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Why are the Scandanavians so much happier than Americans? Is it because they have delightful cheese and beautiful fjords, or is it something else? The reason is simple; they practice hygge. Hygge is the feeling of coziness and contentment from life’s simple pleasures. Whereas Americans might have sudden moments of coziness, Scandanavians (particularly the Danish) see it as an essential part of life. Because of this, they do everything they can to fulfill their hygge. They make their homes comfortable with appropriate lighting, candles, and beautiful decor. They surround themselves with people they love and appreciate them. They eat comfort foods and create fun and easy crafts. Mostly, they appreciate every bit of life they can. They are happy because they try, and succeed to be. Other nations could learn a lot from the Danish, and now they can.
What are the Best Books on Hygge to read?
Best Books on Hygge: Our Top 20 Picks
The books listed below detail every little bit of hygge, and how one can achieve it.
1. The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Hygge is comfort. Hygge is relaxation. Hygge is coziness. The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking explores how the Danish achieve peace and wellness. Denmark is considered to be one of the happiest and kindest countries, and now readers can understand why. By practicing kindness and comfortability, anyone can achieve happiness. Wiking suggests a few tips for finding inner happiness: take a break from life and stress, be in the now…without electronics, use candles as a source of light, build quality relationships, and live like it’s the last day on earth. Every little detail of life can have an effect on emotions. Let that emotion be happiness. This book directly analyzes the genius ways of the Danish people, and how they achieve “Hygge.”
- Authors: Meik Wiking (Author)
- Publisher: William Morrow; Illustrated Edition (January 17, 2017)
- Pages: 240 pages
2. The Hygge Holiday: The Warmest, Funniest, Cosiest, Romantic Comedy of the Year
Hygge is comfort, joy, and relaxation. Where else can you find all those feelings other than in a romantic comedy? The Hygge Holiday: The Warmest, Funniest, Cosiest, Romantic Comedy of the Year by Rosie Blake is a heart-warming story about a woman named Clare’s journey to a new town. Clare sees potential and beauty in the town, so she decides to get her love and improve it. Along the way, she makes new friends and falls in love. This book incorporates all kinds of elements of hygge: candles, friends, naps, and romance. Even though this is a fictional book, readers can gain some insight from Clare’s adventure. Instead of stressing about her new move, she finds joy and happiness in it. She focuses on the greater things in life, and finds love along the way. This is an acute story that will bring a smile to any reader’s face.
- Authors: Rosie Blake (Author)
- Publisher: Sphere (September 21, 2017)
- Pages: 229 pages
3. Making Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months
Seasonal depression is very alive and real. As the days get colder and darker, so do we. The seasons affect our moods. When winter comes, everyone needs a little hygge– or a lot. Making Winter: A Hygge- Inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months by Emma Mitchell is a book that inspires readers to make the most of their winters. Hyggee is not just a state of mind, it can be achieved through physical necessities, as well– -like crafts and recipes. This book includes 25 Hygge inspired recipes that will bring a smile to everyone’s faces in the dark months. It also includes crafts to do while cozying up to the fire with family and friends. The winter months can be sad and stressful, but they don’t have to be. Mitchell helps readers hold on to their Hygge with the contents of this book.
- Authors: Emma Mitchell (Author)
- Publisher: Lark Crafts; Illustrated Edition (October 3, 2017)
- Pages: 128 pages
4. How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life
How-to books are the backbone to learning a new skill. How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life by Signe Johnson has all the qualities of a self-help book rolled up in
how-to book. “How to Hygge” sounds like a hip, new dance trend. And hypothetically, it could be. Hygge isn’t one specific thing. It is the act of finding comfort in one’s surroundings. Sometimes, that means learning a new dance move. In this book, however, it means bettering one’s attitude and life. This can be done by making the home more homely, cherishing great experiences with friends, and being kind to oneself. Many things make up hygge. What matters is that the reader is finding themselves and achieving happiness, just like the Danish do.
