10 Ways to Bring a Little “Hygge” Into Your Home

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish cultural concept which has recently taken the world by storm.

Loosely translated as "coziness," hygge is a warm and comfortable feeling—like  what you experience when you share a hearty meal with good friends or cozy up to the fireplace with a good book. Hygge has even been used to explain why the Danes are said to be the happiest people in the world. So, curl up on your midcentury sofa and check out these 10 ideas that can help bring a little more comfort, warmth, and togetherness to your home’s atmosphere.


While any Hans Wegner chair could really fit the bill, the Flag Halyard Chair was said to be inspired by a day the designer spent relaxing in the sand at the beach—which sounds pretty cozy.

A Flag Halyard chair by Hans Wegner in long-haired sheepskin occupies one end of this living room.

A Flag Halyard chair by Hans Wegner in long-haired sheepskin occupies one end of this living room.

A low-hanging Nelson Pendant Lamp adds to the cozy atmosphere of this bedroom in a live/work loft.

A George Nelson Saucer Lamp hangs over the bedroom.

A George Nelson Saucer Lamp hangs over the bedroom.

This classic porcelain teapot from Danish designers Ditte Reckweg and Jelena Schou Nordentoft offers streamlined, minimalist design with clean black and white graphics. It's perfect for entertaining guests après dinner.

This timeless porcelain teapot was designed by Ditte Reckweg and Jelena Schou Nordentoft.

This timeless porcelain teapot was designed by Ditte Reckweg and Jelena Schou Nordentoft.

A fireplace provides instant warmth, literally. Unfortunately, Preway fireplaces, like the ones seen in many Dwell homes, are no longer in production—but if you can’t find a vintage one, you can order a freestanding Malm fireplace through DWR

The Malm Fireplace via DWR is available in black, white, or stainless-steel.

The Malm Fireplace via DWR is available in black, white, or stainless-steel.

Throw a sheepskin over a chair, the end of your bed, or on the hallway floor for a touch of warmth and softness. Though many people find vintage sheepskins from flea markets or auctions, you can also grab a faux version from Ikea for just $15. 

A sheepskin is thrown onto this Scandinavian rocking chair in Haus P, designed by Studio Yonder für Architektur und Design.

A sheepskin is thrown onto this Scandinavian rocking chair in Haus P, designed by Studio Yonder für Architektur und Design.

Just as contemporary today as it was when it was initially designed in the 1950s, the Krenit bowl is a classic piece from the Golden Era of Danish Design. Its creator, Herbert Krenchel, was a Danish material scientist who became a designer by chance. 

Krenit bowls with a glistening interior of gold and silver.

Krenit bowls with a glistening interior of gold and silver.

This aubergine and gold print wallpaper by Justina Blakeney for the appropriately named Hygge & West, literally gives off a warm glow. 

Aja (Aubergine) wallpaper, designed by Justina Blakeney for Hygge & West

Aja (Aubergine) wallpaper, designed by Justina Blakeney for Hygge & West

The Woven Rush Bench from Smilow Design was originally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956. The American hand-crafted line is classically midcentury and was officially reintroduced by Smilow’s daughter Judy in 2013.

Also part of the hand-woven rush collection is the Rush Bench, available in a black or natural seat. 

Also part of the hand-woven rush collection is the Rush Bench, available in a black or natural seat. 

The Yoko lamp, designed for Foscarini (2013) by the Oslo-based duo Anderssen & Voll, gives off a warm and inviting glow.

Yoko lamp by Anderssen & Voll for Foscarini (2013)

Yoko lamp by Anderssen & Voll for Foscarini (2013)

Povl Kjer's Tuft stools come in two sizes—a small child’s stool or footstool, and a larger version that can be used at the kitchen table or as a barstool.

Povl Kjer's Tuft stool riffs on his previous piece for Danish Crafts, the mirthful, imaginative Rocking Sheep. 

Povl Kjer's Tuft stool riffs on his previous piece for Danish Crafts, the mirthful, imaginative Rocking Sheep. 

Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
Dwell Contributor
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.

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