Is the non-stop, nine-to-five multitasking grind starting to get a bit much for you? It might be time to take a page from the book of the Danish way of life. Hygge living is a cultural phenomenon at the heart of making Danes among the happiest and most chilled-out people in the world. And you can find the secret to their contentment right here…
After reading you will be able to:
- Be familiar with hygge, it’s pronunciation, and meaning
- Learn to embrace the hygge way of life for yourself
- Understand the rules of hygge
- Appreciate the Scandi design aesthetic
- Create your own hygge-friendly space
- Live a life of more joy
Over the last few years the Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) has become one of their most popular international exports. Also commonly used by the Norwegians, Hygge is a term with no direct translation in English, although the word ‘cosy’ does go some way to expressing its ideas.
Hygge is a feeling of contentment and well-being. It’s about enjoying the simpler things in life. If it were to be expressed as an image, hygge might be wearing your favourite socks while sinking into a large sofa as you hug a mug of hot chocolate and listen to the rain gently tap at the window. Now that’s hygge living!
It’s a lifestyle which celebrates ‘taking a moment’.
Those Danes might really be on to something, too. Despite their long, brutally cold, and miserable winters, Denmark often tops the bill as one of the happiest countries in the world. The hygge way of life goes a long way to explaining why. According to Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book Of Hygge, ‘what freedom is to Americans. . . hygge is to Danes’, it is a ‘defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA’.
The History Of Hygge Living
Derived from the Norwegian word for well-being, hygge has been used in Denmark since at least the early 1800s. By 2017 the term had become such a popular part of British vernacular that it entered the Oxford English Dictionary, which officially defines it as a noun meaning ‘a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)’.
Also gaining traction on the other side of the Atlantic, it wasn’t long before hygge living became a phenomenon in the United States, where it grew to be one of the biggest trending décor inspirations of the decade.
How To Embrace Living The Hygge Lifestyle
Have you ever binged on a show in comfy sweatpants? That’s hygge. Danes call them hyggebukser and watch Scandi noir.
Ever have that cheeky extra slice of cake? That’s hygge.
Skipped the gym for a relaxing bath surrounded by candles? That’s hygge
Wrestle your friends in a tub full of jelly? That’s… probably not hygge.
But inviting your friends around to hang out is actually one of its central precepts. While spending time alone to take in a moment is fine, doing so with family and friends is even better. Togetherness is an important part of hygge culture, so wasting time on your mobile is a definite no-no.
Just as it isn’t about being alone, it isn’t necessarily all about being comfy, either. Some of the best hygge moments are to be had by spending time with loved ones outdoors, even in the cold. In this sense, hygge can be considered more an atmosphere of joy than a feeling of cosiness. It just so happens that many of us feel happiest and most contented indoors during the winter months.
Keeping It Simple: Hygge Living At Home
Hygge is a popular interior style choice with those who prefer to keep things on the simpler side. But unlike minimalist design sensibilities, hygge isn’t about chucking everything out and living in an empty room – it suggests you keep the things that have meaning to you around but encourages you to keep it as simple as possible. Hygge philosophy emphasises minimising unnecessary things and finding joy in simple pleasures.
Top 5 Ways To Add A Hygge Design Aesthetic To Your Home
Wood Like To Go Out By Staying In
Danes incorporate an outdoorsy feel to their interiors, as they believe in the calming effect of countryside strolls. Adding a wooden timber bed frame and some other, similar style furniture to a bedroom is the easiest way to give it that Scandi-vibe. Some well-chosen plants and fresh flowers will really help sell the countryside feel, too.
Scents & Sense-ability
Despite all the timber, the Danes also love their open flames. Add candles for a cosy environment if a log fire is not an option. Switching your overhead lamp for the soft flicker of candles goes a long way to creating that hygge living atmosphere. Scented candles, from floral to food scents, are popular for creating a cosy atmosphere.
See The Love, Feel The Love
The social aspect of hygge living can not be stressed enough. You should have framed photos of loved ones around to keep them in mind during relaxation. Better yet though, is to provide an inviting space to tempt them over. Massive, plush armchairs, rustic rocking chairs, hot water bottles, and a host of casually available thick, body-hugging throws will appeal to almost everybody. If you’re particularly close and comfortable with them, then why not consider inviting all your friends over for a day of binging an entire season of your favourite TV show with homemade snacks in the cosiest place know to humankind – an Emperor size bed.
Consider getting a new comfy sofa bed if you don’t have space for a regular bed.
Bringing On Bedtime
Without a doubt, the most comfortable piece of furniture in your entire house should be your bed. Your relaxation space needs the best-suited mattress for optimal comfort. Although choosing the right mattress is vital to your luxury, it is important not to forget about the type of duvet you’d be most snug under too, and the pillow materials that best support your preferred sleeping position. In addition to these you should also consider adding a headboard to support all those extra hours of sitting in bed, and a mattress topper to make your bed just that little bit more relaxing.
Ready to take your comfort to the next level? Read our guide on the benefits of an electric adjustable bed to consider getting something that will really make a statement about how seriously you take your chill-time.
Tech-NO, Tech-NO, Tech-NO
Loud music may not be hygge, but it can help some people relax. Using tech devices such as music players, Kindles, and screens can enhance relaxation, but using them for other purposes is not recommended.Scrolling through social media, checking work emails, and playing mobile games are the antithesis to a good afternoon of hygge-ing. Keeping technology out of the bedroom is recommended, as it can serve as a reminder of work and news stories, even for those who do not check their devices frequently. No more blue light screens. Time to switch off.
Other essentials for living the hygge lifestyle include comfort food (especially homemade soups, casseroles, cakes, and sweets), and knitted clothing.
A pair of skies decoratively resting in the corner of the room are optional.
There’s plenty going on in the world right now that’s upping our anxiety levels to the max.
To reduce stress, put on comfortable loungewear, play low-volume Classic FM, watch a fireplace video, relax on a soft mattress, cuddle a dog, read a book, drink hot chocolate, wear fleece socks, and watch children play in the snow outside.
And if you can convince a few friends to come over to do it all with you, all the better!
Let us help you find the perfect mattress for optimal comfort and a cosy hygge experience.
Take your bed to the next level of cosiness with these articles that offer tips for living the hygge life:
Learn How To Choose The Best Bed For Your Bedroom
Discover How Many Pillows You Should Be Sleeping On
Realise Why You Need A Headboard To Be Really Comfortable
Need Help Choosing A Bed?
Start your journey into creating the ideal chilled bedroom by finding the perfect mattress for your hygge lifestyle from our wide variety available at Land of Beds.
Deciding on the best mattress for your needs depends on several factors.
- What type of sleeper are you?
- What temperature do you sleep best in?
- What materials are you most comfortable on?
There is no need to lose sleep over trying to find the ideal bed and bedding for your sleeping needs. Our bed experts at Land of Beds pride themselves on their specialist knowledge and ability to guide you to the bed and bedding for your perfect hygge bedroom.
Our customer-first policy means we listen and give good, independent advice based on the needs of the individual. By pairing consumers up with ethically sourced, affordable, quality products, we provide as many people as possible with a great night’s sleep.
If you would like help finding a bed for a more comfortable lifestyle, feel free to get in touch with us on 01928 242829