embrace hygge cosy living mattys candles: The Practitioner’s Guide to Hygge: How to Embrace Cosy Living with Mattys Candles
Embrace hygge cosy living mattys candles matters — here’s what you need to know.
Welcome to our practitioner’s guide on how to embrace hygge cosy living with Mattys Candles. As candle makers, we live and breathe the art of creating atmosphere. We’ve spent years perfecting scents and materials that transform a simple room into a sanctuary of comfort. Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) isn’t just a trend for us; it’s the very essence of why we do what we do. It’s the feeling of contentment, warmth, and togetherness that a flickering flame can bring. In this guide, we’ll share our hands-on experience, moving beyond the buzzwords to give you practical, actionable steps to bring this beautiful Danish concept into your own life, with a little help from your favourite candle.
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to Hygge & Cosy Living
* Hygge is a Danish cultural concept focused on creating a feeling of cosy contentment and wellbeing by enjoying life’s simple pleasures. * Candles are essential to hygge, with Danes burning more candles per capita than anyone else in Europe to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. * Creating a ‘hyggekrog’ (cosy nook) at home involves layering soft textures, books, and the warm glow of a clean-burning candle. * A truly ‘hygge’ candle must be safe and clean-burning, complying with standards like the UK’s CLP Regulation to ensure a healthy home environment. * At Mattys Candles, we select hygge-inspired scents like amber, sandalwood, and vanilla to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia.
What Exactly is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish cultural concept centered on a feeling of cosy contentment and wellbeing through enjoying the simple things in life. It’s not about material possessions but about creating an atmosphere and experiencing a moment of profound comfort, whether alone or with loved ones. According to the official Danish government portal, hygge is a fundamental part of the national psyche, explaining why Danes are often ranked among the happiest people in the world [1].
The word itself has Norwegian roots, meaning ‘wellbeing’, but it was the Danes who truly adopted and perfected it as a way of life. The Danish cultural concept of hygge gained global attention largely thanks to authors like Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. In his seminal work, The Little Book of Hygge, Wiking breaks down the core components: atmosphere, presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, harmony, comfort, truce, togetherness, and shelter. It’s about feeling safe, sheltered, and content. Think of the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold night, sipping hot chocolate by a fire, or sharing a meal with friends where the conversation flows easily. That’s hygge.
Why are Candles so Central to the Hygge Experience?
Candles are central to hygge because their warm, flickering light creates an instant atmosphere of intimacy, calm, and connection, a core tenet of the practice. No single item is more synonymous with hygge than a candle. As Meik Wiking states, candlelight is a key ingredient; there is simply no hygge without it. This isn’t just poetic sentiment; it’s a cultural fact. Danes burn more candles per person than any other country in Europe, a testament to their commitment to creating a cosy atmosphere in their homes, especially during the long, dark Scandinavian winters.
From our experience in the workshop, we know that light transforms a space. Fluorescent overhead lighting is functional but sterile. The soft, dynamic glow of a candle, however, is inherently humanising. It flatters, it softens edges, and it encourages people to slow down and be present in the moment. The ritual of lighting a candle itself is a hygge act—it signals a transition from the hustle of the day to a period of rest and relaxation. The scent, of course, plays a huge role too. A carefully chosen fragrance can transport you, evoke cherished memories, and deepen the sense of comfort. Whether you’re looking for the best candle scents for autumn or a light, fresh fragrance for a spring morning, the combination of light and scent is a powerful tool for wellbeing.
How Can You Create a ‘Hyggekrog’ (Cosy Nook) at Home?
You can create a ‘hyggekrog’ or cosy nook by designating a small, comfortable space with soft textures, warm lighting from a candle, and personal items that bring you joy. The hyggekrog is your personal comfort corner, a retreat within your own home where you can decompress, read, listen to music, or simply be. It doesn’t need to be a whole room; a favourite armchair, a window seat, or even a pile of cushions on the floor can become your sanctuary. Here’s our step-by-step guide to creating one.
Step 1: Choose Your Space
First, identify a corner of your home that feels naturally calm and is preferably away from high-traffic areas. This could be by a window with a pleasant view, near a bookshelf, or in a quiet part of your living room. The goal is to claim a spot that feels like your own personal refuge. It doesn’t need to be large, just large enough for you to sit or curl up comfortably.
