Everyone's corner of comfort looks different, whether it's a snug window seat for reading or a breakfast nook for a morning coffee. But what these comforting spaces have in common is that they are designed around pausing, taking a break, and slowing down.
In Sweden, this moment of contemplation is not just a state of mind, but rather a cultural custom. Known as 'Fika', it's an act that focuses on letting your mind rest, savoring the moment, and enjoying the simple things, indulging in a coffee or a sweet treat whilst you do so. I've long admired this tradition and have fantasized about having a room for just these simple comforts – even the idea of a breakfast nook or reading nook to unwind and contemplate sounds enchanting.
Kashi Shikunova, founder of YAM Studios, explains, 'In our busy lives, small moments are often forgotten. By creating spaces that naturally invite you to exhale and unwind, I believe we become more aware of these fleeting moments and automatically slow down to appreciate what truly matters.' Inspired by Fika and its roots in Scandinavian interior design, I asked designers how they create intentional spaces designed for the sole act of slowing down.
1. Make Comfort the Priority With Snug Seating
Comfort is an important factor in any design, but in a space designed for purely relaxation, it couldn't be more important. From a plush armchair to curl up in to a handful of scoop-back dining chairs to aid conversation, comfortable furniture is paramount when designing a cozy nook.
'Using comfortable furniture that encourages a relaxed feeling is essential,' Kashi explains. 'Carefully balanced seating heights and a well-proportioned side table make it easy to enjoy a moment without discomfort or awkwardness. There is nothing worse than sitting on a chair that is too high for the table; uncomfortable seating quickly distracts from being present and enjoying the moment.'
Joanna Lavén, founder of Stockholm based Studio Lawahl, agrees, explaining, 'Design a nook that feels like an invitation, place it where natural light or a nice view can be enjoyed, then layer a small round table, a built-in sofa if it fits the room, plus a couple of chairs, or a pair of plush lounge chairs angled toward one another.'
A classic Scandi-inspired design, the VOXLÖV Chair is perfect for sitting and enjoying your morning coffee. Simple yet sturdy, it's best tucked under a round breakfast table.
With a low-slung frame, the Shaka accent chair is a clever choice for a cozy nook. Oh-so comfortable and effortlessly cool, it'll make a reading corner feel even more welcoming.
Perfect for enjoying a hot beverage or focusing on a craft, the Rutherford dining table is an enduringly classic choice to aid mindful moments.
2. Layer Soft, Warm Textures For Coziness
'At Studio Lawahl, Fika is both a cultural touchpoint and a design lens: we treat it as a ritual that shapes how spaces should feel and flow,' Joanna explains. 'Knowing Fika’s importance to Swedish life as a slow, social pause built around coffee, conversation, and small treats, we aim to create layouts that invite people to linger and connect.'
'That means warm, layered textiles and tactile materials such as soft wool, warm wood, and ceramics that feel approachable and cozy,' continues Joanna. 'Warm, textured textiles, a cozy rug to define the area, and a mix of surfaces such as wood, glass and ceramic for a tactile and cozy vibe.'
A cashmere throw draped over a window seat brings a layer of soft texture, as does a sheepskin rug hung on the back of a dining chair, enticing you to sit and relax. Kashi agrees, 'Warm colors help create a sense of calm and relaxation, while natural, soft fabrics add both comfort and tactility. Thoughtfully placed warm lighting further enhances the atmosphere, inviting people to pause, unwind, and truly relax.'
For a dose of whimsy that doesn't overwhelm your space, try this gingham throw blanket. Cheerful yet stylish, drape it over an armchair in your reading corner.
For a truly Scandinavian design, you'll want to add the ULLERSLEV sheepskin rug to your basket. Ideal for draping on a chair or covering the floor, it exudes warmth and comfort.
Featuring a delicate embroidered front, this charming throw pillow will make an armchair or dining chair feel masterfully accomplished and oh-so inviting.
3. Create a Designated Coffee Station
Fika isn't just about taking a minute to pause; it's about enjoying your favorite hot beverage, too. So adding a coffee station to your cozy nook is a bit of a no-brainer. Joanna explains, 'We often include a coffee cabinet in our kitchen designs that creates an accessible station for serving coffee and Fika.'
