In a world addicted to hustle and digital distraction, it’s been increasingly difficult to feel utterly snug, safe, and immersed. But if you still yearn for that deep contentment while curled up with a book, completely lost in a story, even when there’s a storm raging outside, you can create your own cosy reading corner.

There are two quiet philosophies of Scandinavia that describe the wonderful art of feeling cosy. In Denmark, they call it Hygge (hoo-ga); in Sweden, it’s called Mys (meess).  Often associated with flickering candlelight and thick wool blankets during long, dark northern winters, Hygge and Mys aren’t a set of rules – they’re an invitation to create your own personal sanctuary with a book at its centre.

However, they’re not really about décor either, but about mindfulness, intentional comfort, and prioritising connection (with others and yourself). That’s why you can create this feeling anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re facing a snowstorm outside in New York City or a summer heatwave in Adelaide, you can harness the power of Hygge and Mys to cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and well-being.

 Hygge vs. Mys: Understanding the Nuances

You can think of Hygge and Mys as the opposite of stress, but while the terms are often used interchangeably to mean ‘cosiness’, they carry distinct cultural emphasis.

• Hygge (Danish): The warm, pleasant feeling of being with friends in a cosy setting. It translates the vibe of flickering candles, shared food, unhurried conversation, and the comfort of shelter. While you can certainly read in a hyggelig atmosphere, its focus is on togetherness.
• Mys (Swedish): The personal, snug, safe, and recharging feelings of being contentedly alone with a good book and a blanket. Its focus is on solitary comfort and reflects the Swedish ideal of balancing work with rest.

So, for this article, although we will use both words, Mys is the more accurate concept when talking about a reading corner that captures the bliss of shutting out the world and finding solace in the pages of a book.

The Universal Application: Why It Works Anywhere

The power of Hygge and Mys is found in the concepts of contrast and mindfulness. In the Nordic countries, the contrast is the extreme dark/cold versus the warm/light indoors. In the Southern Hemisphere, or anywhere outside of winter, the contrast is work/hustle versus presence/rest.

The Scandinavians are masters of intentionally creating a ‘hyggekrog’ or ‘myshörnan’ – a cosy nook. The goal is to claim a spot your brain associates with one thing: uninterrupted comfort. Thus, your reading sanctuary could be:

• An armchair with a soft throw blanket.
• Your corner of the sofa with your favourite lamp.
• A spot on the floor with a pile of plush cushions.
• A cocooning hammock in your breezy backyard (perfect on hot days).

The Magic is in the Atmosphere – How to Create a Cosy Reading Sanctuary

Lighting is Everything

This is non-negotiable as harsh overhead lights are the enemy of cosy. Swap them for the soft glow of a table lamp, fairy lights, or (the ultimate Scandinavian tool) a few candles.

Danes consider candlelight essential for setting a calming, non-aggressive atmosphere, proven to promote relaxation, so this simple change signals to your brain that it’s time to unwind.

Comfort is Key for a Perfectly Cosy Reading Corner

A warm drink is practically a required prop for the winter. Nothing like feeling the warmth of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in your hands as part of the ritual during cold weather.

Add a soft blanket for texture and warmth, and also incorporate natural elements, such as wool, wood, cotton, or ceramics, within the reach of your hands. These soft, tactile textures are a physical cue for your body to slow down and feel safe. Comfortable pillows and the previously designated ‘reading chair’ will improve function and comfort.

Don’t forget the perfect scent for your bubble of well-being, as our sense of smell is deeply linked to memory and emotion. Light a scented candle (safely!), use an essential oil diffuser with soothing scents like lavender or bergamot, or any other that makes you relax. Alternatively, you can simply bake something and let the sweetness fill the house – the smell of fresh-baked goods is universally comforting.

Unplug to Read: A Mindful Ritual

The whole point is to be present. In a hyper-digital age, Hygge and Mys are powerful forces for slowing down consumption and mind-racing.

You can read a physical book or on an e-ink screen (e-readers), but avoid tablets and phones. Actually, better to place your phone in another room to immerse yourself in the book and create a mindful escape.

Make this into a self-care ritual: prepare your favourite drink for the season, change into your softest clothes, and find your treasure blanket before diving into the pages. This dedicated, distraction-free time is the core of the practice.

Choosing Your Cosy Read

Not all books are created equal for this purpose. The book should pull you in and make you feel good. It’s your literary comfort food.

You’re not looking for a dense textbook or a high-stress thriller that will leave you anxious. You’re looking for something like a Mysdeckare, a brilliant Swedish word meaning a ‘cosy crime’ novel – the kind of mystery that focuses on the puzzle and the characters, without the gore (see our post on Agatha Christie for examples).

The concept is bigger than one single genre, though. A comfort read is any book that feels like a warm hug. It can mean:

• A heartwarming family saga.
• A witty and uplifting romance.
• A fascinating piece of historical fiction.
• Iyashikei or K-Healing fiction.
• A beloved fantasy novel you’ve read a dozen times.
• Any long book that you can truly sink into for hours of deep relaxation.

Cosy Reading Rooms Are for Every Season (Not Just Winter)

While Scandinavians perfected it for their long winters, the benefits of a cosy reading sanctuary are universal and year-round. The greatest advantage of adopting their philosophies is their applicability regardless of the calendar or climate.

All that can make the end of the year cosier in the Northern Hemisphere can be replicated in the Southern Hemisphere during the chilly evenings of June-August. A rainy afternoon in Santiago or a cold night in Cape Town is the ideal setting for Hygge and Mys concepts.

It applies anywhere, anytime, even during summer. You can create your sanctuary in the cool shade of a veranda or of an outdoor umbrella, prepare a crisp, cold drink, and enjoy an escapist novel after being out in the sun or, in a less enviable scenario, after working through hot, precious summer days.

By embracing Hygge and Mys ideas as intentional self-care rituals, like lighting a candle to signal the end of the workday, sinking into your favourite chair, and letting out a sigh to melt your tension away, you can integrate the secret to Nordic contentment into your own life.

It’s your deliberate choice to slow down and savour a simple pleasure.