Tips for spreading hygge in your home are often focused on décor. But we have a few tips beyond the traditional on how to bring coziness to you this winter.

hygge  ˈhyü-gə:  borrowed from Danish, “comfort, coziness,” invoking or fostering a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being

Bring the Outside In

Natural elements are a very important part of the hygge ideology. This is sort of the hygge 101 requirement. While wood and greenery are the most obvious, consider how you might incorporate these in your home during the colder months. Try a handmade fir wreath, festive table garland, pine centerpiece, or artistic branch arrangement for hanging lights. An assortment of natural textures will brighten the spirit of your home.

Add Warm Lighting

With colder, cloudier days this season, it can be more difficult to naturally brighten your home. Natural light helps to create hygge, so we need to maximize what we have. Style mirrors in your home opposite windows to bounce sunlight around darker spaces. Soften your lighting by swapping in warm light bulbs around the house. If you’re fortunate enough to own a fireplace, this is the ultimate hygge ambiance lighting. Otherwise, our best budget-friendly solution is to scatter battery-operated candlesticks around the house for safe evening candlelight, while you light your favorite scented candle nearby to create a cozy nightfall routine.

Utilize More Wool

We’re not just saying that because we want you to use more Eucalan! Wool is much warmer than many synthetic fibres, and we know the easiest way to keep warm at home without cranking up the thermostat is to layer up. Wool traps air close to the skin to keep you warmer. It also repels moisture, so it continues to be warm even when it’s raining or snowing. Wool has antibacterial properties, which means it needs less frequent washing. So invest in well-made wool pieces for your home and your wardrobe.

Find Your Handicraft

Handwork and handicraft are often tied into hygge. Find a relaxing hobby that contributes to the sense of coziness you are looking for your space to emulate: Knitting, crocheting, sewing, papercrafts, weaving, etc. You’ll be surprised by how much your own spirits are reflected back onto your environment. Prepare your own comfy cove to work from with your favorite throws and candlelight – So when you settle in with your tools, you are already encouragingly cozy. Your beautiful creations will contribute to your home’s hygge through texture, layers, wool, warmth, etc.

Layer in Textures

Physical sensation contributes to emotion, so layer in a variety of plush textures throughout your home. Soft sherpa, shaggy furs, and chunky knits fill out a cozy and welcoming space.

Do you have wood or tile floors that are freezing in winter? Add textiles! Layer small rugs and floor cushions to avoid the chill. Stack quilts and blankets at the foot of each bed for extra warmth in the overnight hours. Put festive cushions down if your chairs get chilly, sheepskin throws…all the wonderful warm things.

Dabble in the Culinary Arts

Cuisine is typically overlooked when studying hygge. However, the mindfulness required to cook or bake is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The culinary arts are often described as a form of therapy. In terms of hygge, baking bread or simmering soup add warmth to the kitchen and aroma to your home. If you’re not much of a chef, try your hand at aromatic simmer pots, or “stovetop potpourri” as some call it. The goal is to create a beautiful scent, and you can’t really go wrong.

We hope we’ve given you a few easy and encouraging ways to master hygge this winter. Do you have a favourite tip we missed? Comment here and let us know!