Please be aware that at 11:59pm on 8th July the site will be unavailable for a short period of time as we perform some planned maintenance.

10 ways to create Hygge in your home

A defining element of Danish culture that has spread across the world in recent years, hygge (pronounced "hooga") is all about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life's quieter pleasures. With our lives now so hectic and always-on, it’s no wonder this phenomenon has grown in popularity over the last few years.

If making your home more hygge - and finding more opportunities to unwind and take things slow - sounds like just your thing, then we’ve put together a few tips for you! Read on for tips on styling, accessorising, and creating an environment where you can truly find hygge at home this winter.

1. Opt for fluffier upholstery

There are few feelings more hygge than sinking into a soft, sumptuous sofa at the end of a tough day - the fluffier, the better. And there’s plenty to choose from to suit all budgets and lifestyles - whether it’s classic chenille or opulent velvet, cosy jumbo cord or even faux fur, you have almost limitless options when it comes to sofa fabrics these days! If you can’t decide - why stick to one? Contrasting fabrics on sofas, chairs and footstools are a fun and easy way to add interest to a room!

2. Pile up the cushions

More cushions, more problems - said literally no-one ever! As well as looking great on your sofa, a selection of scatter cushions lets you and your guests create their own most comfortable position with ease. Here at DFS we have a huge selection of stylish cushions to accessorise your sofa, many of which feature premium inners - like 100% feather fillings. Of course, for the ultimate in personalised comfort, you could consider a recliner sofa!

3. Add warmth wherever you can

Of course, nothing really beats a roaring log fire, but for those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have one (and don’t fancy getting the builders in) there are still plenty of options. Cosy blankets, soft rugs, and hot drinks all get you closer to that hygge feeling - or really commit to it and opt for a sofa with heated seats! Far from a gimmick, these add the warmth exactly where you can most appreciate it, giving that cosy feel without sending your heating bills sky-high.

4. Lower the lighting with warmer bulbs and candles

Swapping out your bulbs to softer, warmer options can really change the look of your space, and is a relatively affordable way to do so. Unscented pillar candles, tapers and tea lights can also be bought inexpensively, and when paired with a stylish candle holder, really add that finishing touch to a room. Not feeling an open flame? Consider heatless LED candles instead, which offer a similar look without the risks of a lit candle.

5. Create a cosy reading nook

For that solo hygge time, we can’t stress the benefits of a cosy reading nook enough. All you need is a comfy chair, and somewhere to stash your reading material - and you’ve got a whole new corner to enjoy, all to yourself! And don’t forget - if you’re not a bookworm, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the benefits of a reading nook. They’re just as ideal for enjoying a crossword, some handheld gaming, or just listening to music.

6. Layer up your linens

Channelling hygge in the bedroom for us, is all about layering up those fabrics and textures to create that ultimate cosy feel. From throws and quilts to extra pillows, we think you can never have enough squishably soft things in the bedroom! Looking for somewhere to store all these extra things when you actually want to sleep? Consider a storage ottoman for the foot of the bed - ideal for stashing extra pillows and blankets in warmer weather.

7. Choose natural materials

This idea comes directly from Scandinavia, where they really love filling their homes with natural materials. There’s just something about objects made from natural wood, fabric and stone that really offer a tactile, hygge feel in your space. Materials to look out for in homeware and furniture include wool, cotton, linen, silk, solid wood, rattan, marble and stone. And as a bonus? Choosing natural materials is generally better for the environment, too.

8. Clear up the clutter

An easy (and basically free) way to make your home more hygge is to clear up that clutter. A calm, zen space can easily be overtaken by things lying around - so grant yourself a few extra minutes each day to tackle cluttered surfaces, and you’ll quickly find your home talking on a more relaxed, hygge vibe. And we’re not saying you shouldn’t have any personality in your space - we’re only talking about the clutter that doesn’t make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. So put away the work laptop, and deal with that pile of junk mail - but leave those family photos where they are!

9. Create clever disguises for technology

As much as we love (and rely on) our technology, items like phones, tablets and televisions don’t create the most calming feel in your space. However, there are a lot of ways to hide or disguise them, helping you reclaim that hygge feel without eschewing technology entirely. It could be a frame around the TV, a basket to hide the WiFi router, improved cable management, or simply stashing those chargers away when you’re not using them - our sofas with built-in charging are totally ideal for this!

10. Choose what YOU love (not what’s on-trend)

Lastly, we want to give you permission to make decisions based on what you love, not what’s trendy. Don’t get us wrong - we love trends! They’re great for inspiration and shaking up our ideas, but that doesn’t mean all our homes have to be in line with the latest TikTok decorating phenomenon. Neutral linens might be hygge for some - and deep burgundy velvet might be hygge for others. Make choices based on what feels calm, cosy and zen to you, and don’t worry about whether it’s trendy. Your home should be all about your thing!

Another important element of hygge is spending time with those you hold dear - so don’t forget to focus your energy on enabling this quality time. Whether it’s making sure everyone has a comfy seat, stocking up the snack cupboard, or creating a family-friendly space where kids and adults alike can enjoy themselves, it’s important to lean into those areas that inspire hygge for you and your family.