So you’re scrolling through Pinterest at 2 AM (no judgment here), and suddenly you’re hit with this gorgeous interior that’s somehow both cozy and minimal. It’s not full-on Scandinavian stark, but it’s not exactly traditional Japanese either. Welcome to Japandi, my friend—the design lovechild that’s taking over our Pinterest boards and, honestly, our hearts.
When I was attempting to declutter my living room without making it feel like a sterile hospital waiting area, I unintentionally fell into this style. It turns out that combining Scandinavian coziness with Japanese simplicity results in the ideal balance where comfort is not sacrificed and less truly is more. I think that’s pretty cool.
Let’s break down 17 ways you can bring this aesthetic into your space without needing a complete renovation or selling a kidney.
What Exactly Is Japandi Anyway?
Before we jump in, quick context: Japandi fuses Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy (embracing imperfection and natural materials) with Scandinavian hygge (that cozy, lived-in warmth). Think clean lines meeting natural textures, neutral palettes with strategic pops of warmth, and furniture that’s both functional and beautiful.
The result? A home that breathes calmly but doesn’t feel cold or unwelcoming. It’s minimalism for people who actually live in their homes 🙂
1. Embrace the Neutral Palette (But Make It Warm)
Here’s where most people mess up minimalist design—they go full greyscale and wonder why their home feels depressing. Japandi fixes this.
Your base should be soft whites, warm beiges, and gentle greys. Then layer in natural wood tones—think oak, walnut, or bamboo. I swapped out my bright white walls for this gorgeous warm beige last year, and the difference was instant. The space suddenly felt like it was giving me a hug instead of a clinical exam.
Key colors to work with:
- Warm whites and creams
- Soft greys and taupes
- Natural wood tones
- Muted greens and sage
- Charcoal for contrast
2. Invest in Low-Profile Furniture
Japanese design loves low furniture, and there’s actual psychology behind it. Lower furniture makes ceilings feel higher and creates this grounded, calm energy in a room.
I’m talking platform beds, low-slung sofas, and coffee tables that hover close to the floor. You don’t need to sit cross-legged on the ground (unless you want to), but dropping your furniture’s visual height opens up your space dramatically.
3. Wood, Wood, and More Wood
If there’s one material that defines Japandi, it’s wood. But not just any wood—we’re going for light to medium tones with visible grain.
Mix different wood elements throughout your space. I’ve got oak floors, a walnut dining table, and bamboo shelving, and somehow it all plays nicely together. The trick? Keep the tones within the same warm family, and let the natural variations add interest.
FYI, avoid mixing wood with too much metal or glass—it breaks the organic flow Japandi is known for.
4. Master the Art of Negative Space
Ever walked into someone’s home and felt instantly relaxed without knowing why? Probably because they understood negative space. This is the empty space around and between objects, and Japandi worships it.
Don’t fill every surface. Let your walls breathe. That empty corner? Leave it empty. I know it’s tempting to shove a plant or decorative ladder there, but sometimes the most powerful design choice is restraint.
| Element | Japandi Approach | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Decor | One statement piece per wall | Creates visual calm |
| Shelving | 50% empty space | Prevents visual clutter |
| Furniture | Space between pieces | Improves flow and breathing room |
| Accessories | Few, meaningful items | Each piece gets attention |
5. Introduce Handcrafted Ceramics
Mass-produced stuff has no soul—there, I said it. Japandi celebrates imperfect, handmade ceramics that tell a story.
Look for items with minor flaws by visiting nearby pottery markets or Etsy. My favorite item in the kitchen is this slightly lopsided, wonky mug of mine. Finding beauty in imperfection is what wabi-sabi is all about—those tiny “flaws.”
6. Layer Your Lighting
Overhead lighting? Too harsh. Japandi spaces use layered, warm lighting that creates ambiance without being aggressive about it.
Think floor lamps with paper shades, table lamps with wooden bases, and maybe some wall sconces. I installed dimmer switches everywhere, and now I can adjust my lighting based on mood. Game changer.
7. Bring in Natural Textiles
This is where Scandinavian hygge really shines through. Linen, cotton, wool, jute—these materials add warmth without visual clutter.
Throw some linen cushions on your sofa, drape a chunky knit blanket over a chair, add a jute rug under your coffee table. Suddenly your minimal space feels inviting instead of cold. The texture does the heavy lifting here, so you don’t need bold patterns or colors.
