Are you looking to create a Japanese-style bedroom? A traditional Japanese bedroom focuses on the concepts of minimalism and peace.
If there’s one word to describe such rooms, it is zen. Luckily, you can very well bring this zen to your bedroom.
The Japanese tend to focus on functionality and simplicity in their bedroom aesthetics.
Thus you will find that their living spaces are clean, uncluttered, and focused on natural beauty.
There are several ways you can design your bedroom to emulate these concepts. Ultimately, you can make it look like it’s straight out of Japan.
With these tips, you’ll be equipped to do all of that and more.
Incorporate Elements of Nature
The Japanese culture is filled with respect for nature.
Hence, it would be excellent to incorporate nature and greenery into your Japanese-styled bedroom.
These types of bedrooms tend to create a connection between the external and internal. This is done through the greenery.
Greenery also makes a room more tranquil, which is something you want to achieve.
To do this, we recommend you place lots of plants throughout the space. Make sure they are situated near sunlight.
Moreover, Japanese rooms tend not to have colorful plants.
So, make sure whatever plants you get are natural, lush, and green. For example, you can place orchids or palms.
Consider Tatami Mats for the Floor
Japanese-style bedrooms have traditional Tatami mats over their existing floorings.
These are woven straw mats that you are likely to find at any Japanese home store or online.
Before buying them, take measurements of your room to see how many you need and what size. These maps tend to come in only one size.
Tatami mats complement wooden floors, so if you have a bright-colored floor, they might not look nice.
You will need to change the flooring before moving ahead with the mats. If you have smooth flooring, consider getting mesh liners underneath to keep them from moving around.
Sliding Doors or Screens
If you have ever visited or seen a Japanese home, you might have seen these sliding doors and screens.
These are an essential design element in any of their homes. These are fine paper held inside wooden frames and can be placed within or at the room entrance.
The great thing about them is that they let natural light through, unlike doors.
There are two types you can consider; Shoji and Byobu.
The Shoji are the sliding doors with wooden frames that you can place at a room’s entrance. Byobu are partition-like wooden frames placed inside rooms.
If you have a spacious bedroom, you can incorporate Byobu to separate specific areas.
Natural Wooden Elements
Similar to plants, Japanese bedrooms also incorporate as many wooden elements as possible.
This makes the room more peaceful and closer to nature.
To do this, you can use a variety of wooden or bamboo furniture like chairs, tables, or beds. The floors, doors, and windows also need to be made of wood if possible.
Another way you can add wooden elements in your Japanese bedroom is through a wooden screen.
Incorporating such elements will definitely bring about natural tranquility in your room.
Open Space and Plenty of Natural Light
As we mentioned earlier, what describes a Japanese-themed bedroom is minimalism.
The best way to have a minimalist vibe in your room is by throwing away all clutter.
Organizing your things and stowing them away in storage boxes and closets is also a good idea.
Besides having open space, you must also try to let in as much natural light in your room as possible. Get large expansive windows installed in your bedroom.
Remove anything in your room that may act as an obstruction to the natural light.
This will be the perfect way to brighten up your room and make it one with nature.
Use an Earthy Color Palette for Walls
When it comes to the color of the walls, Japanese rooms tend to stick to an earthy color palette.
This includes colors like brown, beige, warm white, and yellow. These colors create a tranquil ambiance.
Moreover, colors like such help keep the room in line with the overall theme of nature.
Make sure to steer clear of bright-colored walls.
However, you can add bright colors like red, gold, and pink if you want that pop of color.
All in all, the main aim should be to achieve a nature-like look in the room.
The colors should be simple, minimal, and calming.
Japanese Inspired Furniture
Japanese furniture tends to be slightly different from the traditional furniture we see. It is typically smaller and lower to the ground.
Moreover, their bedrooms also have floor seating. Hence you can get floor cushions for your room if you have space.
Make sure these pillows have a warm earthy color. You can also get lower desks and chairs if you plan to work or study from your bedroom.
All of this highly depends on your needs, budgets, and preferences.
However, adding such furniture will dramatically make your room more Japanese-inspired.
Some pieces to consider include:
- Tansu: A versatile wooden storage unit that can be used as a dresser, cabinet, or side table.
- Kotatsu: A low table with a built-in heater, perfect for staying warm during colder months.
- Kakejiku: A hanging scroll with Japanese artwork, often used as a decorative piece on a wall.
Try not to clutter the bedroom because the main part of a Japanese room is an open, clean area. So, let your furniture breathe.
Minimal and Handcrafted Art Pieces
When it comes to the décor of your Japanese-styled room, having plentiful plants would lift the room’s look.
Besides that, you can consider getting paintings and artwork installed on the walls.
