Let’s create hygge in your home so it becomes your safe haven!
My goal with minimalism has been to have a chaos-free home, especially after having my twins. I needed a home that in a few minutes can be organized. A home that does not demand a lot of energy from me. My home is meant to give me comfort, not drain my energy with a long silent to-do list.
With decluttering, owning only what I need and love, I have achieved to have a very practical home. But it was when I created hygge in my home that I brought comfort and coziness.
What is Hygge?
Hygge (pronounced /’h(j)uːɡə/) is a Danish word for being in the moment and enjoying simple pleasures throughout your day. It is translated as a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.
Hygge is also a very social thing. It’s meant to be shared. It is an adjective (hyggelig) and a verb (hygging).
Hygge is a philosophy and a lifestyle that helps the Danes to appreciate the little things in life. It highlights the importance of simplicity and of having time to slow down from our busy lives.
You can make your life a bit more hyggelig by keeping things simple, honest and sociable. With hygge, every day can be the best day!
You may find a similar word in your language that resembles hygge. Here are some examples:
- gezellig and gezelligheid in Dutch
- Gemütlichkeit in German
- Koselig in Norwegian
- Mysig in Swedish
- まったり (mattari) in Japanese
How to create Hygge in your home?
Everyone enjoys nice surroundings and having an organized home. In the Nordic countries, people tend not to own too much stuff as people do in America. People own what they need and use in the phase of life they are at. What is not needed is sold on flea markets, second hand shops, online or it is donated. This means that you don’t see a lot of clutter and stuff laying around in people’s home. They follow somehow a minimalist mindset.
Many thinks of a minimalist home as a cold and sterile home. If this is the impression you have, check out my article on “How to make your home calming, functional and beautiful” and you will see a great variety of inspiration.
Candlelight is nearly synonymous with hygge.
But the love for mood lighting goes beyond candlelight. Danes are well known by their amazing minimalist designs and that includes lamp design.
These lamps are not only beautiful; they also give off a warm candle-like glimmer. It fills the room with feelings of comfort and snugness, creating hygge in your home.
Another aspect that contributes to creating hygge in your home, is having different textures such as wood, wool, fur, velvet, linen. This stimulates the senses and the mind. It can be in forms of cushions, blankets, accessories, fire burner, plants, rug.
If you want to experience full hygge, then share the moment with others. Hygge is better when shared with friends and family. Being cozy with someone, having meaningful conversations, feeling safe and trusted brings a sense of community. It sparks joy and It’s a human need.
So, what are you waiting for?
Have a hygge corner in your home (hyggekrog) with a cosy sofa, blanket, warm lighting and textures, calming colors, and a great book with a cup tea. Better yet, share this moment with a loved one or a good friend 😊
Actionable Tip
Have this kit ready for when you come home from work and quickly create hygge in your home:
- Candle(s)
- Wool socks
- Tea of hot chocolate
- Chocolate
- Records, books, a notebook, whatever is hyggelig for you.
Crawl into your hyggekrog and enjoy some serious hygging.