8. Add Strategic Greenery
Plants are non-negotiable in Japandi design, but we’re not creating a jungle here. Choose sculptural plants with clean lines—think snake plants, fiddle leaf figs, or bonsai trees.
Place them intentionally. One large plant in a corner makes more impact than five small ones scattered randomly. I learned this the hard way after my living room looked like a plant nursery explosion for about six months :/
9. Create a Reading Nook
Japanese spaces often have designated areas for specific activities, and honestly, we should all steal this idea. Carve out a cozy reading corner with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a small side table.
This became my favorite spot in the entire house. Just a simple lounge chair by the window, a floor lamp, and a small wooden stool for my coffee. It’s intentional space for slowing down, which feels pretty radical in our chaotic world.
10. Opt for Sliding Doors or Room Dividers
Traditional Japanese homes use shoji screens to divide space, and you can adapt this concept without a full renovation. Sliding barn doors, fabric dividers, or even open shelving units can separate areas while maintaining flow.
I installed a sliding door between my home office and living room, and being able to visually close off work at the end of the day? Chef’s kiss. It’s a psychological boundary that actually works.
11. Display Functional Art
Japandi doesn’t do decorative stuff for decoration’s sake. Your art should either be functional or deeply meaningful—preferably both.
Put that lovely basket made by hand on the wall. Put your preferred ceramic bowls on display on open shelves. A vintage Japanese textile should be framed. It deserves a place if it fulfills a purpose or affects you on an emotional level.
12. Embrace Floor Seating Elements
You don’t have to commit fully to floor living, but adding floor cushions, poufs, or a low bench gives you flexibility and reinforces that grounded Japandi vibe.
I keep a couple of floor cushions in my closet for when people come over. They’re surprisingly popular—everyone gravitates toward sitting on the floor when the option’s there. Something about being lower just feels more relaxed and conversational.
13. Choose Quality Over Quantity
IMO, this is the most important principle in Japandi design. One well-made, beautiful piece beats ten cheap ones every single time.
Save up for that perfect solid wood dining table instead of buying a particleboard version now. The investment pays off in longevity, aesthetics, and how the piece makes you feel. Plus, quality furniture ages beautifully, developing character over time—very wabi-sabi of it.
14. Keep Surfaces Clear
Here’s your permission to be ruthless: clear your counters, tables, and shelves. If you use it daily, it stays. If not, find it a home in a drawer or cabinet.
My kitchen used to be chaos central—appliances everywhere, papers piling up, random objects multiplying overnight. Now I keep counters basically empty except for my kettle and a small plant. The mental clarity this created? Unexpected but welcome.
15. Add Organic Shapes
While Japandi loves clean lines, it balances them with organic, curved shapes to prevent things from feeling too rigid.
A round mirror here, a curved sofa there, an asymmetrical vase somewhere else. These soft shapes create visual interest without adding clutter. My rounded coffee table completely transformed how my angular living room feels—way less uptight, more inviting.
16. Incorporate Traditional Elements Respectfully
If you’re going to include traditional Japanese elements like shoji screens, tatami mats, or sake sets, do it thoughtfully. These aren’t just aesthetic props—they have cultural significance.
Learn about what you’re incorporating and display it with respect. I have a small tokonoma-inspired alcove where I rotate seasonal displays. It’s become this meditative practice of curating one small, intentional space.
17. Create Visual Harmony Through Repetition
Repeat certain elements throughout your home to create visual cohesion. Maybe it’s a specific wood tone, a shape that keeps appearing, or a particular style of ceramic.
I use white oak consistently across my furniture pieces, and it ties everything together even though items were purchased years apart. This repetition creates a thread that pulls your eye through the space naturally.
Bringing It All Together
You don’t have to put all 17 ideas into practice tomorrow. Start with what you can truly maintain, what fits your space, and what speaks to you. The goal of Japandi is to create a home that feels both relaxed and lived in, not to achieve perfection.
The beauty of this style is its flexibility. You can lean more Japanese if you prefer that aesthetic simplicity, or more Scandinavian if you need extra coziness. The sweet spot is different for everyone.
What I love most about Japandi is how it forces you to be intentional. Every piece in your home should either serve a purpose or bring you joy—ideally both. It’s Marie Kondo meets minimalism meets actual comfort, and honestly? That’s a combination worth pinning.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to stare at my empty wall space and resist the urge to fill it. The struggle is real, but so is the payoff.