Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living

Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living explores the Scandinavian lifestyle concept of lagom. This illustrated lifestyle book explains the lagom ethos and its meaning.

Key details

• Illustrated book about the Swedish concept of lagom
• Includes pronunciation guidance: “lah-gom”
• Explains lagom as “not too little, not too much, just right”
• Discusses possible origins of the word, including “laget om” and an older form of “lag” meaning “law”
• References Sweden’s No.10 ranking in the 2017 World Happiness Report in relation to the lagom ethos

Synopsis

Positioned as a modern Scandinavian lifestyle trend, lagom is presented as an approach centred on balance and “just enough”. The book outlines how the term is understood in Swedish culture, including its pronunciation and commonly cited translations, and considers different explanations for its linguistic roots.

It also describes lagom as a liberating idea that values moderation, responsibility and the common good. The text highlights areas of everyday life where the lagom ethos can be applied, from home and work-life balance to food, growing and foraging, and relationships.