6 Designer Tips to Add More Hygge to Your Home

If you've been paying attention to design and decor trends the past few years, you've probably seeing the word hyyge floating around. Hygge is a defining characteristic of Danish living and describes the quality of cozy and comfortable living. 

There are several books you can read about how to create a lifestyle full of hygge (our favorite is The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking). Or if you're looking for a hygge cheatsheet, here are 6 designer tricks that will help your home feel more comfortable and cozy.

Tip #1: Incorporate Natural Woods

Especially when attempting to make a large, open living area feel more warm and inviting, you'll want to consider incorporating natural woods into your furniture and decor selections. It adds a warmth and organic feeling that will remind you of nature in an otherwise contemporary space. Consider incorporating natural woods through flooring, furniture, beamed ceilings, or decor.

Tip #2: Make Your Fireplace a Centerpiece

There's almost nothing that screams hygge more than a fireplace. Fireplaces are just inherently cozy, but you can draw more attention to them by accessorizing it with art, photos, mirrors, sconces, plans, and vintage decor.

Tip #3: Keep the Lights Low

We hear so many of our buyers express a desire for lots of natural light when looking for their next home. We absolutely relate to that. But at night, there's something so cozy about keeping the lights low and enjoying a show with just a few candles burning. Candles are another major staple in hygge living. The Danes prefer theirs unscented, but go ahead and light your favorite scented candle and enjoy a cozy evening at home.

Tip #4: Stock Up on Pillows & Throw Blankets

So now we've set the picture for you - the fire roaring in your fireplace... enjoying a show by candlelight. What's missing? A bunch of cozy pillows and throw blankets to snuggle up with! If you really want to embrace the hygge lifestyle, make sure you have plenty of cozy blankets stashed around your house. We're a sucker for a good mink blanket and have a basket full of them at our own house!

Tip #5: Add Personalization Into Your Decor

Traditions are another big component of hygge and what better way to celebrate traditions and memories than by incorporating photos, memorabilia, and heirlooms into your decor? If you have built-ins, these are the perfect spaces to add all of that into. Or make your fireplace the centerpiece by displaying family photos on the mantle.

Tip #6: Make Sure You Have Plenty of Seating Space

And what good are traditions if you don't have people to share them with? Hygge is better enjoyed with friends and family, so invest in plenty of large, cozy furniture pieces to make sure you have room to host them all. Get yourself a big sectional. Or a sofa with a few accent chairs. Or take a note from Tip #4 and get a bunch of large floor pillows that your guests can lounge on.