6 Ideas to Bring Hygge into Your Home Immediately

According to Danish writer Helen Russell, hygge means "to sit at home in a cozy atmosphere by candlelight." With this mindset, anyone can add a bit of hygge to their home and immerse themselves in this magical Scandinavian philosophy. We share ideas that will inspire you to refresh your space.

Eco-friendly materials — what you need

One of the main ideas of hygge is to be in harmony with nature. Therefore, for Scandinavians it's important to create an interior where they always feel comfortable.

We know that a person's well-being and even emotional state depends on the materials surrounding them. It's better to think about material choices during the renovation stage.

Safe-to-health finishing materials:

• for ceilings — water-dispersed paint;
• for walls — paper, textile and plant-based wallpapers, gypsum 3D panels or water-dispersed paint;
• for floors — natural parquet or parquet boards, ceramic tiles and laminate with E1 and E0 labeling.

If the renovation was done long ago and you can't choose new finishing materials, surround yourself with furniture and decor made of natural wood, cork, and recycled glass.

Also don't forget about textures — it's what makes an interior cozy. A dining table made of warm-textured wood or a chunky-knit throw, soft and pleasant to the touch.

Create a country house atmosphere

According to Scandinavians, the perfect evening looks like this: you're sitting in a cozy armchair by the fireplace with a cup of hot tea and your favorite book. Of course, not everyone can afford a real wood-burning fireplace, but designers have long come up with ways to replace it.

You have two options: install a fake fireplace with candles or an electric one with simulated flames. The second option looks more realistic and is also safer: you don't have to worry that someone will get burned or accidentally drop a candle on the floor (e.g., a curious cat named Vasily).

Modern electric fireplaces are completely safe. For example, Electrolux fireplaces are protected against overheating and made from tempered impact-resistant glass. They can be mounted on walls or enclosed in a portal. Models in modern style suit Scandinavian interiors. You can browse the full range here.

More light!

Scandinavians try to let in more natural light into the home, which is why they often don't use curtains. But if your windows overlook a neighboring house, it's better to avoid textiles.

Plan as many artificial lighting scenarios as possible. Wall sconces, floor lamps, table lamps and standing lights will add warmth to the space. For maximum comfort, you can buy "smart" bulbs that allow you to adjust color, brightness and warmth. That way, in the evening you can read a book with dimmed light without disturbing family members who are resting.

And of course, don't forget about candles — with them any space becomes "warmer" and cozier. Here's what Helen Russell says in her book:

You can always perk up with friends, family, candles and cupcakes.

And green plants

We return again to the idea of harmony with nature. Even in a small apartment, you can find space for green plants.

Floors and window sills are standard surfaces for a mini-garden at home. Western designers suggest using walls, open shelves and bookcases. Letting trailing plants hang from the window (by the way, a great alternative to curtains) or decorative mesh. Place them in various decor elements: baskets and storage pockets.

Every item should have its own story

For Scandinavians, it's not so much about the item itself but its history. That’s why they love antique shops and flea markets. So if you have an old armchair on your balcony that was inherited from your grandmother, don't rush to throw it away.

People buy too many items they rarely use. An armchair can be reupholstered, a table restored, and old photos framed and hung on the wall instead of posters.

Follow the example of Danes: they have long moved towards mindful consumption. Here’s what Helen Russell says in her book:

At a certain point, you begin to realize simple life mathematics: less new shiny things = less recycling = happy life.

Put your bet on textiles

Hygge implies that every happy person should have their own cozy nook filled with throws and pillows. Here you can read books, drink hot cocoa, and hide from the cold and bad moods.

It's hard to argue that an interior becomes much softer and cozier when decorative pillows in various colors and warm, soft rugs appear on the sofa or bed.