Niki Brantmark, author and founder of My Scandinavian Home, says, 'For me, Fika is about putting down your tools and slowing the pace, making space for a hot drink, something sweet if there is any, and time to talk. Ever since our children were little, I’ve designed our dining area with that feeling in mind. The wooden table isn’t very big, but we love squeezing lots of people around it; it feels relaxed and welcoming rather than formal.'
'Sheepskins are draped over chairs, so you want to linger, and a bench nook is layered with cushions for everyday comfort,' she adds. 'There are always candles ready to be lit, and a teapot or coffee thermos close at hand, so refills are easy. Whether it’s a quiet Fika with just my little family or a friend stopping by for a chat, the space is designed to support those unhurried moments.'
A simple yet elegant design that will blend into all settings, this fluted glass mug couldn't be more charming or dainty, making a simple hot beverage feel so enjoyable.
A stylish and sturdy choice for coffee lovers, DeLonghi's Dedica espresso machine is conveniently compact, making it a clever choice to fill a corner with.
Charming and whimsical, the Greta mug is one you're guaranteed to always reach for. With an abstract gingham design, it couldn't be more cheerful.
4. Create Ambience With Warm Lighting
A pocket of warmth to enhance your surroundings, a low pendant light above a breakfast table, or a vintage table lamp positioned on a bookshelf will make your nook feel welcoming and snug. Joanna says, 'We add lighting that is soft and layered to evoke homey, unpretentious warmth that makes guests want to stay.'
Joanna adds, 'Include practical touches such as easy-access storage for coasters and napkins, and don’t forget adjustable, warm-toned lighting. Both a pendant lamp or a wall sconce, and candlelight, to set the mood.'
'Add some greenery and a few curated objects like books, a tray, a favorite piece of crockery to make the space feel immediately welcoming. The goal is a spot that looks and feels homey, encourages conversation, and makes Fika effortless and delightful.'
Best hung low above a breakfast table, the MUDDERVERK Pendant Lamp will radiate a warm glow that sets the tone and encourages guests to linger for a little while.
Charming in shape, this tripod-style lamp will bring a cozy glow to a bookshelf or breakfast table. With a rattan shade, light will trickle gently around your space.
For a cozy glow that's ideal for evening relaxation, add this scalloped metal candle holder to your wall. Inspired by vintage designs, it has a charming, lived-in feel that will translate in any space.
5. Scatter Lived-In Touches
Bettina Kapare, Swedish interior designer based in the French Alps, says, 'Fika, I believe, is less about the perfect setting and more about granting yourself the time to slow down, something increasingly rare in modern life.'
Using a cozy corner in her favorite local hotel as inspiration, Bettina explains, 'A quiet spot layered with cushions and throws, potted greenery on the sill, interior books and magazines within reach, soft jazz in the background, and candles glowing softly. I would finish the space with a Georg Jensen press pot and a Royal Copenhagen letter mug for a quietly personal touch.'
Charlotte Bergendal, interior designer at Creative Living, adds, 'A cozy Fika nook is not about trends. It’s about a place you want to sit down and stay for a while. It should feel warm and inviting, almost like the feeling of your grandmother's summer kitchen... old coffee cups with beautiful prints, table cloths with hand-embroidered lace, soft green and white cushions and old silver spoons lying on top of mismatched fabric napkins. It’s about the comfortable feeling, and nothing has to match.'
Make your cozy nook even more inviting with a lace tablecloth. Inspired by vintage styles, it'll make a wooden dining table feel instantly more welcoming and homely.
This charming 19th-century bowl will bring a homely feel to your breakfast nook or dining area. Use it for treats when guests are over, or keep it as your year-round fruit bowl.
For a dose of personality, consider adding some art to your cozy nook. This chicken wall art is oh-so simple but equally as whimsical, making it a clever choice for elevating your space.
Fika centers around rest and recuperation, allowing you to reset your mind and enjoy the present. It's a tradition we can all learn from, whether you're designing a cozy nook or adding a little more meaning to your day-to-day.
