May 2019

First, it’s important to note that hygge, a Danish lifestyle trend, is more than, well, a trend. It’s both a feeling and a state of mind. In fact, there is no corresponding word in the English language for hygge. Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) simply means experiencing a feeling of contentment and well-being simply by enjoying the simple things life has to offer.

As an aesthetic, hygge involves punctuating minimalist designs with warmth and texture. The end result is a cozy space that inspires calm and joy. In this way, lighting and the way it is utilized plays a central role in hygge.

The right lighting can set the mood for any stage—dramatic, intense, or cozy and relaxing. Hygge lighting relies on the latter, often with gentle-glowing candles paired with soft electric lighting. The balance of light and shadow work in tandem to create a natural, warm environment.

To create the hygge effect at home, consider the decorative elements of certain rooms and use soft, strategically placed lights to better highlight these elements, as well as make the most of the dynamic between bright and dark spaces.

Overhead lights can be domineering, and should be avoided in hygge spaces. If you can’t replace your overhead with table or floor lamps, consider having a dimmer installed so you can better control the intensity of light. The choice of lightbulb can make a difference as well—opt for warm or soft white options with a low lumen number. Rely on accent lights, like sconces or wall torchieres to help create the perfect lighting balance.

Flickering LED candles are great options for lighting windows or low traffic spaces, both in the mood they help create and as a safer alternative to actual live-flame candles. This is especially effective during the colder times of the year, when the sun shines for a briefer window during the day and night can feel a bit suffocating.

For the warmer months, hygge places a larger emphasis on outdoor lights with the same minimalist approach of creating moods by manipulating natural light and shadow, offset with outdoor lighting options. Fairy lights, or twinkle lights, are not just for Christmas anymore. These can be utilized bring outdoor spaces to life, alongside path lights, table lamps, pendant lighting, chandeliers, and other exterior lighting fixtures designed specifically to withstand outdoor elements.

The right hygge combination may well depend on what the weather is doing. What works on a gloomy, rainy day won’t necessarily work when the sun is shining. Don’t be afraid to try out different combinations for every eventuality, so no matter what it’s doing outside, you have the right balance inside.

Ready to make your home an oasis of coziness and warmth? If you live in Springfield, MO or Oklahoma City, OK, check out the lighting department at Metro Appliances & More to find the right lighting products to infuse the concept of hygge into your home.