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A Danish Perspective on Cosy Living

Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) is a Danish cultural phenomenon that has gained international recognition in recent years for its unique approach to creating a sense of warmth, comfort, and well-being. Any Dane will tell you that it can’t really be translated, but essentially hygge is about a sense of cosiness, contentment and togetherness. It’s a mood – but it can also be an aesthetic.
Let’s delve into hygge from the perspective of a Dane.

Origins of hygge

Deeply embedded in Danish culture, the idea of hygge has historical roots that can be traced back to the nineteenth century. You could say that with its long, cold winters and limited daylight hours, Denmark made the best of a bad situation and developed hygge as a coping mechanism, helping them to create moments of joy and connection during the darker months. The term itself likely derives from the Norwegian word ‘hugga’, meaning ‘to comfort’ or ‘to console’.

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Indesign innercircle 2vertikale billeder 1000x12202

Hygge in everyday life

For a Dane, hygge is not just a concept but a way of life. It permeates many aspects of daily routines, social interactions and even home design. One of the fundamental elements of hygge is an appreciation for simplicity. Danes often find joy in the little things: some of the examples most people would come up with is snuggling up with a warm blanket, a cup of coffee and the soft glow of candlelight on a chilly evening. Throw in a fire and some woolly socks and you have the essence of hygge. Because hygge can be enjoyed on your own as well as together.

For a Dane, hygge is not just a concept but a way of life

Home as a sanctuary

The home takes centre stage in the idea of hygge: its role as a sanctuary makes it ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere. Danes take pride in their interior design, but in fact ‘hygge’ can sometimes quite happily clash with accepted ‘good taste’: dark, cluttered, old-fashioned interiors will often be instantly described as ‘hyggelig’ – perhaps because of the cave-like qualities. A sense of shelter is certainly a must.

It’s still perfectly possible to create ‘hygge’ in what most people probably think of as a typically Danish interior – all white walls, mid-century style furniture and an overall minimalist feel. Again, it’s about creating a sense of warmth: picking furniture in warm colours and natural materials (Danes still use a lot of natural wood in their homes), soft cushions and throws, soft lighting with dimmer switches – and more candles. Foreign visitors to Denmark are always amazed at the amount of candles we go through, mostly the original, unscented variety. Battery-operated alternatives have become accepted in recent years, but many Danes still consider them not quite right …

Foreign visitors to Denmark are always amazed at the amount of candles we go through, mostly the original, unscented variety. Battery-operated alternatives have become accepted in recent years, but many Danes still consider them not quite right …  

The idea of hygge even permeates Danish Design: the renowned architect and furniture designer Kay Bojesen, who created some of the most iconic pieces of Danish Design around, famously said that ‘the line must smile’. Even when minimalist, Danish Design puts comfort and pleasure first. Of course, the concept of hygge extends beyond aesthetics to include a sense of togetherness, where family and friends gather to share laughter, stories, and good food. Food and drink are essential, so the dining table tends to take centre stage here. Creating a warm, inviting space here is considered essential for cultivating hygge. With – you guessed it – candles.
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Indesign innercircle 2vertikale billeder 1000x12204

Hygge and social connection

While hygge can be enjoyed alone, its true essence is often experienced in the company of others. Social connections are highly valued in Danish culture, and hygge provides a framework for strengthening those bonds. Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends, a family dinner or a communal celebration, the emphasis is on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that promotes connection and shared joy. Many will exclaim ‘well, isn’t this hyggelig’ during the proceedings, and on the way home from a party, the highest praise you can offer your host is ‘that was really hyggelig’.
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Seasonal hygge

As the seasons change in Denmark, so does the face of hygge. Winter is top hygge season, with everyone adding plenty of fairy lights to the outside and inside of their homes. And Christmas seems to be the one time when Danes relax their ideas of good taste: for every impeccably elegant, colour-co-ordinated Christmas decorating scheme, you’ll find a hundred homes quite happily tolerating (and heartily enjoying) a mish-mash of old and new decorations and whatever the kids brought home from school. Even the ugliest pieces are fondly regarded because they are ‘hyggelig’. In the warmer months, hygge can manifest in outdoor picnics, bike rides, or gatherings in the garden. Holiday cottages too are a particular nexus for hygge, and once again this is often a place where the Danes relax: tablecloths are old and tattered, the place settings don’t necessarily match, and there is no dishwasher: even washing up together can be an opportunity for hygge. The adaptability of hygge to different seasons underscores its versatility as a concept that can be embraced year-round

A Danish approach to well-being

In conclusion, the Danish concept of hygge is an excellent lens through which to understand the Danes’ pursuit of comfort, connection and contentment. From its historical roots to its manifestations in contemporary living, hygge offers insights into the Danish approach to well-being. By embracing simplicity, nurturing social connections, and creating cosy environments, Danes exemplify how hygge is not just a cultural phenomenon but a philosophy that enriches the quality of life. As the world continues to discover and embrace hygge, its principles may inspire individuals from many cultures to incorporate elements of cosiness and mindfulness into their own lives.

Hygge is about comfort. Connection. Cosiness. And, of course, candles.
It’s essentially about taking pleasure in the little things in life – and being aware of that pleasure

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The takeaway

Hygge is about comfort. Connection. Cosiness. And, of course, candles. It can encompass many aesthetics as long as there’s a sense of relaxed comfort about it, and it can be enjoyed alone or together. It’s essentially about taking pleasure in the little things in life – and being aware of that pleasure.