Hygge Ideas: How to Make Your Home and Life Cosier

Hygge (say 'hoo-ga') is the Danish idea of cosiness and contentment: warm light, good company and simple comforts.

Here's how to bring a bit of it into your home and your week.

At home

  • Swap overhead lights for lamps
  • Light candles in the evening
  • Pile up blankets and cushions
  • Make a reading nook
  • Bring in plants and natural wood
  • A sheepskin on a chair
  • Fairy lights in a jar

Food and drink

  • Slow-cooked stews
  • Baking on a Sunday
  • Hot chocolate with marshmallows
  • Cinnamon buns
  • A pot of tea shared with someone
  • Soup and fresh bread

Rituals

  • A phone-free evening
  • Board games with friends
  • A long walk then a warm drink
  • A film night under blankets
  • Writing letters
  • An early night with a book

Key things to remember

  • Hygge is about how it feels, not buying things.
  • Invite a few friends round; hygge is best shared.

Frequently asked questions

What is hygge?

A Danish word for a feeling of cosiness, comfort and contentment.

How do you make your home hygge?

Soft lighting, candles, blankets, natural materials and time with people you like.

What is a good example of hygge ideas?

"Swap overhead lights for lamps" is one of 19 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

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