Hygge Garden Ideas For A Cozy Outdoor Space

Denmark continues to rank as one of the happiest nations on earth. If you want what they have, it’s time to learn about hygge garden ideas. Hygge is a concept that seems to escape Americans with our hustle and bustle and “go get ‘em” attitude, but it seems we could learn a thing or two from our Danish friends. They celebrate the concept of hygge outdoors or inside. A hygge outdoor space may include a hygge patio and hygge backyard, but don’t misconstrue the idea behind hygge — it belongs with you wherever you go. Keep reading to learn about hygge and how you can incorporate it into your lifestyle.

Hygge is a little hard to explain. In 2017 this term was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, so it looks like it’s here to stay. Pronounced “hue-gah,” hygge loosely means taking pleasure from small things like coziness, togetherness, relaxation and the pursuit of everyday happiness with the goal of a better quality of life.

The modern meaning of hygge dates back to about 1800, but it predates this definition and can actually be traced back to an Old Norse word from the Middle Ages that meant “protected from the outside world.”

In Denmark, Danes are taught to enjoy the outdoors from the time they are babies. Winter’s cold temperatures are no deterrent and most people spend some time outside even on the chilliest of days.

That said, Danes also like to cozy up indoors with plenty of food, drink and social gatherings. It is this concept that the Danish refer to as hygge. They also tend to bring the outside indoors by bringing in cut flowers, houseplants, or using their own produce, honey or herbs. When at all possible, the windows of Danish homes are situated to look out upon their gardens or other outdoor features, effectively