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What Is Hygge?
What exactly IS hygge? Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah), is a word used widely by Danish and Norwegian people to describe a feeling of well-being, protection and coziness. Denmark’s cold season is long and brutal. The idea of hygge was formed as a survival strategy to psychologically help people to get through the long winters. Although the feeling of hygge is mainly associated with winter, hygge can be achieved in any month of the year.
Hygge is a concept that has become a way of life for the people of Denmark; it’s an emotional state of being. In recent years, the concept of hygge has made its way to the US and has become a bit of an Instagram sensation. But even before we became familiar with the word “hygge”, all of us have experienced the feeling. We just didn’t know there was a name for it. The essence of hygge can be described as the feeling you get when you laugh with good friends, curl up in a blanket to read your favorite book, or the warm and homey feeling that you get from sitting by a fire with a bowl of homemade soup on a cold day. I experienced hygge each time I visited my grandmother. It’s that feeling of being safe, sheltered and loved.
I remember the first time I was introduced to the concept of hygge. I had picked up a copy of “The Little Book of Hygge” by Meik Wiking. I was curious because some of the book groups I follow were raving about it. After I started reading, I understood why. It’s a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.
You can watch this short video to see an explanation from “The Little Book of Hygge” author Meik Wiking. He does a great job of explaining more about this concept. His books, “The Little Book of Hygge” and “The Little Book of Lykke”, (Lykke = happiness) are two of the most entertaining and enlightening books I think I’ve ever read.
As I’ve already said, hygge was not a new idea for me. I just didn’t have the benefit of a descriptive word for it. In my mind, I always associated it with being cozy. I thought of being curled up with a blanket and my favorite book during a storm. Or of being at my grandmother’s by the fire, while my grandfather strummed his acoustic guitar and sang songs older than my parents.
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I’m sure that the Danes either find it humorous or a little sad that Americans have become so enamored with hygge. It’s no secret that we are blessed in America, but unfortunately, that blessing has also led many of us to unnecessary excess.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that it actually takes very little to make me truly happy. Don’t get me wrong, I still love beautiful things, but I’m finding that I’m just as happy with less of them.
Several years ago, I sat down and took a deep look at what was really important to me. It goes without saying that my family and friends were at the top of that list. Next, I started thinking about materialistic things. I was pretty surprised at what I found out.
I discovered that as long as I had my books, my knitting and crafts, and my home was comfortable and well cared for, that I was perfectly content. After that, I started going through my home and decluttering. I kept all of the things that I truly enjoyed and that had a special place in my heart. Everything else was donated. It’s made housekeeping so much easier for me. I don’t have as much “stuff” to keep track of, and dusting is much quicker.
The Little Book of Hygge: D...Shop on Amazon
How to Decorate Using The Hygge Concept
My personal decorating style has always leaned toward hygge. My goal has always been for family and friends to feel welcome, warm and cozy in our home. As an avid reader, I love to see pictures and art that feature warm, softly lit libraries with a roaring fire and over-sized comfy chairs. This is my idea of absolute hygge. Your idea of hygge may look totally different.
For some people, hygge and minimalism go hand in hand. For others, it may be a room that holds an eclectic assortment of items they’ve gathered from extensive traveling. Whatever brings the hygge feeling to you, you can carry that concept over into your decorating. It’s the one of the easiest and most enjoyable forms of decorating your home.
Keep in mind that making a room feel hygge should not be expensive or extravagant. It’s actually quite the opposite. The Danes frown upon flashy and expensive lifestyles. Extravagance is considered in poor taste. They realize that the greatest happiness in life can be found in simplicity.
The Little Book of Hygge: T...Shop on Amazon
When trying to create a hygge atmosphere, think of more earthy and natural items like baskets, pottery, hand knitted/crocheted pillows and throws. Anything found in nature is perfect, whether it’s dried flowers, plants, seashells or woodland treasures.
Another thing that’s an absolute must, is cozy lighting. You want to go with warm ambient lighting if possible. Lamps are easier to manipulate than a light in the middle of the ceiling. Try putting a cozy lamp or candle by your favorite reading chair. Add in a bookcase with your favorite books or treasures. Next, put a cozy throw over your chair, and, if there’s room, add in a pillow made of warm fabric.
Although hygge is more of a concept or feeling than something you buy, there are some decorating tips that will help you to create a hygge vibe. Coziness is a key component to creating your hygge corner, so think about putting out your warm blankets and favorite accent pillows to ensure you have a comfortable and soothing place to sit. Layer different textures and linens for a homey feel. Because lighting is a key element to creating hygge in your home, you’ll want to put some candles near your chair and on the nearby tables. Lit candles will help induce a warm color palette and the feeling of intimacy in your designated nook. Books and natural or organic décor will further your hygge vibe as well.
Put a beautiful flower arrangement or succulent in your favorite pottery vase, or fill a basket with pine cones or acorns. Naturally dyed wools and linens will add to the effect and ambience.
Tips To Start Your Personal Hygge Space
If you’re interested in the hygge lifestyle for yourself, you can start small by creating a simple hygge corner of your home. An ideal spot for your little hygge corner will be a comfortable seat by a window, if possible.
Since the concept of hygge incorporates a contrast between the outside elements and being secure and well cared for inside your home, being able to see the outside is perfect. But, if you don’t have that option in your home, that’s ok too – pick a spot that has a comfortable seat and maybe a small side table. Some people actually prefer not to see outside, as it gives them a feeling of being totally removed from outside elements.
