Hygge: The art of comfort at home

Get to know the concept of Hygge

The word hygge traces back to Old Norse, where its main meaning was “well-being.” It first appeared in Denmark around the end of the 18th century and has since become a hallmark of life in the land of the Little Mermaid — where the happiness index ranks among the highest in the world!

This art of living has parallels with Gemütlichkeit in Germany and the English concept of cocooning. But nothing quite compares to hygge, which embraces the present moment, gratitude, and simplicity — focusing on feeling over acquiring.

Create your own happy bubble

Close your eyes and picture a home with simple, uncluttered decor where the scent of evergreens mingles with the aroma of spiced cake. You sink into a pile of soft cushions with Hector, your Labrador, both of you wrapped in a luxuriously soft wool throw. Candlelight casts a warm, serene glow while snowflakes mist the living room window. Time feels like it’s standing still…

Sounds dreamy? That’s hygge. A way of living that’s easy to adopt, thanks to its endless possibilities. Start with simple, low-cost touches.

Transform a corner of your home into a peaceful retreat, tucked away from screens and noise. Add a small stack of books, a diffuser to scent the air, and soft, ambient lighting.

Want your home office to feel a little less corporate? Start with rule number one: clear the clutter. No more messy stacks of papers, crumpled receipts, or random trinkets taking up space. Bring in a pair of small speakers for some calming background music, and keep a pitcher of lemon water close by to stay refreshed. And don’t forget to balance it out — set up productivity blocks that leave room for those well-earned breaks.

Once the workday winds down, swap your button-up for a comfy hoodie and head to the kitchen. On the menu? Simple, fuss-free dishes prepared with care and enjoyed in good company. Living alone? Take the time to plate up something colourful, throw on a nice tablecloth, and light a few candles to set the mood.

When evening rolls around, after catching up on your favourite shows or diving into some nice reading material (like The Little Book of Hygge or the blog Hello Hygge, both full of inspiring ideas), slip into a hot bath infused with essential oils. Create a spa-like atmosphere with candles and a few small potted plants, then sip a calming herbal tea as you soak.

Rediscover your everyday, the Danish way

No room for a home gym? Lace up your boots and create walking circuits outdoors or through unexplored corners of your city. Take in the architecture, the snow on the trees, and the wildlife that peeks out along the way. Untold discoveries await!

In the evening, switch to detox mode by cutting back on screen time. Why not catch up with family and friends or strike up a conversation with new neighbours? The idea is to slow down and step out of the usual, fast-paced rhythm of daily life.

When it’s time for bed, try a few deep breaths, gentle stretches, soft lighting, and a calming playlist. A simple, positive ritual is the perfect way to ease into a good night’s sleep.

Embracing hygge is also a chance to set yourself small challenges that help you enjoy life more fully while saving energy. It can be as easy as turning the heat down a few degrees and wrapping yourself in your favourite sweater. Peak demand events are the perfect excuse to bundle up in soft layers and slow down for a few hours.