What is hygge? Definition of a trend and tips for a hygge life

When autumn comes, wafts of mist hang over forests and meadows in the morning and the days become noticeably shorter, our lives shift more indoors again. We look forward to a hot drink on the couch after an autumn walk, enjoy our favorite series with friends or family or lose ourselves in the story of an exciting book. So let`s make ourselves comfortable at home. And that's exactly what hygge is all about. Because the core of this concept is formed by values such as cosiness or homeliness. But what exactly is hygge? Is there a definition of hygge? And tips on how to lead a hyggelic life? Of course - we'll tell you everything you need to know about this.

Hygge: A Nordic concept

Words are fascinating and revealing. Anyone who speaks of “love” refers to a very big feeling. Anyone who says "dustbin" instead of "trash can" betrays their Austrian origins in one fell swoop. And whoever lives in the “villa” instead of in a house suggests a certain wealth. And what about "hygge"? It's not quite that simple with that, because it's one of those highly culturally enriched words that are difficult to translate. A bit like the Portuguese "saudade", which is much more than just longing. Or a bit like the German "Fernweh", which is much more than just wanderlust. The originally Norwegian word, which the Danish adopted many years ago, can best be described as "cosiness". But this definition of hygge is not 100% accurate. As a verb, "hygge" also means, for example, "do something good for yourself" or "make yourself comfortable". The adjective "hyggelig" in turn stands for "cozy", "secured" or "spreading well-being". All in all, "hygge" is more an attitude to life than a temporary state. It represents a general pursuit for comfort and coziness, as well as familiarity and intimacy. And that works best in your own four walls or in those of our loved ones. Anyone who says "hygge" always means a certain "domesticity", a cozy circle instead of a wild party. And since we prefer to stay within our own four walls, especially during the cold season, and particularly appreciate the warm atmosphere inside after a walk outside, "hygge" as a way of life unfolds best in autumn and winter. Incidentally, this way of life seems to be good for the Danish, after all, Denmark regularly ranks among the happiest nations in the world. So maybe we should emulate our Nordic contemporaries.

Create a hygge home

In general, "hygge" is more of a feeling than a material trend. However, a certain atmosphere can be created in which this feeling arises more quickly. As already mentioned, the most important ingredients for this are domesticity, security and warmth. You can also help with the right lighting, selected materials or decorative elements. Here are a few tips for a hygge home:

Warm light: Imagine walking through the streets in the evening. An icy wind plays with your hair, the first fog is gathering. Your gaze falls on a brightly lit window. Inside a cozy living room atmosphere. Warm light, perhaps a delicate scent of freshly baked biscuits. This is what hygge is all about. It is this contrast between the approaching darkness outside and the warm light inside that immediately creates a cozy feeling. The Danish are therefore increasingly relying on candles, fairy lights and indirect lighting. And here several lights distributed in the room are better than just one lamp. The lighting can be switched on or off as the mood takes you and individual corners can be highlighted. The icing on the cake would of course be a fireplace.

Cozy warmth: This one is closely related to the first hygge tip: make yourself comfortable and cozy! Instead of cocktail dresses and tight jeans, cozy pants and sweaters made of flannel, merino wool or velvet are now making their grand entrance. For the TV evening for two, it can also be your favorite pajamas. And a cuddly blanket is also a must-have. This can be optimally supplemented with warm drinks. Whether tea, coffee, cocoa or Pumpkin Spice Latte - that's up to you.

Hygge furniture: Less is more, that's the roadmap when it comes to hygge furniture. Because Nordic design is always simple, puristic and clear. Natural materials, such as wood above all, have priority. On the other hand, you should avoid plastic. Furs or woolen blankets as a throw also create a hygge feeling. When it comes to colors, it can be light – nature's color palette, from delicate white and beige tones to brown and pastel green or rosé, is perfect. You can set accents with individual black elements or patterns. A place to chat and cuddle is essential. This can be a large sofa, a comfortable wing chair or a hammock. The advantage of our CHICO hammocks and hammock chairs? On request, we can make them in cozy and environmentally friendly cotton and you can choose your favorite color combination yourself - so your new everyday companion fits perfectly into the hygge living room.

Favorite person(s): Hygge is not a concept of the masses, but one that celebrates the small, delicate, familiar. So grab your loved one or your closest circle of friends and make yourself comfortable with your loved ones. You can watch a movie, cook or bake together, play a board game or maybe fire up the grill outside for the last time.

The world stays outside for a few hours

All in all, hygge is also a tried and tested means of slowing down life. We concentrate again on the essentials, spend nice hours with our heart people, set ourselves up at home. And the world stays outside for a few hours. Perhaps hygge is also an incentive to clear out your own home and get rid of inherited burdens and to decorate it with new pieces of furniture that will not only accompany you for one season, but for a lifetime. Well, you know where to find our CHICO hammocks and hammock chairs. 😉