Why is hygge, and why do we need it?

As we head inexorably into autumn, what can we do to make our homes as cosy, comfortable and appealing as can be? Those who live in the northern reaches of Europe know just how to leave the chill and damp of the outside where it belongs and cosy up in a space that makes you feel immediately relaxed and calm – there’s even a word for it: hygge.

So what is hygge, and how do we bring it home?

Hygge is a Danish word, and it’s pronounced hoo-guh, not higgy, which is a shame, because we like the idea of getting hygge with it… It’s a concept, a way of living, that translates into interior design, cooking, entertaining, all parts of home life. In short, it means to create an atmosphere of comfort and warm conviviality that makes you, and any guests, feel contentment and wellbeing.

This sense of contentment and calm is also something that works as well for those who are selling as staying. Viewings that take place in a home that immediately feels ‘homey’ will give potential buyers a good sense of how it might be to live there.

How to bring hygge to your home

Hygge is actually a year-round concept, not something pulled out as the nights draw in, so here are our top ten tips for making your home hygge-central.

1. Mess = stress

Scandi-style is all about pared back, serene spaces with zero clutter. If we define clutter as items that have a home, but aren’t in it, and items that you’ve forgotten why they’re there (burned out candles, faded photos, extraneous holiday souvenirs, etc), there’s no reason for it to be taking up space in your home or in your head. 

2. Use natural materials

We’ve talked about house plants before. Not only do they add rich colour and texture to your rooms, but they can also act as natural detoxifiers, and the very act of caring for something on a regular basis is great for our mental wellbeing. Warm wood is also great – there’s something about viewing or stroking natural wood that makes humans happy. Wooden floors, stripped back bannister rails, occasional tables – it all adds to a feeling of contentment.

3. Maximise natural light

In the very far north, of course, natural light is in short supply in the winter months, and even here we are likely to be setting off to work in the dark and returning home in the dark, so when you’re home in the daylight hours, make sure you can make the most of it. Make sure curtains don’t hide windows by making sure they’re pulled right back, or even sit either side of the window on their rail, rather than within the width of the window. If you have blinds, tilt them slightly down, to let the light pour in. Place mirrors to the side or opposite windows, to get some bright reflections, and remove any large items from window sills, to allow a clear flow of light. 

4. Controlled electric lighting

Even in the middle of the day in winter, some rooms won’t really benefit from natural light – the sun’s too low, or on the other side of the house. And at night, creating a cosy environment starts with your lighting plan. Don’t use the overhead light – this is a functional light best used for purposes such as cleaning the room or working. Instead, light up corners with table lamps or floor lamps. Create a reading space with a lamp above an armchair, a small side table and cosy throw flung across the chair. Light bulbs come in different shades, so opt for warm white in the rooms where relaxation is the main purpose, and blue white above desks and kitchen prep surfaces. If you can, get dimmable bulbs for wall lights, or invest in Philips Hue bulbs that work with Bluetooth. These can be game changing, trust us! Fairy lights also work beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms and conservatories, just take care to hang them out of reach of accidental bumps, or little fingers. Command hooks are a brilliant way to do this, they’re transparent and easily removed.

5. Choose a neutral colour palette, with pops of richness

Wooden floors, squashy sofas, wooden furniture and houseplants – you can just feel the calm, can’t you? We’re not saying you have to go magnolia, and cream sofas are dangerous territory for those with kids, pets, or even a coffee habit, but you’d be amazed just how much colour falls into the definition of neutral. Soft terracottas, warm gentle reds, rusty stone, even dark colours like muted navy or brown sugar work, as they act as an unchallenging background for other colours. Have a wander around the Little Green neutrals inspiration pages and you’ll be sure to find something very you. They’re a Manchester company, too, so know what we need. Once you’ve chosen your background colour, consider taking this a few shades deeper for your choice of rugs, cushions and throws. One colour that works in most spaces is green, and it’s right on trend right now. There are so many shades of green you’re sure to find one you love.

6. Accessorise

A couple of throws, a few (not too many) cushions, a rug in front of the sofa… Hygge-fy your room for the colder months with rich textures, which feel immediately cosy, and then swap them out in summer for lighter and brighter options in smoother fabrics. And every room needs a candle or three! Not necessarily scented candles, and definitely not multiples of these, but dotting tea lights around in silvered glass holders adds a delicious sense of warmth and movement. Consider accessorising as ‘dressing’ your home. While avoiding any hint of clutter, accessorising might also include placing a classic book or two on a side table, next to an armchair (see above), or a vase with fresh or dried flowers on the coffee table. 

7. Fragrance

Wax melts, diffusers, candles… There are multiple options for scenting your home, now, we just encourage you to check ingredients before buying. Natural waxes – soy, rapeseed, coconut – are way better for your health and home than paraffin waxes, and natural essential oils preferable to synthetic scents. Don’t go candle crazy, too many can overpower, and keep to a single scent, or connected scents. One in the hallway is always a treat, and another in the living room, plus one in the kitchen. Make sure you pay attention to what’s above, below and behind – scorched walls, burned table tops or, yikes, flaming curtains, aren’t a good look.

Hygge is a state of mind, and taking some time to create an environment that engenders this feeling is an investment you won’t regret.

Eddie – Friday 15th September 2023. (Picture used from Scott Avenue, Chorlton).