Scandinavian cultures are frequently regarded as being the most joyful anywhere in the world. Here are their top ways to bring happiness during the darkest season during the winter.
The winter is upon us. Three words that can cause grunting teeth and preemptive shivering across the northern hemisphere at this season, but it’s also a fun season if you have the right attitude and the appropriate Nordic lighting. Let’s look at those happy Swedes and jolly Danes and discover what makes them so happy as the sun barely sets close to that Arctic Circle.
Most notably in the UK the winter season is seen as a time to be endured, to make it through the winter months while looking forward to spring. But hurrying through winter with a focus at warmer weather is an injustice. Slowing down and taking in the seasonal variations and the opportunities to connect with your family, friends and even with yourself is something that Scandinavians have developed. This is why Scandinavians are not just coping with the winter weather, but are actually taking advantage of the opportunities winter offers.
Get into the hygge spirit.
The cultivation of Hygge (a Danish term for comfort and convenience that is loosely connected to Sweden’s kos concept and Norway’s langom notions) during the winter months is just as important as taking advantage of the abundant outdoors during the long, sunny summer days. You can increase the feeling of happiness by using the appropriate lighting. Open-flame candles are the preferred choice in Scandinavia and all over the world.
Nowadays you’ll see many naked bulbs replacing the role of wicks with no wicks. Select the latest Edison reproduction bulbs that have elegant filaments. Although their output in lumens is not very strong but the result is beautiful and warm for accents. It is possible to place them on a window as shown above, to mimic what is the Scandinavian tradition of candlelight in windows.
Maintain a natural, unpretentious approach.
Nature-based materials as well as neutral shades are the mainstays of Scandinavian design. There’s something relaxing about wood, glass wool, stone and wool that make a space more grounded and link it to the natural world. The combination of these materials in a thoughtful way creates an earthy, deliberate style that feels elegant and comfortable in the same way. Naturally sunlight is the most important factor for those precious daylight hours and you should open the shades when you can maximize the sun’s fading.
Choose soft, even light.
The brighter the bulb, the less you will benefit. Although you may find yourself wanting more light during winter, lighting your rooms with high-watt bulbs isn’t the solution. Instead, make your lightscape unique with portables and pendants which are thoughtful, purposeful and, more importantly without glare.
Designers such as Poul Henningsen have gone to extraordinary efforts to design lighting that doesn’t irritate your eyes with bright, shocking spots. Design concepts like his famed PH series feature carefully placed layers to ensure that the light they emit is as beautiful and pleasing as the silhouettes. Light that is gentle to look at is appreciated when the weather is dark and dreary. It helps to make the transition less jarring. Additionally, dimming the lighting to enjoy a crackling fireplace is one of the best things about winter.
Find plenty of candlelight.
To truly Nordic But, to truly Nordic you should at the very least look into candlelight. There’s no substitute for the warmth and warmth that a burning flame can bring. Votives or tea light bulbs set in glass holders with sparkling crystals make a great centerpiece, and classic taper candles could look contemporary in an elegant sleek brass holders. You can think about using candles (or twelve or two) to create a unique design for romantic meals, intimate evenings, or just for some quiet time.
Don’t forget layers.
Also, think about layers. Just as important as layers of bedding or clothing is in winter, layered lighting adds warmth and flexibility when you go about your day. Ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting can all be used to create a unified lighting scheme that’s more pleasing and inviting than just one overhead lamp. Also, as always, dimmers can be a key element in regulating the mood of your home throughout the year.
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