Hygge at Home

Hygge, which is pronounced “hooga,” is a Danish concept that embodies comfort and serenity. This idea involves taking time to slow down, relax and enjoy the people and things in life that bring you happiness. Infuse your home with added coziness with these ideas to incorporate hygge into your décor.

Norman Kohl Interiors, LLC

Carving Out a Personal Training Space

A New Life for a Mt. Penn Casita

Layer up with thoughtful textures

Texture is important with hygge décor. Soft upholstery and wood finishes are two key materials according to Norman Kohl, owner/principal designer of Norman Kohl Interiors, LLC. If you’re redoing a room with this style in mind, a change of large furniture pieces can make a big impact. For example, this sofa and loveseat set showcase comfy, plushy cushions perfect for relaxing (sofa, $689.99, loveseat, $649.99, Empire Home Center). The creamy, neutral fabric is also evocative of hygge. To enhance the feelings of coziness and relaxation, a matching ottoman ($269.99, Empire Home Center) provides the perfect place to put your feet up and relax with a book or chat with friends and family.

Zalemont Accent Table, Empire Home Center

“The focus on simplicity and minimalism in hygge design helps to create a sense of calm and tranquility,” explains Jennifer Inners, owner and interior designer at Saylor House. Geometric designs can make a minimalist yet bold statement. With its natural finish, this Zalemont accent table lets the beauty of the wood grain shine ($159.99, Empire Home Center). Place it next to a soft chair for a cozy reading nook. The angled sides make the piece eye-catching and unique, and the top is ideal for a lamp or candle.

Cable Knit Throw, Saylor House

“Incorporating soft and tactile elements such as plush rugs, fluffy blankets and comfortable cushions adds coziness and comfort to a space,” says Inners. A soft knit blanket can be folded neatly in a convenient basket or artfully draped on the back of a couch when it’s not in use. This luxurious blanket has a beautiful cable pattern and is ideal for keeping you warm and toasty while watching your favorite movies ($129, Saylor House).

Marigold Pillow, Becker Home

If you usually gravitate to brighter colors, don’t worry: hygge style is anything but bland. “With neutral colors, it's important to add lots of texture; this can be done with an artful mix of accessories, baskets, wall treatments, fabrics and fresh flowers,” suggests Kohl. Besides adding texture, these elements can also add splashes of color. Made by the Rifle Paper Company, this embroidered pillow provides both color and texture. The floral pattern includes vibrant yellow-and-orange blooms and soft green leaves ($69.99, Becker Home). The cheerful design also brings a touch of spring into your home during the winter.

Galice Coffee Table, Empire Home Center

You can incorporate more texture by getting creative with materials. For instance, this coffee table is made with water hyacinth, a sustainable material. The fibers have a knitted look, making them reminiscent of a blanket or sweater. It provides the practicality of a traditional coffee table while offering a softer look with its rounded shape and woven fibers ($259.99, Empire Home Center).

Engage your senses

“I love the Hygge style of decorating because it is all about creating a cozy, comforting physical environment,” explains Melinda O'Neill, president of Empire Home Center. As you focus on making your home as relaxing as possible, explore your space with all your senses.

Voluspa Candle, Saylor House

While a variety of textures will enliven your sense of touch, don’t forget about your sense of smell. Aromas, emotions and memories are powerfully connected. Consider what fragrances make you feel content and relaxed. Scented candles or a diffuser can help you unwind at the end of the day. Candles provide a warm glow and offer a respite from long winter nights. Made of clean-burning coconut wax, this Voluspa candle offers an enticing combination of amber resin, sandalwood and vanilla orchid. The large jar provides 100 hours of golden, inviting light ($36, Saylor House).

Reed Diffuser, Becker Home

As an alternative to candles, try a reed diffuser. Since they are flameless, they don’t require as much attention as a candle, and they excel at providing an ongoing, enduring scent. This hand-filled diffuser contains a tantalizing blend of scents like mandarin peel, orchid notes, black rose and cedarwood ($29.95, Becker Home).

Make it personal

Hygge design isn’t a bunch of hard and fast rules. In your quest for this peaceful style, set your sights inward. “Whatever feels warm and comforting to you can be considered hygge,” explains Monique Becker, president and owner of Becker Home. “Things like a beautifully set dining table with friends enjoying an intimate dinner party or a bouquet of fresh flowers from my garden in a beautiful piece of gifted pottery both evoke feelings of hygge. The idea is that you're looking to create a feeling in your home, not necessarily a look.”