- Authors: Signe Johansen (Author)
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin (January 3, 2017)
- Pages: 192 pages
5. ScandiKitchen: Fika and Hygge: Comforting Cakes and Bakes from Scandinavia with Love
What would be considered a happy food? And what would be considered a happy cake? Can food actually comfort people? Well, the Scandinavians think so. ScandiKitchen: Fike and Hygge: Comforting Cakes and Bakes from Scandinavia with Love by Bronte Aurell is a recipe book that will help chefs, and the everyday cook achieve Hygge through baking. There are over 60 recipes in this book. Some of these recipes are: cookies, pastries, cakes, and biscuits. There is nothing food can’t fix, and this recipe book proves that. This book celebrates Scandanavian cooking, hygge, and the joys a great pastry can bring to someone. The best of cooks and the worst of cooks will mutually enjoy the pies and pastries listed in this book.
- Authors: Bronte Aurell (Author)
- Publisher: Ryland Peters & Small; Illustrated Edition (September 6, 2016)
- Pages: 176 pages
6. Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness
Hygge truly is the Danish art of happiness. Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Tourell Soderberg explains just why that is. The exercises in this book practice effectively using hygge, instead of reading about it. This book makes readers walk the walk, and stop talking the talk. The readers are guided by practical steps that will positively change their lives. Not only does this book have advice, it also has stunning pictures and illustrations that enhance its aesthetic. Soderberg is both a danish actress and a lover of hygge, so she understands coping with stress and learning how to better one’s life. There are so many elements to this book: cooking, entertaining, decorating, and simply being. These elements will help readers how to happily live and be.
- Authors: Marie Tourell Søderberg (Author)
- Publisher: Michael Joseph; UK ed. Edition (September 1, 2017)
- Pages: 224 pages
7. The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connection
It is no secret that the Scandanavians are known for being kind, peaceful, and overly happy beings. But how do they do that? It’s Hygge. The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connect by Louisa Thomsen Brits explains what Hygge is and how we should use it. Hygge is what keeps us grounded. It is comforting. Work may keep people motivated and moving, but hygge is what they come to at the end of the day, the thing that brings them joy. By reading this text, readers will be able to find their true hygge and their contentment in life. The book itself resembles hygge, too. It is full of joyful pictures, illustrations, and more. This is a wonderful book, and a wonderful gift for those looking for peace and happiness.
- Authors: Louisa Thomsen Brits (Author)
- Publisher: Plume (February 7, 2017)
- Pages: 192 pages
8. Hygge: Discovering the Danish Art of Happiness: How to Live Life Cozily and Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures
Hygge: Discovering the Danish Art of Happiness: How to Live Life Cozily and Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures by Olivia Telford is a book that examines stress in every aspect of life: home, work, with family, and with friends. Telford wants to change that stress into happiness with hygge. In this book, Telford explains what hygge is and why it matters, how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, how to incorporate hygge into all of life’s aspects, and why everyone should take hygge seriously– it’s more than a silly, danish concept. Hygge betters, changes, and saves lives. It’s purpose is to achieve and maintain happiness. Readers will do that if they dedicate themselves to understanding this book, reading this book, and using this book and hygge to better their lives.
- Authors: Olivia Telford (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 24, 2017)
- Pages: 112 pages
9. Hygge: Unlock the Danish Art of Coziness and Happiness
Everyone has their zen, their happy place, or something that gives them total bliss. In Denmark, that is called Hygge. The Danish are experts on joy, and now everyone else can be, too. Hygge: Unlock the Danish Art of Coziness and Happiness by Barbara Hayden takes a deep look at the Scandanavian ways of ecstasy. It takes readers into the inner history of Hygge. After reading this book, readers will know how to unlock their happiness. Hygge can be incorporated into life through a number of changes. Readers will learn the eight practical aspects of Hygge, how to engage with simplicity of life, how to surround themselves with those they love, and how to live a frugal life happily. Hayden is a Hygge genius. She discusses just how every person can reach true contentment by finding their “Hygge.”
- Authors: Barbara Hayden (Author)
- Publisher: Ationa Publications (February 26, 2020)
- Pages: 106 pages
10. The Secret Joy of Hygge
Hygge is underrated, and frankly, not discussed enough. The art of living simply and finding happiness by adding a candle or two to one’s life is beautiful. It should be shared with the world. The Secret Joy of Hygge by Alexandra Amarotico discusses just why Hygge is so important. Amarotico teaches readers how to change up their life and unhappy feelings with simple pleasures. She details some of these small pleasures in her book: sipping a cup of tea, decorating the home with plants and pictures, and gathering loved ones around a home-cooked meal. There are three chapters in this book: Hygge 101, Hygge for All, and Beyond Hygge. This book does a great job of detailing hygge and it explains just how everyone can implement it in their lives.
