Have you heard of hygge (pronounced sort of like hoo-gah)? It’s one of those words that has no true English translation. In Denmark, the word describes the distinct feeling of happiness derived from things of comfort: pillows, candles, tea and good friends.
As we dwell in the midst of autumn with a long winter ahead, it feels like the perfect time to explore some items that might help you find hygge in your home. All three of the things we’re talking about today are items you could find at high-end shops if you’re willing to pay a high price. Happily, Goodwill treasure hunters have been figuring out how to make these pieces themselves from thrifted finds and you can make them, too! Here’s how.
Image via thoughtsfromalice.com
Comfortable Floor Poufs for Hygge
First up, let’s make floor poufs. You’ve seen these, right? They’re the comfiest looking seat or footrest options out there right now, but they can be incredibly expensive! Goodwill of North Georgia (Atlanta) shared a link to 35 DIY poufs on their Upcycle pinboard.
Scroll through the list for lots of different style options and DIY skill levels. One favorite is pictured above. It was made from a thrifted sweater, a quick and easy lining made to match and fiberfill! One major aspect of hygge is the warmth one feels when sharing time and space with good friends. So, make sure you have lots of cozy places, like floor poufs, for friends to lounge when they pop by for tea.
Image via facebook.com/GoodwillVegas
Set the Hygge Mood
Now, it’s time to add a little mood lighting with soft lamps or candles. The flickering warmth that candlelight brings is a staple for those seeking hygge, and can help visitors feel as comfortable in your home as you are.
Buying nice candles can get pricey. That’s especially true if you want the jar holding the candle to look as beautiful as the rest of your home. Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada, Inc. (Las Vegas) posted the above photo on its Facebook page. You can use this as inspiration to make one yourself by adding tiny dots of glue to a thrifted glass. You can even make your own candle to fill it from the pieces of you have left of older candles or with fresh wax pellets and essential oils for fragrance.
Image via recovergirl.wordpress.com
Wrap Up in a Hygge Quilt
Lastly, is this patchwork sweater quilt made by New Hampshirite, Jennifer of RecoverGirl, that looks like it belongs at Anthropologie. We can’t even imagine how much it would cost to buy this at a retail store. When the cold winter wind whips by outside, a wool blanket might be just what you need to feel safe indoors.
With basic sewing skills and a bunch of thrifted sweaters, this incredible blanket could enhance the feeling of hygge in your home. Since you’re making a custom piece, you get to decide on the colors, patterns and size. If this doesn’t bring you sweet, simple happiness, we don’t know what will.
Embrace Hygge
But, remember, hygge isn’t any particular thing. It isn’t really the poufs, the candles or the blankets we have talked about, but instead, these are avenues to bring the feelings of comfort to your home.
What matters even more than these objects is community itself. Bumping into an old friend on the street, having a neighbor over for dinner or helping members of your city or town get back on their feet after a trying experience can all add to the hygge ambiance.
You can join Goodwill® in giving back to your community simply by shopping for project supplies at Goodwill Industries of Akron stores to help others find a little comfort in their time of need.