As winter progresses, now is the time to relax, slow down and warm up with a hygge lifestyle. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” hygge is the ultimate comfort—a feeling of warmth and comfort. Think about curling up on a snow day. These feelings are hygge personified. These are simple amenities with the intention of creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Candles, blankets, big sweaters, chunky socks, sweets and hot drinks include hygge.
While you may not be familiar with the Danish term, you’ve certainly heard it. And you can recreate it in your own home, right here in Pittsburgh, or find a place that transports you to Scandinavia.
Hygge at home
PGH Candle offers a lit atmosphere with a local twist. The candles are locally inspired and hand poured. The North Side Storefront has a selection that any candle collector would love. 839 Phineas St., North Side
Another essential to set the scene are Greta’s Soyil Candles. These are handmade, Pittsburgh-made soy candles that will warm up any home. The minimalist design is perfect to enhance that Scandinavian style feel. 269
Puzz is the perfect addition to a cozy corner of the home. This local online puzzle company has taken the classic puzzle and created a stylish update with a vintage vibe. Not only are the puzzles made for true game lovers, but this woman-owned business also works with other female artists to create gorgeous designs. Put on your comfiest sweats, grab some hot cocoa, open a box and find those nooks and crannies.
What’s cozier than a sweater or a scarf? Sewickley Yarns has all the notions you’ll need to prepare for hygge. If you already know how to knit, they have all the material for your next project. For knitting newbies, there are drop-in classes as well as a weekly “help” class for help with nagging problems. 435 Beaver St., Sewickley
McWalker Yarns in Millvale has skeins to grab and socks to knit. With yarns for any level knitter, it’s the perfect hobby to evoke the feeling of hygge. Grab your knitting needles and be sure to check social media for upcoming classes and workshops. 303 Grant Ave., Millvale
Stop by Lawrenceville Market House and stop at Storehouse Neutral. Sleek and modern aesthetics can bring hygge style to accessories and home decor. Although hygge is often described as a feeling, creating a space in your home or office can help recall those warm winter feelings. Storehouse offers this inspiration. 4112 Butler St., Lawrenceville
PG&H is an online directory that serves as a platform for local artisans whose work could set a more Scandi stage. Find furniture and decorations that evoke the feeling of a quiet and cozy lifestyle. All featured makers are local artisans.
Allegheny Coffee & Tea Exchange in the Strip neighborhood is the place to buy gourmet coffees and teas, warming our winters. Abeille Voyante Tea Co. de Millvale is a staple for buying loose leaf tea. Offering a variety of different blends, shop highlights include Pittsburgh teas like Calm Dahn and Nebby Chai. 2005 Penn Ave., Strip District and 211 Grant Ave., Millvale
If you fancy a cup of cocoa, stop at Mon Aimee Chocolat. This Strip District staple is the place to go for drinking chocolate, so you have a mix at home for a hot chocolate anytime. 2101 Penn Ave., Strip District
Get cozy in the city
For some hygge away from home, head to Margaux. The cafe is a perfect combination of cafe and bar, a European-inspired space for small bites, coffees and cocktails. 5947 Penn Ave., East Liberty
Cafe Conmigo is Wexford’s answer to the Danish comfort feel. Being surrounded by cheerful plants and the sound of pleasant conversations humming in the background. You can also buy a blanket from the cafe and meet your friend with tea or hot cocoa. 10 North Meadow Drive, Wexford
Emerson’s has that effortless Scandi flair, with clean modern lines and the minimalist decor you’d imagine in a posh, chic restaurant in Copenhagen. It’s a cocktail bar with a quality menu to match – don’t miss the mid-week wine bottles on Wednesdays. 435 Market St., 2nd Floor, Downtown
Fet-Fisk is a Nordic pop-up restaurant that has been serving delicious fare with diners across the city since 2019. A Shaler Prepared Food Market and Farmhouse soon followed, offering a confluence of local Pennsylvania produce with a twist nordic Soon, they’ll be bringing a full-service restaurant to Bloomfield, but in the meantime, you can find them May through November at the Bloomfield Saturday Market at 5050 Liberty Ave.
350 Bakery makes delicious treats, but one thing they do incredibly well is cinnamon rolls and sticky buns. A good homemade hygge moment isn’t complete without a sticky sweet pastry. 2427 S 18th St., South Side
Allegro is also making gorgeous plant-based cakes, so even if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can still partake in a hygge-inspired snack. 2034 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill
Nordic countries know how to sauna. In fact, Finland has more saunas than cars, and spending time in a sauna is hygge-approved. Aura Sauna Studio is the place to go for an infrared therapy sauna session. They offer individual sessions as well as monthly packages or memberships. 2004 Smallman St., Suite 2004, Strip District
De-stress at Melt Sauna Studio. The sauna studio has an introductory price for your first session, so newcomers are welcome. Boost your serotonin levels in the middle of winter. 2605 Nicholson Road, Wexford
Do you want to enjoy a sauna in the privacy of your home? Warm Timber in Blawnox offers you a mobile sauna so you can enjoy the experience right on your doorstep.
