How to create Hygge in the Workplace

This is going to sound weird, but not only do I love my work, but I also find it extremely cozy and comfortable. How, you ask? I think it's based on two things: having a pleasing aesthetic to your surroundings and incorporating elements of hygge. 

First off, let's address hygge and explain what that is a bit. 

    hygge
/ˈh(j)uːɡə,ˈhʊɡə/
noun
a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

If you haven't heard about it, you definitely should look into it. It's one of my favorite things. Let's talk first about the basic building blocks of how to bring hygge into your workspace. (Some of these ideas you can incorporate in office/cubicle situations, but this is directed more towards those working from home offices). Each topic listed below are the key components to a hygge environment-- and underneath the main thought are ideas for your workspace!

Lighting

Whether it's soft lamps, candles, twinkle lights, lighting strips, natural light through windows or glowing essential oil diffusers, having lighting that's gentler and not as harsh as your overhead lights always help the hygge factor. Some unique ideas to think outside the box includes prisms in your windows for a gentle golden hour or rainbow effect, glow-in-the-dark constellations, illuminated geometric wall art, twinkling lights on a large map, cute neon signs, or sparkling shadow lamps.

Textures

Textures do a lot for bringing in that coziness as well. From knits to leather to wood, look for items that bring in a natural and welcoming feel while also creating dimension and interest. This can be wood or metal in the desk, aged brass or leather decor, soft velvet chairs, corkboard, wire baskets, exposed brick, pillows, tactile keyboards, 3d wall art, or thick rugs.

Warmth 
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While it's not always necessary to create actual warmth (for instance, in the summer), everyone knows that warmth is a key component in coziness. You'll usually see people talking about hygge fireplaces and so on, but that's not really conducive to a workspace. Instead, think of other ways to bring that warmth, or at least an illusion of heat-- sweaters, cozy throw blankets nearby, candles, or maybe a cute retro space heater. In the summer, think open windows for a soft, warm breeze and plenty of sunlight, warm lighting or summer-smelling candles, or reflective suncatchers.

Nature

This is another big aspect of hygge! It's so lovely to look out your window and see the beautiful scenery, but what if you don't have that? Bring your nature indoors! The obvious thought is, of course, plants-- and this works for many design styles because there are so many different plants to choose from. But perhaps you don't have a green thumb. There are still plenty of ways to introduce nature into your workspace! For a girly look, having a fresh season bouquet of flowers is lovely, and you can also bring in wooden elements, a vase of pinecones, pressed flower wall art, dried orange garlands,  or even faux flowers strung up in different decor pieces. 

Food and Drink

Food and drink also play an important part in the whole hygge feel. From hot coffee and tea to cocoa and marshmallows, to cold brew and sun-soaked herbal concoctions on summer days, to freshly squeezed lemonade-- there's something about a nice cup of a cozy or nostalgic drink to make everything much nicer. This extends to food, too. Having a small slice of cake, or a bit of bitter chocolate during a work break is so pleasant. If you have enough space, I think that setting up a drink station in your office area is quite a good idea! Not only is the drinking and eating part a good break for busy people like you, but the act of making a cup is very calming. Whether you use a hot water pot, a french press, pour-over, or prefer scooping loose leaf tea into an infuser and letting it steep, it is guaranteed to up the cozy factor. 

Books and Other Special Items

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but books are a huge category for the perfect hygge lifestyle. I also like to include in this category things like actual pen and paper, nostalgic or sentimental items, or whatever it is that helps you pursue your passion. For a musician, it could be old records, for an author, it could be a typewriter. Perhaps you have a place on your corkboard for your children's art, or a Polaroid nearby to take snaps of your special everyday moments. And definitely don't forget the books-- not only are they important for your mind, but they bring with them such an element of coziness.

Positivity and Contentment

A wonderful part of hygge is encouraging the idea of living in the moment and being grateful and happy with what you have. To present this in your workspace, you could put up encouraging or motivational quotes or verses, do a large mural with your favorite saying, or get some wall art to help you focus on the good things. Another good idea is to have your computer home screen be something uplifting!

Family and Friends

Community is important to the hygge mindset as well, and including your family and friends in your thought process is good when bringing hygge to your workspace. While we often need to focus and therefore need to eliminate distractions, let's also keep an open perspective. Family and friends may bring you away from work, but they should never be considered a distraction. We have one life to live and we should cherish the people we have. Stay in the moment and make every day count. Perhaps, if you're an entrepreneur mom, you could invite your children in to have cocoa with you while they read books and you work at your desk. If you're juggling college classes and online businesses, don't be afraid to chat over some coffeecake with a friend who stops by. The point is this: be ready to invite others to your hygge workspace, while you have the chance. 


With all that said, you might be wondering how all these things can be interpreted in different styles. While if you look up "hygge" on Pinterest you'll find a specific aesthetic, I believe you can bring hygge into any style. Below I have some examples of hygge elements in various style aesthetics! 

​So tell me! What are your thoughts on a cozy workplace? Comment below what you think!