{{blog.title}} ›

Decor Tips

Japanese Decor Ideas

Published July 02, 2024

Japanese style interiors are about minimalism, function and clean lines. Natural light-infused spaces that feel serene — that’s where you can feel echoes of the types of homes you’d find in Japan and Japanese culture. Shop the hand-picked pieces below and see what a designer says about how to incorporate one into your own decor.

View this Item

View this Item

Wood, bamboo, and natural fibers are the essentials for Japanese style. Adopting a neutral color palette, including soft tones like beige, white, and earthy colors, helps create a serene environment. Incorporating Shoji screens can add flexibility to your space by creating sliding doors and screens for open areas. Minimalist furniture is a crucial element; opt for low-profile, functional pieces with clean lines. Finally, greenery, such as bonsai, ferns, or bamboo, brings a touch of nature indoors.

View this Item

View this Item

Simplicity is paramount; the mantra "less is more" dictates that one should remove unnecessary items. Functionality is another critical aspect; every item should be both beautiful and useful. Natural elements like wood and stone should be prominently featured. Harmony and balance are vital, ensuring that each element complements the others. Mindfulness is woven throughout, with spaces designed to promote relaxation and mental clarity.

A Designer's Must-Have Japanese Decor Item

Bamboo tables and cane TV stands can get pricey, so we grabbed a moment with LS staff designer Courtney Marquez to talk about her decorating hack. "Rice paper art," she says, "is an easy way to incorporate Japanese heritage into your aesthetic. I love these botanical designs for a bedroom space!" See her favorite white sabal art piece, shown above, in a neutral color palette setting aesthetic.

What is Japanese style decor called?

Japanese style decor, also known as "Japandi" or "Japanese Minimalism," focuses on simplicity, natural elements, and functionality. It combines the rustic elegance of traditional Japanese design with the modern minimalism found in Scandinavian interiors.

What do Japanese people decorate with?

Japanese people often use tatami mats for flooring, which are woven straw mats that provide a unique texture and feel. Shoji screens, the sliding paper doors, offer flexibility in room arrangements and add a traditional aesthetic. Ikebana, the art of flower arranging, is a prominent decorative element, alongside bonsai trees and various indoor plants.

How do you set up a Japanese style room?

A Japanese style room setup begins with a tatami mat as the foundation. Including a low table, known as a Chabudai, along with floor cushions called Zabuton for seating, creates an authentic atmosphere. Proper lighting, using either paper lanterns or maximizing natural light, acheives the desired ambiance.

Wabi-Sabi & Japandi Inspiration

View All

Shopping Basics Why You Need a Rug Pad

Shopping Basics Best Bedroom Rugs, Tested + Reviewed

Decor Tips A Guide to Decorating with Houseplants

Styles Apartment Decor on a Budget

Achieving a serene Japanese-inspired living room is all about thoughtful curation and embracing natural elements. Focus on a minimalist approach, incorporating a low-profile sofa, natural wood accents like a coffee table, and soft, diffused lighting. Consider adding a shoji-style screen as a room divider or a decorative piece, and opt for a calming color palette with earthy tones and subtle pops of green.

Natural materials are the cornerstone of Japanese design, evoking a sense of harmony with nature. Think about incorporating elements like bamboo for accent pieces or shelving, wood for furniture and flooring, and natural fibers such as linen or cotton for textiles like cushions and curtains. These materials not only add warmth and texture but also contribute to the overall sense of calm and simplicity.

Japanese design emphasizes functionality and open space, even in smaller areas. Opt for multi-functional furniture pieces, such as storage ottomans or nesting tables, and arrange them to create clear pathways and a sense of spaciousness. Keeping furniture low to the ground, similar to a tatami room setup, can also make a room feel larger and more grounded.

An authentic Japanese-style bedroom thrives on a palette of muted, natural colors like beige, cream, soft grays, and gentle greens, often accented with black for contrast. Patterns are typically subtle and nature-inspired, such as delicate floral motifs, bamboo stalks, or abstract water ripples, often found in textiles like bedding or wall art. The goal is to create a peaceful sanctuary that promotes rest and relaxation.

Embracing Japanese design with a family or pets is achievable by prioritizing durability, easy maintenance, and safety. Choose furniture with rounded edges and opt for washable fabrics in natural materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Incorporating plenty of natural light and decluttering regularly also aligns with Japanese principles and creates a more harmonious environment for everyone.

Change Your ZIP Code

Japanese Decor Ideas

How Should You Decorate a Japanese Style House?

What Are the Rules of Japanese Minimalism?