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During the wintertime, the northern latitude countries experience snow, cold, more cold, and darkness. It is the darkness that affects most people. Seasonal weather changes can have such a large impact on people that there is an official term: seasonal affected disorder, SAD.
And truly, it can be sad in the winter when the sun is above the horizon for five hours but the only real amount of sunshine received is around 5 minutes. Last November, Stockholm saw only 17 hours of daylight for the entire month. That is some serious amount of darkness.
To make up for that, Swedes tend to drink a lot, hence the overbearing control of the alcohol monopoly system. For those taking a smarter road, more creative road; we create. And we decorate. Swedes are fashion addicts, they love to be in season and Swedish Christmas is THE season to be in. And though the Christmas tree and official decorations are coming down, plenty of winter decorations are still up.
If you want to have some nice winter spice in your dark home for the next couple months, this is what you should have:
Candles
According to anecdotal stories, candles are good for your soul. Maybe it is true, maybe not, but definitely they add beauty to the house. Get some nice single tealight candles from Iittala or some large candles.
Light colorful pieces
You can never have enough kitchen furniture goodness in your home. Buy white or off-white place mats, light window curtains (these are just 1 foot wide), and more candle holders.
For the living room and other rooms in the house, most people switch all the curtains as well to something very light in color and textile material. In the summer, you'll change it again for heavier pieces to block out unnecessary light (see the extremes?).
Lighting
If candles are not your style then go with good lights. Real lighting pieces that are both functional and beautiful are a must have in a Scandinavian home. I mean just in Stockholm alone there are more than 20 stores dedicated just to lights.
Hopefully you are not one of the 25 million living in eternal darkness during the winter. But even if you in a city that is blessed more with rain and fog in the winter, brightening up your home will not make you stay sane throughout the SAD season, but give your home some style.