- Authors: Alexandra Amarotico (Author)
- Publisher: Althea Press (February 12, 2019)
- Pages: 164 pages
11. Hygge and Lagom: The Ultimate Guide to Scandinavian Ways of Living a Balanced Life Filled with Coziness and Happiness
Hygge and Lagom: The Ultimate Guide to Scandinavian Ways of Living a Balanced Life Filled with Coziness and Happiness by Barbara Hayden is a book that will help every reader achieve a life of well-being and balance. This guide teaches readers what the lost art of Hygge is and how to find it in their own lives. It helps them understand practical aspects to having a better life, the four things that make for better relationships, How not to live life in a constant state of stress, and so much more. The lessons taught in this book will help readers reach a higher level of happiness and comfort. The book also discusses lagom, which translates to “just the right amount.” Readers will achieve lagom in every aspect of their life, which will then help them acheive their own personal hygge.
- Authors: Barbara Hayden (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (November 2, 2019)
- Pages: 196 pages
12. American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort and Happiness
How can Americans achieve the same happiness as the Danish? Well, for starters, we could read a book. American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort and Happiness by Stephanie Pedersen is the perfect guide to achieving happiness just like the Scandanavians do. The American lifestyle is packed full with work, work, and more work. Americans are easily stressed, and often overly stressed. This book compares the lifestyle of an American to the lifestyle of the Danish, and explains how Americans can make the switch to a cozier life. Pederson includes tips, advice, and beautiful illustrations in this book. This is the ultimate hygge book. Readers will achieve hygge just by reading and viewing the pages of this book, and implementing the tips that Pederson suggests.
- Authors: Gunnar Karl Gíslason (Author), Jody Eddy (Author)
- Publisher: Ten Speed Press; Illustrated Edition (November 14, 2017)
- Pages: 168 pages
13. Hygge and West Home: Design for a Cozy Life
Hygge can be achieved through attitude, food, and friendships. It can also be achieved by their decoration. Hygge and West Home: Design for a Cozy Life by Christiana Coop and Aimee Lagos teaches readers how to hygee-ify their homes. This is a home design book that combines design with happy feelings. Home should be one’s place of pure happiness, relaxation, and zen. Creating cozy spaces is essential when redecorating the home. This book gives readers a glimpse of 20 different homes that embrace Hygge. Readers can select the home they like, and model it for their own. There are even tips and interviews with homeowners that will help readers create a home that resembles the ones in this book. The pictures in this book are modern, hip, and beautiful. The homes are relaxing and cool. This is a wonderful home design book.
- Authors: Christiana Coop (Author), Aimee Lagos (Author), James Carriere (Photographer)
- Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 28, 2018)
- Pages: 240 pages
14. Hygge Habits: 42 Habits for a Happy Life through Danish Hygge that take Five Minutes or Less
Happiness is an investment, but it doesn’t have to take all day. Hygge Habits: 42 Habits for a Happy Life through Danish Hygge that take Five Minutes of Less by Helena Olsen is a book that teaches people how to have Hygge without having to adjust their schedules. We can still be busy while maintaining happiness. The habits listed in this book help readers create a sense of belonging for themselves. With this book’s advice, it’s easy to add hygge habits into everyday schedules without straining to make time for them. Not only does Olsen teach hygge habits; she teaches hygge habits that will stick. This book will help readers cope with stress, create a loving environment, effectively communicate with friends, and have an all around happier and more comfortable life.
- Authors: Helena Olsen (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 6, 2016)
- Pages: 58 pages
15. HYGGE: Discover the Danish art of happiness and coziness with this Nordic concept. Learn how to enjoy the simple things, bring relaxation in your life and warmth in your relationships
HYGGE: Discover the Danish art of happiness and coziness with this Nordic concept. Learn how to enjoy the simple things, bring relaxation in your life and warmth in your relationships by Emma Andersen is a lot to unpack. There are many elements that contribute to achieving hygge, and Andersen uncovers them all. This book covers many topics, like: the origins of hygge, choosing the right clothing for hygge, mindfulness, hygge on a budget, happiness, and so much more. So much goes into setting up a healthy space, and life. It should be bright and worry free. This can be achieved by following the tools in this book. There are some delightful food recipes in this book, too. Andersen covers all the bases in this book.