Step 2: Layer the Textures
Hygge is a very tactile concept. Comfort comes from what you see, smell, and feel. Layer your chosen space with an abundance of soft, natural textures. Think chunky knit blankets, faux fur throws, velvet cushions, and a soft rug underfoot. The more inviting and sink-in-able it looks, the better. These textures are not just for show; they are there to be used and enjoyed.
Step 3: Add the Perfect Light with Mattys Candles
This is the most crucial step for creating atmosphere. Avoid harsh overhead lighting at all costs. Instead, opt for the warm, gentle glow of a candle. The flickering flame is the heartbeat of a hyggekrog. When choosing a candle, consider both the scent and the size of your space. For a small, intimate nook, a standard 220g candle is perfect. If you’re wondering what is the best natural soy candle for a small living room, our guides can help you pick a scent that won’t overwhelm the space. A fragrance like Amber & Sweet Orange or Fireside can add an extra layer of warmth and comfort.
Step 4: Personalise with Meaningful Objects
Your hyggekrog should be a reflection of you. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy and peace. This could be a stack of your favourite books, a mug you love, a framed photo of a happy memory, or a small plant. These items shouldn’t be clutter; they should be curated personal treasures that make the space feel uniquely yours. The goal is to create a corner that tells a story—your story.
What Makes a Candle ‘Hygge-Ready’ and Safe?
A hygge-ready candle is one that burns cleanly without harmful toxins and complies with UK safety standards, ensuring a healthy and worry-free cosy atmosphere. While the aesthetic of a candle is important for hygge, what’s inside it is even more critical. True cosiness and contentment can’t be achieved if you’re worried about the quality of the air you’re breathing. This is something we take extremely seriously at Mattys Candles.
Many mass-produced candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and toluene when burned. That’s why we exclusively use a natural blend of coconut and rapeseed wax. This blend provides a clean, long-lasting burn without the toxins associated with paraffin. This commitment to quality isn’t just a preference; it’s what our customers and retail partners demand. As our founder, Matty Hargreaves, noted after speaking with buyers at a major trade show: “Independent UK gift buyers in 2026 will not stock a candle that does not carry a clean-burn (no paraffin, no phthalates) declaration on the wholesale line sheet — it is now a hard filter, not a nice-to-have.”
Beyond the wax, safety and regulatory compliance are paramount. In the UK and Europe, candles must adhere to strict guidelines. The CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 governs the classification, labelling, and packaging of substances and mixtures, which includes the fragrance oils in candles. This is why you see detailed safety information and pictograms on our packaging. Furthermore, the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 controls the use of chemical substances, and standards like BS EN 15494:2019 specify fire-safety requirements for candles. We see these regulations not as a burden, but as a promise to our customers. As the UK Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards guidance makes clear, safety is the manufacturer’s responsibility 2]. When you light one of our candles, you can relax fully, knowing it was made with your wellbeing in mind, a core principle we detail in our guide to [mastering the candle making process.
How Do We Choose Scents for a Hygge Atmosphere at Mattys Candles?
We choose hygge scents by focusing on fragrances that evoke comfort, warmth, and nostalgia, such as vanilla, sandalwood, amber, and seasonal spices. Our scent development process is deeply rooted in the principles of hygge. It’s not about chasing fleeting trends; it’s about creating timeless fragrances that make a house feel like a home. When we’re in the workshop testing new blends, we’re constantly asking: Does this scent make you want to curl up with a book? Does it remind you of a happy memory? Does it feel like a warm hug?
Our creative process involves blending different notes to build a complete sensory experience. We categorise our hygge scents based on the mood they create:
* Comforting & Sweet: These are scents that feel like a dessert you can’t eat. Think Black Plum & Rhubarb or the creamy notes in our Rock Salt & Driftwood. They are perfect for creating a sense of indulgence and pleasure. * Warm & Woody: Scents with notes of sandalwood, cedar, and amber, like our Fireside or Amber & Sweet Orange fragrances. These are grounding, and calming, and create a sophisticated, den-like feel. They are ideal for long winter evenings. * Fresh & Cosy: These scents blend clean notes with a hint of warmth, like our Fresh Linen & Peony. They evoke the feeling of clean sheets and a fresh breeze through an open window on a sunny but cool day—a different, lighter kind of hygge.
