Japandi design blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth for spaces that feel peaceful and inviting.
This style leans on natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone, paired with simple shapes and a palette of soft, neutral colors.
You’ll notice Japandi interiors focus on functionality. They keep a clean, uncluttered look that instantly soothes the senses.
By blending these two design philosophies, you get a home that balances beauty and practicality. Japandi encourages you to keep only what matters, so your spaces feel stylish but never cold.
Whether you’re redoing your whole place or just tweaking a corner, these Japandi ideas can nudge your home toward that serene sanctuary you’ve always wanted.
1. Embrace a neutral color palette with whites, beiges, and soft greys
Japandi thrives on calming, neutral colors. Start with soft whites, muted beiges, or gentle greys on your walls.
These soothing shades set a peaceful background for everything else. Mix a few tones to add depth without making things feel busy.
Earth tones help you strike that sweet spot between Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian comfort.
2. Incorporate natural wood furniture with clean lines
Wood furniture sits at the heart of Japandi style. Pick pieces with clean lines and natural finishes that highlight the wood’s grain.
Oak, walnut, and maple all shine in Japandi spaces. Minimalist tables, chairs, and storage units—skip the frills and ornate details.
These natural wood touches bring warmth while keeping the look simple.
3. Use low-profile furniture for a minimalist feel
Low-slung furniture is classic Japandi. It nods to Japanese floor seating and opens up your space.
Try coffee tables, sofas, and beds that sit close to the ground. The vibe gets relaxed, and the lines stay clean.
4. Add paper or fabric lampshades for soft lighting
Paper or fabric lampshades set the mood in a Japandi home. They soften the light, making everything feel warm and inviting.
Pick shades with simple, flowing shapes. Neutral colors like ecru, beige, or even black fit right in.
These gentle lighting choices help you unwind and add a hint of elegance to your minimalist décor.
5. Keep rooms clutter-free to maintain calmness
Japandi loves simplicity and space. Clear out anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy.
Tidy up daily and stash things away in multi-purpose furniture with hidden storage. Clean lines keep the room calm.
Mirrors and smart lighting can help your space feel larger and more peaceful.
6. Include tatami-style floor mats or rugs
Tatami mats bring Japanese tradition into your Japandi mix. Their natural texture feels good underfoot and looks neat.
Lay them in your living room or bedroom for a soft, warm touch. They pair well with low wood furniture and natural light.
Traditional tatami mats finish off the Japandi vibe beautifully.
7. Use Scandinavian-inspired simple cabinetry
Scandinavian cabinetry brings clean lines and function to your Japandi kitchen. Pick cabinets with flat doors and minimal hardware.
Light woods like oak or birch keep things bright. White cabinets work if you want maximum light.
Keep it simple—your cabinets should store plenty but never steal the spotlight.
8. Bring in green plants like bonsai or ferns
Plants breathe life into Japandi spaces. Place a small bonsai on the coffee table or shelf for a calm focal point.
Ferns and leafy greens work, too. Just a couple of low-maintenance plants can change the feel of a room.
Stick to clean lines and don’t overdo it—one or two is plenty.
9. Mix textures like linen cushions with smooth ceramics
Mixing textures gives Japandi spaces depth. Try rough linen cushions with smooth ceramic vases or bowls.
Bamboo furniture and soft wool throws? Yes, please. Wood, stone, and fabric together create a cozy-yet-elegant harmony.
Keep your colors simple, but let the textures do the talking. The contrast between smooth and rough surfaces adds subtle interest.
10. Feature handcrafted pottery as decor accents
Handcrafted pottery adds warmth and personality. Look for pieces with organic shapes and neutral colors.
Set a few rustic vases or bowls on shelves or the coffee table. You only need a handful—less is more.
Pair smooth pottery with rough ceramics for extra interest. Handmade pieces really capture Japandi’s love for craftsmanship.
11. Choose sliding shoji screens for room dividers
Sliding shoji screens divide space while keeping the Japandi mood. They feature wooden frames with paper or fabric panels that let light filter through.
Use them as sliding doors for closets or as full room dividers. Shoji screens add flexibility and look modern with clean lines.
12. Incorporate black metal frames for contrast
Black metal frames give Japandi interiors a little edge. Use them for mirrors, art, or furniture.
Try a black metal side table or chair to break up all the wood. Door hardware in black looks great against oak.
Mixing dark and light keeps things interesting without losing the calm.
13. Use natural fiber baskets for storage
Natural fiber baskets are a Japandi staple. They organize your stuff and add warmth at the same time.
Store blankets, toys, or even plants in them. Rattan, seagrass, or bamboo baskets fit right in.
These baskets blend natural texture with simple function, which is what Japandi’s all about.
14. Opt for muted, earthy wall art
Wall art can set the tone for your Japandi space. Look for art in soft, earthy shades—beige, moss green, clay.
Abstract Wabi Sabi prints work beautifully here. They showcase the beauty in imperfection and keep things minimal.
Pick pieces that feel calm and close to nature. Simple line drawings or minimalist landscapes do the trick.
15. Include a statement wooden coffee table
A wooden coffee table can anchor your Japandi living room. Go for clean lines and a natural finish.
Oak, walnut, or maple tables with minimalist shapes work best. The table should feel warm but never overpower the room.
Add a small plant or a ceramic bowl for a simple finishing touch.
16. Use minimalist pendant lighting like Nelson bubble pendants
Pendant lights can totally transform a Japandi space with their understated elegance. The Nelson bubble pendant, for instance, nails that vibe with its clean lines and paper-like shade.
It casts a soft, warm glow that feels just right. These minimalist fixtures add calm warmth to kitchens or living areas, never taking over the room.
Look for pendants made from natural materials to keep things harmonious. If you want a cohesive look, pair Nelson bubble pendants with other simple, mid-century inspired lights.
17. Add cozy wool throws with subtle patterns
Wool throws are a go-to for adding warmth and texture to Japandi spaces. Subtle patterns like herringbone or ribbing add a bit of visual interest, but never shout for attention.
Try draping them over your bed or sofa for instant coziness. Natural colors—think cream, taupe, or soft gray—help keep that Japandi look on point.
Wool feels great to the touch, and it really honors both Japanese and Scandinavian roots.
18. Select furniture with rounded edges for softness
Curved lines bring flow and movement to a Japandi room. Go for coffee tables, poufs, or armchairs with rounded edges—they feel friendlier than sharp corners.
These soft shapes make your space more inviting, all while staying clean and uncluttered.
Rounded furniture helps the room feel relaxed and organic. It connects you to the natural elements at the heart of both Japanese and Scandinavian design.
19. Create open spaces with multi-functional layouts
Open floor plans just work with Japandi style. You get that airy, purposeful feeling right away.
Try furniture that pulls double duty, like storage ottomans or extendable tables. Room dividers made from natural materials can define spaces without closing them off.
Low shelving units give you storage and keep the visual flow going. Negative space matters here—leave some breathing room between pieces.
That little bit of openness makes your home feel calm, not cluttered.
20. Add a simple but elegant ikebana flower arrangement
Try bringing Japandi style to life with an ikebana flower arrangement. This Japanese art form nails the Japandi vibe—simple, natural, and a little bit poetic.
Pick out a minimalist vase. Arrange just a few stems in a way that feels a bit off-balance, but in a good way.
Maybe use a tall branch, one medium flower, and then a small accent like a leaf or something unexpected. The empty space between each piece is kind of the whole point, and honestly, it’s what makes ikebana so quietly beautiful.
Your little arrangement will bring nature and a gentle touch of elegance into your Japandi home. And best of all, it won’t clutter up your space—just the opposite, actually.