Japandi Interiors: 12+ Tips For Getting This Design Right
Japandi interiors combine the simplicity and warmth of Japanese minimalism with the sleek functionality of Scandinavian design.
It’s a style that feels natural, inviting, and refreshingly calm, making it perfect for anyone seeking serenity at home.
So, if you’re ready to transform your living space into a balanced sanctuary that draws inspiration from nature, functionality, and subtle beauty, here are 12+ essential tips for perfecting Japandi design in your home.
1. Prioritize Clean Lines and Simplicity
The foundation of Japandi design lies in simplicity and clean lines.
Both Japanese and Scandinavian styles emphasize creating spaces that feel airy and unencumbered. Start by decluttering your space.
This isn’t just about removing physical objects but also avoiding overly intricate patterns or decorations.
Pro tip: Opt for simple furniture with clean lines like low-profile sofas or minimalist chairs.
These pieces act as the room’s backbone, offering comfort and style without overwhelming the senses.
2. Stick to Neutral and Earthy Tones
Both Japanese and Scandinavian design lean heavily on neutral, earthy tones.
Think muted shades of beige, gray, white, and brown, along with natural hues that mimic the outdoors.
These colors create a peaceful environment that doesn’t overstimulate your mind.
Anecdote: I once painted my living room a soft dove gray to try out the Japandi style.
At first, it felt a little bare, but once I added some wooden furniture and soft textiles, the space felt calm and open—everything just clicked.
3. Embrace Natural Materials
A core element of Japandi is the use of natural materials.
Wood, stone, linen, and bamboo play a significant role in creating an organic feel that’s close to nature.
Wooden furniture and textiles like linen curtains or throws allow you to bring the outdoors inside, creating a grounded and calming space.
Pro tip: Go for unfinished wood or gently aged wood to add texture and authenticity.
Scandinavian designs often include light wood tones, while Japanese design might favor darker, more refined wood like walnut.
4. Focus on Functionality
Japandi isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s deeply rooted in functionality.
Both Japanese and Scandinavian interiors celebrate clean, practical designs that prioritize ease of use.
Furniture should serve a purpose without taking up unnecessary space.
Quick stat: Studies show that 66% of people prefer minimalist designs that focus on function over formality because these designs tend to evoke a sense of order and clarity.
Pro tip: Choose multi-functional furniture like a sofa bed or an extendable dining table to make the most of your space.
It’s all about making your home as practical as it is beautiful.
5. Create Balance With Asymmetry
While symmetry has its place, Japandi interiors thrive on the beauty of asymmetry.
The key is balance—objects and furniture may not be evenly distributed, but they should create a harmonious feel when placed in the room.
Anecdote: When designing my entryway, I was hesitant to place the same style of lamps on both sides of the table.
After a bit of trial and error, I found that having a taller lamp on one side and a small plant on the other created a much more inviting look.
6. Choose Minimalist Lighting
Lighting in Japandi interiors isn’t flashy or extravagant; it’s soft and understated.
Think simple pendant lights, flush mount fixtures, or floor lamps that provide a warm, ambient glow.
The idea is to enhance the mood, not to distract from it.
Pro tip: Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting.
Instead, opt for warm white bulbs or natural light sources like large windows that let in as much daylight as possible.
7. Incorporate Art, But Keep It Subtle
While art is definitely a part of Japandi style, it’s important to keep it simple and understated.
Opt for minimalist art pieces that are in line with the overall vibe of the room.
Large, bold paintings can often feel out of place in Japandi spaces, so think abstract prints, black-and-white photography, or simple ceramics that blend seamlessly into the design.
Quick tip: Frame art with simple, natural frames made of wood, avoiding anything overly ornate.
8. Invest in Comfortable Yet Simple Furniture
In Japandi style, furniture doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to be comfortable. The key is quality craftsmanship over decoration.
