“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down”.

– Meik Wiking

For a culture like Denmark’s—where long winters bring snow and very limited daylight—creating a home that feels warm, comforting, and protective becomes an art form in itself. So much so that there is a specific word for that feeling of comfort and safety shared with loved ones: hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). Entire books and studies have been dedicated to understanding this concept, especially considering that Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world. Naturally, the question arises: how do they do it?

The Perfect Lighting

As mentioned before, Danes—and Nordic countries in general—spend several months each year with very little sunlight, making artificial lighting essential to everyday life. We have all experienced that uncomfortable feeling of walking into a space illuminated by harsh white bulbs that feel more clinical than comforting. Hygge begins with avoiding exactly that.

According to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and author of The Little Book of Hygge, “More than half of Danes light candles almost every day during autumn and winter.” Even more surprisingly, one study revealed that 31% of Danes light more than eight candles at once.

Beyond candles, Danish culture is also known for its exceptional lamp design, focused on creating intimate and welcoming environments through soft, carefully diffused light.

Comfort Food, Always

Once the lighting is right, hygge calls for something delicious to eat and something warm to drink. Whether it’s a comforting bowl of soup at lunch or coffee and cookies in the late afternoon, everyone has their own version of comfort food.

But according to the philosophy of hygge, the experience matters just as much as the meal itself. Preparing food from scratch—and sharing the process with people you love—is an essential part of the ritual. Cooking together becomes a way to slow down, connect, and appreciate the moment.

The Outfit

A key part of feeling cozy at home is wearing the right clothes. Away from judgment, expectations, and social pressure, home becomes the one place where we can fully relax and feel comfortable being ourselves.

In this context, Wiking explains that “Danish fashion is clean, minimalist, elegant, but not too fitted. In many ways, it’s a sweet spot between hygge and functional minimalistic design.”

While in Mexico we may have fewer opportunities to wear oversized sweaters, scarves, knitted socks, and layers of blankets the way Scandinavians do, we can still choose fabrics and silhouettes that make us feel relaxed and comfortable regardless of the temperature.

It’s About Being Together

Although each element of hygge contributes to creating a comforting atmosphere, Meik Wiking emphasizes that hygge is not something created through objects alone. It is experienced with family, friends, and loved ones.

At the end of the day, few things represent well-being more deeply than the moments we share together.

If you want to explore the art of living more cozily, The Little Book of Hygge is definitely worth adding to your reading list.