Looking for the perfect hygge checklist? We have you covered!
The cold weather definitely spawns the coziest of feels. Autumn is, hands down, one of the best seasons of the year! After the intense heat of the summer, nothing beats the feeling of crisp evening walks, cozy sweaters, pumpkin lattes, and the view of the red, orange, and gold canopies.
As the weather gets colder and you begin settling into a slower routine, it’s the perfect time to bring a bit of hygge into your home. If you find yourself spending time searching Pinterest for ideas, look no further. Our minimalist home decor exudes all things hygge this time of year!
What is hygge?
Pronounced as “hue-gah” or “hoo-guh,” hygge is a Danish concept that promotes the feeling of quiet comfort, and coziness. It’s about creating a space that feels replenishing and exhibits warmth for all who enter your door.
But Hygge isn’t just about your environment, it’s also a mindset. You must embrace hygge. Hygge is doing things that make you happy, finding pleasure in little things, and nurturing meaningful connections with others.
And the results speak for themselves – the Danes often rank as the happiest people in the world – despite having dismal winters, with as many as 17 hours of darkness per day!
This autumn, you too can adopt this Danish way of living by incorporating cozy elements from our hygge checklist into your living space.
We’ve put together an essential hygge checklist to help you foster a feeling of comfort in your home.
Candles– Candles are a must-have for any hygge home! The warm glow of candles soothes our senses and brings an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. We highly recommend Southern Oak Artisan candles for your home. Their candles are 100% hand-poured soy, non-toxic, and bring a really cool hygge vibe to our bungalow. Whether it’s in your living room, bath, or patio, candles will transform any space into a cozier, more romantic, and more intimate oasis.
You can light candles in your home to also reduce electricity costs this season. Soy candles that are scented are even better for your hygge environment. Clean oils like lavender and sage may help you relax while adding a subtle hint of fragrance to your space. Check out one of our favorites, the Namaste candle. Candles are the top, essential item for our hygge checklist.
Natural light– Besides candles, natural lighting is a critical element for a hygge atmosphere. It has a significant influence on our circadian cycle which influences sleep patterns, focus, energy, and mood. Try and get as much natural light as possible by keeping drapes open or ditching them altogether. Additionally, position mirrors on walls across from windows to double the natural light in your home. We love this simple, round mirror by Wayfair.
If you are someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder or is sensitive to the moody weather in the autumn, a light therapy lamp may be the perfect solution. We have one that is compact and sits on our desk for those darker work days.
Cozy blankets– Snuggling up with a warm blanket on a crispy autumn night is a wonderful feeling. Toss in a good movie or a book, and maybe even a glass of wine, and you’re practically in hygge heaven! Invest in cozy blankets soft enough to feel like a hug made from quality materials like wool, cotton, fleece, or bamboo. You can find a range of sizes and colors to fit your aesthetic. Our fave is this Cozy Earth Bamboo Throw Blanket. Don’t let that price tag scare you. We have a Cozy Earth discount code to save you 40% off. Use code: ARNERADVENTURES40 to save. Any Cozy Earth product would fit right into your hygge checklist.
Foilage– Bring nature into your home by incorporating seasonal plants in autumnal colors. You can DIY a beautiful harvest wreath for your wall or front door with a selection of dried seasonal foliage from your local area. What’s great about dried flowers is that they will last for months and months on end and require virtually no maintenance.
A great look that we love is dried or faux pampas grass in a large vase or container.
Textured pillows– The texture is key when it comes to hygge décor. It adds interest to a space and makes it feel more intimate and lived in. The easiest way to add texture to your home is to add pillows – think chunky woolen knits to fine knits, fluffy pillows, and velvet cushions.
Danes love neutral tones but feel free to be as creative as you want with your favorite colors.
Comfort food– Intimate gatherings with friends and family make the hygge life. Engaging in warm conversations while enjoying delicious treats creates fun memories that last for a lifetime.
Use seasonal foods such as carrots, squash, pumpkin and cranberries, and apples to create savory drinks, salads, soups, cakes, puddings, and pies. Warm cookies are always a good idea in the hygge lifestyle. Remember to indulge mindfully by focusing on the whole experience of eating while appreciating the present moment.
Hygge drinks– A hygge drink is something indulgent that makes you feel good inside. Whether you like hot chocolate, tea, or steaming coffee lattes, take time to brew a pot of your favorite drink. Share a cup with friends or family and use the time to remove yourself from the constant pull of modern technology.
Cozy corner– Every hygge home and hygge checklist needs hyggekrog, a special place to curl up with a blanket and relax. Think of it as a hideaway where you can unwind after a long day.
To create your own hyggekrog, find a nice, cozy spot preferably near a window. Start with your comfiest chair and layer pillows and throws to make it extra comfy. Complete the setup with a warm lamp for soft lighting, an ottoman for your feet, and a side table to place your drinks.
One of my (shannon) all-time favorite cozy must-have items for my hyggekrog is my Barefoot Dreams cozy cardigan. I have had mine for about 3-4 years now, and find that I wear it all fall and winter. It is perfect for running errands, lounge around the house in it, and walk Betty White in it. I even wore it while I was on an Alaskan cruise! It’s the coziest cardigan that also feels like a warm blanket. It’s the coziest! We had to include it on this hygge checklist.
Simplicity is key!
Remember that hygge life is not about extravagance, but ease, contentment, and comfort. As you seek out activities and items that bring you pleasure this autumn, remember to continue to create hygge in your life throughout the year. It’s not just buying items from our suggested hygge checklist. It is also about the cozy, simple, lifestyle.
If you are looking for ways to implement the hygge lifestyle in your home this holiday season, you may want to read our blog post on bringing the simple pleasures of hygge into your festive home vibes.
Activities that involve simplicity and being unplugged. Some examples are board games, riding your bike, taking a walk, and writing a letter to a friend.
While hygge is not categorized as minimalism, it does revolve around having things that bring coziness to your life. Minimalism is more about having things that bring you joy, and are functional in your life. The two can coexist. Read more about that here.
The Danish are considered to be the happiest people in the world, so it is not surprising that the hygge lifestyle is related to happiness. While adapting the hygge lifestyle does not guarantee happiness, it does make for a simpler life, getting you outdoors more, and reflecting on the small things that bring cozy feelings. All of those practices make you more positive, which can lead to happiness.
