Since the Nordic lifestyle of hygge began gaining popularity in the United States, we have been obsessed with everything it stands for: coziness, companionship, warmth, indulgence, and an appreciation of the "little things" in life. If you, like so many others, want to embrace hygge in every aspect of your own life, why not start right inside your home?
Because the lifestyle emphasizes relaxing indoors with loved ones, the living room is the perfect place to start your hygge makeover. Read on for 12 tips that will turn your living room into a hygge wonderland — just don't blame us when your home is so cozy that you never want to leave!
When designing a hygge space, try your best to inject coziness into every aspect of the room — even down to the ground beneath your feet. When choosing a rug, opt for a soft, simple one (like this Anthropologie pick) that makes your bare feet happy when you walk.
Harsh lighting is a major no-go for the hygge home, so be sure to choose ambient bulbs and subtle fixtures (like this sconce) that won't ever feel clinical or cold.
As is mentioned in our yearlong hygge challenge, "a hyggekrog . . . is a cozy space in one's home where they feel totally comfortable curling up with a book or cup of coffee." Deck out your own personal hyggekrog with a comfy seat (like this velvet CB2 chair), warm lighting, blankets, and pillows.
According to The Little Book of Hygge, more than half of Danes burn candles every single day — so take a card out of their book by expanding your own candle collection! Don't be shy about lighting up your favorite ones, especially if they're from a specific hygge-themed collection.
An indulgent diet is key to the hygge lifestyle, so allow for easy access to treats when designing your living room. Invest in a good serving tray, like this marble pick, in order to offer sweet bites to your guests — or just for yourself, we don't judge!
Because social gatherings are so frequent for hygge-enthusiasts, be sure that your major furniture purchases are conducive to hosting. This coffee table includes hideaway stools, which provides a perfect solution for extra seating when everybody wants to reminisce over a bottle of wine.
Just because you've got a fire roaring in your fireplace doesn't mean that it's all hyyge-d out. You can take your mantel to a whole new level of hygge by adorning it with candles (try this copper candelabra!), green outdoorsy elements, and reminders of what really matters: your loved ones.
Toasty beverages are encouraged by hygge, whether they are temperature-hot or simply warm you from the inside, like a good cocktail. Welcome this aspect of the Nordic lifestyle by designing a bar cart that invites visitors to sit back and enjoy a beverage.
Coziness and comfort are the most common feelings associated with hygge, so live up to that standard by layering your living room with knit blankets. Nobody likes freezing in their own home!
Just like with the blankets that make hygge living so warm and inviting, pillows are ideal for relaxing in your living room. Don't be shy about them — toss a soft pillow on any seating area where you might want to bask in coziness!
As mentioned before, lighting is key to the hygge home. Another vital component is a connection with and appreciation of nature, so bring these two elements together by mimicking the nighttime sky with twinkle lights, such as this affordable option from ModCloth.
The hygge lifestyle encourages togetherness, so design your living room around the idea of entertaining — be sure to provide chic coasters for any wooden surfaces, extra seating for guests, and a coat rack for Winter celebrations.