Living Danish: How to Achieve Hygge with Danish Lighting

Since 2019, Denmark has consistently ranked the second happiest country in The World Happiness Report. It’s no surprise that our Danish friends are always smiling and push down cortisol levels until they disappear. Life (as it comes) is illuminated—literally and figuratively—by the warm glow of Danish lighting, which promotes hygge.

Ever wondered what hygge is and why the Danes cherish it so much? We’ll take you to the heart of this warm and comforting philosophy, uncovering how its eternal principles can help you be happier and find balance. Essentially, you’ll know why simple pleasures or sipping a hot cup of cocoa ups your happy hormones!

What is Hygge and How Does Danish Lighting Help?

Picture this: the Danes celebrate Sankt Hanes Aften or Midsummer Eve with bonfires along the beaches and public parks. Blankets and picnic baskets containing Pølser, Kartoffelsalat, and Sangria are arranged. Throughout the experience, they share stories, sing traditional hymns like Midsommervisen, and enjoy the glow of the fire against the summer night.

How about this one (to resonate with our international audience): on a huge table are dishes like flæskesteg (roast pork), risalamande (rice pudding), and caramelised potatoes. Families would gather around a huge tree with lots of decorations, lit with real candles or soft fairy lights. Everyone would sing carols and participate in exchanging gifts. Sounds familiar? It’s Juleaften or Christmas Eve, after all.

The concept of hygge (pronounced as hoo-gah) can be simplified as creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things life has to offer.Whether done in solitude or with a group of people, hygge is all about warmth, good company, and contentment. Hygge extends to a more profound, philosophical perspective. For example, it can be a mindset that encourages mindfulness and appreciating the present moment.

Different factors affect Denmark’s happiness index, and so does hygge! One of the key components—and arguably a major contributor—is lighting. Yes, a simple, Danish lighting tailored to release all those dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin (a.k.a. the feel-good hormones). Here’s how it works:

• Soft, Warm Lighting. Most lighting in Danish homes is designed for comfort and cosiness. Danish lighting fixtures, like pendant lamps and table lamps, emit soft, warm light rather than harsh, bright illumination. The result? A relaxing environment for people to unwind, read, or enjoy a quiet evening with friends and family.
• Mimics Natural Light. Because of Denmark’s long, dark winters, lighting design manufacturers aim to replicate the natural light of spring and summer.
• Layered Lighting for Ambiance. In most Danish households, lighting is layered with different fixtures, such as floor lamps, candles, and wall sconces. Its purpose is to create depth and ambiance, tailor the atmosphere to the occasion, and provide convenience and hygge.

Back to the Roots – A Quick History Recap

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Danish lighting design started shining in the mid-20th century, thanks to brilliant minds like Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, and Verner Panton. These designers had a simple but unique idea: lighting doesn’t just have to be functional. It should be beautiful, too.

Before this minimalist movement, lighting was all about ornate, flashy fixtures that sometimes felt a bit much. Danish designers flipped the script by focusing on clean lines, natural materials, and practical elegance. The result? A timeless style that resonates with people around the world today. Even in the 21st century, Danish lighting is making waves. It’s sustainable, stylish, and proof that less can be more.

The Irresistible Features of Danish Lighting

Whether it’s a pendant or ceiling light, there’s no reason to sleep on what Danish lighting can offer. Here’s why it’s popular in every household in Denmark and why you would love it:

Focus on Minimalism

There’s beauty in simplicity, and Danish lighting embodies that saying. The designs are all about clean lines and subtle forms, perfect if you want your home to look effortlessly chic without being over the top.

Eco-Friendly

Besides having an attractive, cosy aura, these lights are also friendly to the environment. Many designs use LED technology and are manufactured with eco-conscious materials, so you can light up your space without weighing down your conscience.

Made From Natural Materials

Love the warmth of wood or the elegance of glass? Danish lighting often uses these natural materials, blending beautifully with any space while adding a touch of nature’s charm.

Mimics Warmth Thanks to Its Unique Colour Palettes

The colours are soft, neutral, and oh-so-inviting. Think warm whites and gentle pastels that make your home feel cosy, whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a chilly winter evening.

Why Danish Lighting is For You

Here’s the thing: Danish lighting isn’t just about making a room look nice. It’s about making it feel right. Imagine coming home after a long day of work to a space that feels cosy, calm, and completely relaxing. That’s the magic of Danish lighting. It’s practical, eco-friendly, and versatile enough to fit into any room or style. Plus, it’s timeless, so you’ll never feel too old-fashioned.

Think of Danish lighting as committing to an investment that positively affects your daily life.

Setting Up For Home With Your Danish Lighting

Now that you’re sold on the magic of installing Danish lighting fixtures in your house, let’s set one up for you. Now, you can enjoy this setup even if you’re outside Denmark or not a local. However, keep in mind that there are practices you must consider to captivate the authentic hygge experience.

Use the Right Type of Bulb

Many beginners struggle with choosing the right type of bulb. But to give a short answer, choose warm white LED bulbs (around 2700k) to mimic the sunlight’s natural and cosy feel! We recommend dimmable bulbs to fit the ambiance depending on the time of day.

Use Multiple Light Sources in One Room

Here’s a little trick: aim for five to seven light sources in a single room. That might sound like a lot, but layering your lighting creates depth, avoids harsh shadows, and makes the space feel warm and inviting. We promise it’s worth it!

Maximise the Ambiance with Candles

Consider adding candles to your Danish lighting to take hygge to the next level. Candles emit a soft, flickering glow that’s unmatched for creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Depending on preference, you can use scented, unscented, or a combination of both. But place them around the room to capture that extra ambiance!

Brighten Your Life with Danish Light

With the power of Danish lighting, you can achieve warmth and cosiness – the main selling point of hygge. After all, it’s more than a fixture but a lifetime investment you can make. We promise it’ll slowly change your body and mindset!

Why not let the Danish way of light brighten up your life? Illuminate your home with pieces that go beyond mere decor and bring warmth, comfort, and harmony to every room.