Pampas Grass, Saylor House

Plants are an important component to hygge style, agree O’Neill and Kohl. However, if you don’t have a green thumb, go with a no-maintenance option like dried pampas grass. Measuring 47 inches tall, these feathery stems make a bold decorating statement when placed in a vase ($20 a pack, Saylor House). You can also transform pampas grass into a cool wall hanging.

Liberty Fabrics Alice Caroline Hot Water Bottle, Becker Home

While you’re thinking along individual lines, consider items that enhance your sense of well-being. “Layer and vary your textiles with pillows, area rugs and throws,” advises Kohl. In addition to soft, cozy sheets layered with velvety blankets or a fluffy duvet, add a hot water bottle to your bed for the ultimate in nighttime comfort. Made by Liberty Fabrics in England, this hot water bottle has a soft, padded exterior and looks like a beautiful present with its blue bow ($39.99, Becker Home). Since it stays warm throughout the night, it’s perfect for motivating you to choose an earlier bedtime for some extra sleep or to burrow into the covers to savor a book.

Feather Pillow, Saylor House

You can also add some extra throw pillows to your bed to make it a comfortable oasis for relaxing any time of day. Tufts of faux feathers add amazing texture and make these decorative pillows incredibly soft. Their generous size is perfect for snuggling and adding extra warmth. The creamy, neutral hue will also complement any color of bedding ($115, Saylor House).

Water Carafe, Becker Home

Thoughtful touches go a long way with hygge design, so think about things that make your life easier. For example, this water carafe is beautiful and functional. Made from recycled, hand-blown glass, you can place it by your bed or desk to help you stay hydrated. The top lifts off and serves as a convenient drinking glass. You could also put one of these on the nightstand in a guest bedroom ($45.99, Becker Home).

Seek optimal arrangements

Dallson Floor, Lamp Empire Home Center

Besides choosing furniture and décor that’s evocative of hygge, make sure your furniture layout is also geared towards comfort and relaxation. “Arrange furniture for cozy conversation. Use a fireplace or window view as a focal point,” suggests Kohl. “Consider uplighting, picture lights, floor lamps and task lighting.” For instance, this Dallson floor lamp features a rustic look with legs made of rough-hewn wood ($359.99, Empire Home Center). You can place it adjacent to a sofa or chair for a warm glow while reading or working on a favorite hobby like knitting. Kohl also notes that antiques and handmade items are evocative of hygge. These pieces can provide feelings of comfort and joy since they are often sentimental items with unique stories.

Nesting Tray Set, Empire Home Center

One of hygge design’s strengths is that “it's relaxing and inviting to us and those we love. It encourages rest and rejuvenation,” adds Kohl. Items that help organize can assist with maintaining this feeling. These nesting trays offer an attractive way to corral essential items and make them easy to locate (set of two, $69.99, Empire Home Center). You could also use them to arrange a special collection of items like treasured family heirlooms. The neutral hue and delightful texture of the woven palm leaves is a perfect fit for hygge style.

Entertaining options

Granite Server, Becker Home

One of the amazing benefits of hygge is that it can be shared. “Once you establish that feeling in your home, everyone who visits immediately feels it,” observes Becker. “It's an energy that is indescribable. You know it when you experience it because it is truly a sense of warmth and comfort.” To enhance this impression, apply the concepts of hygge design when selecting items that your guests will share with you. For example, these serving platters are made of recycled granite that’s handcrafted into a unique shape. They lend a cozy, relaxed vibe to any gathering since guests can serve themselves. Use your creativity and choose your favorite foods to create a mouth-watering display of charcuterie, cheese, fruit or luscious desserts. You can place these granite servers on your kitchen island or dining table and gather around with friends and family for tasty treats and warm conversation ($76-$110, Becker Home).

Hand-painted Mugs, Saylor House

Relaxing rituals are an important part of hygge. Set aside a designated time each day to unwind with a hot beverage. Get a pair of special mugs and savor your favorite coffee, tea or hot chocolate (with a sprinkle of sweet mini marshmallows). These hand-painted stoneware mugs feature nature-inspired designs. The birds are part of the fun, unique handle and nestle comfortably in your hand as you sip ($13 each, Saylor House). Slow down and catch up on the day’s events while you enjoy each other’s company. “One of the things we appreciate most about hygge design is its ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere,” says Inners.