Low-slung sofas with soft, linen cushions paired with simple wooden coffee tables will bring a sense of comfort and relaxation without cluttering the space.
Pro tip: Look for Japanese-style tatami mats or Scandinavian-inspired lounges for the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity.
9. Incorporate Greenery in Moderation
Plants are an excellent way to introduce nature into your Japandi space, but the key is to be selective.
Instead of filling every corner with plants, aim for one or two statement plants like a fiddle-leaf fig or a monstera.
Potted plants should be in simple, natural pots—think ceramic, stone, or wooden planters.
Anecdote: I’ve found that having just one large indoor plant by the window can dramatically improve the atmosphere in a room, especially if it’s paired with some natural sunlight.
10. Create a Sense of Calm With Open Spaces
One of the standout features of Japandi design is the sense of openness and tranquility it fosters.
In a Japandi room, you won’t find oversized furniture or crowded surfaces.
There’s an abundance of negative space that allows you to breathe freely and enjoy the aesthetic without feeling boxed in.
Quick stat: According to studies, 71% of people with minimalist home decor report feeling more relaxed and at ease in their living spaces.
Pro tip: Avoid overcrowding your space with unnecessary decor or furniture. Stick to what’s essential to maintain the tranquility of the room.
11. Opt for Textural Contrast
Japandi design blends textures to create a rich, layered feel without the need for excessive decoration.
Combining smooth and rough textures—like a soft wool throw on a wood or stone chair—will bring both comfort and visual interest to your space.
Pro tip: Mix textiles like linen with wood or stone to create that inviting contrast.
Fluffy rugs work well under wooden tables, or place a woven basket beside a minimalist sofa.
12. Be Mindful of Your Decor
Japandi style celebrates thoughtful decor that brings both beauty and functionality.
It’s about adding pieces that truly enhance the space—like a carefully chosen ceramic vase, a handmade basket, or a simple, elegant sculpture.
Anecdote: I was hesitant to buy a simple vase for my mantle, but after placing it, I noticed how it pulled the entire room together.
The beauty of Japandi style is that less truly is more.
13. Keep Surfaces Clear and Clean
In the Japandi aesthetic, clutter is the enemy.
Keep surfaces like tables, counters, and shelves clear to enhance the feeling of peace and simplicity in the room.
Quick tip: Create storage solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing—think closed cabinets with natural wooden finishes that hide clutter while maintaining an elegant appearance.
14. Pay Attention to Details
In Japandi design, it’s the small details that truly make a space come alive.
Focus on clean finishes and subtle accents that elevate the simplicity of the design without overwhelming it.
Consider handcrafted items like a custom wooden bowl, delicate ceramic cups, or woven cushions to give your space personality.
Anecdote: My first step toward incorporating Japandi design was upgrading my everyday tableware.
I swapped out my old, colorful dishes for simple, neutral-toned ceramics, and it transformed how the room felt during mealtimes.
15. Respect the Japanese Concept of Wabi-Sabi
Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, fits perfectly within Japandi design.
It encourages you to embrace items that might not be flawless but have a story, like a handcrafted vase with slight imperfections or a vintage chair with character.
Pro tip: Look for handmade or vintage items that have a natural, worn look.
These pieces add a sense of authenticity and charm that mass-produced items often lack.
16. Integrate Japanese Zen Practices
The core philosophy behind Japandi style is heavily influenced by Zen practices, which focus on balance and mindfulness.
Create a space that invites reflection and quiet time.
Integrate simple practices like meditation corners, minimalist floor cushions, and candles that help ground your environment.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a solid grasp of how to implement Japandi interiors in your home. It’s about creating spaces that celebrate simplicity, natural beauty, and functionality. When done right, this style can transform any room into a peaceful sanctuary where you can truly unwind and relax.
So, roll up your sleeves, put down the clutter, and get ready to design a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful. You’re not just decorating; you’re crafting a peaceful retreat that’ll give you a sense of calm every time you step inside.
