Want to create a hygge summer and stay cozy even in the warmer months?
Here you will find 10 ideas for hygge summer essentials to make sure you stay hygge year-round!
When most people hear the Danish word “hygge,” they immediately think of cozy colder months, soft blankets, flickering candles, and steaming hot chocolate by the fire. But hygge isn’t just for winter—it’s a lifestyle centered around life’s simple pleasures, and that means it can (and should!) be embraced during the summer months too!
A hygge summer is all about slowing down, soaking in the natural beauty of the great outdoors, and finding joy in little things—whether that’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying a good book in a quiet spot, or savoring a delicious meal made with fresh greens from a local farmer’s market.
If you’re ready to embrace the hygge spirit even in the heat of summer, these 10 blissful essentials will help you create the coziest, most magical summer season yet.
Learn More: Hygge Lifestyle Tips (And How to Actually Do It!)
Hygge Summer Essentials
1. Outdoor String Lights for the Perfect Summer Nights
Nothing transforms a front porch, small town patio, or backyard into a hygge haven quite like fairy lights. As the sun shines and then sets, these twinkling lights create the ideal ambiance for hygge moments filled with deep conversation, laughter, and maybe even a glass of wine in the warm summer evening air.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Fairy lights provide a soft, warm glow that makes any outdoor space instantly more inviting.
- They create the perfect setting for a better place to unwind after a long day
- They enhance your living space without taking up any square footage of doors or windows.
Best Buy: I absolutely adore my solar-powered fairy lights with automatic on/off settings! They can easily make your outdoor movie night or hygge summer evenings effortlessly magical.
2. A Cozy Outdoor Blanket for Breezy Evenings
A soft blanket isn’t just for winter—it’s an absolute necessity for warmer months too! Whether you’re watching an outdoor movie night, enjoying a quiet spot at a local park, or sitting around a beach bonfire, a lightweight but cozy blanket will keep you comfortable during those breezy summer nights.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Perfect for snuggling up during longer days when the temperature cools down.
- Essential for impromptu picnics at a local farmer’s market or road trip rest stops.
- A wonderful way to make any outdoor setting feel more inviting.
Best Buy: A lightweight, linen or cotton cozy blanket—breathable for summer heat but warm enough for breezy evenings. I love my Turkish blanket for these occasions. They’re lightweight, adorable, and easy to transport!
3. A Fire Pit for Cozy Summer Nights and Roast Marshmallows
One of my favorite summer activities is the undeniably magical gathering around a fire pit on warm summer nights. I adore feeling the gentle heat, and watching the flames dance under the natural light of the moon. Whether you’re hosting a small town backyard gathering or enjoying a quiet spot at a cabin retreat, a fire pit creates the perfect way to make summer evenings feel extra cozy.
One of the most hygge things about a fire pit? The hygge moments spent spending time with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, making s’mores! A great way to embrace hygge spirit is to roast marshmallows with a close friend, sip on a glass of wine, and simply be present in the moment.
Why it’s a must-have:
- Creates an inviting space for quality time with family and friends.
- Provides warmth for those breezy longer days and starry summer nights.
- Adds a cozy and nostalgic feel to any outdoor movie night or backyard picnic.
Best Buy: A compact, smokeless fire pit for easy backyard setup—perfect for s’mores, warmth, and creating a truly hygge summer atmosphere. While I know it can be pricey, I find the smokeless firepit to be my favorite. Easy cleanup and super sturdy and looks great too!
4. A Beautiful Picnic Basket for the Best Outdoor Feasts
One of the most hygge things about summer is a picnic filled with fresh fruit, fresh greens, and goodies from a local farmer’s market. Whether you head to a local park or the beach, a stylish and functional picnic basket is a great way to elevate the experience.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Turns any mealtime into a special hygge moment.
- A perfect way to enjoy quality time with friends or a close friend.
- Brings an element of nostalgia and romance to the summer season.
Best Buy: Check out this woven wicker picnic basket with compartments for plastic cups, plates, and utensils. It’s so convenient to have everything in one easy to carry basket! It’s so cute and can even hold a wine bottle!
