10 ‘Hygge’-Chic Styling Ideas That Work Year-Round

Rustic, natural woods are a core feature of hygge design. But to enhance the look, layer tables with coarse linens; drape seating surfaces in soft, fuzzy animal hides; and add cushions wherever and whenever possible.

There’s a definite element of quirk at play in Scandinavian interiors. One mega-whimsical go-to? Deliberately mismatched dining room seating. Think: a midcentury-modern number, two bistro chairs and a petite swivel stool all cohabitating happily around the table. Hygge meets avant-garde.

From what we can tell, hygge homes have a total moratorium on hospital corners (let alone folded blankets). Instead, beds remain mussed, non-plussed and naptime ready throughout the day. (P.S. The more layers and textures, the better.)

Hygge homes are ripe with natural elements—but they’re always simple, subtle and organic. (You’d be remiss to feature a vase of roses.) When it comes to plant life, think a row of bud vases filled with fresh green herbs, or a lone sculptural branch as a focal point on the coffee table.  

Speaking of greenery, let's talk about how to use it in the bedroom. Our favorite decor trick is to set a potted green at the foot of the bed—like this charming, feathery asparagus plant.

To enhance a space’s serenity, Scandi interiors keep it super simple when it comes to color. Here, a charcoal carpet plays beautifully with a heathered comfortable sofa and dove gray walls, art and window treatments.

A huge part of the hygge philosophy is living simply. So instead of considering your bookshelf a dumping ground for books and tchotchkes, go blissfully minimalist by keeping accessories monochrome and flipping white book spines outward for less visual clutter. And of course, edit, edit, edit away.

You know what’s not hygge? Symmetry. The Danes prefer a haphazard floor plan with a seating area that’s super cozy and close-knit. After all, togetherness is the name of the hygge game.

Fact: It gets dark during those long Scandinavian winters. Hence, a design emphasis on maximizing daylight. Let the sunshiiiiine…

While Americans tend to go for oversize rugs to make a space feel larger, hygge homes employ petite rugs to make gathering areas more intimate. How sweet is this little kitchen?

Head on over to My Scandinavian Home for much more Scandi-inspired interior inspiration.