You’ve probably heard of the Danish word “hygge,” a concept that’s all about creating a feeling of warmth, coziness, and well-being. But you may be wondering how to bring this concept to life and experience it in your day to day. Although it may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite easy! If you’re just getting started, a fundamental place to begin is with the lighting in your home as lighting is one of the most important elements of hygge. In this post, I’ll explore how different hygge lighting ideas to help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Homebodies, this one is for you!
Hygge Candles for Everyday
Think about the last time you went to a nice restaurant. I’m willing to bet the overhead lights were dimmed and there was at least one candle on your dinner table. This lighting was intentionally curated to make you feel cozy and intimate. But candles don’t have to be reserved for expensive dinners and birthday cakes! There’s nothing quite like the soft, flickering glow of candlelight to create a warm atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or entertaining guests, candles are a must-have for any hygge-inspired space. Here are a few of my favorites hygge lighting ideas. I love soy and coconut wax candles for the longer, cleaner burn and better scent throw. Multi-wick candles are another favorite for the added light and overall aesthetics.
Candles are a great addition to every room in the house, but you won’t enjoy the hygge atmosphere unless they are lit. Like most of you, I too am guilty of saving candles, particularly the expensive ones, for special occasions or even power outages. If this resonates with you, consider the use of battery powered candles. These can be set on a timer so you never have to worry about turning them on or off. I love coming home from work to a candle-lit space without lifting a finger or fearing burning the house down. These are a few great options. Consider sticking them in a sconce or hurricane candleholder for added decorative benefits.
Soft Lighting with String Lights
I am forever guilty of making snap judgements about restaurants, bars and outdoor spaces that have string lights. Without realizing it, I’ll find myself saying, “That place looks cute! We should go there!” Why? String lights create a relaxing and calming atmosphere, reducing stress and boosting comfortability. But they’re not just for outdoor use. String lights are perfect for creating a soft and inviting ambiance in any room of your home. If you’re looking for quick hygge lighting ideas, hang them above your bed, drape them over your bookshelf, or use them to illuminate your patio or garden. The possibilities are endless.
In addition to the cozy and inviting ambiance, string lights are energy efficient, safe, and convenient. Consider getting LED powered lights for a lower energy bill, less heat emission and hazard-free materials. Many are battery powered and can be controlled using a remote. Hang them in your bedroom and never worry about getting up to turn the lights off again.
Hygge Lighting on a Dimmer
Adjusting the brightness of your lighting is key to creating a cozy atmosphere. Dimmable lights allow you to customize the lighting to your needs, whether you’re reading a book or watching a movie. They’re also great for setting the mood during a romantic dinner or a quiet night in. These dimmable light bulbs (I recommend “warm white”) give off warm and comfortable lighting with a CRI of 90+. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a quantitative measure of a light source’s ability to render colors. It measures the ability of a light source to reveal the true colors of an object when compared to natural daylight, which has a CRI of 100. A light source with a CRI of 80 or above is considered good, while a CRI of 90 or above is excellent. These are also safe, energy-efficient, and fully dimmable.
If you don’t have the infrastructure for dimmable overhead lights, consider getting a dimmable lamp instead. I love the Himalayan salt lamps for the soft amber glow. Plus, they are said to have added benefits like air purification and reduced electromagnetic radiation.
Hygge Lamps for Every Room
Table lamps provide a warm and intimate glow that’s perfect for creating a cozy reading nook or adding ambiance to a room. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that goes with the style of your home. They’re also great for adding a touch of personality to your space. Consider the color lightbulb you put into your lamp, not all are the same! For maximum hygge, you’ll want a warm soft light. Stay away from cool colored lights (think: the awful fluorescents in your office building). Find a nice ceramic lamp, or try out a battery-powered accent lamp to throw on a bookshelf. I also love these stone lamps for added glow in bohemian spaces.
Warm and Cozy Lighting with Firelight
Give me all the bonfires and roaring fireplaces! Needless to say, the flickering glow of firelight is very hygge. It creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for spending time with loved ones. If you live in a colder region, it’s a great way to add warmth to your space during the winter months. If that’s the case, you likely don’t need to purchase anything (other than firewood) to benefit from this “glowy” light. But if you don’t have easy access to a fireplace, don’t fret! These portable tabletop fireplaces are the coziest addition to a cool night. They are smokeless, can be used inside or outside, and quickly transform your space into a modern and warm environment. These portable fireplaces are one of the best hygge lighting ideas to not only add ambiance but also warmth to a cool winter night.
Incorporating hygge into your home is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Lighting plays a crucial role in this process, so be sure to experiment with different kinds of lighting to find what works best for you and your space. Whether you’re using candles, string lights, dimmable lights, table lamps, or firelight, the goal is to create a cozy and welcoming space that calms anxiety and reduces stress. So, turn down the lights, grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy the hygge-inspired ambiance!