To help you find your perfect match, we’ve put together a table of some of our most popular scents and the hygge moments they’re perfect for:
| Mattys Candle Scent | Dominant Notes | Ideal Hygge Moment | | ———————– | —————————— | —————————————————— | | Fireside | Bergamot, Amber, Sandalwood | Reading a book by the fire on a cold night. | | Amber & Sweet Orange| Orange, Amber, Vanilla, Clove | Hosting a relaxed dinner with close friends. | | Black Plum & Rhubarb| Rhubarb, Pear, Plum, Blackberry | A weekend baking session or enjoying a sweet treat. | | Fresh Linen & Peony | Peony, Jasmine, Musk, Sandalwood | A slow, lazy Sunday morning with coffee in bed. | | Rock Salt & Driftwood| Seaweed, Waterlily, Amber, Musk | A calming bath to de-stress after a long week. |
Choosing a scent is a personal journey. What one person finds comforting, another might find invigorating. We encourage you to explore different fragrances to discover what ‘hygge’ smells like to you.
What are Some Simple Hygge Rituals You Can Start Today?
Simple hygge rituals you can start today include lighting a candle while reading, enjoying a warm drink without distractions, and sharing a simple meal with loved ones. Hygge doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul or a big budget. It’s about finding small moments of joy and comfort in your everyday routine. Here are a few simple rituals you can incorporate to bring more hygge into your life, starting now.
1. The Morning Coffee Ritual: Before you check your phone or dive into your to-do list, take ten minutes for yourself. Make your favourite coffee or tea, light a candle with a gentle, uplifting scent (like Fresh Linen & Peony), and simply sit. Watch the flame flicker, savour the warmth of the mug in your hands, and ease into your day with intention and calm.
2. The ‘End of the Workday’ Signal: Create a clear boundary between your work life and your personal life. When you’re finished with work for the day, close your laptop and light a candle. This simple act serves as a powerful sensory cue to your brain that it’s time to switch off and relax. A calming, woody scent like Fireside is perfect for this transition.
3. The Analogue Evening: Dedicate at least one evening a week to being screen-free. Put your phones away, turn off the TV, and light a few candles around the room. Use this time to read a physical book, listen to a record, play a board game with family, or simply talk. You’ll be amazed at how a break from digital distraction can foster connection and peace.
4. Embrace Imperfection: A core part of hygge is letting go of the need for perfection. It’s about being authentic and comfortable. This even applies to our candles. Sometimes, natural waxes like ours develop ‘frosting’ – a white crystalline pattern on the surface. While some see it as a flaw, we see it as a sign of pure, natural wax. You can learn more about this in our guide to candle frosting causes and fixes, but the hygge lesson is to embrace these natural, unique characteristics.
5. The Cosy Bath: Elevate your bath from a simple wash to a restorative ritual. Turn off the main lights, place a waterproof candle (safely!) on the side of the tub, add some bath salts, and soak. Our Rock Salt & Driftwood candle is perfect for creating a spa-like, coastal-calm atmosphere.
By weaving these small, intentional moments into your daily life, you can cultivate a lasting sense of hygge and wellbeing.
Q: What is the main principle of hygge?
A: The main principle of hygge is to create a warm, cosy atmosphere and enjoy the good things in life with good people, focusing on contentment and wellbeing over material wealth.
Q: Can you practice hygge in the summer?
A: Yes, you can practice hygge in the summer by embracing outdoor cosiness, such as picnics in the park, bonfires on the beach, and enjoying long evenings with friends lit by candlelight.
Q: Is hygge just for introverts?
A: No, hygge is for everyone; while it includes quiet, solitary activities like reading, it also heavily emphasizes togetherness, such as sharing meals and conversations with friends and family.
In our journey as candle makers, we’ve found that the pursuit of hygge is really the pursuit of a more mindful, connected, and contented way of living. It’s about recognizing that the small, simple pleasures are often the most profound. To embrace hygge cosy living with Mattys Candles is to consciously choose to create moments of warmth, light, and peace in your everyday life.
We invite you to explore our collection of natural wax candles and find the perfect scent to start your own hygge journey. It’s not about buying a product; it’s about investing in your own wellbeing, one flickering flame at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hygge