Hygge interior design by Decorilla

Can a home feel like a hug? In Denmark, where winters stretch long and dark, people have mastered the art of coziness. Hygge is a Danish concept of creating joy and coziness in life’s everyday moments. But what is behind the Hygge interior design and home decor? Read on to find out.

What Is Hygge Interior Design?

Contemporary Scandinavian interior design with hygge flair, by Decorilla
Contemporary Scandinavian interior design with hygge flair, by Decorilla

The idea behind this inviting interior design style is for someone to walk into your home and immediately get the “I love to live here” vibe. Furniture designer Morten Georgsen explains it perfectly: “We Danes love the state of mind – hygge – because it’s peaceful, friendly and a fantastic stress reliever. It’s our zen, we breathe it, almost live from it. Maybe it’s one of the reasons that the Danes year in, year out are nominated the happiest people in the world.”

Cozy hygge bedroom interior design with a fireplace, by Decorilla
Cozy hygge bedroom with a fireplace, by Decorilla

In its essence, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a philosophy, which makes it similar to another popular design aesthetic, Wabi Sabi. In terms of hygge home decor, it’s about being present in your environment, and having your home reflect the fact that it’s filled with family, friends, and history.

Pro Tip: Unsure if hygge interior design is right for you? Try our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to discover your ideal style today!

Irresistibly Cozy Hygge Home Decor Ideas

Hygge elements in an organic living room interior design by Decorilla
Hygge elements in an organic living room by Decorilla

Like other Scandinavian interior design styles, hygge decor elements involve a lot of light, texture, and controlled color palettes.

1. Forget Perfection—Focus on How a Space Feels

Rustic organic living room by Decorilla with a hygge flair
Rustic organic living room by Decorilla with a hygge flair

Hygge decor isn’t about creating a picture-perfect home. No one relaxes in a room that feels too curated, too pristine, or too fragile to enjoy. The best hygge homes have genuine warmth—not just visually but in the way they function.

Hygge home decor in a rustic living room by Decorilla
Hygge staples in a rustic living room by Decorilla

That means furniture that invites people to sit. A sofa with depth, a chair with a throw draped over it, a dining table that welcomes long conversations. Upholstered pieces feel better than rigid materials, and natural fibers like linen and wool soften the overall atmosphere. Avoid sleek, modern designs that feel too sharp or sterile. The goal is a space that feels lived in, not staged.

Pro Tip: A home that’s too put together often feels cold. Don’t be afraid of slight imperfections in wood, fabric, or handmade decor.

2. Bring Some Wabi Sabi Into Your Hygge Decor

Wabi Sabi meets hygge in a rustic interior design by Decorilla
Wabi Sabi meets hygge in a rustic living room interior by Decorilla

Select favorite pieces of decor that carry function and distinctive style. Books you love, that may spark a conversation among guests, or a crystal bud vase from your great grandmother are perfect examples of bringing some hygge vibes to your existing home decor. Your personal touches and knickknacks can bring back nostalgic memories and make you smile, which is completely in the spirit of hygge philosophy.

Hygge decor in a hallway by Decorilla
Hygge decor in a hallway by Decorilla

Leather that softens, linen that wrinkles, and wood that gains patina contribute to a home that feels naturally lived-in. In addition, a single, well-crafted chair with a curved back can be more impactful in hygge interior design than a room full of trendy decor.

Pro Tip: Prioritize materials that develop character over time.

3. The Secret to a Cozy Glow

Hygge home decor and lighting in a bedroom by Decorilla
Hygge home decor and lighting in a bedroom by Decorilla

Harsh white lighting instantly kills a hygge atmosphere. Overhead lights should also be used sparingly, if at all. Instead, layer other light sources—table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and string lights. Warm bulbs with a color temperature of 2700K or lower mimic natural firelight, making them an excellent choice for ambient lighting in hygge interior design.

Hygge porch decor by Decorilla
Hygge porch by Decorilla

Candlelight is a non-negotiable in hygge home decor. It adds movement, warmth, and a sense of intimacy that artificial light can’t replicate. Group candles at different heights to create a natural, flickering rhythm in a space. If open flames aren’t an option, use LED candles with a warm hue.

