When the evenings start earlier and the air turns crisp, it’s not just the chunky jumpers and hot drinks we crave all the time, but it’s that deep, soul-soothing comfort that makes us feel truly at home. That’s where hygge comes in. Hygge is more than a trend, this Danish way of living is all about leaning into the small things: soft lighting, warm spaces and moments that feel like a “your happy place”.
While it’s often linked to winter, hygge isn’t seasonal. It’s a place where our minds live. A conscious choice to slow down, soften the edges of your day and make your home feel like a safe, welcoming haven – no matter what’s happening outside.
Start with gentleness
At its absolute simplest, any hygge room is all about texture. Think fluffy throws tossed onto sofas, floors scattered with sheepskin rugs and chunky-knit cushions grouped together. It encourages you sit back and relax. A simple cotton blanket thrown across an armchair makes a room look and feel more comfortable.
Layering is key. Mix velvet with wool, linen with cotton. Mix hard surfaces that feel smooth underfoot, such as wood or tile, with soft upholstery.
Lighting makes all the difference
There’s no place for bold, bright overhead lighting in a hygge residence; aim for a soft, gentle glow. Fabric-shaded table lamps, fairy lights with a twinkly effect and tea lights all provide that soft, ambient light hygge is renowned for. Position lamps at different levels so that you don’t end up with harsh shadows and make the room more inviting.
Candles themselves are a hygge must. It might be the gentle motion of one flame or a tray of tealights burning in the evening, but candlelight does a subtle job of putting on the brakes. Opt for unscented if you prefer a cleaner fragrance profile, or candles with gentle scents like vanilla, sandalwood, pine or fig for a still more intense sense of relaxation.
Neutral isn’t bland
Most hygge-inspired interiors move towards a neutral colour palette, such as off-whites, soft greys and beiges. But it must never be uninteresting. Introduce natural elements to enhance it: wood, stone, ceramics and foliage.
A neutral base also makes it possible for textures and subtle patterns to be the focal point. A simple-weave wool rug or a linen drapery with a subtle stripe can offer a good amount of character without calling out for attention. It’s a matter of harmony and balance, not a show-space interior.
Times, not just places
Hygge is as much about how you use a room as how it looks. Make little nooks for life’s small pleasures. A reading nook by a window with a good chair and a stack of books. A coffee station in the kitchen with favourite mugs set out in a row. A bench in the hall that says, “Take off your boots and stay a while”. These micro-spaces provide a home with a lived-in and loved feel. Easy to fit and hard to resist.
Scent sets the scene
Understated at times, scent makes a significant difference in room comfort. Aromas of baking bread, a whiff of lavender, wood smoke from indoor or outdoor stoves – they evoke feelings more than memories. Don’t go overboard; a diffuser, a scented candle or even a posy of fresh herbs snipped from the kitchen windowsill will suffice.
And if you’re faced with stale indoor air, especially in the winter months when the windows stay shut, an air purifier will happily sit in the background to remove odours and reduce dust. It’s a subtle change that will make your room noticeably fresher and cosier without making any compromises on style.
Welcome nature in
Scandinavian style naturally leans towards the outdoors, and it makes perfect sense. There’s something incredibly calming about surrounding ourselves with elements from nature. Just a few well-placed plants, a few foraged feathers or beach pebbles or a hand-woven basket can really ground a room and create a lovely sense of balance.
You don’t have to go overboard. A couple of green companions on a windowsill or a trailing plant on a shelf can do wonders to brighten up the space. Nature has a way of softening sharp angles and allowing a home to breathe. If you’re not exactly a plant whisperer, no need to stress.
Opt for resilient indoor plants that don’t require much attention, like peace lilies, pothos or rubber plants. They’re low maintenance but still bring that gentle touch of nature that hygge is all about. Just a little splash of green can make all the difference!
Make time for small rituals
It’s all about taking a moment to appreciate the little things in our daily lives that bring us joy. Maybe it’s waking up just ten minutes earlier to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before the day gets hectic. Or perhaps it’s the simple pleasure of pulling cookies from the oven on a lazy Sunday afternoon, with some soothing music playing in the background.
You don’t need an elaborate routine to find peace. Just lighting a candle after doing the dishes or taking a moment to savour a warm cup of coffee can be incredibly calming. These small breaks act like bookmarks throughout your day, gently reminding you to pause, take a breath and slow down.
Let comfort be your guide
Where does the comfort lie? It’s in that favourite mug you reach for every morning, the cosy embrace of that old jumper you adore or that perfectly worn patch on the sofa that fits you just right. It’s the dog curled up by the fire, those slippers waiting for you by the bed and the symphony of sounds that signal you’re home.
Forget about perfectly styled photos and immaculate decor. Hygge is all about the warmth of things that are lived in, cherished and used. It’s not about being polished or curated; it’s about being cosy and deeply personal. There’s no single right way to embrace it. If it brings you satisfaction, comfort and a sense of self, then that’s hygge.
Last considerations
Creating a hygge space isn’t about following a strict plan or ticking points off a list. It’s more about tuning into what makes you feel good and embracing it. Maybe it’s that cosy lamp you turn on as the daylight fades, the blanket that somehow finds its way around your shoulders by evening or the refreshing air brought in by a handy little gadget like a purifier. It’s those little touches that softly whisper, “This is your sanctuary to relax in”.
