Let’s look at all the ways you can add some Autumn Hygge into your home and life and really get the most from this time of year. Grab your warm blankets and cinnamon-scented candles, and let’s embark on this Autumnal journey together.
Such a lovely season, for so many reasons.
The leaves turn golden, the air cools, and the evenings become shorter. And right now is a brilliant opportunity to slow down, savour the moment, and find joy in these changes.
That’s where Hygge comes in!
Originating from Denmark, the Danish word Hygge (pronounced ‘hue-guh’) is more than just a word: it’s a feeling of contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.
There are lots of benefits to Hygge:
- It promotes peace of mind
- Fosters an appreciation for the present
- and encourages us to cultivate warmth in our day-to-day lives
8 Key Areas Where You Can Add Autumn Hygge To Your Home & Life
There are a few main principles of Hygge:
- Simplicity
- Cosiness (home, clothing etc…)
- Food
- Nature
- Connection (togetherness)
- Gratitude
- Meditation / Relaxation
Having these in mind when you’re looking to add some Hygge into your life will make you able to focus in on key aspects of the practise.
As such, I’ve used these areas to decide what types of Autumn Hygge to add to the list below.
I hope these activities and ideas help you get the most out of this season…
17 Ways To Enjoy Autumn Hygge In Your Home, And Life!
Embrace Simplicity
In the spirit of Hygge, simplicity is key. Autumn is a chance to pare down, enjoy the basics and appreciate the natural beauty of the season.
#1 – Learn The Joy of Slow Living
Slow living is a lifestyle approach that advocates for a slower, more mindful pace of life, where the emphasis is on quality over quantity, and experiences are savoured rather than rushed through.
It aligns perfectly with the concept of Hygge, as both promote the idea of taking time to enjoy the simple things in life, from a peaceful moment with a book to a heartfelt conversation with a loved one.
In essence, slow living is about creating a thoughtful and intentional pace to our days, allowing us to connect more deeply with our own lives and the people we share them with.
By embracing slow living this Autumn, we can fully appreciate the warmth, peace, and simplicity that are at the heart of Hygge.
#2 – Declutter and make space for the new season
Decluttering is an essential part of embracing the new season.
An Autumn clean can be just as revitalising as its Spring counterpart, clearing your living space of unnecessary items and creating a calm, serene environment conducive to relaxation and reflection.
A great place to focus is your wardrobe. Put away summer clothes and bring out your cozy autumn and winter wear.
Consider donating items you no longer need or use (especially items you didn’t wear over the summer, you probably won’t next summer either…).
#3 – Take a look at your schedule
Take a look at your schedule and see if there are any commitments that can be cancelled or postponed.
Autumn is the perfect time to make space for yourself, rather than filling your calendar with activities – which is especially easy to do when it’s ‘back to school’ time…
Embrace Cosiness
Coziness is the heart of Hygge.
As Autumn brings cooler temperatures, invest in soft blankets, light candles, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere at home.
You can also look at adding more layers of cosiness to your clothing.
#4 – Use Warm Colours
When adopting Autumn Hygge, consider incorporating some warm colours into your home decor and clothing.
Colors like pumpkin orange, mustard yellow, and deep red can all evoke the warmth and richness of the season. Think about black as an accent rather than white – to add even more depth to the deeper tones of the season.
All this will really add cosiness to your home.
#5 – Light Candles
Nothing brings Hygge to life quite like the flicker of candlelight.
Candles not only provide warmth and light, but they also create an intimate ambiance that’s synonymous with Autumn Hygge.
As well as adding a warm glow to your home, you can also play in the olfactory (smell) sensee.
Simply opt for scented candles that capture the essence of the season, such as cinnamon, pumpkin, or apple spice.
#6 – Add Some Seasonal Accessories
When it comes to embracing Autumn Hygge, adding even a few accessories that are seasonally focused is a brilliant way of bringing a cosy vibe into your home.
Some of my favourite options for this time of year are:
- Pumpkins: Pumpkins are a staple of the autumn season. Use miniature pumpkins (real or decorative) around the house (I like to add them to the entrance, to the centre of the dining table, and dotted around on shelving).
- Pinecones / Conkers: Gather some pinecones and/or horse chestnuts on your next walk, and add them to a glass bowl. This makes a gorgeous accessory and is pretty cost effective too!
- Blankets / Throws: Now the weather is getting cooler, add some cosiness to your bed and living room(s) with blankets or throws in warm colours and cosy textures.
#7 – Add A Cosy Corner To Your Home
Comfortable nooks are a brilliant representation of Hygge, and Autumn is the perfect time to create these cosy corners in your home.
These nooks serve as personal retreats where one can curl up with a good book, listen to soothing music, or just enjoy a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly day.
