Hygge, pronounced “hoo-ga”, is a Danish design concept from the 18th century. It can’t be easily translated into one word but encompasses feelings of coziness, contentment, and well-being through simple things. If you’ve ever lit candles and curled up with a cup of cocoa and a fuzzy blanket on a rainy Sunday, you’ve experienced hygge.
Hygge is an important part of Danish design and lifestyle. “What freedom is to Americans…hygge is to Danes,” says Meik Wiking, the CEO of Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and author of The Little Book of Hygge. Hygge traverses winter and summer by bringing feelings of peace and contentment when embracing the cold season in Scandinavia.
Denmark’s obsession with all things cozy is one of the reasons why they top the world’s list of happiest countries. Here’s how you too can achieve hygge in your home.
Stock Up on Candles
Denmark and other Scandinavian countries are rumored to be the largest consumers of candles in the world per capita. To escape the winter’s chill, flickering scented or unscented candles are one of the most fundamental principles of hygge. To achieve peace and comfort in your home, light a candle or two and enjoy the soft light and your favorite scents.
Fall in Love with Texture
When you think of cozy, your mind may instantly go to soft textures which add dimension to any interior. Faux fur throws, knit cushions, and fluffy rugs add textured accessories for layering different textiles and surfaces. Add a roaring fire, knit socks, and soft candlelight and your room couldn’t get more hygge.
Less Is Much More
Hygge finds peace and fulfillment in the simple things. That means banishing clutter for a mess-free home. To embrace hygge, invest in clever storage solutions to hide visual clutter from view. The Danes believe a clean, serene space makes it easier to enjoy more continuous moments of hygge.
Display Your Memories
Hygge encourages creating an environment of happiness. Freely display your favorite paintings, family photos, and travel adventures. Surround yourself with the simple things that make you happy.
Embrace a Spa-Like Style
Start your spa-like style in the bathroom with a soaking tub, candles, soft bath robes, good lighting, and clever storage. Instead of rushing your morning routine, create space for rest and rejuvenation by making your bathroom feel like a daily trip to the spa.
Enjoy Soft Tunes
What could make candles, a cozy blanket, and a warm cup of tea any better? Relaxing music. Music is an important element of hygge to lift the mood and relax the mind and body. Invest in sleek Bluetooth speaker and play soft instrumental music or your favorite tunes in the background while you get ready in the morning or relax in the evening.
Enjoy the Sentimentality of Things Past
The Danes don’t like to waste, so they recycle and reuse old objects such as antiques and furniture in creative ways. With hygge, nothing needs to be perfect. It’s more about the sentimentality of a family antique or pieces of the past with history and memories.
At European Leather Gallery, we carry high-quality low back loveseats and sofas and recliners with sleek designs to achieve ultimate relaxation. Is it time to freshen up your space? View our selections online or visit our showroom to test our Scandinavian-inspired furniture and styles.
