Taking the time to slow down, relax and cocoon at home after a long day or a week of work… Does that ring a bell? Straight from Denmark , the hygge trend is coming to France . This Danish word evokes the sweetness of life, the warmth of a wood fire and those evenings spent sipping a cup of tea, wrapped in a cozy blanket. But what exactly is hygge? Could it be a method to access happiness? That's what we're going to see!
What is hygge?
In Danish, hygge means a feeling of well-being, comfort and conviviality. It is a word that evokes pleasant and warm moments, often shared with loved ones, or simply the pleasure of relaxing in a cozy environment. This can be about enjoying a good meal, reading a favorite book, spending an evening by the fire, or even slipping into comfortable clothes (that's the art of loungewear !).
In short, it is about enjoying a simple but comforting moment, whether you are alone or accompanied. This phenomenon is also well described in Malene Rydahl's book "Happy as a Dane".
Typical hygge interior, cosy & comfortable to the naked eye!
Good to know : hygge is actually pronounced “hoo-gah,” because in Danish, the letters “hyg” are pronounced like “hoo,” with a soft “g,” followed by an open “ah.” We promise, we won’t make fun of you if you don’t pronounce “hoo-gah” like a pro 😉!
A way of life directly imported from Denmark
It's no secret that the Danes have been named the happiest people on several occasions. The real question is "why"?
Well, their secret lies in their ability to appreciate the little things in everyday life and cultivate a warm environment . By adopting hygge, they prioritize the quality of human interactions, the importance of shared moments and physical comfort, especially at home.
Besides, you will surely have noticed that the Danes, just like the majority of Scandinavians, are masters in the art of pampering their interior . Just take a look at the pages of a Swedish furniture catalog: you will find cozy pieces, soft sofas surrounded by cushions and soft lighting that invites you to relax.
An attractive way of life that makes us, the French, want to adopt the Nordic lifestyle!
What does hygge mean?
The word hygge does not have an exact equivalent in other languages, although the English word "cocooning" comes close. However, hygge goes further, it is an "improved" version of cocooning, to be enjoyed alone with a book and a tea or to share with friends around a snack.
While we French prefer to enjoy our free time outside, whether on a terrace, at the cinema or in a restaurant, the Danes "hyggent" at home, surrounded by their loved ones. It must be said that this way of life meets the conditions of the Danish climate : long nights, freezing cold and lack of light, so many reasons that encourage people to take refuge in indoor comfort as soon as winter comes 🥶.
Talc Candle , comfort through scent
The benefits of hygge and Parisian chic
More and more French people are adopting the concept of hygge to escape our hectic pace.
The good news is that we don't need to spend huge amounts of money to be happy: a cozy interior that suits you, a casual outfit and a sofa to unwind on after your day can be enough to make you feel good!
Not running around all the time, not feeling guilty about doing nothing at home in a society where we feel like we have to be everywhere at once and do everything at once. That’s what hygge is all about: a moment where we allow ourselves to press the pause button. In the end, it couldn’t be simpler, right?
As you will have undoubtedly understood, adopting the hygge trend has many benefits: reduction of stress , improvement of general well-being and strengthening of social ties .
How to “hygge” at home with Talc?
The magic of hygge is also about inviting your loved ones to share this moment. However, there are no rules of course: solitary moments in hygge are also essential! They are what recharge you, allowing you to reconnect with yourself before being surrounded again.
A coffee, a book, a sofa: French hygge
Our tips for hygging at home with Talc : put on a chic pajama set or an elegant lounge shirt that you feel good in. The best part is that you don't have to dress up as a fashionista to be fashionable. It's this Parisian chic mixed with Scandinavian comfort that makes the experience particularly unique.
Our ideas for taking full advantage of the hygge trend
There's nothing more comforting than a moment of sweetness at home! Here are some ideas to make the most of it:
- organize brunches with friends on Sunday;
- have dinner with family by candlelight;
- prefer a good book rather than a Netflix series;
- relax in your living room and simply disconnect.
In a nutshell: allow yourself these slow moments, whether you are alone or with others.
Focus on simple things. Let yourself be lazy ! Plus, you don't have to go very far: you can stay at home .
So, put on a soft sweater, light a candle, and let hygge into your life. There’s nothing like a good dose of hygge to boost our morale.
Come on, get hygge!