Make sure it aligns with the overall theme of the room and not be too striking in color. Splashes of yellow, gold, and red in the artwork would be best.
As with every part of a Japanese room, even the art should be minimal.
You could consider paintings of murals or cherry blossoms to keep with the Japanese theme.
A painting with a few verses of Japanese poetry, ‘Haiku’ would look great too.
Consider Getting a Low Bed With Low-Light Lamps
A prominent part of Japanese rooms is their low beds and low-light lamps.
These give a more natural and calming look to the entire space. Since natural light will likely be illuminating your room during the daytime, you’ll need minimal lights for nighttime.
These low lights can be a replacement for overhead lights in your room.
You could place Japanese-style lanterns on either side of your bed. These tend to have lighter and earthy colors and give off a soft natural light.
They also align with the overall theme. Instead of a bed, you could also place a Japanese futon on the floor.
This is a traditional Japanese mattress used in all homes in the country. Most Japanese rooms don’t have beds, but rather futons.
Leave The Windows Uncovered
If you’ve ever seen a bedroom in Japan, you’ll notice that their windows are usually uncovered.
This allows for more natural light to enter the room and makes the room more lit up. Therefore, opt for white or earth-toned blinds for the windows or nothing at all.
Do not add any heavy or dark-colored curtains as they will not match the aesthetic of the room.
Get silk curtains or bamboo blinds for your room. And if you’re worried about the privacy of your room, get them tinted.
This way, natural light will enter your room, and no one can look inside either. The main aim should be to keep the room airy and natural.
Create a Zen Meditation Space
If your room is large and spacious, you can also create a designated meditation space.
This can be an area where you can recharge and relax. If you do yoga, you can place your mat here too.
It will truly become a serene and calming part of your house. Moreover, you can separate this area from traditional Japanese partitions.
You won’t need a lot for this part of the house; just make sure to add a floor cushion for meditation.
Additionally, add a water feature in this room if you can to mimic the flow of water going downhill. This will make your meditation space all the more zen.
Don’t Forget the Bonsai Tree
With any Japanese room or home, a bonsai tree is a must.
This is a small traditional Japanese plant that you can find at any gardening or plant store. It is going to be like you have a mini tree in your room.
But that’s not all; the plant is also elegant and aesthetic.
However, a bonsai can often be a complex plant to look after. You must make sure it gets enough water and sunlight.
Also read: 15 Plants that Are Good For Bedroom
Fundamentals of a Japanese Style Bedroom
Let’s discuss some basic fundamentals you should consider when designing a Japanese-inspired bedroom.
Minimalist Design: A key characteristic of Japanese culture and aesthetic is minimalism. Japanese bedrooms often have very few furniture pieces and focus on essential items only.
Make sure to keep your bedroom clutter-free, use simple furnishings, and avoid any unnecessary decorations. This way, you can create a peaceful and minimalistic ambiance.
Natural Materials: Traditional Japanese bedrooms incorporate natural elements and materials like wood, bamboo, and natural fibers.
Consider using wooden furniture, tatami mats for flooring, and simple fabric window treatments. By incorporating these natural materials, you can bring the calming energy of nature into your bedroom.
Neutral Colors: Japanese style bedrooms often use a neutral and earthy color palette. This includes shades of white, beige, gray, and brown.
Using subdued colors will help create a tranquil atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Zen philosophy, which plays a significant role in Japanese culture.
Incorporate Japanese Art and Decor: To further immerse yourself in Japanese culture, consider adding a few traditional art pieces or elements, such as a Japanese screen or calligraphy as wall art.
Additionally, you could incorporate decorative elements such as a small tabletop Zen garden or a minimalist vase with a single sprig of a cherry blossom.
Proper Lighting: Soft, diffused lighting is essential for creating a serene Japanese bedroom atmosphere. Avoid harsh lights and opt for floor lamps or indirect lighting using paper lanterns. This will add warmth and tranquility to your space.
By keeping these fundamentals in mind, you can create a beautiful and calming Japanese style bedroom that reflects the traditional values of Japanese culture and the Zen philosophy.
Japanese Bedroom Design Ideas
Creating a Japanese style bedroom involves incorporating elements of minimalism, traditional Japanese design, and modern aesthetics. In this section, we’ll explore various design ideas to help you achieve your dream Japanese bedroom.
Japanese Minimalism
Japanese minimalism is all about creating a calm, serene, and clutter-free space. To achieve this look, focus on simplicity and functionality in your bedroom design:
- Choose a limited color palette, focusing on neutral tones like white, beige, and light wood.
- Use tatami mats for flooring, which are traditional Japanese straw mats.