How you construct your nook can vary widely based on your personal preferences and the available space.
- A window seat with soft cushions can serve as an excellent nook, offering a view of the changing autumn colours outside while you stay snug inside.
- If you’re limited on space, a corner of your room with a comfortable armchair, a soft throw blanket, and a small side table for your hot drinks can work just as well.
Remember to include a light source for those shorter autumn days; a reading lamp or even a string of warm fairy lights can create a peaceful ambiance.
The goal is to create a cozy, intimate space that invites relaxation and contentment.
#8 – Add Layers To Your Clothing
Autumn brings with it colder days, darker evenings, and more rain – but also some gorgeous sunny crisp days too.
As such, it’s the perfect time to look at layers in your clothing.
Add cosiness with wool and fur – things like jumpers, cardigans, gilets, scarves, hats, socks and slippers etc…
Embrace Comfort Food
As Autumn brings cooler weather and the start of the colder months it’s the perfect time to start looking at (and indulging in) more comforting foods.
Food is always a great way to bring families and friends together, and adding that extra level of comfort makes this seasons cuisine even more Hygge!
And when serving food, remember not to worry about achieving perfection or a formal presentation.
Hygge is all about comfort and contentment. Serve food in simple, rustic cookware or earthenware dishes and use chunky, tactile cutlery.
The idea is to create a sense of homey abundance and warmth, inviting everyone to relax, enjoy the food, and appreciate the convivial atmosphere.
Remember, Hygge is about togetherness and sharing, so pass the bowls around and let everyone help themselves to the hearty, comforting dishes of autumn.
#9 – Use Autumn Recipes
Some brilliant options for good food and drink for this season are:
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy pumpkin soup is the epitome of autumn comfort food. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfectly embodies the spirit of the season.
- Apple Pie: There’s nothing quite like a homemade apple pie. With crispy pastry, tender apples, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a classic autumn dessert that warms the heart and delights the taste buds.
- Butternut Squash Risotto: This dish combines the hearty, earthy flavors of autumn with creamy, comforting risotto. It’s a perfect balance of seasonal produce and indulgent cuisine.
#10 – Add A touch Of Autumn TO Your Drinks
Warm yourself up and add a treat to each day with a drink filled with autumn flavours and smells.
Some ideas would be:
- Mulled Cider: A hot mug of mulled cider is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavours of the season. Infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, it’s a comforting drink that brings the autumn atmosphere right into your home.
- Berry or Cinammon Flavoured Teas
#11 – Setting the Table
Creating a Hygge-friendly table setting is an integral part of embracing the Autumn Hygge lifestyle. Start by choosing a rustic, earth-toned tablecloth to echo the colours of the season.
Use lots of natural elements, such as pinecones, acorns, or autumn leaves, as unique table decorations.
You can also add warmth to the table by dimming the lights and adding the glow of candlelight. For this you could use pillar candles in the centre of the table, or votive candles distributed around it.
Embrace Nature
Autumn doesn’t only bring colder weather, but it also signals a shift in our connection with nature.
As the leaves transform into brilliant hues of gold and red, and the air becomes crisp, it’s an ideal time to immerse ourselves in the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of the season.
#12 – Try Some Outdoor Activities
Embracing nature forms an integral part of the Autumn Hygge lifestyle, as we enjoy the simple pleasures of some outside fun:
- Walking through rustling leaves
- Picking seasonal fruits
- Collecting pinecones and acorns
- Campfires while wrapped up warm
All these activities help us to slow down and appreciate the moment, while also connecting with our natural surroundings and improving our sense of wellbeing.
They’re excellent for grounding ourselves and reducing stress levels, enabling us to soak up all the beauty of autumn.
#13 – Bring Nature Indoors
It’s not just the outdoors that can be filled with the natural wonders of Autumn either.
We’ve already talked about a few ways to bring nature into our decorations (adding bowls of pine cones, or pumpkins) but here are a few more ideas:
- Use seasonal flowers or plants in your home, or even just ones that have more autumnal colours.
- Add an Autumn wreath to your front door (using real natural items like leaves, acorns etc… can look stunning)
Embrace Connection
In this hectic world, it’s easy to lose touch with those we care about.
The Autumn season, with its focus on togetherness and warmth, provides a perfect chance to rekindle those relationships.
#14 – Enjoy CoSy Moments with Loved Ones
Autumn serves as a reminder of the transient nature of time, urging us to slow down, cherish every moment, and appreciate those around us.
Whether it’s a family gathering around a crackling bonfire, a cosy movie night with a loved one, or a hearty meal shared with friends, these moments of connection foster a sense of belonging and warmth.
They form the very essence of the Autumn Hygge lifestyle, turning ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones.
