A Quiet Case for Hygge

From cozy corners to candlelit evenings, this Danish practice shows how small choices at home can bring warmth and calm during winter’s slowest stretch.

Written by Lena Anderson  |  Photographed by Joe Worthem

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it can often feel the longest. The thrill of the holidays is behind us, the days still have more hours of darkness than light, and the overall dreariness of winter has fully set in. People are going out less and staying home more, prioritizing personal comfort above all else.

In Denmark, this concept is called hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”). The word doesn’t have a direct English translation, but it loosely means “coziness.” Finding warmth and ease during long, cold seasons. A way of paying attention to what makes life feel steady and good.

In his book, “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living,” Meik Wiking explains that hygge is less about things and more about atmosphere and presence. The goal is not perfection, but comfort. It’s soft light, warm drinks, shared food and time that doesn’t feel rushed. It is the sense that, for now, in this space and time, things are okay.

Hygge is a mindset first, but its tangible components can be integrated into your home. The spaces we spend the most time in shape how we feel, especially in winter. Small, thoughtful changes can make a room feel calmer and more inviting without much effort. Bringing hygge into your home is not about redecorating. It is about noticing what helps you slow down and lean into comfort. These pieces from north Mississippi artisans offer simple ways to bring that sense of calm into everyday life.

Megan Patton, Water Valley - instagram.com/doequilts

Megan Patton has been quilting for nearly two decades, a craft she taught herself after being inspired by her grandmother. Each quilt is shaped with care at every stage of the process, from choosing patterns and color schemes to stitching the final binding. Rooted in tradition and made for use, Patton’s quilts are meant to bring comfort. She hopes people feel safe, cozy and at ease when they wrap up in one, especially during colder months.

Oak Hill Candle Co., Baldwyn - facebook.com/oakhillcandleco

David and April Bell started Oak Hill Candle Co. in 2014, working out of their kitchen and guided by a simple love for candlelight and a good-smelling home. What began small has grown into a 6,000-square-foot facility, but the heart of the work remains the same. “Our goal is to set the mood for happiness,” April said.

Oak Hill candles are made with clean, earth-sourced ingredients, inspired by natural color and scent. For the Bells, candle making is a way to share joy. Lighting one and curling up under a blanket are among their favorite winter rituals. Best-selling winter scents include Fraser Fir and Cranberry Spice.

SJ Ceramic Co., Oxford - instagram.com/sjceramicco

Shelby Jane Toole discovered pottery during her freshman year as a student at Ole Miss and is now approaching 10 years of working with clay, four of them full time. She is drawn to the way pottery turns something raw into something lasting. “Working with my hands slows me down and grounds me,” Toole said.

Each piece is made in small batches, slightly imperfect and meant to be used, not just admired. Toole embraces the patience and unpredictability of the kiln, letting go of control in the process. Her hope is that her work becomes part of everyday life, holding quiet moments, shared meals and stories long after it leaves her studio.

Lola’s Homestead, Guntown - facebook.com/p/Lolas-Homestead-61550947689311

Drawn to woodworking since childhood, Renato Alcala of Lola’s Homestead is inspired by wood’s natural warmth and the quiet satisfaction of shaping it by hand. What began more than 20 years ago as a hobby has grown into a lifelong passion and a path toward making the craft her full-time focus. “Wood invites connection, and shaping it into functional pieces feels deeply grounding,” Alcala said. Each item is created slowly and intentionally, guided by the material itself. Alcala hopes his pieces bring comfort and ease into everyday life, meant to be used, enjoyed and passed down for generations.

Shy Gyrl, Oxford - facebook.com/Theshygyrl

Brandy Jones was drawn to soap making through her daughter, Zoey, whose love of skincare sparked the idea. Wanting products that anyone could use, Jones began creating soaps three years ago with care and intention. The process has become meaningful in unexpected ways. She values the memories made alongside her mother, Crystal, and the quiet pride that comes with finishing each batch.

Jones hopes people feel confident, valued and uplifted when using Shy Gyrl products. She recommends the Turmeric Body Bar year-round, along with the popular Whipped Body Butter, both designed to turn everyday routines into moments of care.

Jones hopes people feel confident, valued and uplifted when using Shy Gyrl products. She recommends the Turmeric Body Bar year-round, along with the popular Whipped Body Butter, both designed to turn everyday routines into moments of care.

Windmill Farm, Lafayette Co. - facebook.com/windmillfarmms

Windmill Farm’s approach to tea blending grew out of an early interest in traditional herbal medicine. Creating teas became a way to make those benefits more accessible and easier to enjoy.

“Crafting teas felt like the perfect way to share herbal support with more people,” owner Larry Collins Jr. said.

The most meaningful part of their work comes from seeing how people respond. Moments of relief or calm, when a tea truly helps someone feel better, are what keep Windmill Farms blending. The hope is simple. That each cup offers comfort, well-being and a gentle lift. During winter, Smooth Breath and Front Porch are favorites, offering support for both the body and the mind during colder months.

Hygge at Home

The Hyggekrog

Every home needs a hyggekrog. This translates to a cozy nook. Wiking defines it as the place where you naturally want to sit and settle in. A window seat with cushions is perfect for watching the rain. Add a lamp, a blanket and a book within reach. None of it needs to match. It just needs to feel right.

The Right Light

Lighting matters more than almost anything else. Danes burn more candles than nearly anyone. Wiking says no recipe for hygge is complete without them. Use lamps with warm bulbs instead of bright overhead lights. Candlelight softens a room and slows everything down.

Tactile Comforts

Hygge is physical. Texture matters. Choose things that feel good to the touch. Chunky knit blankets. Cushions you can sink into. Thick wool socks. A broken-in leather chair. These small comforts make it easier to relax without thinking about it.

Nature and History

Hygge welcomes natural materials and pieces with a past. Worn wood. Plants. Branches from outside. Hand-thrown ceramics. An old quilt. Vintage pieces bring warmth because they feel lived in. They carry a sense of calm that new things sometimes lack.

A Hygge Library

Keep books close by. Physical books invite you to slow down. Turning a page is a quiet, steady act. It fits naturally into a hygge home and makes it easier to choose reading over scrolling.