Living room in Hygge style: Minimalism meets coziness

The Hygge style, inspired by the Danish philosophy of life, represents coziness, well-being, and an inviting atmosphere. Especially in the living room, the heart of the home, this style can work wonders. Through minimalist furnishings that are reduced to the essentials, a space is created that exudes calm and security. In this article, you'll learn how to design your living room in the Hygge style, which furniture and decorations are particularly suitable, and how to create a harmonious environment with colors and materials.
Furniture in Hygge Style: Less is More

The Hygge style is characterized by a minimalist approach to furnishing. This means you should focus on a few, but high-quality pieces of furniture. A central element is the sofa, which should not only be comfortable but also inviting. Choose a model with soft, rounded shapes and a cover made of natural materials like cotton or linen. The color palette should be subtle and in warm tones to create a cozy atmosphere.
Another important aspect is the materials. Wood plays a central role in the Hygge style as it exudes warmth and naturalness. A simple wooden table or a sideboard made of oak or pine can perfectly complement the living room. Make sure the furniture does not appear too bulky to avoid overloading the space. The focus is on clear lines and functional design.
Seating should also be well thought out. In addition to the sofa, one or two armchairs or a pouf can provide extra coziness. These should also be kept in natural materials and colors. A rug made of wool or jute can visually tie the seating area together and provide additional warmth.
Shelves and storage options should also be designed minimally. Open wooden shelves offer space for books and decorative items without overloading the room. Avoid overfilling the shelves to maintain the airy and relaxed atmosphere.
Overall, the Hygge style is about finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Every piece of furniture should have its place and purpose without dominating the space. This creates a harmonious overall picture that invites you to linger.
Decoration in Hygge Style: Less is More

Decoration plays a crucial role in highlighting the cozy atmosphere of the Hygge style. The principle here is: Less is more. Choose decorative items carefully and focus on quality over quantity. Candles are a must in a Hygge living room, as they provide warm and inviting lighting. Place them in groups on the coffee table or on a shelf to create an atmospheric light.
Cushions and blankets are other important elements that ensure coziness. Choose textiles made from natural materials like wool, cotton, or linen in soft, earthy tones. These can be draped over the sofa or in an armchair and invite you to relax. Make sure the patterns are subtle to not disturb the calm atmosphere.
Plants are also an important part of Hygge decoration. They bring life into the room and improve the indoor climate. Choose easy-care plants like succulents or spider plants that require little attention. Place them in simple ceramic or terracotta pots to emphasize the natural look.
Pictures and artworks should be used sparingly. Choose one or two larger pieces that have personal significance or complement the room's color palette. Avoid overloading the walls with too many pictures to maintain the calm and relaxed atmosphere.
Lighting also plays an important role in the Hygge style. In addition to candlelight, floor and table lamps with warm light create a pleasant atmosphere. Choose lamps with a simple design and made from natural materials like wood or metal.
Overall, the decoration in the Hygge style should contribute to creating an inviting and relaxed environment. Each element should be carefully selected to maintain the balance between minimalism and coziness.
Colors and Materials: The Basis of the Hygge Style