- Limit the amount of furniture, opting for essential pieces like a low platform bed and a simple bedside table.
- Incorporate storage solutions, such as built-in wardrobes or under-bed storage, to keep belongings organized and out of sight.
- Add natural elements like bamboo, stone, or plants to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Traditional Japanese Style
A traditional Japanese style bedroom takes inspiration from the country’s culture, incorporating elements like shoji screens, Japanese artwork, and natural materials:
- Install shoji screens or sliding doors to separate the bedroom from other areas of the home.
- Include Japanese-inspired decorations, such as ink brush paintings, calligraphy, or ikebana flower arrangements.
- Use traditional Japanese textiles, like a futon mattress and a kakebuton comforter, on your bed.
- Embrace the use of wood in furniture and decor pieces to create a warm, natural atmosphere in the bedroom.
Modern Japanese Bedroom
A modern Japanese bedroom combines the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of contemporary design with traditional Japanese elements:
- Opt for clean lines and geometric shapes in your furniture and decor choices.
- Incorporate modern materials like glass, metal, or concrete alongside traditional Japanese elements like tatami mats and wood.
- Choose a neutral color palette with accents of bold colors like black, red, or deep blue.
- Add technology and smart home features that blend seamlessly into the design, such as hidden speakers or mood lighting.
Japandi Bedroom
The Japandi style is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design, combining the minimalism and tranquility of Japanese interiors with the cozy, hygge-inspired elements of Scandinavian design:
- Use a balance of natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo, alongside modern elements like metal and glass.
- Choose a color palette rooted in neutrals with muted pops of color like blues, greens, or oranges.
- Incorporate minimalistic but cozy furnishings, such as a low-profile platform bed, comfy reading chair, or textured throw pillows.
- Add a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian style decor, like artwork, ceramics, or artisanal textiles.
By integrating elements from these design styles, you’ll create a unique and personalized Japanese bedroom that feels both relaxing and inviting, perfect for escaping the busy world outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key elements of a Japanese style bedroom?
A Japanese style bedroom embraces simplicity, natural elements, and a minimalist design.
Key elements include tatami mats for flooring, sliding shoji screens as room dividers or window coverings, wooden furniture with clean lines, and soothing, neutral color schemes.
Incorporating nature-inspired decor, such as potted plants or artwork featuring landscapes, can also enhance the tranquil atmosphere.
How can I incorporate minimalism in my Japanese bedroom design?
To incorporate minimalism in your Japanese-style bedroom, focus on keeping the room clutter-free and simple.
Opt for a limited color palette and choose furnishings and decor that serve a purpose or provide a sense of harmony.
Make an effort to stick with the “less is more” philosophy. For example, instead of filling your shelves with numerous decorations, opt for a few carefully-selected, meaningful items.
What types of furniture should I use for a Japanese bedroom?
Japanese-style bedrooms often feature low, simple furniture with clean lines and neutral colors. A low platform bed, preferably made of natural wood, is a common choice.
Besides the bed, include essential pieces such as a dresser, nightstands, and perhaps a small seating area with floor cushions or a low table.
Keep the number of furniture items to a minimum to maintain a sense of simplicity and spaciousness.
How do I use Shoji screens in my bedroom layout?
Shoji screens are versatile and can be used in various ways in a Japanese-style bedroom. You can use them as window coverings to allow diffused natural light while maintaining privacy.
Or you may use them as room dividers to separate your sleeping area from the rest of the room. They can also act as sliding doors for your closet or storage area, adding a touch of authentic Japanese design to your space.
Which color schemes are popular in Japanese bedroom interiors?
Japanese bedroom interiors often feature neutral and earthy color schemes.
Some popular colors include shades of white, beige, brown, and gray. Using these colors creates a calm and natural environment, enhancing the room’s serenity.
Adding small pops of color through accent pillows or artwork can bring a bit of personality, but avoid going overboard with bright, bold colors.
How can I add a Japanese-inspired ambiance with lighting?
In a Japanese-style bedroom, lighting should contribute to the overall serene and cozy atmosphere. Choose subtle, ambient lighting options such as floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces with warm, diffused light.
You can also use traditional Japanese lanterns as a decorative and functional element, providing soft illumination and adding to the room’s aesthetic.
Opt for lighting fixtures with natural materials and simple designs to complement the minimalist style of your bedroom.
The Bottom Line
A good rule of thumb for Japanese styled bedroom is to make sure everything is clean, minimal, and simple.
Each piece in the room should serve a purpose.
You can make changes to the décor based on your preferences, but a traditional Japanese room will contain all these elements.
Though changing your room and adopting this style may take some effort, it’ll all be well worth it in the end!
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