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The Best Hygge Decor to Get Your Home as Cozy as Can Be This Winter
Take a look at the Scandinavian trend that’s warming up homes worldwide.

Over the last few years, you’ve probably noticed the word “hygge” (pronounced “HOO-gah” or “HUE-gah”) pop up on your feeds as the defining aesthetic of wintertime nesting at home. The term has spawned countless trend pieces and (often satirical) debates on what “new” version of Scandinavian coziness will take hygge's throne. Merriam-Webster even added the word to the dictionary in January of this year.
Far from a fleeting or controversial design trend, hygge is a meaningful and integral part of life in Scandinavia, where the term originated. Signe Johansen, the Norwegian American author of the book How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life, dispels any notion of its frivolity: “It’s certainly not a retreat into a state of cozy hibernation — far from it. Hygge in Scandinavia is something we believe we have to earn, so we’re very outdoorsy at all times of the year, and we believe in a spirit of self-reliance too,” she says.
The hallmarks of the hygge home aesthetic floating around social media are always calming, filled with soft accents, pops of ambient light, and plenty of naturalistic design cues. “The color palette of Nordic design is very much rooted in nature, so all those muted tones and many shades of wood are archetypal colors you’ll see in the region,” she says.
But overall, the look of hygge decor is entirely up to the individual, and they're appropriate for indoor and outdoor spaces of all sizes. Think softly scented candles, plush rugs, warm layers for your couch and bed, and even beautiful-looking tabletop games and puzzles. It's all about enriching your space with the personal touches that make you feel the most at ease.
With that ethos in mind, here are 10 chic-yet-cozy hygge decor items to invite that convivial feeling into your home.
Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.
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