layered rugs. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different materials because having a variety of textures will feel super snuggly and, as long as you stick to the neutral hygge colour palette, you won’t be at risk of overdoing it.

Play around with lighting

From the twinkle of fairy lights to the warmth of firelight, lighting is a great way to make your home feel more hyggelig. Bright ceiling lights will make the atmosphere feel anything but cosy, so stick to soft lighting – avoid overhead lights and go for floor lamps or table lamps instead to create a sense of softness and whimsy.

To maximise cosiness and add a touch of magic to your home, fairy lights are a must, especially during the festive season. So drape them generously around your home and enjoy the joyous and cosy sparkle they bring. Firelight is another lovely way to add some extra warmth to your home, both figuratively and literally. When it comes to enjoying hygge activities – whether that be reading, listening to music, or playing scrabble – the flickering light of a fire is sure to make them even more enjoyable.