- Authors: Emma Andersen (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (January 18, 2020)
- Pages: 131 pages
16. Hygge: Comfort & Food For The Soul: A cosy collection of comfort food, drinks & lifestyle recipes for you, your friends & family to enjoy
Hygge: Comfort & Food For The Soul: A cosy collection of comfort food, drinks & lifestyle recipes for you, your friends & family to enjoy by CookNation is the ultimate hygge cookbook. This book is full of blissful foods, drinks, and more. The key to happiness could simply be in what we are eating. These recipes are fun, simple, and delicious. In addition to the food recipes, there are craft instructions, too. Owners of this book can sip hot chocolate while they make a candle. They can nibble on a pastry while they knit a blanket. This is a serendipitous book that turns hygge into simple activities. This recipe book is easy, and lots of fun.
- Authors: CookNation (Author)
- Publisher: Bell & Mackenzie Publishing Ltd (November 24, 2016)
- Pages: 96 pages
17. More Than Just Candles: How to Hygge Your Mind, Space and Life
Candles have so many purposes. They can add light to a room. They can add a fresh scent to a place. They can be romantic. They can be relaxing. A candle is a multi-purpose tool. Among all these things, candles offer the perfect first step to hygge your life. More Than Just Candles: How to Hygge Your Mind, Space, and Life by Emma Janson is a book that considers every element of hygge. Janson stresses the importance of using candles with hygge, but she also says so much more. She says that hygge is about breathing in the simple, uncomplicated moments. Hygge is enjoying the simplicity of life. This book has many tips for welcoming hygge with small steps. Readers can reach hygge by lighting candles, working on a garden, or by sipping on a glass of chardonnay.
- Authors: Emma Janson (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 3, 2018)
- Pages: 110 pages
18. Hygge: How to Change Lifestyle with the Danish art of happiness. The Danish Diet of Happiness. Delicious recipes for living Hygge
Is there anyone in this world who doesn’t truly, wholeheartedly, love food? If there is, they are not living, and they are certainly not practicing hygge. Hygge: How to Change Lifestyle with the Danish art of happiness. The Danish Diet of Happiness. Delicious recipes for living Hygge by Hanne Jorgenson is the ultimate hygge recipe book. Achieving hygge is not completely dependent on changing one’s lifestyle, it’s also dependent on changing one’s diet. Readers should eat foods that make them feel good emotionally and physically. This recipe book has lots of great snacks and treats. In addition to the recipes in this book, there are also tips for achieving and maintaining hygge, the five elements of hygge, and lots of great advice for accomplishing true happiness. This is a wonderful, yet delicious, read.
- Authors: Hanne JØrgensen (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (December 24, 2019)
- Pages: 104 pages
19. The Cosy Hygge Adult Coloring Book
Coloring can be very meditative and relaxing. It’s a known de-stresser, which is why there are so many adult coloring books. It should come as no surprise that because of this, there is a hygge adult coloring book. The Cosy Hygge Adult Coloring Book by Sofie Pedersen is a great tool for achieving relaxation in a simple way. While coloring, readers can learn about the history of hygge from this book. They can practice hygge and learn about it simultaneously. Busy minds will love taking a few minutes to enjoy coloring a cute picture. There are about 25 coloring pages in this book, so it will last for a long time. Take a few minutes out of a busy day to color a picture. This simple act will help readers achieve hygge and become more relaxed in life. Coloring is very therapeutic. This is a great start to hygge.
- Authors: Sofie Pedersen (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 14, 2016)
- Pages: 50 pages
Choosing the Best Books on Hygge
As we have learned, the hygge lifestyle is relaxed and comfortable. It is a lifestyle that focuses on being happy and blissful. The simple pleasures are important— they make up the larger pleasures. There is so much to learn about hygge. It has so much history and culture backing it, and it still works today. No one needs to be rich or famous to be happy. All anyone needs is to practice hygge. These books have all the great information on hygge. Bliss can be found in these books, and in others that discuss hygge.