What is Hygge? The standard hygge definition is not the easiest to explain, but let me give it a whirl: it’s essentially an idea or concept about incorporating coziness and comfort into your living space to promote feelings of contentment. Considered a way of life in Denmark, Danish hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) has become popular in the United States over the past few years – and all the more so now that we’re all spending a lot of time at home.
Our recent blog post, Hygge Times: Ten Easy Ways to Practice the Danish Lifestyle Trend This Winter, explains how to incorporate many hygge décor and activity options into your day-to-day life. For this post, we wanted to take it a step further and explore how to expand your home hygge style into your exterior living spaces. Keep reading for our top tips!
Warm it Up.
The key to Danish hygge is warmth. After all, Denmark can be a pretty cold place. But regardless of what part of the world you live in, warmth is key for good outdoors hygge. If you don’t already have a fire pit or exterior fireplace set up, consider investing in one for the colder months. After all, nothing is more hygge than being cozied up around a glowing, crackling fire with friends and family.
For those of us without the access or ability to have a fire, you can create the same feelings with hygge lighting such as candles, lanterns, or twinkly lights. Even outdoor heaters can create hygge because hygge is all about comfort. Flameless candles are also an easy, no-stress way to get the hygge candle look without the fire hazard.
Clear out the chaotic.
A big part of Danish hygge is being both physically and mentally comfortable. For many people, that means simplifying and organizing their living areas to create more fluid, inviting, and serene environments.
When it comes to creating maximum hygge in your outdoor space, start small. First take a good visual inventory: what can you clean up and put away to create more space for both body and soul? Note any summery patio furniture, empty planters, old tools or scrap piles, or even just random stuff you didn’t know where else to put. Put the items into piles to sell, trash, donate, or store and make it a priority to get them out of your line of sight. That’ll clear space not just for hygge décor items but also your own stillness and peace.
Move the Indoors to the Outdoors.
If you’re planning on spending some time socializing in the outdoors, amp up the hygge factor by bringing out textiles, pillows, and small furniture to snuggle under and on as the mercury drops. Think of easily portable and durable items such as floor pillows, sleeping bags, beanbag chairs, and even rugs. And don’t forget “wall” hangings. Mirrors, framed posters, or even original artwork can be a wonderful addition to your home’s “hygge in the great outdoors” look. If you’ve got any of these items stored in your CubeSmart self-storage unit, now’s the time to visit and pull them out. If you don’t, look around local thrift stores for low-cost, low-key items that you won’t mind sacrificing to the weather.
Another fun idea that requires a little more bicep strength, perhaps, is moving the bigger stuff already in your home out of your home (temporarily, of course). Imagine the fun of sitting on your actual couch with your feet up on your actual coffee table watching a movie projected on the side of the garage or on a stand-up screen in your yard. Talk about ambiance! Just be sure to check the weather – and then check it again.
Pitch a Tent.
Tents of all sizes can be incredibly hygge. Just think about being bundled up in warm down sleeping bags with a lantern, a cup of tea in an insulated carafe, a favorite book in hand, and the rain pattering on the roof. If that’s not the hygge definition, I don’t know what is. The convenience of having a tent pitched in your backyard – rather than some backwoods somewhere (not that there’s anything wrong with that) – also means you won’t have to forego having access to indoor plumbing to enjoy it!
Some of our CubeSmart self-storage customers have recently come by to get their tents out of storage to do just that. After all, when we’ve all been in the same rooms for months and months on end, a new little outdoor area sounds incredibly inviting. Add in Danish hygge elements and hygge décor and you may be spending a lot more time out there than you anticipated.
Add Winter-ready Greenery.
Though the winter is definitely not the time to be cultivating and nurturing your gardens, there are some elements you can always rely on to add texture, interest, and, yes, Danish hygge to your outdoor living space. There are many evergreens that will stay vibrant throughout the winter when planted in the ground and in containers. If planting in containers, use fir, spruce, or pine in moist soil and then decorate for the holidays with ornaments and ribbons or the hygge-adays with sparkly lights.
If you’re looking to use and enjoy your outside winter space over the long-term, consider planting flowers and shrubs that actually bloom year-round in certain climates. Some, like winterberry, will brighten your yard no matter how hard the snow blows – and look equally hygge-friendly when clipped and brought inside for a tabletop display.
Reassess Your Lighting Scheme.
Hygge lighting is critical to making your outdoor areas as inviting and pleasant as possible. Walk through your space and look for dark spots or pathways that would benefit from a glow-up. We love warm, soft accent lights on trees, bushes, and flowers, especially those that have some ‘winter interest’ – like the evergreens mentioned above. Hanging light strands from trees and across pergolas is also a major hygge lighting win, especially when they’re illuminating cozy nooks and conversation areas.
I mentioned it above but feel like it really needs to be driven home: buy some more candles. According to the European Candle Association (yes, there is such a thing), the Danish burn more candles per person than any other country in Europe. The warm, glow of a number of white candles sprinkled around your space will probably put you into the hygge mindset quicker than anything else. And they don’t have to be special, or scented or expensive. Just basic white tea lights or their flameless alternatives will do the trick. We also vibe on the look of placing them in antiqued lanterns or specialized groupings on tables or stands around the yard.
Chill Out in the Out of Doors.
One way to incorporate hygge into your outdoor space without buying or moving anything is to simply exist in your outdoor space. Of course, that could mean anything from drinking your coffee while standing on the fire escape to setting up a Zen garden for meditation and serenity; the choice is yours. Whatever is most relaxing, most comforting, and most enjoyable is the most hygge.
If you are trying to get more time in the great outdoors but aren’t sure how, then start small. Spend some quality moments outside at different times of day to see what is most relaxing or interesting to you. You may be surprised by how much of an impact it can have. You can also try to do ‘indoor’ activities, like taking a yoga class on Zoom for instance, outdoors. Simply set your computer up on a chair or table, connect it to WiFi, spread out your mat and you’re ready to go! Naps are also a great pastime to move outdoors if and when you can. Stretch out on a hammock or in the shade of a particularly large tree and you’ll awake to feel extremely refreshed, which is extremely hygge.
Add a hearty dose of friends or family.
Socializing out of doors is one way that we can continue to see our family and friends during some phases of lockdown. Adding people is also a fun way to add Danish hygge to your outdoor space! After all, as much as hygge is about being cozy and comfortable, it’s also about being present in the moment and making memories that last with those that we love.
Gathering with your loved ones to play games, watch movies, or eat dinner in your outside living space can be extremely special. If it’s chilly out, be sure to incorporate hygge décor elements like a fire, candles, and warm throws and pillows. You can also serve steamy beverages like mulled wine, hot cocoa, or tea. Getting cozy with a bunch of pals may be the best way to lift your spirits – and amp up the hygge while you’re at it.
However you decide to spruce up your outdoor spaces to be more in keeping with Danish hygge, we want to hear about it! Drop a note below or on our social media pages letting us know your home hygge tips.
