We’re all familiar with the term ‘hygge’. This previously unknown Danish phrase made the shortlist for the Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year back in 2016, and then suddenly everyone was adopting the craze in an effort to add an extra level of cosiness to the home.

Some fads die out pretty quickly, but we reckon that hygge is the perfect antidote to the turmoil we’re all facing right now. Since so many of us are spending more time at home, and given that we’ve still got at least a month left of the bleak winter weather, why not spread a little indoor cheer and make the most of this ‘snuggle down’ time of year?

What is Hygge?

Originating in old Norwegian language, the closest translation to the word ‘hygge’ is similar to the term ‘well-being’. Becoming a household Danish word by the end of the 1700s, it has since been adopted as a saying that can be applied almost anywhere in life.

Not just restricted to the colder, darker months, hygge can be appreciated all year round, but its association with winter has led it to be a much-celebrated way of adding seriously cosy vibes to our homes. After all, winter can be tough enough - who would turn down an opportunity to make the home more inviting, especially during these times of lockdown?

With that in mind, here are our top 5 tips on transforming your living spaces into zones of winter happiness!

1. It's All About the Textures

Adding texture to your home is fundamental when it comes to adopting a unique level of cosiness.

During the wintertime, it’s already second nature for us to use blankets and throws in order to keep warm, but hygge likes to take things one step further.

Wool, fur and wood are all natural materials that instantly make an environment more inviting and homely, especially in the living room or bedroom. These rooms are where we want to feel at our cosiest, and so making a few small changes to the décor can make a world of difference.

For example, our Mongolian Fur Foot Stool is the ideal fluffy perch to put up your feet up in style, and adds an immediately warm, textured feel to any space. Made from 100% genuine Mongolian lamb fur, this super comfortable ball of fluff also comes in three sumptuous colours – grey, pink and dusty pink.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of throws – as well as being great for snuggling down with on a cold winter’s evening, covers and blankets are also a terrific way of transforming the look of your sofa, providing colour and texture that’s befitting of the season.

Far from being restricted to furry covers, adding texture encompasses all sorts of different approaches to décor. Colour is a key hygge consideration, and one of the best ways of providing a burst of natural shades to a room is through the arrangement of houseplants.

Florals are an essential part of a cosy room set-up – they provide us with a reminder of greenery during the darkest time of year, and can also make for some great statement pieces on tables and windowsills.

For a splash of colour that’s in vogue for winter, our dried plants are ideal. They don’t require any maintenance, yet provide the perfect reminder that spring is on the horizon with longer days looming. We offer a generous choice of offerings, but for those of you into your bolder shades, our Craspedia Globosa (also known as ‘Billy Buttons’ flowers) offers a vibrant mustard yellow tone to any room. Place them in our striking Garbo vase for best results!

2. Light the Way

Hygge without candles is like cheese without wine. It’d be a crime to neglect adding some sumptuous wax lighting to your living spaces if you’re going for the extreme ‘cosy vibe’, and the soft, flickering glow of a candle is a beacon of hope throughout the winter months.

Variety is your friend here, so don’t be afraid to be colourful. Scattering a selection of wax shades around the home during this time of year is a real joy, and a smattering of different colours and sizes can make all the difference. 

We offer a whole host of options, including slender dinner candles, wide pillar candles and even alternative offerings such as our Tozi tribal design. For some real vibrancy, our Rustic Pillar Candles come in a suite of colours – match them up with our Sita Candlestick Holders for a gorgeous shade contrast.

Lanterns and colourful candle holders are also a fantastic way of emphasising the calming effect that lit candles can have on the home. Try choosing coloured glass holders that radiate the light and emit a warm, fuzzy glow wherever you place them. This style is perfect for creating a ‘hygge’ atmosphere that’s super inviting for all.

Our rose Lantern is a shrewd option – perfect for dinner candles, you’ll be casting charm and cosiness in no time with these terrific holders.

3. Neutralise Those Tones

Whilst plenty of colour is often a great way of expressing yourself through accessories and ornaments, try to keep the walls, floors and furniture more on the neutral side to really flex your hygge muscles.

The Scandinavians are experts at choosing soft, undistracting tones for their homes, leading to a calmer and less busy environment. Think plenty of whites, creams and natural shades such as light wood effects.

Well renowned for their wonderful furniture design, the Danes in particular certainly know how to craft chairs that boast comfortable, ergonomic form factors yet still harbour strong links to the natural world.

For a superb seating choice, our Hans Wegner Wishbone Dining Chair is a truly fine specimen. This natural ash edition showcases a light and engaging tone that’s perfect for a hygge environment. Think plenty of earthy, mother nature vibes and you’re all set!

4. Feel the Heat!

Whenever we think of cosiness, a fire is always one of the very first things that springs to mind.

Gathering around a fireplace is an integral part of Danish culture, and epitomises the congregational and social aspects of a hygge home. Apart from providing obvious warmth, a fire makes a wonderful focal point for a living room and keeps us all in touch with nature, particularly something like a wood burning stove.

What’s more, if you live in a period home, opening up a fireplace can also add value to the property. Always seek advice first before venturing down this route (especially with regards to building regulations), but the results can be spectacular once executed correctly.

5. Craft a Reading Corner

This one doesn’t have to be complicated. If you have the room, creating a new little space for taking some time out and burying your head in a gripping novel is a wonderful hygge activity, but simply retreating to your favourite chair with a good book and a blanket is enough. The takeaway point here is allowing time for yourself, escaping from the frantic rush of day-to-day life and giving yourself some much needed ‘me’ time.

Perching yourself on one of our Round Pouffes is both a trendy and luxuriously comfortable way of doing this, but choose whatever works for you. Just don’t forget to unwind!

We hope that these tips have been useful, and that you’re now one step closer to crafting that perfectly cosy home for the rest of whatever winter has to offer!

We’ll see you next week Saints - stay safe as always.

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