Learn More: 10 Cozy Home Decor Ideas that will Make You Fall in Love with Your Space
5. A Hammock or Outdoor Lounge Chair for Ultimate Relaxation
The ultimate hygge experience? Swaying gently in a hammock with a good book, enjoying the fresh air while feeling completely at peace. Whether you set one up in your backyard, a local park, or take it on a road trip, a hammock is the definition of hygge spirit in the summer months.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Helps you slow down and enjoy the present moment—a key part of the hygge lifestyle.
- Encourages spending time in the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.
- The perfect way to unwind after a long day in the summer heat.
Best Buy: A portable, easy-to-set-up hammock or a zero-gravity reclining chair. I love carrying my hammock around with me in my car, so I can set it up wherever I find a perfect spot to lounge in the sun!
6. A Stylish Straw Hat for Your Hygge Adventures
A sunhat isn’t just a great way to stay cool in the summer heat—it’s also a hygge-inspired fashion statement that makes every bike ride, berry picking trip, or visit to a local farmer’s market feel more special.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Protects you from the summer heat while keeping your outfit effortlessly stylish.
- Perfect for longer days spent in the great outdoors.
- Makes any hygge summer activity—like visiting a local park or going on a picnic—more comfortable.
Best Buy: This is the cutest lightweight, wide-brimmed straw hat with UV protection that I love to wear whenever I go out in the sun. It feels so cozy and comfy, looks stylish, and protects you from the sun!
7. A Small Herb Garden for Fresh Cooking
Nothing enhances a cozy home-cooked meal quite like fresh herbs picked straight from your own small herb garden. Even if you don’t have much square footage of doors, you can start small with a few potted herbs in your kitchen or balcony.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Brings the natural beauty of fresh greenery into your living space.
- Encourages a connection with local farmers and seasonal ingredients.
- Adds extra flavor to your favorite summer dishes, making them even more enjoyable.
Best Buy: A countertop herb-growing kit for basil, mint, and rosemary. This kit comes with a lot of accessories and everything you need to grow your own herbs from seed! If you want to get extra fancy, try out a hydroponic system to keep your herbs growing strong!
8. An Outdoor Movie Projector for the Coziest Movie Nights
Recreate the magic of a living room movie night but in the great outdoors! A mini projector and a white sheet turn any backyard into a hygge summer dream, perfect for quality time under the stars.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Turns any quiet spot into a magical outdoor movie night setting.
- A wonderful way to enjoy spending time with loved ones under the stars.
- Enhances the essence of hygge with a cozy, nostalgic experience.
Best Buy: A compact, wireless outdoor projector with Bluetooth compatibility. I love setting up my backyard projector screen and having a movie night with my friends in the yard! It’s so hygge to be outside in the warm summer evenings with my favorite people!
9. A Beautiful Ceramic Mug for Your Favorite Hygge Drinks
A favorite mug isn’t just for hot chocolate in the colder months—it’s an everyday essential! Whether you’re sipping iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of wine, the right mug makes every drink feel a little more special.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Adds a touch of hygge spirit to your morning routine.
- Encourages you to slow down and enjoy the little things.
- A great way to enjoy herbal teas, infused waters, or warm evening drinks in your living space.
Best Buy: I can’t live without my double-walled glass mug! It’s great for keeping my refreshing iced drinks cool, and warm drinks cozy, making it perfect for any hygge summer beverage.
10. A Reusable Farmer’s Market Tote for Local Shopping
Part of embracing hygge spirit is supporting local farmers and shopping at a local farmer’s market. A sturdy, reusable tote bag is an eco-friendly better way to carry your fresh flowers, fresh greens, and fresh fruit.
Why they’re a must-have:
- Encourages sustainable shopping while supporting local farmers.
- A perfect way to bring home seasonal produce and handmade goods.
- Durable and stylish—ideal for any hygge summer outing, from picnics to road trips.
Best Buy: A classic French wicker bag—stylish, durable, and perfect for carrying fresh flowers, fresh greens, and market finds during your hygge summer outings.
A hygge summer is about embracing the simple things—whether it’s a quiet spot with a good book, the fresh air of the great outdoors, or the most joy found in spending time with loved ones.
Now, grab your cozy blanket, light some fairy lights, and enjoy the perfect time to experience all the hygge lifestyle has to offer!
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