This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn money or products from the links in this post at no additional cost to you. Please check out my full disclosure policy
Winter is approaching where I live, and I have finally pulled out the fluffy jackets, leggings, and oversized sweaters. It is getting darker earlier, which is such a bummer! This time of year and type of cold weather makes me want to stay home, get cozy, and survive until the warm weather returns. To keep my house cozy, I love implementing some aspects of Hygge.
If you don’t know much about the art of Hygge, you should read up on it. I have enjoyed learning so much about hygge. I came across such a good book a few years ago called The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living. The author, Meik Wiking does an amazing job explaining hygge, where it comes from, and how to transform your home and life! I read this book in a few short days because I was hooked.
Since finishing the book, I have done things around my home to bring in hygge, comfiness, and coziness. If you are suffering from the winter blues, seasonal affective disorder (learn more here), or just want your house to have a warm atmosphere, here are a few things I recommend doing around your home to begin practicing the art of Hygge this winter season.
What is Hygge?
Hygge can be many different things to different people. Ultimately, hygge is the sense of coziness. It’s the art of practicing coziness and finding comfort around you.
I like to describe it as creating coziness in your home and life. Hygge is creating a warm atmosphere in my home and my heart. It’s feeling happy with the things and people around me.
Hygge is a Danish word and Danish concept that is used in their everyday lives. The Danish term is very important in their lives.
According to the author of The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking, “Hygge is about an atmosphere and experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down. You may be having an endless conversation about the small or big things in life- or just be comfortable in each other’s silent company- or simply just be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea.”
Hygge is really anything in your life that you find comfort in. Anything that brings you joy and happiness no matter how big or small.
Tips for a Hygge-Inspired Cozy Winter at Home
Candles
The number one thing I LOVE to have around my home are candles! You can choose to have real or fake candles or both. I enjoy having a few real candles with warm scents like apple pie or a good fall scent.
I also have many battery-powered candles around my house that I have set to turn on around the same time the sun is beginning to set. The warm glow from the candles creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere in my home.
Related Post: 22 Ideas to Create Hygge in Your Home for Fall
The Fireplace
An indoor fireplace is a definite must! If you don’t have a fireplace, don’t worry! I don’t have one either. I recently bought one of the heaters with an electric fireplace but before that, I would listen to fireplace sounds online.
It creates the same warm aroma with a fireplace’s light and wonderful crackling sound. Having the fireplace going is the perfect time to crawl under a cozy blanket and take a nap, or rest in the peacefulness for a while.
It heats up my living room so well. It’s great for helping to create a cozy home.
String Lights
If you don’t have a fireplace, string lights or fairy lights can give you the same warm ambiance that a fireplace does. The lighting makes the atmosphere so warm and cozy! These are perfect inside your home or even on your porch for getting some fresh air on the dark days during winter.
Pillows & Blankets
Be sure to have lots of blankets and pillows around your living or den area. This will help create a cozy, hygge environment. I have always loved a house with soft blankets. I get cold very easily, so I love it when people have a blanket to offer me.
I have recently gotten into having throw pillows (took me long enough!) on my couch. I now have several fluffy and soft pillows on my couch. It makes my living space feel comfortable and cozy!
Warm Drinks
Hot drinks are a must in my house! We love coffee, hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and hot cocoa. We keep a little bit of each of these in our home. This year I am excited to try mulled wine for the first time!
My favorite winery made its own mulled spices this year, and I can’t wait to use them with one of the wines they recommend. Warm drinks are very inviting.
They smell yummy and warm you up on a cold night! They’re perfect to have around when friends are over or for a warm, cuddly date night.
Comfort Food
Food is also a must (Lol- we love to eat!). My favorite food that gives me hygge vibes is a good soup. I love many different kinds of soups, and I enjoy making them. Soups warm me up on a cold day, they smell good when cooking, and they’re perfect to put in the crockpot and invite some close friends over.
If my husband had a say in a hygge food, he would choose any type of Mexican food. Mexican food brings him comfort and joy, and he always wants to cuddle up, nap, or enjoy a good movie after eating. You can’t go wrong with some good food to bring hygge into your home!
Related Post: 29 Winter Date Ideas
Board Games
Having board games in your home is something you must have for a hygge winter! Playing board games with your friends and family is a great way to spend quality time together.
During the cold and dark winter months, staying inside and having fun is one of the best options (in my opinion). Have some good old-fashioned fun, have lots of laughs, and get in your competitive spirit with some board games this winter.
Check out my favorite board game!
Essential Oils
Much like the scent of candles can create a cozy aroma and atmosphere in your home, essential oils can do the same! Using an essential oil diffuser in your home is one of the simple ways you can create a cozy atmosphere.
Pick out your favorite relaxing or warm scent, add some water, and let your home fill with a wonderful smell. Essential oils are also non-toxic, which I love!
They are perfect for long days when all you want to do is relax.
A Good Book
If you love to read then you know that there is no better way to spend an afternoon than curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a good book.
Having the perfect atmosphere makes the experience even better! A fire going, a comfortable place to sit, a warm blanket. Make sure to have a great book ready for the perfect, cozy day to dive in and start reading!
Sign up for my weekly newsletter and receive two printable freebies! Keep track of the books you have and the ones you want.
Make sure to keep your list filled with lots of great books to read during the cold winter months.
