Feeling Hygge: 12 Cozy Fall Finds
Interior Design by CASA Collective Studio / Photo: Don Romeo
As we enter pumpkin spice latte season and approach the holidays, it's time to cozy up our homes. To combat holiday stress, we can learn from the Danish - a.k.a. the world's happiest people - and their obsession with home decor.
Hygge (pronounced hyoo-gah) is the Dane’s antidote to cold nights and rainy days. It’s the gold standard of coziness and comfort. It's a feeling and atmosphere that has been described as a hug without physical touch.
To help you bring more hygge into your home, we've created a roundup of favorite comfort items. Some say happiness can't be bought; those people haven't seen this list. Shoppable links and below the images.
Lighting and Ambiance:
For optimal coziness, avoid LED and artificial bright lighting and opt for these cozy light sources:
Leila Floor Lamp from Banana Republic Home
This stunning floor lamp is composed of handmade clay beads from women in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Its natural materials and perfect imperfections will add organic warmth to any space.
Zafferano Poldina Pro Table Lamp from Serena and Lily
This lamp will illuminate your space with a soft warm glow. It is so versatile – it’s cordless and rechargeable so you can get the ambiance of hygge both inside and outside of your home. The lamp is sleek and modern with a matte finish.
Freeport Rattan Table Lamp from Serena and Lily
According to the rules of hygge, this product kills two birds with one stone: lighting and nature. These rustic, hand-shaped rattan lamps will cozy up any space, intertwining nature with sophistication.
Corretto 40" Fireplace from Crate and Barrel
While nothing replicates a natural fireplace, this modern electric fireplace comes pretty darn close. Plus, less hassle means less stress and more comfort. This modern fireplace is so sleek with its clean lines and black-finished steel. You can adjust the warmth and even the look of the flames with a magic wand (a.k.a remote control)! But with your heater, you may not need the warmth of a fireplace (don’t worry – there is a heatless setting).
Your Nook Look-Book
A few elements to craft the perfect reading nook (a.k.a hyggekrog):
Loisaida Ottoman from West Elm
The most essential part of a nook is cozy seating. This one, made of soft wool, will do the trick in any home style. It’s low to the floor, but your comfort levels will be sky high when you sit on this cloud of an ottoman.
Leather Fringe Pillow Cover from Banana Republic Home
You can never go wrong with classic leather. These soft and supple leather pillow covers will add warmth and comfort to your nook or sofa, but with a little bit of funky fringe (but not too cowboy) to mix things up.
Lizhnyk Undyed Wool Fuzzy Pillow from Banana Republic Home
Why have boring pillows when you can have fun and furry ones? These fuzzy wool pillows are *cheff’s kiss*. They make for a great accent pillow but are still neutral in color and natural. They will be a great companion to the leather pillow covers.
Luxe Faux Fur Hide from Pottery Barn
Faux fur hides can be used just about anywhere to “hygge-ify” your home. Throw it on your stiff armchair, put it on the floor as a mini rug - you can even bring it outside! Feel like a luxurious Viking on a cold winter night.
Favorite Finishing Touches
It’s the little things that bring the most joy:
Hands Up Candle Holder from the Tailored Home
It doesn’t get much more European than Delftware! This fun piece of art is a “helping hand,” holding your candle for you. It’s fingers can also hold your rings and keys – how handy!
Chateau Mystique Candle by Alla Costa from Serena and Lily
There's something irreplaceable about the magic glow of candles – no hygge roundup is complete without them. This perfect candle, with a bark holder, will bring some cottagecore comfort to every surface it sits on. This candle checks off all of the hygge essentials – nature, light, warmth, and smell! “Chateau Mystique” has the scent of fragrant pines along the coastline of the French Riviera; it’s an all-year-round scent that brings the freshness of the outdoors indoors.
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking
Read more about hygge (doubles as a coffee table book)
Grandpa Teapot from The Tailored Home
Last but not least, you need to drink some hot tea to appreciate your new hygge-style home. Why not use a fabulous tea pot that doubles as home decor? This colorful teapot from Connecticut-based design shop, The Tailored Home, is a playful classic, inspired from the nostalgia of Alice and Wonderland.
A well-designed space in your home isn't just about what you see; it's about how you feel. It brings people together, fosters gratitude, nurtures love and harmony, preserves cherished memories, and provides a comforting sense of safety. So, when you embark on your next interior design project, remember that you're not just creating a beautiful space; you're crafting an environment that enriches your life in countless ways.