Learning from the Nordic countries: a collection of ideas for enjoying the cold winter

When you hear "Nordic," you might imagine bright colors and beautiful townscapes, but there's another side that's just as well known: a harsh, long winter. Depending on the area, some parts of the Nordic countries go weeks without sunlight, and many days are marked by poor weather, so people there tend to spend a lot of time enjoying life indoors during winter. For example, they pay close attention to interior design and everyday goods, or gather items that create a comfortable atmosphere. Based on the way of life that people in the Nordic countries value, why not bring some of these winter-enjoying ideas into your own daily life?

Things that bring happiness to the heart. Bright, colorful interiors, calming light, and the scent of candles blending naturally into a room. Interior items that quietly light up everyday life seem to bring effects that go beyond their practical use.

【A Life with Color】

-RONDINAUD Charentaises

If you'd like to bring color into your life in a casual way, slippers are a great place to start. Especially for cold feet, it's nice to have something that looks warm, not just something that keeps you warm.

These are Charentaises, slippers made from sturdy felt fabric by RONDINAUD. They're built sturdily enough that you could almost wear them outdoors, and even for the women's version alone there are sizes 【36, 37, 38】 to choose from. The insole is made of 100% wool, soft and fluffy, giving a reassuring feeling when you slip your feet in. These Charentaises are known as "quiet footwear" because they barely make any pattering sound, which is a wonderful feature for creating a comfortable space.

The Calmont Prune is a pair that combines purple with pink. The colorful combination looks just like something out of a picture book. Other colors are also available, so it's nice to choose whichever suits your taste.

-tone clock (wall clock)

A simple, refined clock with just the right presence—not too understated, not too showy—seems like it would make the passage of time feel gentler.

This is a clock by tone, created using a traditional Takaoka dōki (Takaoka copperware) technique that colors the copper by making use of the material's own properties, without any paint. The copper's original color is drawn out by corroding its surface with chemicals passed down since ancient times, bringing out the inherent coloring of the copper itself.

An exquisite coloring created by Japanese artisans. The longer you use it, the more presence it takes on, and you can enjoy the depth of expression that develops over time. This clock, which becomes more one-of-a-kind as time passes, also makes a wonderful gift.

The removable leather strap for hanging is also charming. For a clock that will keep marking time, it's nice to choose one that blends seamlessly into everyday life.

- MANTECAS Blanket CHEVRON VISUAL Coral

When it comes to an interior item that can completely transform the color of a room, a large blanket is a great choice.

For example, this blanket by MANTECAS features a striking jagged geometric pattern inspired by the steep mountains of Portugal. It feels a little heavy, but that's because it's made with plenty of wool. When first used, the weave is tight and the fabric feels crisp, but with use it gradually softens and becomes supple. The warm coral color is perfect for a winter blanket. Imagining having a blanket like this while relaxing at home, taking a coffee break, or watching a movie really lets your imagination run wild, doesn't it?

The reverse side is an even brighter color, and it's nice to use it to add contrast with your furniture and fabrics.

【A Life with Light】

With short daylight hours and often cloudy skies, people in the Nordic countries value "light" above all else. Many people probably feel that when the time spent in light is short, it's somehow harder to feel energetic, and easier to feel down.

　-FUTAGAMI Imohada Pendant Lamp

Rather than a fluorescent light that illuminates every corner of a room, this pendant lamp lets you feel a gradation of light. It has a mysterious charm, like a full moon floating in the night sky, that makes you look up and gaze at it.

FUTAGAMI's pendant lamp is characterized by the gentle light released from its brass shade. The outside makes the most of the brass material as it is—shiny when first used, it gradually deepens through oxidation, taking on a mellow, greenish patina over time. Because of its compact size, it works well as a room lamp for a space of about 3-4 tatami mats, or as a desk lamp to illuminate your work at hand. It's the kind of light you'd want to choose for a place where you want to spend time calmly.

　-Fores Michiyukiandon

Indirect lighting to illuminate close at hand. Having one small, unobtrusive lamp is handy for coffee time after a meal or for reading in bed.

