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When I think of hygge, lighting is one of the first things that comes to mind. There’s just something about the soft flicker of a candle or the gentle glow of a lamp that instantly makes a space feel calm and comforting. I love using layered lighting to create a cozy vibe—whether it’s string lights draped across a shelf or a warm bedside lamp for evening wind-downs. Here are seven simple ways I like to bring that hygge glow into my home.
7 Hygge Lighting Ideas
- Candlelight
- Warm White String Lights
- Dimmable Table and Floor Lamps
- Salt Lamps
- Smart Bulbs
- Lanterns
- Paper Lanterns
The right lighting can turn any space into a cozy retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day. These simple ideas will help you create a warm, hygge-inspired atmosphere in your home.
What is Hygge Lighting?
Hygge lighting is a key part of Scandinavian lighting design, focusing on warmth, softness, and comfort. Instead of harsh overhead lights, it uses layered, warm-toned light sources like candles, dimmable lamps, and string lights to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
The goal is to bring a sense of calm and relaxation into your home. I like to use warm white or amber bulbs (2200K-3000K), flickering candlelight, and indirect lighting help achieve this effect. By using multiple light sources at different heights, you can create a balanced, soothing glow that defines Scandinavian lighting—perfect for reading, unwinding, or gathering with loved ones.
7 Cozy Hygge Lighting Ideas for a Warm Scandinavian Glow
The right lighting can make your home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly cozy. These hygge-inspired ideas will help you create a soft, comforting glow that embodies Scandinavian lighting at its best.
1. Candlelight
Candlelight is one of the easiest ways to create a cozy, hygge-inspired atmosphere. The soft flicker adds warmth and relaxation to any space, making it perfect for quiet evenings or gatherings with friends. In Scandinavian lighting, candles are often placed in clusters on tables, windowsills, and shelves to create a natural, inviting glow.
For a safer alternative, I prefer to use LED flameless candles provide the same warm ambiance without an open flame. But no matter what your personal preference is, the key is to use warm-toned candles that mimic natural firelight.
Cozy Candlelight Picks
Capri Blue Soy Wax Candles
This Aqua Petite Jar candle delivers the iconic Volcano scent, a blend of tropical fruits and sugared citrus. Made with a premium soy wax blend, it offers up to 40 hours of burn time. Stylish and fragrant, it’s perfect for creating a vibrant, refreshing atmosphere year-round.
LED Flameless Candles
This set of 5 flameless pillar candles features built-in string lights for a warm, flickering glow. Made with an acrylic shell, they provide a safe, mess-free alternative to real candles. Battery-operated with a timer function, they’re perfect for weddings, home decor, and special occasions.
Hygge Candle Holders
This set includes three black candle holders in varying heights, made of durable aluminum alloy with a rust-resistant finish. Featuring a stable, wide base with a non-slip velvet bottom, they fit 3/4″ and 7/8″ candles. Easy to disassemble for storage, they’re perfect for home decor, weddings, and holiday table settings
2. Warm White String Lights
Warm white string lights add a soft, magical glow that instantly makes a space feel cozy. Unlike bright, cool-toned lights, warm white bulbs create a gentle ambiance that fits perfectly with Scandinavian lighting principles. I drape them around windows, headboards, bookshelves, or even inside glass jars to create an effortless hygge touch.
For extra coziness, choose dimmable or battery-operated string lights that let you adjust the brightness to match your mood. Whether you’re setting the scene for a relaxing evening in your cozy gaming room or adding a subtle glow to your hygge living room, these lights make any space feel warm and inviting.
Twinkling Hygge String Light Picks
Dimmable White String Lights
These 33ft LED globe string lights feature shatterproof frosted bulbs for a warm, eye-friendly glow. With a remote control for 8 lighting modes, brightness adjustment, and a timer, they’re perfect for home, classroom, or holiday decor. UL-certified, waterproof, and connectable, they create a romantic and inviting atmosphere indoors or outdoors.
Battery-Operated Fairy Lights
This set includes four 33ft fairy string lights with 100 LEDs each, plus two remotes for easy control. Featuring 8 lighting modes, a timer function, and adjustable brightness, they’re perfect for indoor and outdoor decor. Waterproof and battery-powered, they create a warm, festive atmosphere for holidays, weddings, and DIY projects.
