3 Ways to Bring Hygge into your Home
I recently spent a long weekend in Copenhagen taking in the festive sights of the Danish capital and during this time I fully embraced hygge which is all about cosiness and relaxing in comfortable surroundings which is particularly comforting in the depths of winter!
Denmark is officially the world’s happiest country so they are obviously doing something right! If you are keen to turn your home into a warm and welcoming haven then these three quick and easy ideas will help you on your way.
Lighting and mood
Hygge is all about creating a cosy space where you can relax and take it easy so one of the most important elements are those that create this sort of mood including lighting which has a powerful effect on how a room feels. When I was in Denmark I saw candles used everywhere to create a magical, intimate feel rather than harsher electrical lights.
Choose a selection of scented candles in different shapes and group them together for a feature or place candles in the window to offer a warm welcome to those who may be travelling to see you at this festive time of year. You can use electric lighting via lamps preferably with dimmers, be sure to have them spread out to create inviting pools of light around your home.
Windows
Shut out the wintery weather by using window dressings to keep your home separate from the break outdoors and cut out any chilly draughts. Curtains are a good option – use heavy lined curtains in sumptuous fabrics for the ultimate hygge feel. If curtains aren’t your thing why not try some thermal energy-saving window blinds which are both stylish and insulating to keep your home cool in summer and snug and warm in winter!
Using blinds in a conservatory is a great way to create a hidden away cosy space where you can enjoy a good book and a hot drink. I couldn’t sleep without my blackout blinds in my bedroom these days! If you really want to push the boat out then hand-made wooden shutters are another option, they provide instant privacy and shade and are perfect for keeping the cold weather at bay.
Textiles
One of the most prevalent ways to bring hygge into the home is to incorporate the Danish love of all things textile. Walking around Copenhagen every cafe offered snug blankets or warm fur cushions to keep the patrons warm and happy. It is easy to replicate this at home; pile the sofa high with cushions of all sorts of furry and cosy fabrics and add throws or blankets to every piece of furniture!
Make sure you have comfortable armchairs where you or your Christmas guests can curl up in and added footstools and floor cushions make extra seating so there is space for everyone. Don’t forget to include your feet with luxuriously soft rugs or why not supply your guests with cosy slippers or woolly socks for their stay?
