Going Scandinavian – Preparing your Home for Winter

The days are growing shorter, and while some may enjoy the challenge of embracing the coming cold, we know many of you are not looking forward to winter. That’s why we’re bringing you tips for ‘winterising’ your home – a practice the Scandinavians having been perfecting for almost ever!

In the north of Sweden, where winter daylight hours can number just 4 or 5 (and even fewer, the closer you get to the Arctic), preparing for the months of late autumn and winter life indoors is a serious business. Much as northern mammals look for a cosy place to hibernate in the coldest months, Swedes actively hunker down, creating in their homes a sense of ‘mysigt’ –  a concept which encompasses all things warm, welcoming, and peaceful. Here are some of the ways they achieve it, and in which we can winterise our own homes!

Indoor plants

While much of the colour fades from the garden over winter, and deciduous trees are bare, nature flourishes indoors in Swedish homes over winter. Deep window ledges are lined with flowering cacti, and leafy low-light loving pot plants such as Monstera, coleus, and oxalis. Kiwis have more winter light and so more choices of indoor winter plants including cyclamen, spider plant, and African Violet.

Low lighting

Instead of a single bright light in the living room, Swedes turn to lamps and candles to create a sense of cosiness. They also use twinkling fairy lights in the garden, twining them around trees to remind them of the natural world outside. In our Kiwi homes, we can do the same, and where candles may be a safety issue, we can use little battery or solar-powered tee-light candles instead. Even swapping from a low energy LED white light to a warm yellow one, can make a real difference to how warm our homes feel.

Rugging up

Swedes use fabrics to perfection, arranging welcoming pillows on the sofa and bed, luxuriating in thick, heavy drapes, and knitting, crocheting, or patchworking homely rugs for snuggling into. If you’re not a crafter, head to the nearest opshop for vintage peggy square throws. If lightweight rugs are your choice, they are inexpensive to purchase, so pick out a bunch and colour co-ordinate!

Bath towels and bedtime

Thick, fluffy towels, bath bombs, and bubble bath turn winter evenings into a soothing recipe for relaxation. Top it all off with a set of soft new pjs, and you’ll be asleep the moment your head hits the pillow!

Spice of life

For Scandinavians, socialising is an important part of helping the winter feel shorter. Hot, spicy drinks form the basis of these gatherings. Follow suit by stocking up on hot chocolate and marshmallows, and for a special treat, some red wine, and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger so you can prepare traditional Swedish Glögg. While you’re at it, gather the ingredients for Swedish cinnamon buns and invite family and friends to morning tea or supper!

Inside out

While making their homes welcoming in winter, the Swedish don’t forget about the big outdoors – even if there is less light to see by. Polished, colourful rain boots, bright umbrellas and coats, and pretty knitted hats and scarves decorate porches and hallways, and invite everyone to venture outside, no matter how cold it might be. Make sure you gather the gear to go out and about this winter!

Decorate with nature

As a reminder nature is never far away, the Swedes decorate their homes in winter with dried floral wreathes, fresh arrangements of conifer branches and winter berries, and pine cones. A basket of firewood (even if a heat pump or central heating is the main way of warming the home) harks back to simpler times and helps convey a sense of homeliness.

Fun and games

Long evenings and shorter hours of daylight mean hobbies shift indoors for the Swedes, over winter. So it’s out with the jigsaws, board games, and craft activities to while away the hours. Magazines and books are popped into baskets, and reading nooks are created by grouped chairs, soft-fabric bean bags, and floor cushions.

As our own colder months approach, why not go a little ‘Scandi’ yourself this year. It will make late autumn and winter a restful and relaxing time, and remind you to invite friends and family into your welcoming home.