I hope these ideas have helped you with your winter hygge journey! There are simple things you can do around your home to create a comfortable, cozy, and warm environment.
What are your favorite ways to create coziness around your home during the cold winter months?
Until next time,
Catherine
I am definitely not a winter person neither is my wife. However I will say that you are spot on with regards to the candles and the warm beverages. We currently have candles spread out all over the house and of course they are of the winter type of scents. As for the warm beverages, this winter our coffee bar gets a lot of use. I highly recommend that everyone reading this post get on board with the hot chocolate. lol.
What kind of hot chocolate do you have?
Excellent tips for the upcoming winter time.
I would LOVE to have a coffee bar! That sounds wonderful. I love different kinds of hot chocolate. I will make my own a lot with hot water, cocoa powder, and marshmallows 🙂 The more chocolatey, the better!
Loved this. I have been doing Hygge unbeknownst to me. I could work on the comfort food. However, I am all set with the fireplace, pillows and blankets, hot beverages and candles. This was such a cool read. I need to read the book for a little more ideas.
You will love the book to get some more ideas! I am glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
These are great tips to have a homey and cozy winter. I love having some twinkle lights around and the coffee bar sounds amazing!
Twinkle lights are great!
This all sounds so cozy. I love having candles around. I love your idea of YouTube fireplace. Sometimes I put the ocean on YouTube too
I have never thought about the ocean! That would be wonderful to fall asleep to 🙂
I agree on the dark early being a bummer! I am a walker…I really enjoy my walks after work! It is tough in the dark to remain on this schedule!
I am glad there are so many things that make winter better! I do like to be cozy and snuggle with a blanket.
Love our fireplace and all the blankets!!
Sounds like some wonderful ideas to make the house feel cozy during the winter… especially long ones like we have in Toronto!
It doesn’t get too cold where I am, but blankets, pillows, fires, and sweaters are back out and in use again and it does seem more cozy.
These are great ideas. I don’t love the cold weather, but you are so right! As soon as I get a cozy warm house, it doesn’t bother me as much. I have candles too and I usually like to dim the light in our sunroom and enjoy a hot beverage before bed time.
I love soups! Winter food and sooo good for your soul 🥰. Thank you for sharing the same love with me:)
This is a new concept to me, sounds interesting.
Candles burning with holiday scents and a fir in the fireplace are all such delights this time of season. Thanks for sharing.
I may not be familiar with the term, but we fully embrace the concept at our house! Thanks for sharing!
I remember looking into hygge years ago and when I found out what it is exactly I was like “Well that’s my life everyday!” 😂😂
It’s mine too!
Wow, the things you have mentioned all feel very warm and cozy x
I personally love having full-lit candles around. Thanks for sharing!
Love this guide to a hygge winter. I’m all about being comfortable and cozy at home in the winter. Candles, a good book & blanket and hygge food, yes please!
All of these things would make for a cozy home. Very nice!
We have this book, but I really haven’t incorporated it into our daily life. I love all of these ideas!
I love practicing hygge! It’s all about the cozy feels for me.
Me too!
I don’t know that much about hygge but I’ve been seeing it a lot lately! You make it a hygge winter sound so cozy and snuggly lol! Right up my alley! I need to read up on it more!
You should check it out! You will love it.
I really love your ideas!! This is a great guide. I agree so much with the food part! It’s indeed a MUST!!!
Thank you!
You have definitely inspired me, everything you mentioned sounds cosy and welcoming!
I’m glad I inspired you!
I have never heard of this! But, we love our candles and fireplace. We eat every night by candlelight and use our fireplace all winter. And when it’s not too cold we venture outside to the fire pit and outside heater. Thanks for sharing.
I love that you eat by candlelight every night!
Love this post! I have recently started burning candles more often and they add such great ambience. You have inspired me to look for more cozy blankets and pillows too!
I’m glad I’ve been able to inspire you!
This is the perfect read as the temperatures are getting colder! This all sounds amazing. The coffee bar is speaking to me:)!
I love to refer back to this list when it starts getting colder outside. I love the coffee bar!
Being cozy in the winter is so perfect! I love the blankets and warmness from apple cider.. Thanks for sharing these tips, that is so great! I also just discovered what hygge is from this post. Thanks for teaching me something new.
You’re welcome! Being cozy and snuggled up with a warm blanket and beverage is my favorite thing about winter. I hope you enjoy learning more about hygge!
I like the idea of warm beverages. Although I’m drinking hot tea with lemon or coffee haha. I will try these for this winter. Thank you for sharing!
I love hot tea with lemon and coffee as well! I enjoy most warm beverages 🙂
I love cooking soups, stews, fondues, and roasted in the winter. I make the house smell good and warms up the room. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds amazing!
Ooo yes! Love mulled wine!
I have just recently become a huge fan of mulled wine in the last few years!
I’m inspired to add some of these ideas to my home. I’m certainly not a winter fan – but these suggestions are great!
I’m not a winter fan either. I’m glad you like the list!
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
I am a cold natured person, so ALL of these sound very good to me! Actually, I’m turning on my fireplace now with my warm beverage and snacks on deck to curl up on the sofa with my blanket and watch movies ALL day!
That sounds AMAZING! I love doing that exact same thing, lol. I hope you enjoy!