The choice of colors and materials is crucial to create the cozy and inviting atmosphere of the Hygge style. The focus is on warm, earthy tones that exude calm and comfort. Colors like beige, cream, gray, and soft browns form the basis of the color palette. These neutral tones are easy to combine and ensure a harmonious overall look.
Accent colors can be used sparingly to give the room depth and personality. Warm reds, soft blues, or a delicate green can be integrated in the form of cushions, blankets, or artworks. It is important that the colors are not too dominant and do not disturb the calm atmosphere.
Natural materials are another key element of the Hygge style. Wood is the preferred material as it radiates warmth and naturalness. Furniture made of oak, pine, or walnut fits perfectly in a Hygge living room. Natural materials should also be used for textiles. Wool, cotton, and linen are ideal for cushions, blankets, and rugs.
The textures of the materials also play an important role. Soft, cuddly fabrics provide coziness and invite you to linger. A roughly knitted wool rug or a fluffy throw on the sofa can visually enhance the room and provide additional warmth.
When it comes to accessories, natural materials should also be considered. Ceramics, glass, and metal in simple designs complement the furnishings and emphasize the minimalist character of the Hygge style. Avoid plastic and synthetic materials as they do not fit the natural and warm atmosphere.
Overall, the choice of colors and materials in the Hygge style is about creating a harmonious and inviting environment. The combination of warm tones and natural textures ensures a feeling of comfort and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Hygge Living Room
The Hygge style is an interior design concept that originates from Denmark and is characterized by its emphasis on coziness, well-being, and an inviting atmosphere. Unlike other interior styles that often focus on opulent decoration or striking designs, the Hygge style values minimalism and naturalness. The furniture and decorations are simple and functional, with a focus on high-quality materials and a warm color palette. The Hygge style differs from other styles through its ability to create a relaxed and soothing environment that invites you to linger. While, for example, the Scandinavian style is also minimalist, Hygge places special emphasis on creating a sense of security and a feeling of home. It's about designing a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and inviting. The Hygge style is ideal for people who appreciate a calm and relaxed atmosphere in their home and want to feel comfortable in a harmonious environment.
Typical furniture for a living room in the Hygge style are those that combine comfort and functionality. A central element is the sofa, which should be soft and inviting. Models with rounded shapes and covers made from natural materials like cotton or linen are ideal. The color palette should be subtle and in warm tones to create a cozy atmosphere. Wood plays an important role in the Hygge style, so furniture pieces like a simple wooden table or a sideboard made of oak or pine are very popular. These pieces of furniture exude warmth and naturalness and fit perfectly into a Hygge living room. Seating options like armchairs or poufs are also typical for the Hygge style. They should also be kept in natural materials and colors to emphasize the cozy atmosphere. A rug made of wool or jute can visually tie the seating area together and provide additional warmth. Overall, the Hygge style is about finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Every piece of furniture should have its place and purpose without dominating the room. This creates a harmonious overall picture that invites you to linger.
To decorate your living room in the Hygge style, you should adopt a minimalist approach. Choose decorative items carefully and focus on quality over quantity. Candles are a must in a Hygge living room, as they provide warm and inviting lighting. Place them in groups on the coffee table or on a shelf to create an atmospheric light. Cushions and blankets are other important elements that ensure coziness. Choose textiles in natural materials like wool, cotton, or linen and in soft, earthy tones. These can be draped over the sofa or in an armchair and invite relaxation. Plants are also an important part of Hygge decoration. They bring life to the room and improve the indoor climate. Choose easy-care plants like succulents or spider plants that require little attention. Place them in simple ceramic or terracotta pots to emphasize the natural look. Lighting also plays an important role in the Hygge style. In addition to candlelight, floor and table lamps with warm light create a pleasant atmosphere. Choose lamps with a simple design and made from natural materials like wood or metal. Overall, the decoration in the Hygge style should help create an inviting and relaxed environment.
The color palette for a hygge living room should be warm and inviting to emphasize the cozy atmosphere. Neutral tones like beige, cream, gray, and soft browns form the base of the color palette. These colors exude calmness and security and can be easily combined to create a harmonious overall look. Accent colors can be used sparingly to add depth and personality to the room. Warm reds, gentle blues, or a delicate green can be integrated in the form of pillows, blankets, or artworks. It is important that the colors are not too dominant and do not disturb the calm atmosphere. The choice of colors should also complement the natural materials in the room. Wood, wool, cotton, and linen harmonize well with the warm earth tones and contribute to creating an inviting environment. Overall, the choice of colors in the hygge style is about finding a balance between tranquility and vibrancy. The combination of warm tones and natural textures ensures a feeling of security and well-being.
