You may have heard about Hygge {hoo-ga}. It has become a buzz word over the last few years. I wanted to share some simple and practical ways you can have a hygge home today!
What is Hygge?
“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down. You may be having an endless conversation about the small or big things in life – or just be comfortable in each other’s silent company – or simply just be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea.” – The Little Book Of Hygge, Meik Wiking.
Why is Hygge such a big deal?
The Danish people are known to be the happiest people in the world. And it certainly isn’t because they live in a climate with great weather. There are many factors that go into their high quality of life such as health care, work-home balance, and government. But one overarching value that the Danes have is Hygge.
Their culture revolves around this concept of cosiness, not just at home but in restaurants, at work, in school, etc.
I don’t know about you, but I want to learn from the happiest people in the world, and adopt some of their cultural values!
How can you achieve a Hygge home?
CANDLES
This might seem obvious, but it’s actually one of the most important pieces of a Hygge home.
Denmark is the leading consumers of candles in Europe, each person burning 6 kilos of candle wax per year! Nearly any Dane will tell you that you CANNOT hygge without candles.
But here’s the thing – The candles they use are scent-free and nearly always organic, unlike the scented candles that are so common in North America. The Danes also air out a room after using candles to ensure that smoke doesn’t stay inside!
I’m suuuuper picky about the items I bring into my home so I opt for battery operated (and super realistic!) or pure beeswax candles!
AMBIENT LIGHT
On top of candles, lighting is an important part of creating a hygge home!
I live in Canada, and it’s basically cold + dark for 4239424 days a year ? Having warm ambient light in your home helps so much on those loooong, winter days!
Dreamy, warm lighting such as twinkle lights or lamps help to create a Hygge atmosphere!
BLANKETS
It’s basically impossible to be warm + cozy without a blanket – am I right? I love having soft + cozy blankets on the couch, in my office or on the bed! I always opt for practical blankets that can actually be used – and a lot of our blankets are actually handmade!
COZY CLOTHES
I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel very cozy in stiff, tight clothing. Whether it’s winter or summer I love wearing soft, comfortable clothing as often as I can!
Check out my fall 2020 capsule wardrobe for a glimpse into my closet this season!
SOCKS OR SLIPPERS
There is nothing hygge about cold feet. So either put on a pair of warm socks (I love these ones and these ones), or some fur lined slippers to stay warm (Mine are from Costco but similar to these)!
Read more about Ways To Hygge In The Winter
YUMMY FOODS
True Hygge food is food that has been carefully prepared. It’s not about eating a storebought cake, but instead about creating and appreciating the cake.
Picking out your own ingredients at the Farmer’s Market, growing them in your garden greatly increase how Hygge they are.
Enjoying the food that you’ve prepared with a good friend is the ultimate Hygge activity.
WARM DRINKS
Warm drinks are nearly as important to a Hygge home as candles.
But not in the way that people drink a Starbucks coffee while in their car, rushing off to the next place.
Instead, slowly enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Or sipping on a cup of tea in the afternoon while curled up on the couch with a blanket and a good book. Or sitting at a coffee shop with a friend and talking about life.
Also, my tea TOTALLY tastes better when I drink it out of an adorable mug – anyone else agree? I feel like people are pretty opinionated on the size / shape of their mugs – I LOVE huge, wide-mouthed mugs.
Invite Friends Over
I just hinted at this, but the best Hygge is done with friends.
Not large groups of friends, or parties with strangers. But small, intimate gatherings with close friends.
It doesn’t really matter what you do together, but just spending quality time with good friends is very Hygge!
Just Do Nothing
Our culture is obsessed with being busy and productive 24/7. But to enjoy Hygge you need to stop the obsession with always needing to get something done.
The task at hand is to just sit, sip on a coffee and enjoy the silence. Maybe read a book, work on a puzzle or have a conversation. But be ok with not being “productive” for a little bit.
There’s no multi-tasking in Hygge, you need to be present in the moment.
Unplug
Turn away your cell-phone, or put it in a different room entirely.
Unplug from the world, from your work or whatever expectations you may have. Enjoy the moment, take some time to rest your mind and recharge.
I hope you apply some of these tips to your home this year!
If you enjoyed this, be sure to pin it for later, or to share with a friend!
