Hygge in September: A Season of Softness

Living Hygge at Home

I first started researching Hygge at the start of the New Year. I was on a mission to have a year of good health, and a huge part of that meant focusing on my mental well-being. I wanted to feel happy, but more than that, I wanted to feel content. To be happy where I am in life, to celebrate the season I’m in, and to truly appreciate what I already have.

That’s when I discovered Hygge. Hygge is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that creates a feeling of contentment or well-being” often described as a defining characteristic of Danish culture.

At its heart, hygge is about slowing down and savoring life’s simplest pleasures. It’s the joy of everyday moments—small, ordinary things that feel extraordinary when we pause to notice them. Hygge reminds us that happiness isn’t found in wealth or material possessions, but in softness, warmth, and togetherness. It’s about appreciating the little things that make life feel cozy and full.

While Hygge is often associated with winter (big knitted blankets, flickering candles, and mugs of something warm) it’s really much more than that. It’s a mindset. It’s about embracing slow living, creating comfort in your surroundings, and finding joy in the ordinary.

Hygge isn’t just for dark winter days, it’s a way of living that can be woven into every season. September, especially here in Maine, feels like the perfect time to embrace it. The shift from summer to autumn invites us to notice the small joys: the way the morning air feels crisp on your skin, the scent of apples in the kitchen, the sound of leaves underfoot. Here’s how to bring that same cozy, content feeling into your home and daily life this month.

Soft light, simple sights — peace in every corner

Declutter: A key to creating a hygge home is keeping your space neat and simple, not overwhelmed by clutter or excess. Less stuff means more room for life. Typically, hygge interiors favor neutral, natural colors. That said, my home is colorful and full of toys, reflecting our current vibrant and playful season. To maintain hygge here, I focus on organizing toys so they can be easily picked up and tucked out of sight, keeping the space feeling calm and cozy.

Lighting: Candles are a classic hygge essential. If you’re not comfortable burning candles, a candle warmer lamp offers a lovely ambient glow and brings the gentle scent of the candle without an open flame. For those sensitive to smells, flameless LED candles work beautifully to create that warm, cozy atmosphere that defines hygge.

Swap noise for sound — start your day softly

A big part of hygge is connecting with the outdoors. One simple way to bring the outside in is by opening your windows. Let the gentle sounds of birdsong, rustling leaves, or flowing water drift into your home. If the noises outside aren’t very soothing, try playing calming music instead. Just swapping the TV for peaceful music in the morning has brought so much more calm and peace to my routine.

Savor the scents — your home’s gentle embrace

Candles play a role here again. Many say you can’t have true hygge without candles. But there are other wonderful ways to fill your home with comforting scents. Baking or cooking hearty meals releases warm, inviting aromas. Seasonal flowers, scented pinecones, or simply opening your windows to welcome fresh air and the smells of the season all add to a cozy atmosphere.

Nature’s touch — comfort at your fingertips

Texture is an essential part of creating hygge at home. Think soft blankets and pillows, cozy rugs, and layers of warmth. Since our house tends to get chilly, it’s not unusual to find blankets draped over couches, dining chairs, or even bar stools at the kitchen island. Bringing nature inside adds another layer of texture and infuses your home with a sense of calm. Wood, fresh or dried flowers, and stone all carry the comforting and peaceful beauty of the outdoors.

Taste the season — flavors that comfort

Warm drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are essential for fully embracing hygge. Sweet treats are warmly welcomed too (something everyone can agree on). Hearty, warm breads and comforting soups are perfect for this season and add to that cozy, satisfying feeling.