Hygge quotes are perfect for embracing the Danish lifestyle and understanding the concept behind the Danes’ happiness. Having recently returned from Denmark and feeling inspired by their beautiful interiors, let’s talk about the Danish phenomenon of Hygge.

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Inspiring Hygge Quotes and Tips from Denmark

Did you know that Danes are considered to be one of the happiest nations on the planet? Any ideas why? According to Meik Wiking, the answer to this question is quite simple: the Danish secret to happiness is a lifestyle ingredient called Hygge.

What is Hygge?

In his worldwide bestselling book Hygge, Meik Wiking explains that it’s difficult to find an exact translation for the word hygge. This is true in the sense that you need to read the entire book to fully grasp its meaning. However, some may compare hygge to the “coziness of the soul,” while for others, it might evoke “a cup of hot cocoa by candlelight.” Overall, hygge is anything that comforts and indulges us. Countries like Holland, Germany, Norway, Canada, and others have similar words to describe this unique feeling of presence and relaxation. Yet, it’s only in Denmark that I truly felt hygge as something you can perceive everywhere. In fact, we could all learn from the Danes, who make the most of the small things in everyday life. Despite the weather outside, they understand that you are the one who sets the atmosphere at home.

Cozy Lifestyle Inspiration from Denmark Hygge Quotes and Tips
Here’s a small example – this is the tiny local café near Frederiksborg Castle. Do you notice something unusual? Yes, candles for breakfast (not to mention the hygge interior). It was 9 a.m., and every table had a candle.

How to embrace Hygge in your life?

1. Light Magic

Hygge Quote: “It doesn’t cost money to light a room correctly – but it does require culture.” – Meik Wiking

In his book, The Little Book of Hygge, Maik Wiking emphasizes the importance of proper lighting in the lives of Danes: everything from candles to stylish designer lamps can drastically change the final look of your apartment. I used to evaluate interiors in general and never paid much attention to the lighting itself or its effect on the atmosphere of a space. But after reading Hygge, I realized it’s one of those small details that can make a big difference. According to statistics, only 4% of Danes don’t use candles at all. A week before my trip to Denmark, I started watching the famous Danish police drama The Killing (or Forbrydelsen), and by then, having already read the book, I began to notice candles everywhere. Let’s say the main character is having a quick dinner at home alone—what’s on the table besides food? Of course, candles.

My favorite candles: M&SENSE candles, WoodWick Crackling Wood Candles, Book Club Candle, Coffee Candle, and Fall Candle Set.

Lifestyle Inspiration from Denmark Hygge Quote

2. Presence

Hygge quote: “Gratitude is more than just a simple “thank you” when you receive a gift. It’s about being mindful of the present moment, allowing yourself to appreciate the life you lead, and focusing on all that you have, not what you don’t. Cliché? Absolutely.” – Meik Wiking

No phones and no social media can be the best detox at times. How often do we take a moment to simply enjoy being in the present? Hygge is all about being present and embracing the moment. Take time to appreciate what you have.

My hygge self-care essentials: Gratitude Journal, Mindful Challenge Cards, Journal for Overcoming Worry, Create Your Own Calm Journal, and  Art Therapy Exercises.

Cozy Lifestyle Inspiration from Denmark: Hygge Quotes and Tips
Photo by Sasha Freemind

3. Togetherness

Hygge Quote: “The best predictor of whether we are happy or not is our social relationships.” – Meik Wiking

Science has already proven it many times: social relationships are one of the key factors in our happiness. Togetherness is a central part of the hygge concept. And it’s not about big parties – it’s about small, cozy gatherings with the people we love: doing things together, creating new traditions, and making memories.

Cozy gatherings essentials: Hugge Game, Scandinavian Gatherings Book, and The Art of Gathering.

Hygge Quote inspiration
Photo by Raspopova Marina

3. Hyggeling Activities: Cooking

Hygge quote: “What better way of remembering the ones that we have lost, than by cooking their favorite meal.” – Meik Wiking

There are quite a few cozy activities that can help embrace the hygge feel. In my family, we all share a passion for homemade food. Even though I spend a lot of time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, baking and dough are areas I haven’t quite mastered yet. So, Nordic baking is part of my plans for this year.

