What is Hygge? Five Tips to Bringing Scandinavian Coziness into Your Home with Art

When I moved to Copenhagen six years ago, adjusting to the climate was a challenge. Coming from Canada, where I spent cold, snowy winters in Montreal and Toronto, I thought I’d seen it all. But Danish winters are different—rainy, dark, and often quite gloomy. Yet, the Danish way of life quickly introduced me to something special: hygge.

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish concept that’s about more than just comfort. It’s about embracing small moments of warmth and contentment, especially when the weather outside is anything but inviting. In Denmark, people create cozy spaces filled with candles, soft lighting, and inviting decor. Danes love to host gatherings at home, creating a sense of connection and intimacy. When a Dane invites you into their home, it’s something truly meaningful.

1. Choose Meaningful Pieces

Meaningful art is more than just decoration; it’s a reflection of what brings you joy and peace. Choosing pieces with personal significance—like a word that embodies a comforting concept or a reminder of a beloved memory—adds a sense of depth to your home. Each time you see it, you’re reminded of the sentiment behind it, making your space uniquely yours.

2. Go for Personal and Nostalgic Art

Art that stirs nostalgia can make a space feel more welcoming and familiar. Selecting prints that represent cherished memories, like a city poster of a favorite place, creates a warm connection and brings a touch of personal history into your decor. This subtle touch transforms a house into a true home, filled with stories and connections.

3. Seek Unique and Limited Prints

There’s something special about owning a piece that’s not AI-created and mass-produced. Choosing unique or limited-edition art makes your decor feel curated and intentional, setting your space apart with pieces that are distinctly yours. These unique additions reflect your personal taste, making each print feel like a small treasure within your home.

4. Embrace Warm and Earthy Colors

Warm tones like soft browns, muted greens, and gentle grays bring a calming, grounded atmosphere to any room. Art that incorporates these colors adds a layer of coziness that feels natural and timeless, creating a peaceful environment ideal for relaxing or unwinding at the end of the day.

5. Embrace Nature and Minimalism

Scandinavian design is known for its embrace of nature and simplicity, which adds a balanced and tranquil feeling to any space. Choosing minimal, nature-inspired art can bring a bit of the outdoors in, creating a serene backdrop that complements a cozy, uncluttered home. This simplicity invites calm and clarity into your daily life.

Bonus Tip: Frame Your Art

Your walls hold only so much, so treat your art as a valued part of your home. Framing each piece elevates its presence and protects it for years to come. A simple wood frame adds warmth and an organic touch to your decor, enhancing the cozy, hygge feel of your space while honoring the care with which you’ve selected each piece.

Hygge is all about embracing the little joys of life, whether it’s savoring a cup of coffee, reading in soft light, or simply being present. I try to bring this spirit into every piece of art I create, offering a bit of Danish coziness in every print.

This post contains an affiliate link below, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through this link, at no extra cost to you.

For anyone wanting to dive deeper into the hygge lifestyle, The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking (among others) is a wonderful introduction. I received it as a gift while working for a Danish company in Canada, and it opened my eyes to the happiness that simple, cozy living can bring. Denmark frequently ranks as one of the happiest countries, and while rankings change, the quality of life here remains exceptional. Hygge is a big part of that happiness—rooted in togetherness, simplicity, and calm—which I hope my art can bring into your home.