Soft MoMA: Embracing Comfort and Hygge

Think about the sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and energy of the spaces where you spend the most time. How do you feel in those spaces? Which ones feel good? Which don’t feel as good?

Ideally, any space where you find yourself spending a lot of time should feel safe and comfortable. For many reasons this might not always be possible, but that doesn’t mean comfort or coziness needs to stay out of reach.

The Danish concept of hygge, embracing the simple things that bring joy, is related to curating a comforting or peaceful space. Hygge is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Atmosphere, gratitude, pleasure, togetherness, and comfort are the main principles of hygge. But noticing what helps you feel connected to another person, your neighborhood, or a particular season are also ways to embrace the concept.

How hygge looks in practice varies from person to person. You don’t need to make big changes to create a more comforting space. Sometimes small adjustments—such as reorganizing a shelf so your favorite items on it are in clearer view, tidying up a corner, or adjusting a chair so you can catch the light from a nearby window—can have real impact.

You might also take a closer look at the objects you use every day. Dutch designer Hella Jongerius has long been integrating soft materials into her work. She often focuses on objects that touch our lives on a daily basis, a reaction to spending hours in the digital realm. “I want to show feeling, touch, volume, texture, how nice it is to touch things,” she reflects. “Touching not only with your eyes and your mind, but also with your guts. It gives you an understanding that you are alive.”

How might you incorporate more comfort, softness, or hygge into your life? Let the artists and designers in MoMA’s collection inspire you to notice the things that make you feel more alive.

Spend some quality time with a pet.

Imagine running your hands over the fur of the cat in Morris Hirshfield’s painting. How does that feel? As you pet this cat, it begins to purr and flex its paws contentedly. What sensations arise in your body? What thoughts and feelings do you experience as you connect with this cat?

Sink or melt into a chair.

Take a moment to check in with how your body feels at this moment. Do you notice places of tension or ease? Now turn your attention to this chair. Imagine running your hand over its surface. What does that feel like? Picture yourself sitting in it. Allow yourself to melt into the chair if that feels good to you. What other forms or postures do you take? Check in with yourself and note any shifts in how you feel now.