The Little Book of Lykke: S...Shop on Amazon
Hygge Should Be A Reflection of You
Keep in mind that you can make the hygge concept work for you. For example, if you aren’t comfortable burning candles, just use warm accent lamps and lighting to give warmth to your space. Maybe you dislike reading. If so, books won’t feel very hygge at all. However, you may really love a gorgeous floral arrangement or a piece of pottery or artwork.
Hygge, as with any thing else related to your home, should be a reflection of you. You certainly don’t need to spend a lot of money, if any at all, to create a nook that evokes hygge within your home.
I am a firm believer of following your own preferences when doing any type of decorating in your home. I don’t care what “the professionals” say. If I don’t like a specific type of décor or arraignment, then I’m certainly not going to incorporate it into my space. Remember this any time you are making changes to your home. Your space, your rules.
If you struggle with decorating, Pinterest is a wonderful place to find inspiration. Look at pictures of rooms that you like, then mimic that idea. It’s the easiest way to instantly become a decorating pro.
Hygge Socializing
Socializing is key to the hygge lifestyle. Now, if you’re an introvert, don’t panic. As it turns out, hygge is the perfect compromise for both introvert and extrovert. Spending time with family and friends has been proven to lift your spirits and evoke a sense of belonging and well-being.
Hygge leans more towards small, intimate gatherings of family or close friends. Times of shared laughter, good food, games and stories. However, for the extrovert, the gathering can be as large or small as they choose. Smaller typically has more of a hygge feeling, but it’s totally up to the individual.
I am an introvert, so smaller is definitely my preference. I love people, but large parties and gatherings over-stimulate me very quickly and leave me totally drained. However, I absolutely love spending time with a small group of close friends or my children.
My Hygge Home: How to Make ...Shop on Amazon
When planning an intimate gathering, try putting a hearty stew in the crock pot to simmer for several hours and serve it in hot, crusty bread bowls. After the meal, plan for a hot beverage, such as mulled cider or cocoa. End with your favorite cake.
There is one thing I wanted to mention about hygge meals. The Danes put as much emphasis on the process as they do the end result. A pot of stew that takes all day to simmer on the stove is much more hygge than picking up a box of chicken at the local deli.
Also, keep in mind simplicity. We’re not talking about preparing a gourmet meal to try and impress your guests and leaving you exhausted. We’re talking about serving them a cozy, home cooked meal that will leave them feeling warm, full and satisfied.
Hygge Tip for Welcoming Guests
I read another interesting idea about welcoming guests that I want to share. I can’t remember if it was from “The Little Book of Hygge” or another book, but I love the idea and wanted to tell you about it.
The author said that they loved to hand-knit cozy wool socks and keep them in a basket by their door. Each time they had guests, they offered them a pair of socks to put on and keep as a welcome gift. Being a knitter myself, this is something that I really would like to do at some point.
I don’t know about you, but my feet are often cold, and the idea of being offered a warm pair of socks at someone’s home is a welcome idea! If you aren’t a knitter, but wanted to do this, you could simply buy the socks and put them in a basket. I think it’s a pretty good hostess idea and would definitely make guests feel welcome and comfortable in your home.
Hygge & Recreation
So, we’ve talked about decorating, socializing and entertaining. Now, I wanted to briefly touch on hyggelig recreation. (Hyggelig = hygge-like) According to a survey that was taken, these are a list of activities that were seen to induce the most happiness. I’ve listed them in order from highest to lowest.
- Playing with children
- Listening to music
- Outdoor activities such as fishing or boating
- Attending sporting events
- Parties
- Cafes
- Religious worship
- Pet care
- In-home socialization/games
- Reading to children
- Receiving or visiting friends
- Reading books
This list is by no means complete, but these were in the top activities that inspired happiness and a sense of well-being. I was a little surprised that reading books fell so far down the list. As this is one of my favorite past-times, for me, it would fall at around number two. This goes to show that we are all very diverse and there are many different things that can inspire happiness and a feeling of security.
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We Can All Benefit from Hygge
As Americans we have become so obsessed with chasing the American dream that I feel in many cases, we have lost sight of what that actually means. I fear that we have forgotten many of the simple things in life, that are actually the most valuable. We’ve all heard the phrase, “money can’t buy happiness.” I agree wholeheartedly with this statement.
I know that a detrimental lack of money can make life very difficult, but I also know that as long as our needs our met, and our bills are paid, we actually “need” little else. I’m not at all pushing the idea of scarcity. I love new clothes and shoes as much as the next girl, but I’ve also learned that I don’t “need” a $350 purse to be happy.
I’m trying to adopt another of the Danes unique ideas. They tend to link purchases to good experiences. This gives the purchase more value. Most of you know that I’m big on planning. So, I’ve started saving many of my purchases until I reach a goal. This makes the purchase even more rewarding, and I think of that success each time I see the purchase. Lately, those purchases have been books signed by some of my favorite authors.
I know that some of the ideas in this post are not going to appeal to everyone. We all lead very different lifestyles. However, I do believe that if we get back to basic simplicity, it will not only benefit us emotionally, but also physically.
We live in a time of rapidly changing technology. Everything is centered around speed and productivity. Our tendency towards excess, while taking on the appearance of “success”, is actually making life harder than it should be. This leads to exhaustion and irritability.
I challenge you to incorporate more simplicity into your lifestyle. Take a good, hard look around you and decide what really matters. I think you’ll be surprised at what you learn.
Read Country Living’s Article on “What is Hygge” Here
I hope this post has explained the concept of hygge well enough that should you choose, you can apply it to your lifestyle. Whether you decide to incorporate one of these ideas or several, I know that it will improve your quality of life in ways that you may not have thought of. I hope this post helps you. I’ve done my best to give a clear explanation of what hygge is, and how to benefit by making it part of your life.