Pro Tip: Position light sources at eye level or lower.

4. Soft Accessories Galore

Hygge home decor in a living room by Decorilla
Hygge vibes in a living room by Decorilla

A room that looks cozy but feels stiff isn’t truly hygge. Texture brings dimensions, especially in neutral spaces. A linen slipcover, a handwoven throw, or a thick wool rug will soften hard surfaces and make a room way more comfortable.

Abundant texture and accessories in a hygge bedroom decor by Decorilla
Abundant texture and accessories in a hygge bedroom by Decorilla

Choose cushions with a variety of weaves rather than identical sets. Also, mix smooth ceramics with rough stone or unfinished wood. A space that feels effortless usually has an intentional contrast of soft and structured elements.

Pro Tip: Avoid synthetic fabrics in hygge home decor.

5. The Art of a Cozy Nook in Hygge Interior Design

Bedroom nook in hygge style, interior design by Decorilla
Bedroom nook in hygge style, interior design by Decorilla

Every hygge home needs a spot for unwinding, whether it’s a reading corner, a window seat, or a favorite armchair. Beware: the setup matters. It’s not a truly cozy nook without a comfortable chair, a warm throw, a soft light source, and a small table for a cup of tea or coffee.

Small hygge-style nook in an apartment interior design by Decorilla
Small hygge-style nook in an apartment interior design by Decorilla

Positioning is equally important. This works best when it’s slightly tucked away, offering a sense of retreat. If space is tight, a cozy chair near a bookshelf or a cushioned bench in an unused corner can work just as well.

Pro Tip: Add a personal element—a space feels cushier when it carries personal meaning.

6. A Spa-Like Bathroom for the Ultimate Hygge

Hygge interior design of a spa bathroom by Decorilla
Hygge interior design of a spa bathroom by Decorilla

A hygge bathroom should feel like a place you want to spend time in, not a sterile area you rush through on your way to somewhere else. A small wooden stool by the tub, some woven baskets, and a real rug (not a flimsy bath mat) will soften the space without making it fussy. Keep storage seamless—built-in niches and deep drawers work better here than cluttered shelves.

Hygge bathroom interior design by Decorilla
Hygge bathroom interior design by Decorilla

Natural materials make a difference, even in hygge decor pieces: a wooden bath tray, linen towels, and a ceramic soap dish. Also, a deep tub or a rain shower is ideal, but even small upgrades shift the mood from utilitarian to alluring.

Pro Tip: Layer scents the same way you layer textures.

7. The Hygge Decor Essential: Light Up a Fire

Hygge atmosphere in a living room interior design by Decorilla designer, Sharene M.
Hygge atmosphere in a living room by Decorilla designer, Sharene M.

Nothing captures the essence of hygge home decor like a flickering fire. It’s warmth in its most primal form—calming, inviting, and effortlessly atmospheric. If you have a fireplace, make it the heart of your living space. Arrange seating to face it, not just for warmth but to encourage conversation. A simple stack of logs nearby will complete the look.

Hygge-style candle arrangements by Decorilla
Hygge-style candle arrangements by Decorilla

No fireplace? You can still create the effect with a cluster of candles on a coffee table or dining surface. Similarly, a well-placed lantern or an LED fireplace insert will do the job without the need for a chimney.

Pro Tip: A mix of pillar candles, tea lights, and lanterns adds dimension and prevents the setup from feeling too staged.

Put Your Hygge Decor Ideas Into Motion

Now that we know the basics of hygge interior design, the questions turn to “where do I find the elements?” Here’s our selection of top 6 hygge products for your home:

Still Need Help With Your Hygge Decor & Design?

A professional hand can help you create the coziest, most inviting home you’ve ever dreamed of. Book your Free Online Interior Design Consultation to get started today!

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6 years ago

[…] for the ultimate luxury bathroom. Here are the 5 must-haves! Want more? Check out our top ways to hygge your home. Hint: #6 is all about […]

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6 years ago

[…] cozy and soft rugs, sofas and beds, as opposed to stark, tailored designs. Decorilla offers a great article with 7 Tips to Hygge your home. With simplicity and well-being as your goal, you’ll be […]

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6 years ago

[…] 7 Best Tips to Hygge Your Home Decor […]