Fores's Michiyukiandon is a traditional Japanese chōchin (paper lantern), elevated into a modern piece of interior design. Its surface is washi (Japanese paper). It's assembled by lifting the flattened lantern up like an accordion, then attaching the metal fittings and handle to complete it. Insert the included AA batteries, and the light filtering through the washi flickers gently. This Michiyukiandon, with its nostalgic atmosphere, feels like it enriches the Japanese heart.

→See other types here

In Swedish, the word "Fika" refers to "drinking coffee while enjoying pastries, cakes, sandwiches and other light snacks," and by extension, "enjoying coffee time with family and friends." Not only in Sweden but throughout the Nordic countries, people place great importance on taking time to calm down and drink coffee. For example, at many Swedish companies, employees gather every day to cherish their fika, resetting from work, working efficiently, and enjoying the small pockets of free time in between. Fika is truly a word that embodies the balanced Nordic lifestyle.

　-KONO Meimon Dripper Set

Time spent brewing coffee with a dripper is irreplaceable. When you find even a little spare time, instead of immediately reaching for your smartphone as is so common these days, try clearing your mind and enjoying a moment of blank space.

This is the KONO Meimon Dripper Set. Among the many ways of brewing coffee—nel drip, French press, siphon, and more—the paper drip method is relatively easy to get started with. Simply fit a paper filter into a cone-shaped dripper, add ground coffee, and pour in hot water. It's simple, but the way you pour the water lets you adjust the flavor to your liking, which is another nice thing about it.

Available in 2-cup and 4-cup sizes, so please enjoy brewing café-quality coffee both at work and at home.

→2-cup size

→4-cup size

　-ASCEL Cup

For coffee time spent enjoying sweets or a meal with friends, it's handy to have a small, stylish cup.

This ceramic mug has a matte finish, giving it a modern impression while still being easy to use. If a guest were to be quietly served such a lovely cup, they might not be able to help but let out a "how lovely!" It was designed using a 3D printer, and its usability is outstanding—the handle is shaped so it's easy to support with your fingers.

　-Aizawa Mokuzai Kougei Rinka Plate

A natural wooden plate pairs nicely with glass and ceramic tableware alike. Why not try using one to hold nuts, baumkuchen, cake, sandwiches, or other accompaniments to coffee or tea?

Aizawa Mokuzai Kougei has passed down its craftsmanship for generations as kijiya (woodworkers) who hollow out wood to create the base forms for lacquerware and other vessels. This rinka (flower-shaped) plate is carved from keyaki (zelkova) wood, and the evenly shaped petals and gentle texture convey the meticulous skill of the craftsman.

There are also small mame-zara (bean-sized plates) like this one. You can use them for a little snack alongside tea, to hold sugar cubes for coffee, or as a small side dish or condiment plate at mealtime. Though small, these plates convey a truly admirable, delicate craftsmanship.

What comes to mind when we think of the Nordic countries is a simple lifestyle, stripped of anything unnecessary, in all things. In regions with short daylight hours, people cherish, above all else, the relaxed time spent basking in sunlight.

　-KLIPPAN Throw

Reading in a sunlit room—at times like this, a throw blanket to wrap yourself in comes in handy.

This piece is finished with eco lambswool from the Swedish textile maker KLIPPAN. It's an exquisite throw made generously with soft, high-quality wool with a gentle feel against the skin. Since spinning, weaving, dyeing, and final production are all carried out at the company's own factories, absolute high quality has been maintained since its founding. It's produced in a factory that meets strict environmental standards, and is made with 100% eco lambswool guaranteed to be free of organic substances that could pose a risk to health.

Use it as a blanket when you're absorbed in a book, coffee in hand. When watching TV or a movie, it's large enough to comfortably cover two people at once.

And when not in use, it looks lovely simply draped over the sofa.

　-iittala Mug

Small, delicate cups are lovely, but when you want to watch TV or a movie, read, or study for yourself, you'll want a dependable mug with plenty of capacity.

