Mys Is the Swedish Principle to Incorporate into Your Home Routine This Winter

Move over hygge—mys is the Nordic design trend to emulate now. Hailing from Sweden, mys translates into "coziness," but it's more than just a decorating idea—it's a way of living. Since Scandinavian countries experience long dark winters, seeking ways to create a warm atmosphere is essential. This homeyness can come from your surroundings, like your decor, but it can also be what you do to add that extra warmth to your life.

As winter sets in, our natural inclination is to hunker down and find a snug spot to ride out the season in comfort. Mys supports this idea of not just comfortability but creating a lifestyle that embraces the small moments.

The idea of mys is so engrained in Swedish culture that variations have taken form, like Fredagsmys, meaning Friday mys, which is the national ideal of spending time relaxing with friends and family after a long work week.

If you're ready for a bit more mys, try incorporating some simple tips that bring this philosophy into your home and life.

Mys vs. Hygge

There are a lot of similarities between the philosophies of mys and hygge and their focus on coziness—but there are some essential distinctions. First, of course, their countries of origin are different, which means there are cultural differences.

While hygge mostly refers to lifestyle and decor, mys focuses more on the experience of feeling cozy. Swedish culture also concentrates on work-life balance, and mys plays heavily into that. You can find mys in a leisurely breakfast, having a glass of wine with friends, or curling up with a good book.

Adding Mys to Your Winter Routine

So while mys is about more than decor, it still helps to set the scene. Create a home that's the perfect setup for getting comfy by following some of the tips below.

Mys-Inspired Decor

Let lighting set the scene. Make sure that your lightbulbs have a warm tone to them so that they cast a softer light and consider using more lamps and less overhead lighting (goodbye, big light). And, most mys of all, light some candles or a fireplace to give off both light and heat.

Add natural elements like wood and wool. These textures are inherently cozy and add depth and an inviting feel to your home. Add layers through curtains, blankets, and pillows to curate an atmosphere that's conducive to relaxing.

Choose furniture that emphasizes comfort over design. You want people to feel like when they come over they're welcome to lounge and stay a while, so make sure your couches and chairs prioritize function over form.

Mys-Inspired Lifestyle

Once you've created a cozy space, it's time to live a mys-filled life.

Make it a habit to put away electronics and connect in real life. Spend one weekend day on hobbies or reading a book with your favorite hot beverage to recharge. These simple, mindful days can create a feeling of mys that lasts throughout your work week.

Set up a recurring date for get-togethers with family and friends. The mys experience isn't about creating something fancy—it's just about appreciating being together. It turns out tacos are a popular choice for Fredagsmys because they're easy to make as a quick post-work meal, so the focus can be on relaxing and enjoying the company of loved ones instead of putting together an elaborate meal.

If all you can manage after a long week is ordering a pizza and putting on a movie, that's OK! As long as you're happy and cozied up, it's all mys.