Typical materials for the Hygge style are those that exude naturalness and warmth. Wood is the preferred material as it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Furniture made of oak, pine, or walnut fits perfectly in a Hygge living room and gives the space a natural touch. Natural materials should also be used for textiles. Wool, cotton, and linen are ideal for cushions, blankets, and rugs. These materials are not only pleasant to touch but also contribute to the coziness of the room. The textures of the materials also play an important role. Soft, cuddly fabrics ensure comfort and invite you to linger. A roughly knitted wool rug or a fluffy throw on the sofa can visually enhance the room and provide additional warmth. Natural materials should also be considered for accessories. Ceramic, glass, and metal in simple designs complement the decor and emphasize the minimalist character of the Hygge style. Avoid plastic and synthetic materials as they do not fit the natural and warm atmosphere. Overall, the choice of materials in the Hygge style is about creating a harmonious and inviting environment. The combination of natural materials and warm textures provides a sense of security and well-being.
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a hygge atmosphere. To create a warm and inviting environment, you should rely on various light sources that produce a soft and pleasant light. Candles are a must in a hygge living room as they provide atmospheric lighting. Place them in groups on the coffee table or on a shelf to create a cozy light. Lanterns or tealight holders can also be used to enhance the candlelight. In addition to candlelight, floor and table lamps with warm light are ideal for creating a hygge atmosphere. Choose lamps with a simple design and made from natural materials like wood or metal. Make sure the light sources are dimmable to adjust the brightness according to the mood. Indirect lighting can also contribute to coziness. LED strips or fairy lights placed behind furniture or on the ceiling provide a gentle light that bathes the room in a warm atmosphere. Overall, the lighting in hygge style should help create an inviting and relaxed environment. Various light sources and warm light tones ensure a harmonious and cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger.
Plants play an important role in the hygge living room as they bring life to the space and improve the room's climate. They contribute to creating a natural and inviting atmosphere that is characteristic of the hygge style. Choose easy-care plants like succulents, spider plants, or monstera, which require little attention yet make a big impact. These plants are ideal for people who don't have much time for plant care but still want to enjoy the benefits of houseplants. Place the plants in simple ceramic or terracotta pots to emphasize the natural look. The pots should be in subtle colors to maintain the calm and relaxed atmosphere of the hygge style. Plants can be placed on windowsills, shelves, or on the floor to create different levels in the room and please the eye. Hanging plants or plant hangers are also a good way to incorporate greenery into the space without taking up valuable floor space. Overall, plants in the hygge living room help create a harmonious and inviting environment. They not only improve the room's climate but also provide a sense of comfort and well-being.
Even in a small living room, the Hygge style can be wonderfully implemented. The key is not to overload the space and to pay attention to clever use of the available space. Choose furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A small but comfortable sofa or armchair can form the centerpiece of the room. Make sure the furniture is not too bulky to avoid overloading the space. Multifunctional furniture, such as a coffee table with storage or a shelf that also serves as a room divider, is ideal for small spaces. They provide additional storage without cluttering the room. The decoration should also be kept minimalistic. Opt for a few but high-quality decorative items that do not overload the room. Candles, cushions, and blankets in natural materials and colors can add coziness without taking up much space. Lighting also plays an important role. Use various light sources that create a warm and inviting light. Floor and table lamps with warm light are ideal for creating a Hygge atmosphere. Overall, it's about finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Each element should be carefully selected to avoid overloading the space and to create a harmonious and inviting environment.

by Amelia Ford
Amelia Ford blends aesthetics with craftsmanship – not only is she a passionate interiors writer, she’s also a trained specialist in textiles and materials. For Amelia, room design begins with touch: How does a fabric feel? How does a surface reflect light?Her articles explore the sensory impact of materials – from the soft elegance of velvet to the cool clarity of glass and the grounded texture of natural stone. By pairing these elements with different interior styles – from classic British to Scandi-inspired – she creates concepts that are both functional and emotionally engaging. For Amelia, decoration is never just an afterthought – it’s an essential part of a well-balanced space.
Off-duty: Amelia lives in a lovingly restored Victorian terrace in Manchester. Her walls are adorned with carefully selected artwork, and her shelves are filled with fabric swatches, design books and handmade decorative pieces. She loves travelling to Scotland to discover new materials and connect with local craftspeople.
Transparency note: Amelia Ford writes her articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.