Remember, the aim isn’t to do extravagant things, but to find profound beauty and joy in simplicity, fostering a deep sense of contentment and well-being.
Embrace Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a fundamental aspect of Hygge.
Reflect on the good in your life, say thank you more often, and appreciate the bounty that Autumn brings.
#15 – Practice Giving Thanks
Gratitude, as a key element of Hygge, should be practiced mindfully and regularly. Here are a few suggestions for how to cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation during this Autumn season:
- Gratitude Journal: One effective way to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things for which you are grateful. It could be as simple as a delicious meal or a heartfelt conversation with a friend. This practice encourages positivity and helps you focus on the good aspects of your life.
- Appreciation Letters: Write appreciation letters or notes to your loved ones. Expressing gratitude not only benefits the receiver but also creates a sense of fulfillment in the giver by promoting feelings of positivity and connection.
- Gratitude Jar: Designate a jar as your gratitude jar. Each day, write a note about something for which you’re thankful and add it to the jar. Over time, you’ll have a collection of positive moments to reflect upon whenever you need a boost.
Remember, practicing gratitude is not about ignoring the hardships or challenges in life but about appreciating the good that exists alongside them.
By celebrating the simple joys and expressing thanks, you’re embracing the essence of Autumn Hygge.
Embrace Mindfulness & Relaxation
Hygge encourages being fully present and mindful. Embrace the fall season by taking mindful walks to observe the changing leaves, or savour a hot cup of cider in the crisp autumn air.
#16 – Try Some Autumn Mindfulness Exercises
- Autumn Leaf Meditation: Select a fallen leaf and take a few moments to closely observe its colours, texture, and form. This simple yet potent exercise helps to cultivate mindfulness and deepen our connection with nature.
- Mindful Walking: Engage in a mindful walk, focusing on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the cool autumn air on your skin, and the sounds of rustling leaves underfoot. This practice not only promotes mindfulness but also encourages an appreciation of the changing season.
- Hot Beverage Ritual: Start your day with a mindful hot beverage ritual. As you sip your morning coffee or tea, take the time to focus on the warmth of the cup in your hands, the aroma of the drink, and the taste. It’s a simple yet effective way to cultivate mindfulness and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
Also, as the days get shorter, take time to relax. Read a good book, take warm baths, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the season.
#17 – Use Autumn Relaxation Techniques
- Autumn Yoga: Incorporate a yoga routine into your daily schedule. Focus particularly on grounding poses like tree pose or mountain pose, which can enhance your connection to nature and the changing season.
- Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises outdoors in the crisp autumn air. The cool air can invigorate your senses and help enhance your focus and relaxation.
- Warm Baths: A warm bath can be a wonderfully soothing activity for the chilly autumn months. Consider adding autumn-inspired elements like apple or pumpkin-scented bath oils to enhance the relaxation experience.
The Beauty of Imperfection – A Reminder
I know we’re talking about Hygge here, but let me introduce you to another term as well.
“Wabi-Sabi”
It’s a Japanese concept that appreciates the beauty in imperfection.
It celebrates authenticity, finding charm in things that are simple, unpretentious, and slightly flawed.
Much like Hygge, Wabi-Sabi encourages you to find joy and contentment in the everyday moments and objects around you, even if they’re not perfect.
It’s about enjoying the simple pleasures and recognising the natural cycle of growth and decay.
I’ve added it here because Autumn is all about seeing that natural cycle happen in nature, and so I think that this concept can be applied in the context of Autumn Hygge perfectly.
By embracing the season’s imperfections – the fallen leaves, the bare trees, the shorter days – and considering them a part of the natural beauty and rhythm of life – it encourages you to cherish the authenticity of your home and your life, even if it’s not always picture-perfect.
So, it’s a great reminder to celebrate the cracks, the worn-out textures, the faded colors, and the unmistakable charm of the lived-in and well-loved.
Embrace Wabi-Sabi, embrace Hygge, and find beauty in the authentic and imperfect moments of life!
A Hygge Lifestyle Beyond Autumn
While Hygge is most often associated with autumn and winter, its principles can absolutely be applied throughout the year, and each season holds its unique charm and opportunities to practice Hygge.
Embracing Hygge (and Wabi-Sabi) philosophies might seem a daunting task at first, but remember, it’s all about finding joy in the simple things and contentment in the imperfect moments.
Autumn, with its natural beauty and calm, provides the perfect backdrop to start this journey.
So why wait?
Start today, create your cozy autumn nook, sip on that pumpkin spice latte, wrap yourself in a comfy blanket, and let the magic of autumn Hygge transform your life.
Remember, it’s the simple pleasures of life that make it truly wonderful, and there’s no better time than now to start embracing them.
Happy Hygge-ing!
