Styling a Cozy Corner

Hygge is a Danish—and Norwegian—word defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”

According to the Visit Denmark website, although hygge comes from the old Norwegian where it meant “well-being”, the Danes have embraced the concept since around the end of the 18th century. When you think about Scandinavia with its long, dark, and cold winters it makes sense that people would seek to create cosiness and comfort to keep their spirits up. But hygge isn’t only for winter, it’s a year round way of life.

We are headed into that “iffy” weather time of year. Sunny days followed by chilly nights and although the signs of spring are everywhere, after a mild winter seasoned Northeasterners are keeping one eye open for the late March or early April snowstorm that sometimes comes our way after the crocuses have bloomed. This is the perfect time to get your hygge on and create a cozy corner where you can curl up with a good book and a cup of tea (or glass of wine), or do some journaling or coloring, or—if you are a crafter like me— your needle work.

Styling a cozy corner is easy and a great way to create a special sanctuary within your space. Here are some tips to get you started.

First, find your favorite chair or corner of your home. Then pull in a blanket you love. It doesn’t have to be a blanket necessarily, it could be a pretty cozy wrap. It should be something that feels special, maybe looks bright, and makes you think warmth. The warm yellow blanket with pom pom trim I purchased at Kannibal Home in Jersey City is the one I chose for my own hygge corner. The color, the feel, and the trim make me smile. Here are a few options you could go with if you aren’t local: Peaceful Yellow Throw, Orange & Cream Textured Dream, Subtle Merino Stripes, or this Textured Neutral Throw.

Now, make sure you have a place to put your feet up-this could be a poof, ottoman or even a coffee table. (I love this arced bench!) The goal here is to make sure you can truly kick back and relax. This spot should also have good lighting and a stack of magazines, coloring books and your coloring tools of choice, your journal, or the book you're currently reading close at hand.

Add a few touches that make the spot feel special to you. Think of your five senses and how you can incorporate them to fully bring the space to life for you. Pay attention to what surrounds the space and what you are looking at. You don't have to go out and buy a new blanket like I did, you can pull one from the linen closet (or maybe the perfect one is sitting in a storage chest or on the bed in another room). The same goes for the candle (maybe you prefer incense in a pretty holder), the magazine and or the plant. You simply want to pull together the things that lift you up—you know what you love and brings you joy—tapping in to the sights, smells, colors and textures that make your heart sing will help you create the perfect little rest-nest where you can take a break, whether it’s five minutes or two hours.

I keep a yummy soy candle in my cozy corner. And, I have a plant in this spot too. I love having the plant in this space because it makes it feel happier to me.

After you have set up your cozy corner try to keep it clutter free and peaceful to maintain the zen and welcoming feelings—cosiness, comfort, and zen are the reasons you are creating the spot—and are the things that will keep you coming back to nourish your soul.

If you really want to amp up the hygge, make a plan to enjoy this corner right after you finish cooking or baking something delicious. It will intensify the relaxing experience for you.

We could all use a mental health break right now. Stay healthy and enjoy your cozy corner.