Cool books on Nordic baking: The Nordic Baking Book, The Nordic Baker, The Great Scandinavian Baking Book, Scandinavian from Scratch, Modern Scandinavian Baking, and Scandinavian Baking: Loving Baking at Home.

Cozy Lifestyle Inspiration from Denmark - Croissants
Photo by Camille Chen

4. Cozy Clothes

While Danish street style is quite informal and comfortable, I probably love dressing up too much to fully adopt it. However, the Hygge book made me realize that I’ve never really paid much attention to what I wear at home. Cozy sweaters, soft fabrics, and light colors – they all help create a more hygge atmosphere and feel like a self-care ritual.

Hygge clothing essentials: Handknitted cashmere/merino wool garments, Sheepskin Soft Wool Slippers, Luxury Muslin Robes, and Organic Homewear Sets.

5. Hyggekrog and Hygge Emergency Kit

Hygge quote: “All books are hyggelig, but classics written by authors such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Leo Tolstoy, and Charles Dickens have a special place on the bookshelf. At the right age, your kids may also love to cuddle up with you in the hyggekrog and have you read to them. Probably not Tolstoy.” – Meik Wiking

Another two interesting concepts Maik Wiking introduces in his book are Hyggekrog and the Hygge Emergency Kit. A Hyggekrog is a special cozy nook at home where you can enjoy a cup of tea, a book, a newspaper, or even work, while the Hygge Emergency Kit is your self-care ritual, containing things you love the most to unwind after a rough day: candles, tea with a rich bouquet of aromatic flavors, favorite chocolate, a soft blanket, warm wool socks, a book, or a photo album. Check out these tips that will turn you into a Hygge fan: 5 Things For Your Perfect Hygge Weekend. In my case, books and movies definitely add to the overall Hygge mood. Whether you’re into romance novels, adventure memoirs, empowering women’s movies, or travel documentaries, an engaging story enjoyed from the comfort of your couch is always a great idea.

Hyggekrog essentials: Selfcare boxes, Cozy hygge gift boxes, Create Your Own Cozy Book, The Year of Cozy Book, face sheet masks, and Self Care Subscription Boxes.

Lifestyle Inspiration from Denmark Hygge Quotes and Tips

More Hygge Quotes

  • “Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom.” – Benjamin Franklin
  • “Hygge was never meant to be translated – it was meant to be felt.” – Pia Edberg
  • “The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” – William Morris
  • “Craft makes our homes more human.” – Ilsa Crawford
  • “Our capacity to draw happiness from aesthetic objects or material goods in fact seems critically dependent on our first satisfying a more important range of emotional or psychological needs, among them the need for understanding, for love, expression, and respect.” – Alain de Botton
  • “There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort.” – Charlotte Brontë
  • “Happiness grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers’ gardens.” – Douglas Jerrold
  • “Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love brought together under one roof.” – Nate Berkus
  • “An interior is a natural projection of the soul.” – Coco Chanel
  • “Less is more. The texture is essential as well as the scale.” – Trip Haenisch
  • “I only bring pieces into my home that I want to have forever.” – Lily Ashwell
  • “It’s not hard to make a space that looks good by itself. The trick is to craft a room that’s even more attractive when it’s occupied. That’s when it becomes magical.” – Kerry Joyce

The Coziest Hygge Books

  • The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living (Check it out)
  • My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place (Check it out)
  • Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow (Check it out)
  • ScandiKitchen: The Essence of Hygge (Check it out)
  • The Hygge Life: Embracing the Nordic Art of Coziness (Check it out)
  • Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness (Check it out)

Other Hygge Essentials

Also read:

  • Top Romantic Travel Movies to watch with your loved one (read it)
  • Let´s Travel Virtually: 30+ Ideas to get inspired from home (read it)
  • Travel-themed Activities With Kids: Our Creative Playroom Tour (read it)
  • Unique Spain Coffee Table Books You’ll Enjoy (read it)
Best hygge quotes denmark

For more quotes inspiration check my Pinterest board Quotes to live by. If you´re into beautiful interiors don´t miss – Interior design and Ideas.

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