Glass Jar Fairy Lights
This set includes three gray glass hurricane candles with built-in fairy lights, emitting a warm white glow. Battery-operated with a 6-hour timer function, they create a cozy ambiance for home decor, weddings, and special events. Sizes: 2.75”D x 5”H, 6”H, and 7”H.
3. Dimmable Table and Floor Lamps
Dimmable lamps are a must-have for hygge lighting because they let you control the warmth and brightness of your space. Unlike harsh overhead lighting, a soft table or floor lamp creates a gentle glow that feels inviting and relaxing. Look for lamps with fabric, wood, or ceramic shades to enhance the cozy vibe.
In Scandinavian lighting, multiple light sources at different heights help create a balanced and layered look. A table lamp on a side table, paired with a floor lamp in a reading corner, makes any room feel warm and welcoming. Don’t forget to buy warm-toned LED bulbs to keep the light soft and soothing.
Cozy Lamp Picks
Dimmable Table Lamp with Fabric Shade
This bedside lamp offers three color temperatures (3000K, 4000K, 6000K) for customizable lighting. Flicker-free and gentle on the eyes, it creates a warm ambiance for reading or relaxing. Includes a 6W energy-efficient bulb and is UL-certified for safety. Easy to set up and perfect for any space.
Wooden Floor Lamp
This modern wood tripod floor lamp features a sturdy rubber wood frame and a linen lampshade, blending with vintage, mid-century, and contemporary decor. It includes a built-in shelf for books or decor and a convenient foot switch. Compatible with E26 bulbs (not included), it creates a warm and inviting ambiance. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Smart LED Bulbs for Dimmable Lamps
Easily control these smart bulbs with Alexa voice commands or the app—no hubs needed. Schedule lights, adjust brightness from 5% to 100%, and control them remotely. Group multiple bulbs for seamless automation. Works exclusively with Alexa over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Perfect for any room, including bathrooms.
4. Salt Lamps
Salt lamps give off a soft, amber glow that instantly makes a room feel warm and cozy. Made from Himalayan salt, these lamps are a popular choice in Scandinavian lighting because they provide a natural, calming ambiance. Whether placed on a bedside table, shelf, or desk, they create a gentle, diffused light that helps set a relaxing mood.
Some people believe salt lamps can improve air quality by releasing negative ions, but whether or not that’s true, they definitely add to the hygge aesthetic. For the best effect, choose a dimmable salt lamp so you can adjust the brightness to fit the atmosphere of your space.
Glowing Salt Lamp Picks
Natural Himalayan Salt Rock Lamp Bowl
This USB-powered Himalayan salt lamp releases negative ions to help purify the air and create a calming atmosphere. Featuring a natural salt crystal bowl with a wooden base, it includes 10 adjustable brightness levels and a remote for easy control. Ideal for home, office, or as a thoughtful gift.
Dimmable Salt Lamp
Made from natural Himalayan salt crystals, this handcrafted lamp emits a warm amber glow for a calming ambiance. It sits on a durable neem wood base and comes in a gift-ready box, making it a perfect present for any occasion. Ideal for creating a cozy, relaxing atmosphere in any space.
Mini Salt Lamp Night Light
Made from 100% authentic Himalayan salt, this handcrafted lamp enhances ambiance while promoting a calming atmosphere. It includes a rotatable plug-in base, two bulbs, and ETL certification for safety. A perfect gift for any occasion, it adds warmth and a touch of natural elegance to any space.
5. Smart Bulbs
Smart bulbs let you customize your hygge lighting with just a tap on your phone. Unlike regular bulbs, they offer adjustable brightness and color temperature, so you can switch from a bright work light to a soft, warm glow in the evening. For the perfect Scandinavian lighting feel, set your smart bulbs to 2700K-3000K to create a cozy, candlelit effect.
Another benefit is voice control and scheduling. I like to program them to dim automatically in the evening and slowly turn on in the morning for a gentle wake-up.
