November 04, 2020

How to Live Hygge at Home

What is Hygge? 

You have no doubt been drawn to hygge at some point, but what exactly is it? Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish and Norwegian word meaning something has a quality of coziness and friendliness that brings about a feeling of contentment or well-being. Think of it as a lifestyle more than anything else. Picture this: people sitting near a crackling fireplace wearing comfy loungewear and thick cozy socks while cradling warm cups of coffee in their hands. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Hygge in Home Decor 

When we talk about in terms of our homes it is more about the feeling a room evokes than what it looks like. You don't go out and buy "hygge" furniture or decor—it's how you use your furniture and decor to create a particular feeling. Now that we know we don't have to sell everything and start all over for this timeless style, let's figure out how to incorporate it into our homes.

Hygge in Living Rooms

Let's start from the ground up. Hygge is all about comfortable, purposeful layers. Adding a rug to your living room makes design sense because it grounds a room. But, when you think in terms of hygge its purpose is to add an extra layer of comfort. If you have wood, tile, or cement floors a rug will soften not only the look of the room but it completely changes how you feel when using the room. The floor is immediately softened and feels good underfoot.

What do you do when you want to feel completely snuggled in? Most likely you place pillows around you to feel supported and you grab a cozy blanket. Have those items nearby and at the ready in your spaces so that you'll actually use them. 

Leave a blanket tossed on your sofa or in a basket close by. Use comfortable throw pillows on your couch and chairs. I love using down pillow inserts for these because they can be molded for maximum comfort. 

Lamps are preferred to overhead, harsh lighting. Start using them as your source of evening light. This will make a huge difference in how cozy and relaxing the room will feel. Place lamps near seating areas so that they can provide enough light for conversation or reading and so that they can be turned on easily without having to walk about the room.

Make sure tables aren't overcrowded with excessive decorative items but contain candles, books, and plenty of room for sitting down your drink of choice. Plants are welcome since they help purify the air and add to your contentment.

Hygge in Bedrooms

Rugs aren't just for rooms with hard floors. If you thought you couldn't add a rug to your bedroom because it was carpeted, I highly suggest you give it a try. Placing a rug over carpet adds another layer of comfort, makes a bed feel more grounded to the room, and of course is pleasing to the eye.

Layer your bedding with soft sheets, plush duvets, and an extra blanket at the foot of your bed so you can easily adjust to your level of comfort. Nothing is more inviting or cozy than a plush bed. 

Rooms with harsh overhead lighting don't exactly feel warm and inviting. Layer your bedroom lighting with bedside lamps or sconces. The bulbs you choose for these lights will also make a difference in the whole hygge experience. Use a lower watt bulb for a softer feel and lean more toward warmer toned bulbs vs cool daylight bulbs. This will instantly warm your room and provide the perfect amount of light for bedside reading. Bonus points if your lighting can be dimmed.

You want items on your nightstand or dresser that serve your contentment and well-being. A lamp for soft lighting, a candle to provide scent and mood, flowers or greens that bring life and joy, and a good book. Maybe even keep some soft slippers near the bed.

Hygge Lifestyle 

If you make one change it should be adding candles. Candles immediately change the ambiance of any space. I have a friend who lights candles throughout her home when she invites people over and it creates the most beautiful atmosphere. When you enter her home you immediately feel comfortable, relaxed, and cozy.

Scent also plays a huge role in how we feel in a space. Think about how you feel when you walk into a spa and take in those first few breaths. It's immediately relaxing. Choose a scent that isn't too overwhelming, but one that evokes a certain feeling or memory. I like to change mine based on the season. Right now as we enter cooler months I prefer scents that remind me of snow covered pine trees in the mountains. 

While hygge living is known for comfortable layers, it keeps other decor pieces pared down to just the basics. A room filled with excess clutter and knick-knacks just doesn't feel inviting or relaxing. In fact, it does the exact opposite. Declutter your space so your eyes can relax as well.

As with most things, a little can go a long way in adding to the comfort and enjoyment of your home. Introduce some of these hygge tips to your rooms, put on your most cozy loungewear, and see why so many are bringing this lifestyle into all areas of their homes.