Hygge – the art of feeling good
The word hygge is hard to translate but easy to feel. It is about presence, warmth and well-being – about creating a space where you feel safe and truly present with others. Lit candles, a cup of hot cocoa, woollen blankets, good friends and peace of mind are all at the heart of hygge. The concept has become an international phenomenon, and books about hygge have been translated into dozens of languages, but for Danes it is first and foremost a completely natural part of everyday life, especially in the dark winter months when candlelight and togetherness keep the darkness at bay.
Hygge is closely tied to the way Danes furnish their homes. Simple materials, soft lighting, natural colours and room to be together are all characteristic. It is no coincidence that Denmark in particular has given the world some of the most beloved furniture and design classics of all time.
Functionalism and the Danish design tradition
Danish design became world-famous in the mid-twentieth century and rests on a simple principle: form should follow function, but beauty and craftsmanship must never be sacrificed. Furniture had to be beautiful, durable and usable in real life. This philosophy gave rise to a long line of icons that are still produced and in demand today.
- Arne Jacobsen is probably the most famous Danish designer and architect. His Egg, Swan and Ant chairs from the 1950s have become symbols of Danish design and are found in museums and homes worldwide.
- Hans J. Wegner designed over 500 chairs in his lifetime, including the famous Wishbone chair and the Round chair, known for their elegant lines and outstanding cabinetmaking.
- Poul Henningsen created the PH lamp, whose system of shades spreads light softly and without glare – a masterpiece of lighting design.
- Verner Panton broke with tradition and created colourful, futuristic furniture such as the iconic Panton Chair in moulded plastic.
Silver, porcelain and sound
Danish design is not only about furniture. Georg Jensen founded a silversmithing workshop in 1904 whose jewellery and tableware are known today for their organic, timeless forms. Royal Copenhagen, founded in 1775, produces the famous hand-painted porcelain with the blue Musselmalet pattern, which has become a symbol of Danish craftsmanship. And Bang & Olufsen from Struer in Jutland has since 1925 combined highly advanced sound technology with sculptural design that looks more like works of art than electronics.
LEGO – toys from Billund to the whole world
No account of Danish design is complete without LEGO. The company was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen in the small Jutland town of Billund, and the name comes from the Danish words leg godt, meaning play well. The famous plastic brick with studs was launched in its present form in 1958, and today LEGO is one of the world's most recognised and beloved brands. In Billund you can visit the original Legoland park, which opened in 1968.
World-class architecture
The Danish design tradition also extends to architecture. Jørn Utzon designed the Sydney Opera House, one of the world's most iconic buildings, which today stands on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the present day, Bjarke Ingels and his firm BIG have made Danish architecture famous once again with striking buildings across the globe, characterised by playfulness, sustainability and bold ideas.
The Danish lifestyle and where to buy design
Behind hygge and design lies an entire way of life. Danes cycle to work all year round, value the balance between work and leisure and top the international happiness rankings year after year. It is about trust, community and an everyday life that leaves time for what matters. If you want to take a piece of Danish design home, the department store Illums Bolighus in central Copenhagen is an obvious choice, just as Hay House offers modern, affordable design. A trip to Denmark is also a journey into a culture where the beautiful and the practical go hand in hand.