What is hygge interior design?

David Newton

May 8, 2025

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What is hygge interior design? - Hygge SHORES

Hygge Interior Design: What is it?

Cosy Atmosphere: Soft lighting, candles, and warm textiles create comfort.
Natural Materials: Incorporating wood, wool, and stone for an earthy feel.
Simplicity: Minimalist, uncluttered spaces promoting calm and relaxation.
Warm Colors: Neutral tones like beige, soft grays, and muted blues.
Personal Touches: Meaningful décor like family photos and handmade items.

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) design is all about creating an atmosphere of comfort, warmth, and contentment in your daily life. It embraces these values by focusing on creating spaces that evoke a sense of cosiness, relaxation, and well-being. Whether you’re curling up on the couch with a good book, sharing a meal with loved ones, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment, hygge design makes your home feel like a sanctuary from the outside world.

Let’s explore what hygge interior design is and how you can incorporate its cosy, mindful principles into your own home.

1. The Core

At its heart, hygge interior design is about creating spaces that feel comfortable, inviting, and peaceful. It’s not about luxury or excess, but rather about simplicity, warmth, and intentional living. The Danish embrace hygge as a way to make even the darkest, coldest days of winter feel inviting and joyful. The goal is to craft a space where you feel relaxed, safe, and content—whether you’re alone or with others.

Some key principles of hygge interior design include:

Comfort and cosiness: Soft textiles, comfortable furniture, and a soothing environment.
Natural materials: Incorporating natural elements like wood, stone, and plants to bring the outdoors in.
Warm lighting: Soft, ambient lighting to create a welcoming and calming atmosphere.
Simplicity and minimalism: A clutter-free environment that allows for mindfulness and relaxation.

2. Warm and Soft Lighting: The Heart of Hygge

One of the most important elements of hygge interior design is lighting. The right kind of lighting can transform a room, creating a soothing and intimate atmosphere. The Danes know how to make the most of light during the long, dark winters, using it to create warmth and comfort in their homes.

To achieve hygge lighting:

Candles: No hygge home is complete without candles. The soft, flickering light of candles adds warmth and tranquility to any space. Place them on your coffee table, windowsills, or mantle for a cozy ambiance.
String lights: Use fairy lights or soft string lights to create a magical, twinkling effect. They can be draped over shelves, around windows, or along the walls to create a warm glow.
Lamps with warm bulbs: Overhead lighting should be avoided in favor of table lamps or floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs. These light sources provide a soft glow that makes a room feel inviting and calm.

3. Natural Materials: Bringing the Outdoors Inside

Hygge interiors embrace the use of natural materials that evoke a sense of connection to nature. Wood, stone, and cotton are some of the key materials used in hygge spaces. The natural textures and colors of these materials help to ground the space and create a calming, earthy atmosphere.

To incorporate natural materials into your design:

Wood: Wooden furniture, floors, or accent pieces can bring warmth and texture to your home. Light woods like oak or pine are often favored for their airy, natural feel.
Stone: Stone elements, such as a stone fireplace or ceramic vases, add an earthy charm and tactile appeal to your home.
Natural fabrics: Soft cotton, linen, wool, and sheepskin can be used for throws, cushions, rugs, and curtains, making your space feel warm and inviting.

4. Comfortable Textures: Inviting Relaxation

Texture plays a vital role in hygge interior design. Hygge is about creating an environment where you can unwind and relax, and soft, cosy textiles are key to that feeling. Layering different textures in your home can make it feel more inviting and comfortable, whether you’re lounging on the sofa or enjoying a peaceful moment in bed.

To add hygge-approved textures:

Throws and blankets: Soft, chunky knit blankets, faux furs, and wool throws are a must for achieving hygge comfort. Drape them over sofas, chairs, or beds for easy access during chilly evenings.
Cushions and pillows: Layer cushions of varying sizes and materials—think velvet, cotton, and knitted fabrics—to make seating areas extra cozy.
Rugs: Add a plush rug to your floors for added warmth and comfort underfoot. Sheepskin or wool rugs are perfect for hygge spaces, providing tactile comfort that encourages relaxation.

5. Simplicity and Decluttering: A Mindful Approach

Hygge is about slowing down and appreciating the little moments in life. A cluttered, chaotic space can be stressful, so hygge interiors emphasise simplicity and mindfulness. A minimalistic approach to decor helps to reduce visual noise and allows for more peaceful, focused moments.

To achieve a hygge-inspired minimalist design:

Declutter: Keep surfaces tidy and clear, only keeping items that bring you joy or serve a functional purpose.
Functional decor: Choose practical items that add to the comfort of the space. For example, a cosy armchair or a soft lamp is both functional and visually pleasing.
Intentional decor: Rather than filling your space with random decor, select meaningful objects that evoke positive emotions, whether it’s a family heirloom, a favourite artwork, or a cherished book.

6. Adding Personal Touches

Hygge interiors aren’t about creating a cookie-cutter space—it’s about making your home feel uniquely yours. Personal touches and items that evoke positive memories or feelings are key to creating a hygge environment.

To add personal touches:

Photographs and artwork: Display family photos, personal artwork, or mementos that make you feel happy and connected.
Books: Books are an essential part of hygge. Create a cozy reading nook with a pile of your favourite books and a comfortable chair to encourage relaxation.
Sentimental items: Incorporate decor that reflects your personal tastes and experiences, whether it’s a collection of vintage finds or handmade crafts.

7. Creating Zones for Relaxation

Hygge interior design is all about creating spaces where you can unwind and enjoy the present moment. Think of your home as a collection of cosy zones—areas dedicated to relaxation, connection, and reflection.

To create hygge-inspired zones:

Reading nook: Set up a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and a stack of your favorite books in a quiet corner.
Cosy living room: Arrange your furniture in a way that encourages conversation and connection. Add plenty of cushions and throws to make the space extra inviting.
Dining area: Hygge encourages meals shared with loved ones. Create a welcoming dining space with soft lighting, a simple table setting, and comfortable seating.

Final Thoughts

Hygge interior design is about more than just creating a beautiful space—it’s about cultivating an environment that nurtures peace, comfort, and contentment. By embracing natural materials, cozy textures, warm lighting, and simplicity, you can create a home that feels like a sanctuary. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book, a dinner with friends, or a moment of solitude, hygge invites you to savor life’s simple pleasures.

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