The Best Hygge books: Inspiration To Help You embrace a COZY life
The best hygge books are ones that will not only entertain and inform you – they will inspire you to embrace a cozy life.
Hygge, that delightful, wonderful, feel good, be happy secret that those amazing Danes have shared with the world, continues to delight, fulfill and create calm wherever it goes.
Want some of that feel good stuff too?
I thought so.
Published October 3, 2019, updated December 7, 2020
Here at Simple Hygge Life weโre all about finding ways to help you feel better, live a simpler lifestyle, and be happy.
Let me correct that statement.
Weโre all about finding ways to make you feel great!
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And Hygge Life is the Danish secret that Iโm about to share with you. Weโve written extensively about How to Live Hygge.
But before you go check all that great info, Iโve searched out and curated 11 of the coziest, happiest, feel good hygge books there are โ all about how to live hygge.
Perfect for you or maybe you want to gift some hygge love to someone on your list?
So make a cup of tea, grab your favourite blankie, and letโs begin.
WHAT IS HYGGE?
The hygge lifestyle is about enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
A hygge definition could be
- Having a coffee with friends while youโre doing laundry? Thatโs hygge.
- Taking a walk in the early morning and listening to the birdsong? Thatโs hygge too.
- “is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment” (wikipedia)
My favorite ways to enjoy the hygge lifestyle (and in no particular order) are:
- gathering friends together for a potluck on a Saturday night
- cuddling with my granddaughter and soaking up those delicious baby smells
- stealing a quiet Sunday afternoon to enjoy a cup of tea and quiet time to read one of these amazing books!
HOW IS HYGGE PRONOUNCED?
Iโve come across a number of variations of how to pronounce Hygge โ but the two most popular are hue-gah or hoo-ga.
HOW DO YOU DO A HYGGE NIGHT?
Looking for ways to create memories and new holiday traditions?
You can enjoy hygge at night. There are so many lovely possibilities! Think candles, warm wooly socks. Or try summer hygge with a hammock.
Embracing hygge definitely includes light with the main focus on candles, but hygge lights can be lamps as well. In fact Meik Wiking devotes an entire chapter in his book The Little Book of Hygge to Light and includes tips on โHow to create Hyggelig Lightingโ
Consult the lunar calendar to find out when the next full moon will arrive and plan to spend some time moon gazing.
What is Jolabokaflod?
Did you know that there is a special Christmas Eve tradition in Iceland, where books are given as gifts, with the idea that you then cozy up and eat chocolate and read your new book?
It’s called Jolabokaflod (pronounced yo-la-boka-flot) and roughly translated means Christmas Book Flood.
Started in the mid 1940’s, It’s become a strong tradition with Icelanders, and it’s crossed over into some parts of North America.
Now it doesn’t say what kind of chocolate Icelanders eat, so if it was me, I’d be all over the best chocolate cake I could find!
We’re always looking for ways to create memories right? The only caveat is that you must give a physical book – no e-books in Jolabokaflod,
Now let’s get to the best hygge books that will inspire you to live a cozy hygge life!
A very thorough and detailed read about how hygge can improve everything in life. The author applies hygge or hyggeligt to music, food, sleeping, exercise, and well-being. There is even a 30 day hygge challenge at the end. Thoughtfully written, and sweetly illustrated with hand drawn graphics, this cozy book would make a wonderful gift as an introduction to all things hygge.
This little book is my all time favorite! I donโt buy many hardcover books because weโve chosen to live โsmallโ, but this is definitely worth it. The quote I use above is just the tip of the iceberg, and this is really a Hygge manifesto. A perfect gift for yourself too!
Also by Meik Wiking from the Happiness Institute, this book delves into the importance of creating memories with family and friends. The author believes that one way to create happiness in our lives is to create happy memories, like building a gingerbread house with your children or grandchildren. Getting the neighborhood families together for a toboggan party.
While the author is part Danish, she focuses on the fact that you don't need to be Danish to live a hygge lifestyle. A delightful book that talks about memory, mindfulness, living in the moment, and the many simple ways we can bring hygge into our lives in moments throughout the day.
Who doesn't love to colour? Great fun for a winter afternoon, by yourself or with your friends and family. You can share all about Hygge with them while you do. And don't forget the hot chocolate or mulled wine!
I would have to say this is my second favorite book! The author brings a more philosophical view to Hygge, and how you can turn unpleasant situations (like being stuck in traffic) in hygge life experiences! She also has an offer for an additional free book on Minimalism. Now I have this book as a Kindle version, and because I have Kindle Unlimited, I get to read it for free!
A lovely picture book, by two interior designers and owners of Hygge & West. The focus is on their view of making your home hygge and cozy, and I must admit the photos make me want to go right out and buy a new set of sheets and lots of pillows. A fun read to be sure.
This book has a more holistic approach on how to hygge, and includes cozy and happy concepts from all of the Scandinavian countries . I especially love the chapters on how to set up a Nordic kitchen and the recipes section. Really hygge isnโt just about candles, cozy socks and a roaring fire. It is just so much more.
Written by an American with a Danish background, I love the way the author applies American coziness to living a Hygge life. Ten chapters cover everything from entertaining, being calm, and how to cozy up your work life!
While Hygge is all about the art of happiness, Lagom shows us how to live a balanced life. A great companion set to learn and enjoy.
Full of lovely photos, brief interviews, and information about how to live a more hygge life. I think this is more of a coffee table book, a high level intro to hygge. The author says she will show you โhow be hyggeโ and does this with her striking photos that include the seasons, family gatherings, and the joy that can be found in living simply. A sweet book.
As the title suggests this beautifully photographed book is all about how to survive winter with hygge. Chapters include recipes, gardening, ideas for DIY crafts, and how to get through the grey winter days. I love the section on holidays & celebrations and of course candlelight is a perfect way to get some hygge into your life!
This delightful rom-com is the perfect companion to a hygge afternoon, curled up in front of a fireplace, or candles or both, a cozy drink to enjoy. Let the winds and snow blow outside while you spend time with Clara and Joe and experience how hygge will impact their lives during the holidays.
A light read and perfect introduction to the concept of hygge, this book is like a hygge primer. Thoughtful graphics and photos, and lots of detail including hygge clothing, hygge for all seasons, and a section on the principles of Hygge. This book would be a great gift for someone you want to share some hygge love with!
Thanks so much for spending time with me today and I hope you enjoyed this awesome collection of books about how to live a hygge life. If you didnโt have time to read through them all, be sure to pin it for later, email the post to yourself, or your best friend! xo