Smart Lighting Picks
Warm White Smart Bulbs
These 13W LED bulbs provide 1500 lumens of bright, soft white light while lasting up to 15,000 hours—10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. UL-listed and FCC-certified, they deliver flicker-free, glare-free lighting with 90% energy savings, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Smart Bulbs with Scheduling
This dimmable smart bulb offers 16 million colors and adjustable whites (2500K-6500K) to match natural light patterns. Control it remotely via the Kasa app or hands-free with Alexa and Google Assistant. Energy-efficient (60W equivalent) with scheduling, timers, and real-time energy monitoring. UL-certified and requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.
6. Lanterns
Lanterns add a warm, rustic charm to any space, making them a perfect fit for hygge lighting. Whether you choose metal, wood, or glass lanterns, they create a soft, diffused glow that feels both cozy and timeless. Place them on coffee tables, shelves, or even outdoor patios to enhance the atmosphere.
For a true Scandinavian lighting touch, use LED flameless candles or warm white bulbs inside your lanterns. This keeps the cozy glow without worrying about open flames. You can also choose hanging lanterns for a charming, overhead glow that works well indoors or on a covered porch.
Hygge Lantern Picks
Wood and Glass Lantern
This wooden candle lantern adds instant warmth and charm to any space, indoors or outdoors. Featuring tempered glass panes and a durable stainless steel frame, it protects candles from drafts. Perfect for tabletops, patios, or hanging, it makes a stylish home accent or thoughtful gift. (Candle not included.)
LED Candle Lantern
This set includes two black metal lanterns (15” & 13”) and two flameless candles with a 6-hour timer function for effortless ambiance. Featuring a sleek modern farmhouse design, they’re perfect for indoor or outdoor decor—porches, patios, tabletops, or mantels. A thoughtful gift for any occasion. (Batteries not included.)
Hanging Metal Lantern
This set includes two solar-powered lanterns with a beautiful lily flower design, casting intricate light patterns for up to 10 hours after a full charge. Perfect for patios, gardens, and outdoor spaces, they can be hung or placed on the ground. Waterproof (IP65) and durable for all-weather use. Includes rechargeable batteries and solar panels.
8. Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns create a soft, diffused glow that instantly makes a space feel warm and inviting. Their lightweight design and simple elegance make them a staple in Scandinavian lighting, especially in cozy reading corners, hygge bedrooms, and dining areas. The gentle light they cast helps set a calm, hygge-inspired mood without being too harsh.
For a true hygge feel, opt for warm white bulbs inside your lanterns to create a soft, natural ambiance. Hang them from the ceiling for a dreamy effect or use tabletop paper lanterns for a subtle glow.
Soft Glow Paper Lantern Picks
Hanging Paper Lanterns
This set of five 12-inch sage green paper stars features intricate cut-out designs that create a warm, enchanting glow when placed near a light source. Made from durable brown paper, they are easy to assemble and perfect for Christmas, winter weddings, or everyday decor. Hang them on walls, windows, or ceilings for a sophisticated holiday display.
Tabletop Paper Lantern Lamp
This unique origami-style lamp features a foldable design with an octagonal wooden base and top, making it easy to store and perfect for travel or camping. With 4-6 hours of battery life, a touch switch for adjustable brightness, and a DIY-friendly paper surface, it creates a cozy ambiance. Ideal as a decorative gift for any occasion, and backed by a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
Paper Lantern Shade
These unique diamond-shaped paper lamps come in two sizes—20” tall with a 14” width, and 12” tall with a 19” width—perfect for creating a stylish ambiance. Made from durable cotton paper with a steel wire frame, they provide soft, even illumination. Simple to assemble and maintain, these eco-friendly lamps add a minimalist touch to any room. Bulbs and electrical wires not included.
Let There Be (Cozy) Light
The right lighting can transform any space into a warm, inviting retreat. By layering candles, string lights, dimmable lamps, salt lamps, smart bulbs, lanterns, and paper lanterns, you can create a cozy, hygge-inspired atmosphere that feels both relaxing and welcoming.
Whether you prefer the soft flicker of candlelight or the gentle glow of warm white bulbs, the key is to choose warm, diffused lighting that makes your home feel comfortable. Experiment with different light sources, and soon, you’ll have the perfect Scandinavian lighting setup for every cozy moment.