How To Live Hygge

You’d have to have your interior design head stuck in the sand not to have heard of the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) by now. It has been splashed across interiors magazines for the past decade, so why are we still talking about it? Well, quite simply, because it works.

For those readers who don’t follow design trends religiously, what exactly is hygge, where did it come from, and why should we care? At its heart, hygge is a feeling – one of warmth, comfort, simplicity, and togetherness. It doesn’t have a direct English translation, but it’s often described as ‘cosiness and contentment of the soul’. In Denmark, hygge is more than a design style; it’s a way of life, woven deeply into daily routines and celebrations.

The word hygge originated from a Norwegian term meaning ‘wellbeing’ and first appeared in Danish writing in the 18th century. Since then, it has become a defining feature of Danish culture. With Denmark consistently ranking among the world’s happiest countries, there’s something to be said for this simple philosophy of warmth and ease. And in recent years, it has resonated with people far beyond Scandinavia, aligning beautifully with a global longing for slower living, sustainability, and a return to simple pleasures.

In interiors, hygge isn’t about following trends or investing in expensive designer pieces. It’s about creating spaces that feel nurturing and inviting — homes where you want to curl up, rest, and connect. Think soft lighting, layered textures, natural materials, and thoughtful touches that make everyday moments a little more special. Soft neutral tones are the perfect base, and you can revamp any piece of furniture with Annie Sloan’s range of chalk-based paints, available at Dig for Vintage in Ryde.

Lighting is always a good place to start. Harsh overheads have no place in a hygge home. Instead, soft pools of light from lamps, fairy lights, and – most importantly – candles create that golden glow we crave as evenings draw in. It’s no surprise that Danes burn more candles per capita than anyone else in Europe. At My House, you’ll find beautifully simple spiral candles alongside Jane Foster-designed matchboxes, with playful prints of cats, dogs, and birds. They’re the kind of small detail that instantly sets the tone for a cosy evening. Light one after supper, or pop a box on a coffee table to spark joy as well as flame.

And what’s a hygge evening without layers of comfort? Throws and blankets are non-negotiable. A soft knit or a classic woollen wrap draped over a chair isn’t just for show – it’s an invitation. At Bayliss and Booth, you’ll find an ever-changing selection of throws that are as beautiful as they are warm, perfect for sinking into on a chilly night. For timeless style, XV Stripes offers woollen versions that bring heritage charm with a modern touch, and at Luchelle Boutique, you’ll find cotton knit throws in generous sizes. These are the kind of pieces that turn a sofa into a sanctuary.

Texture is everything in hygge. It’s the way different surfaces work together – smooth ceramics, fresh linen, velvet cushions, chunky knits – to create richness and comfort without fuss. Back at Luchelle Boutique, velvet cushions in deep, jewel-like tones offer a luxurious counterpoint to lighter fabrics. Plumped up on a sofa or piled on a bed, they bring both elegance and a sense of ease. Mixing materials like this – linen with velvet, wool with cotton – makes a room feel lived-in, layered, and welcoming.

Window dressings, often overlooked, also play a quiet but powerful role. Soft fabrics filter natural light during the day and cocoon you in warmth when drawn in the evening. At Anne Ginger, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of curtains and blinds that strike just the right balance between style and function. It’s proof that even practical details, when chosen with care, can add to that sense of calm and comfort that hygge is all about.

Of course, hygge isn’t only about how a space looks – it’s about how it’s lived in. The tradition of fika in neighbouring Sweden sums this up beautifully: a deliberate pause in the day to savour coffee and a small treat. It’s a ritual of connection and a reminder to slow down. For those perfect fika moments, My House stocks limited-edition wooden trays, handmade in Sweden and designed by Linnéa Andersson. Pair them with retro-style espresso cups and saucers, or the slightly larger coffee cup versions, and you’ve got the makings of a ritual worth repeating.

Beneath it all, flooring sets the tone. Natural fibres feel particularly at home in hygge-inspired spaces, grounding rooms with subtle texture. The sisal herringbone Hambledon flooring from Long Lane is a perfect example – woven from natural fibres, it creates an organic warmth underfoot that’s both practical and elegant. Its gentle pattern adds depth without stealing attention, making it the ideal backdrop for layered rugs, soft furnishings, and all the cosy details that make a house feel like home.

Then there are the pieces that carry history and heart. At Bayliss and Booth, an antique sofa upholstered in Escape to the Chateau Potagerie fabric shows how furniture can be both functional and full of soul. The delicate print, inspired by the French potager garden, adds quiet storytelling to a room, while the muted, painterly tones are perfectly in step with hygge’s love of soft, calming palettes. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t just sit in a room; it invites you to sink in, gather, and linger.

A sofa is the heart of any hygge home, and Readers Interiors in Newport have been perfecting them for over a decade with designs that combine clean Scandinavian lines and lasting comfort. Their new Cadiz is a modular sofa you can shape to fit your space, while the Orlean offers deep seats and wide arms for a truly cocooning feel. With over 150 fabrics available—from velvets to bouclés—you can create a sofa that feels both personal and timeless.

And let’s not forget the magic of firelight. Few things capture hygge more than sitting around a stove with friends or family, the glow of the flames creating both warmth and a sense of togetherness. Charnwood, with its long heritage of stove-making on the Island, embodies this timeless comfort. The Aire Intelligent stove blends tradition with modern ease, offering that essential flicker of flame with cleaner, more efficient technology. A stove becomes more than a source of heat – it’s a focal point, a gathering place, and an anchor for the home.

All this ties back to what makes hygge so enduring. It isn’t about a look, but a feeling. It’s the joy of lighting a candle on an ordinary Tuesday. The comfort of a favourite throw pulled around your shoulders. The contentment of sitting down with a cup of coffee in a beloved mug. And yes, it’s the care of choosing pieces – from My House’s trays and candles to Bayliss and Booth’s soft-textured treasures, Anne Ginger’s curtains to Charnwood’s warming stoves, Luchelle Boutique’s cushions, XV Stripes’ timeless wool, and Long Lane’s natural flooring – that support and celebrate those moments.

Here on the Island, with its slower pace, sea views, and close-knit communities, hygge already feels part of the landscape. It’s in the warmth of local shops, the rhythm of the seasons, and the beauty of natural materials brought thoughtfully into our homes. As autumn draws in, there’s no better time to embrace it. Pull on your cosiest socks, light a candle, and let your home become the sanctuary it’s meant to be. After all, hygge isn’t just about how a space looks, it’s about how it feels. And that’s something we could all use a little more of.