Now that the days are far shorter, and the temperatures significantly lower, spending the evenings in the comfort of our homes holds more of an appeal than ever. When winter rolls around, it’s not unusual to feel drawn to things that offer comfort. It’s no surprise, then, that the concept of “hygge” pops up at wintertime, year after year.

For those who aren’t aware of the term, hygge is a Danish word that dates back to the 1800s but shot to popularity in late 2017. Essentially, it means cosiness, and feeling warm, comfortable, and safe. Therefore, creating a sense of hygge in the home, means to make it feel inviting. Here are our top tips for achieving this:

1. Flickering flame: Having a log burner or fireplace in your home really feels like a win during the winter months. There’s nothing quite like lighting a fire to instantly bring both a literal and a figurative warmth to a room. Don’t just relegate it to a mere decoration, make sure to use it as much as possible! A fire helps to create an inviting atmosphere, while also helping you to save money on heating bills!
2. Add layers: Another way to bring a sense of hygge to the home is by adding a natural sheepskin rug to your sofa. Not only is it soft and cosy, but it is naturally insulating, so it will help to keep you warmer. Alternatively, a cowhide rug laid over a hardwood or slate floor helps to keep the chill off, while simultaneously adding more depth and visual appeal to a room.
3. Get baking: There’s no denying the way in which the aroma of freshly baked goods instantly makes a house more homely. The waft of fresh bread is a universally appealing smell, that’s essentially the scent personification of inviting.
4. Dim the lights: Overhead lighting often feels far too harsh, and certainly isn’t conducive of a cosy atmosphere. Instead, we recommend using an array of lamps, and lighting a few candles. Warm light relaxes and calms us, and bathes the room in a soft glow. You might also want to consider some fairy lights, around a bookcase, for example.
5. Keep things clutter free: The main thing to remember is that hygge is about comfort and ease. So, fill your home with objects you truly love, and stay away from clutter, as untidy surroundings won’t help you to feel comfortable and relaxed.