Kaffeepause Is the Hygge Upgrade Your Coffee Break Needs

Prioritize comfort while you sip—and boost productivity at the same time.

While tea parties are suddenly the social gathering of the season (thank you, Bridgerton), there’s another more hygge way to take an afternoon break that combines Scandi design with a delicious cup of something (literally) hot: kaffeepause. The Norwegian term for coffee break takes the idea of grabbing a venti non-fat latte and a stale donut and makes it so much more than a 15-minute caffeine refuel. 

Kaffeepause is about creating an atmosphere of relaxation. Of course, coffee is involved, but it’s just as much about the ambiance as it is the brew.

“Think freshly-brewed coffee made from the finest ground beans and a sweet Norwegian bolle (bun) such as a cinnamon bun, and you’re well on your way,” Niki Brantmark, founder of My Scandinavian Home, told Living Etc. “It’s also important to set a koselig (cozy) scene for absolute comfort—after all, it’s hard to appreciate the moment on a hard plastic chair under glaring lights.”

Related: The 9 Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers

Scandi design principles incorporate fika, a break during the day to clear your head and return to your routine feeling energized, and lagom, which means balance. Together with the hygge, which centers on creating coziness, these themes are incorporated into a space where communal recharging moments become not only possible but part of a regular schedule.

“In today’s fast-paced world, the art of slowing down is often forgotten,” British designer Isy Jackson says. “But a delightful ‘kaffeepause’ trend rooted in Norwegian tradition reminds us of the age-old secrets of togetherness and warmth.”

To create a kaffeepause spot in your home, prioritize getting comfortable. Overstuffed seating, a soft rug underfoot, and soft lighting all contribute to channeling the feel. Pick luxe upholstery like velvet, corduroy, boucle, and cashmere fabric.

Choose earth tones like deep green, navy blue, or taupe on the walls, and add texture with Roman clay or Venetian plaster for visual interest. Layering is key for this look, so pile on the blankets and pillows for plenty of koselig vibes. 

Related: Try Layerism to Get a Personalized, Maximalist Home Aesthetic

If you only have a corner to designate for break time, don’t worry—just use the same suggestions on a smaller scale. Of course, no kaffeepause would be complete without a table to set your mug and plate of krumkakes (cookies), whether a coffee table or a small occasion table.

When you finish designing your relaxation spot, invite friends to leave their desks and stop by for a quick, restorative visit. Once you get into the habit, you may never go to a drive-thru to grab a coffee to go again. 

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