This simple, colorful mug is from iittala. It's pleasantly thick and chunky, with a satisfying weight. It's microwave and oven safe, making it perfect for preparing cocoa or hot milk. For those who carefully choose the items they keep close at hand and enjoy a simple life free of excess, this mug is sure to become a wonderful companion.

Available in 300ml and 400ml sizes. At a coffee shop, 300ml is roughly S to M size, and 400ml is roughly M to L size.

→The 0.3ml size is here

→The 0.4ml size is here

　-SIDOSTE Fluffy Socks

In the cold winter, cold feet are always a concern. With fluffy, cozy socks that your feet will love, you can stay warm from the inside out.

These are SIDOSTE's fluffy angora socks. As the name suggests, they're made with angora's fine, long fibers. Since they're room socks that warm you all the way to the ankle, why not be bold and choose a vivid red pair?

These are fluffy leg warmers. They come in a plain, pattern-free style, so they seem useful not only at home but also for staying warm at the office. The lining is soft and cozy, and they can also be worn as arm warmers.

※Tableware: ASCEL

A special, luxurious party is wonderful, but a relaxed, at-home party where nobody has to worry about formality is just as good. In the Nordic countries, inviting friends over to share dinner or a cup of coffee is considered one of life's most precious moments. As long as you have a spirit of hospitality, even a casual home party can feel special.

　-DANSK Two-Handed Pot

A big platter of food, a pot simmering away, and everyone serving themselves as much as they like right at the table—for a party like that, a pot with a lovely design is just the thing.

This is a two-handed pot from DANSK. Made of colorful enamelware, it's perfect for gently simmering a stew for two to three people, or boiling macaroni and vegetables. Enamel conducts heat well, and it's also nice that it resists staining and odors after cooking.

It's convenient that you can simply set it down on the lid to use it as a trivet.

If you're looking for a charming trivet, you might also want to pair it with a felt mat from DEKORANDO. It gently cushions pots and teapots alike.

　-LINEN TALES Linen Apron Pinafore apron Colors

Picturing the happy faces of your guests as you cook with care—that's part of the joy of being a host. If you'll be preparing food to have ready for guests' arrival, you'll want to welcome them wearing your favorite apron.

The linen apron from LINEN TALES features a pleasantly substantial fabric that's soft from the very first use, along with stylish colors that still retain a natural feel. This apron doesn't need to be tied at the back—you simply slip it on over your head. It also has four large pockets on the front, making it wonderfully practical to use.

　-ONA-TISS SAFARI Placemat Set of 3

A placemat that conveys a spirit of hospitality. With a pure white mat, guests might worry about accidentally staining it. A natural color eases that worry while still giving a sense of cleanliness.

This SAFARI Placemat Set of 3 from ONA-TISS features stylish lines. It's made of 100% pure cotton (fine Egyptian cotton), woven with a clacking rhythm on old, slow-moving looms using the traditional Basque linen weaving method. Because the weaving takes its time, the fabric stays soft and fluffy even after washing.

Finally, a word about the Danish—said to be the happiest people in the world—and the Danish word "hygge," meaning "a comfortable time or space." This word also expresses "bonds with companions" and "consideration for others." It has drawn attention as a new lifestyle concept in the US and UK, and though it's a Danish word, it feels close to the philosophy of Nordic living in general. The Danish, who endure long, harsh winters, are rich in ideas and creative touches for finding joy in everyday life. At the heart of this way of thinking seems to be paying attention to the small moments in one's life and in one's connections with others.

In developed nations that have prioritized economic growth—including Japan—working long hours and pushing oneself in pursuit of a better life than today has long been the valued path. In Denmark, however, spending comfortable time with family and close friends, without putting on airs, is considered more important than anything else. Hygge is neither perfect nor extraordinary—it's a word that reminds us of the importance of spending the life we already have with the people who matter to us. As the year draws to a close and we rest from a year's worth of fatigue, please keep hygge in the back of your mind and spend this irreplaceable time well.

▽A busy year-end. ZUTTO's reading selections for a moment's pause