Hygge at home: try out a Danish lifestyle at home
Do you want to make your home nice and cosy ready for those cold winter nights? Then why not give hygge a try? It's the lifestyle trend that everyone's talking about. The idea behind this Danish way of life is that you get cosy and take things down a peg – and start feeling a whole lot happier too. So how does it work? It's quite simple: just try out our 9 tips.
Create a hygge atmosphere using lights
Are the days getting shorter, and the nights getting longer? Then it's time to turn on the lights indoors and make sure you have the right lighting . You can make your home feel really cosy if you avoid turning on the bright ceiling lights and turn on a few lamps instead of just the one. You can put large pillar candles in lanterns to create a cosy, hygge feeling in your home or outside on your balcony or terrace. Soft, warm light from fairy lights can also look welcoming and inviting.
A large table for lots of friends
A large table is ideal if you want to invite friends and family over for dinner. Because food makes us happy. And sharing food with people we love makes us even happier. A large table isn't just for serving delicious dishes on, it also gives your guests enough room to sit. If you can position the table in the centre of the room and focus on making your room as comfortable as possible, you won't just have a hygge interior: you'll really be embracing the Scandinavian lifestyle.
A new coat of paint using pastel colours
In Denmark, people often opt for pastel tones to create a hygge atmosphere in their homes. And you don't need to stop at the walls. A mint-green armchair or a sofa in pastel pink can also create the desired effect. By combining white and grey tones with the right decorative elements, you'll soon have a Scandinavian feel in your home. These colours also go perfectly with copper .
A cosy sofa for relaxing on
Where can you relax in the evenings? On the sofa, of course! That's why it's important to have a well-upholstered sofa to create the right hygge ambience. In Denmark, furniture is often designed to be simple and functional, while still feeling homely. If you choose a sofa with a wooden armrest or wooden legs, this creates a sense of peace and naturalness. An L-shaped sofa offers lots of room and different ways to use your living space. If you have enough space in your living room, it doesn't always have to go in the corner. If you're bold enough, you could opt for an unusual pastel shade or a daring mustard yellow or olive green colour. You can also build your own sofa table to have somewhere to put your cups, books or mobile phone while lying on the sofa.
Light-coloured wood for your hygge furniture
In Denmark, there aren't many big cities. Instead, there are lots of dunes, coasts, fjords and wide, flat landscapes. The presence of nature can be felt everywhere. Even at home. Having lots of wooden furniture in light colours gives your home a hygge vibe. Spruce, sycamore and pine are ideal types of wood for this look. Birch branches or driftwood can also be used as decoration.
Warm rugs to keep your feet warm
Your hygge interior should start with the floor. Use a combination of different-shaped rugs. Go for a rug in a cream tone or a light-brown colour and arrange the rugs on top of one other so that they overlap. This creates a warm ambience. A cosy lambskin or sheepskin rug is ideal for putting down in front of your sofa or bed. It will stop you getting cold feet, while bringing you one step closer to a hygge home. If you want to try a more striking alternative, you can make your room extra cosy by putting up a wall hanging.
Be edgy – with your pictures
Do you love hanging up pictures? It doesn't matter whether they're holiday snaps or art prints, it's better to focus on a few select photos rather than creating a chaotic mix of images on your wall. A simple and modern wooden frame and a mount will make your images really stand out and draw in the viewer's gaze. Take a look at our article on how you can draw attention to your artwork and hang up pictures correctly .
Kick back with cool, trendy cushions
Hygge is also about relaxing. And you can really relax if you have a cushion or two to prop you up. There are lots of options when it comes to cushions. Try combining ones in different shapes and colours. It doesn't matter whether they're bold, striped, monotone or patterned: the more varied they are, the cosier your home will look.
Flowers are the special hygge-extra
You can round off your hygge home in style using flowers. A single flower, such as a gerbera or a hydrangea, fits perfectly with the theme of Scandinavian simplicity. But even an elaborately arranged bouquet in a large round porcelain vase can create a hygge moment if it's positioned in the right place. Of course, you can also get creative here and make your own flower vase for your plants.