What is Koselig? All About the New Hygge If there’s anyone who knows how to get cozy, it’s Scandinavians. With their picturesque but notoriously cold winters, these northern European countries have built an entire culture around staying cozy and comfy through the cold season. Each country even has its own word for this special feeling. 

From Hygge to Koselig

You may have heard the Danish word already: hygge — pronounced hoo-gah — which took the world by storm a couple of years ago. Now, the Norwegian version is catching on. Much like hygge, koselig — pronounced koosh-lee — is the Norwegian way of capturing everything comforting and wholesome.  While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact definition for hygge and koselig, they could be described as the feeling you get while sitting around a roaring fireplace with friends or family after a long day outside.  Koselig is an adjective — like the word cozy — and kos is a noun— like the word coziness — and Norwegians will often add “kos” to the end of other words to emphasize the coziness associated with them. For example, tv-kos is the coziness you feel watching TV! If this sounds like something you’d like to have more of in your life, here are six easy ways you can invite kos into your life for a more koselig winter. 

Light Candles 

Forget bright, fluorescent lights if you want to feel koselig. An easy, affordable way to immediately up your koselig game is to invest in a few nice candles to scatter around your space. There’s nothing like the warm glow from a candle to set a cozy mood. And if you’re lucky enough to have access to a fireplace, building up a roaring fire is another perfect way to create a toasty atmosphere with soft, inviting light.

Embrace Cozy Decor

Once you’re basking in the flickering glow of some candles, you’ll want some comfy seating to relax on. An assortment of warm blankets and soft pillows certainly helps but if you really want to embrace koselig, consider investing in some quality furniture that will provide year-round feelings of warmth.  The Stressless Lounge Manhattan series by Ekornes is the perfect option if you’re looking for a clean, Scandivanian style that you can cozy up on with friends. If you’re more likely to be enjoying koselig solo — maybe curled up with a book — a chair like the Himolla Mersey Power Recliner with its smooth, modern design and warm wood finishes is another solid option.

Eat Comfort Food

Scandinavians love candy (fun fact: Sweden has the highest per capita consumption of candy in the world!) so buying some of your favorite sweets to snack on is a sweet way to get more koselig. Another is to cook up some hearty comfort food! Whatever stick-to-your-ribs, family classics warm your heart and stomach make for a good choice. Think soups, stews, and casseroles.

Drink Something Hot

You’ll need something to wash down that comfort food, and there’s nothing more koselig than a steaming mug of your favorite beverage. While coffee and hot chocolate are the obvious choices, this is the perfect time to experiment with different teas and novelty drinks like mulled wine or hot toddies if you’re really taking koselig seriously.

Go Skiing or Sledding

Though koselig is usually associated with the coziness you get from indoor activities, you just might appreciate it more if you spend some time outdoors. Skiing and sledding are typical Scandinavian activities but if you’re in a snowless region, consider taking a hike in the brisk winter air or enjoying some time at an indoor skating rink to achieve a similar feeling.

Stay In with Friends

Of course, koselig is ultimately all about the joy of staying in, so the number one way to get koselig this winter is to find somewhere to hole up with friends and enjoy each other's company. Of course, you could do this at home with a great holiday movie or some fun tunes, but heading out to your local pub is another great way to experience koselig. If this all sounds appealing, head on over to The Back Store to browse the wide range of comfortable, quality furniture that can help you bring koselig into your life this winter.