Here are eight things that you want to copy from Finnish homes. Once you get used to these features, you simply would not live without them!
#1 Shower
The water pressure is strong and steady. The temperature is easy to regulate. Hot water comes instantly, not after waiting 10 minutes and there is plenty of it.
#2 Duvet cover
In Finland, we use a bag type of a duvet cover. In this pic, you can see the actual duvet from the open corner of the cover. So comfortable and easy!
We cannot understand the impracticality of a bed sheet type of a duvet cover with a heavy blanket on top. Am I the only one who wakes up having either only that too thin cover or that coarse blanket?
By the way, Finns also see nightmares about envelope-tugged beds.
#3 Filter coffee
Almost all Finnish homes have a filter coffee machine at home. That’s the best coffee in the world – a bit watery self-made cup of joe.
Personally, I would rather give up my microwave than my filter coffee machine.
#4 Faucets in general
In the kitchen, in the toilet, in the bathroom, and in the utility room. The Finnish standard of faucets is pristine, even in older buildings. The functionality is impeccable.
We Finns never remember to appreciate our taps at home, but always realize that they are pure gold when we are abroad.
#5 Insulation
When I am feeling cold, my friends from other countries are amazed.
How can that be, you are from the freezing Finland?
Well, that is the reason why. Finnish homes are very warm, perfected with excellent insulation. Triple glazed windows and underfloor heating are very common.
Some people are having their houses ridiculously warm so that they can have bare feet indoors all year long (Mum, I know you are reading this. Turn the temperature colder).
#6 Sauna
This goes without saying. Sauna is a pretty amazing treat after a run or a hectic day at work.
#7 Locks
The quality of Finnish locks is unbeatable. They are intelligently built and super safe. Is it normal for you to have three keys to your apartment? Be prepared to be jealous! In Finland, you would just have one key to all doors and a universal locking system.
Also, most locks open with only one hand which is, once again, practical. (I do not work for Finnish key&lock industry, I am just terrible with locks in general, so this is a big deal for me.)
#8 No shoes
We never walk around in outdoor shoes at home. We like to think that that’s why our floors are clean, the air is fresh and home is in good condition.
To many Finns, it feels so uncomfortable to leave the shoes on, that we still take them off, no matter what. Even in places where we know that other people are keeping them (like hotels).
Hello there!
I’m Varpu. One blonde,
travel-loving,
Finnish engineer driving this site.
I thought sure sauna would be #1.
It took me a little while to get used to only the bag type of duvet cover but I did and it makes sense.
One other thing I noticed is that washcloths aren’t used, just a hand towel and bath towel. When I first got to the hotel I asked the housekeeper for one and he said, “We don’t have those here.” I got used to it but another one of the differences between here and there.
I also liked the drain cabinet over the kitchen sink. Most homes here are have a window over the sink. They wouldn’t have to but it’s just the way houses have been built.
Oh you have such a great point, I have these in random order but maybe I should switch to a more logical list as I’m doing it with numbers! Thank you! You are so good with pointing out differences! We totally don’t have washcloths! 😀 My dream kitchen would have a window over the counter, where I would cut vegetables or bake but it would also have the drain cabinet, nicely over the kitchen sink. 😉
I LOVED the kitchen cabinets in Finland: put the wet dishes in and close the doors. They drip dry into the sink. Brilliant.
Yes Linda!!! This is a must add to this list. This feature in Finnish kitchens is so handy!
I really cannot understand why someone would choose to wear their outside shoes in the house! Ew… 😳
Hi Suvi! Yeah, for me too this is a hard task. My shoes are always so dirty… 😀
Most of these go for Canada too – except for the sauna’s. They are rare and only occasionally found in homes of Finns. I am still waiting for someone to tell me what those little shower heads by the sinks are for!
Hello Terry, thanks for commenting! Great to know this about Canada! The shower heads are for intimate wash. 😉