Hygge. We’ve all heard of it. Oxford Dictionaries named it their Word of the Year in 2016. You probably saw a multitude of books on the subject when you were doing your Christmas shopping last year. But even so, who actually knows what it means? And how do we embrace it? We’re going to talk about how to add hygge into your home, specifically your bathroom. But first, let’s start with the basics.

What is Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced ‘hue-guh’, just in case the spelling left you squinting in confusion) is a Danish word that seems to lack any one definition. There’s been a lot of discussion over the last couple of years about what it actually means, but I think the simplest and most apt description for it is ‘the pursuit of everyday pleasures’.

The concept of hygge is focused on creating a cosy and welcoming ambiance. In short, it’s all about relaxation, indulgence and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. It’s a concept that is very much embedded in Danish culture and, given that Denmark is considered one of the happiest countries in the world, perhaps it’s something that we Brits could learn from.

There are many ways that you can embrace the Danish concept, but one of the best ways to add hygge to your life is to add it to your home. And where better in your home to add a cosy feel than your bathroom? We all spend time in it daily and, for some of us, it’s one of the only places in our home where we really get to relax. So, without further ado, here’s a few ways to add hygge into your bathroom.

Add an amazing bath

To feel hygge is to feel totally relaxed and, in my opinion, there are few things more relaxing than a long, soothing bath.

When it comes to baths, I’m a firm believer in the more luxurious, the better. Add in a spacious and elegant freestanding bath to give you optimal room to lie back and relax.

 If you want something really luxurious and indulgent, you can also opt for a whirlpool bath to create the ultimate relaxing spa experience.

Keep it Cosy

Cosiness is a main factor in hygge, so it’s essential to keep your bathroom feeling warm and comfortable.

Underfloor heating is a great way to keep your bathroom cosy; not only will it help keep the room heated, it will keep your bathroom tiles warm and toasty. There’s nothing hygge about stepping out of a hot bath onto freezing cold tiles!

Heated towel rails are also great for keeping things cosy and comfortable. As well as using them to warm your towels, you can even hang your dressing gown on them so it’s warm and cosy when you get out of the bath.

Neutral Colours

It’s important to keep your bathroom a calm, relaxing space. Bright, bold colours tend to have the opposite effect, so opt for warm, neutral colours to keep things soothing and tranquil.

Adding wood effect furniture is another excellent way to turn your bathroom into a calming, serene space. A bordalino oak or molina ash wood is much less harsh than white and adds a rustic, cosy feel.

Mood Lighting

Adding hygge to your bathroom is all about creating a cosy, soothing ambiance and a simple, but very effective, way of doing this is with lighting. Dimmable lights or downlights are a great option as they give you plenty of light when you need it, but also offer the option of soothing mood lighting to help you relax and unwind.

Candles are another effective way to add atmospheric mood lighting; try adding a few on your windowsill or on the edge of your bath (provided that it’s safe to do so, of course. Don’t burn your house down for the sake of hygge!) Not only will they add to the warm, cosy atmosphere, scented candles will add a gorgeous smell to the room. Peak relaxation!

It’s All in the Details

Everything mentioned so far are fairly big changes to make in a bathroom, and not everyone is willing or able to buy a new bath or install underfloor heating. But there’s plenty you can do that doesn’t involve renovating your entire bathroom.

Adding fluffy textures to your bathroom is a great way to make, what could be, a harsh room into something cosy and welcoming. Add a fluffy bath mat and pick up some thick, high quality towels to add a luxurious and cosy feel.

Wooden bath racks are great for turning your bath into your ideal place to relax. You can use it to hold a scented candle, a book or even a cup of tea!

So, there you have it: 5 ways to add hygge to your bathroom. Life moves pretty fast, so taking time to relax and enjoy the little pleasures is something we could all benefit from. What do you think? Are you ready to embrace the cosy trend?