Denmark was crowned the happiest country in 2016 and it’s all because of hygge. Before we can discuss what hygge is, we should learn how to pronounce it. Many places suggest a variety of different options, but there could only be one accurate answer. Visit Denmark says the proper way to say hygge is hooga and it means cosiness. So it’s no surprise that a book all about this concept, The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking has become the hottest book since Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
So how can those of us in the United States bring a little bit of Denmark into our homes? Wiking (pronounced Viking) says a great place to start is with candles. Stock up on lots of candles but keep them unscented and organic.
“Denmark burns more candles (in Danish, levende lys, or “living lights”) a head than anywhere in Europe,” he told The Times. “Each Dane consumes about 3kg of bacon a year but burns about six kilos of candle wax each year. Scented candles are considered artificial. For true hygge, your candles must be natural and organic.”
Staying on theme with lighting, the next step says you should have good lamps. Wiking gets very specific when it comes to describing hygge lighting. He’s so particular about lighting, he has walked around Rome searching for a restaurant that is set-up based on his high standards.
“Danes select lamps carefully and place them strategically to create soothing pools of light,” he explained. “It is an artform, a science and an industry. The rule of thumb: the lower the temperature of the light, the more hygge. A camera flash is about 5,500 kelvin (K), fluorescent tubes are 5,000K, incandescent lamps 3,000K, while sunsets, wood and candle flames are about 1,800K. That’s your hygge sweet spot.”
My favorite step has to be including more cake in our diet. Yes, you read that right. Wiking says it’s great to eat healthy, but you need to splurge sometimes by indulging in some cake.
“A high level of meat, confectionery and coffee consumption in Denmark is directly linked to hygge. Hygge is about giving yourself a treat, and giving yourself and each other a break from healthy living. Sweets are hyggelige. Cake is hyggeligt. Carrot sticks, not so much.”
Other great steps include wearing a big scarf, wearing lots of black, keeping your hairstyle as simple as possible, and creating a special nook in your home for resting and relaxing with a blanket, a book, and a cup of tea.
You can learn more about living the hygge lifestyle by picking up The Little Book of Hygge, in stores now.
