It’s nearly impossible to beat the Japanese interior design style if you want to experience peace and tranquility. It’s one of the most appreciated interior design styles, based on simplicity and traditionalism. It’s the type of décor that makes you feel at ease straight away, inviting you to relax.
Minimalism in Japanese design goes to another level because it’s not based on modernist lines or classic black and white colors. It’s more about a harmony of traditional elements and neutral colors that will give you instant peace.
This being said, let’s explore a few Japanese-style bedroom décor ideas to give your space a complete makeover.
Get Rid of the Bed
If you’ve ever seen Japanese bedrooms in movies or your research in various magazines, you’ve probably noticed the Japanese don’t use tall beds like in Western culture. No matter how comfy you think your bed is, it’s time to get rid of it.
Sell it or donate it, whatever suits you. Instead, opt for a traditional Japanese bed. Known as a futon, this bed is basically a mattress. It’s relatively thin, yet comfortable. Most futons can also be folded for convenience. Also, sleeping on this bed will provide comfort, reduce back pain, and help with your posture.
They don’t need any frames, as they go directly on the floor. Therefore, they’re convenient, comfy, and easy to move anywhere, anytime.
Tatami Mats Over Traditional Carpets
The actual flooring is irrelevant, yet if you truly want the Japanese style, you should have wooden flooring. The earthy nuance of wood would work perfectly in such a bedroom. But then, what do you do when it comes to covering?
Traditional carpets or fluffy mats may seem comfortable and convenient, but you need to keep things simple. Remember, traditional minimalism is one of the main features of the Japanese interior design style.
Rather than carpets, opt for straw mats in different shapes and sizes. They’re natural and offer an earthy covering alternative. They may not be as comfy as a fluffy carpet, but they’ll add to the overall style and can still keep your feet warm. You can consider this as a practical yet stylish solution to bring warmth and elegance to your place.
Invest in Shoji Screens
If you’ve ever wondered about those beautiful screens covered in a grid pattern, they’re known as shoji screens, and they’re extremely popular in Japanese culture. They’re not too expensive, and they can replace quite a few things in your bedroom.
For example, they make excellent sliding doors. If you can get rid of your current door and install a screen instead, it’ll look amazing. Looking for a divider for your wardrobe area? Even better. Get a shoji screen and slide it around.
Not only are they practical, but they’re also convenient. Most commonly, they’re made of wood and paper. The paper is usually translucent, so light can go through.
Neutral Colors
It’s pointless to invest in elements in neutral colors if everything else is different. You won’t be able to get the traditional Japanese style you’re after. Instead, focus on the big elements in your room as well, maybe even before moving on to small accessories.
For example, paint the walls beige or light brown. Replace modern black and white furniture with something more traditional, even old-fashioned. Get some art decorations in the same nuances, and don’t forget about the bedding and pillows. By doing this, you’re not just adding pieces to your room, but you’re building an entire theme that exudes coziness and charm.
After all, obtaining that feeling of warmth is about an entire theme, rather than just a few elements.
Just a Few Decorations
Your favorite toys, cups from high school competitions, or DVDs can go away. Hide them somewhere, they won’t work well with the traditional Japanese style, Remember, this style is about warm minimalism, so you need to keep decorations to a minimum.
A few decorations here and there are more than enough. If you get a plant, opt for a bonsai and stick it in a brown pot. If you need lighting, get a lamp in a similar design. You could also consider a simple wall scroll with a calming image or Japanese calligraphy for a cultural touch.
A couple of extra decorations, and you have the perfect scenario! The idea is to avoid clutter whatsoever.
Indoor Plants
Talking about plants, their beautiful green nuance works wonders in a warm neutral environment. If you think the bedroom could be a bit too boring, plants make an excellent colorful splash that can break the dullness.
Now, it pays off to invest in plants that actually relate to Japanese culture as well. For example, you can get some bamboo sticks or even a bamboo plant. A bonsai could be just as attractive, not to mention other types of plants.
Even plants that make flowers are accepted, just make sure they’re not too large, or they could break the décor.
Paper Lanterns for Lighting Fixtures
Paper lanterns are representative of Japanese culture. Luckily, there are plenty in commerce, and since they’re made of paper, they won’t cost a fortune either. At this point, it’s important to retain a neutral appearance, so avoid lanterns in all sorts of colorful designs. Keep them plain and neutral.
On the other hand, you’ll find both simple paper lanterns and more sophisticated designs. Intricate details may seem attractive when seen individually, but it’s not the Japanese style you’re trying to achieve, so avoid them. Instead, opt for simple designs with no bells and whistles whatsoever.
Paper lanterns can be used as the main fixture in the ceiling and random lamps can be placed around the bedroom. They provide a warm and inviting light you just can’t go wrong with.
Hanging Scrolls for a Traditional Feel
Hanging scrolls represent a matter of art. In traditional Japan, they had different purposes and were used as information. In today’s interior design, their purpose has changed dramatically, meaning they’re mainly used for decoration. However, it doesn’t mean they need to be empty.
Known as kakejiku, these hanging scrolls feature different depictions. Some of them showcase different forms of art or landscapes. Some others feature calligraphy, which is just as popular in a traditional Japanese-style bedroom. What suits you is a matter of personal preference.
There’s one thing to remember here, though. These scrolls should follow the theme. In other words, make sure they have an old-fashioned yellowish or brownish appearance. If you go for art, it should be in the same neutral tones. As for calligraphy, black or brown letters are simple enough and attractive.
Traditional Textiles for Warmth
Textiles are extremely important because no matter how carefully you plan the bedroom décor, these textiles are some of the first things you’ll see. And in order to achieve a warm atmosphere, you will need plenty of them, no doubt.
Textiles can go anywhere. Apart from a few rugs, you can also get some throws for the bed, not to mention decorative pillows. While often overlooked, curtains are just as important because they’re large and can make a difference.
Some of the most popular textiles to think about include silk, linen, and cotton. Of course, you need them in neutral tones to maintain the theme.
Traditional Japanese Elements
You don’t necessarily need to leave the wooden bowls you eat scattered around the bedroom. But then, you can invest in such small things with nothing but decorative purposes. For example, a decorative sake set will look amazing for decoration, just a few sake cups and bottles will do.
Tea is traditional in Japan, so you can also get some tea ceremony utensils. Again, they don’t need to be usable, as long as they match the décor and look great as decorative items.
Origami decorations look nice, too, but be careful here because there’s a fine line between minimalism and total kitsch. A few decorations will do.
Last but not least, whether you get it for decoration or to actually create some atmosphere, go for incense burners. Opt for something simple, whether brown or black, with no weird colors or designs. Keep it simple. Not only does a burner look good, but you can also use it for aromatherapy and relaxation.
Adding more traditional elements like kimonos (traditional Japanese garments), displayed on a simple stand, or calligraphy scrolls for your walls, can give a traditional Japanese touch to your room’s ambiance. But again, remember, the trick is to balance these elements thoughtfully, ensuring your space remains uncluttered and harmonious.
Final Words
In the end, by following these décor ideas, you not only make your room look great but also bring a sense of tranquility that’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Try them out, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Also, just to let you know that the images you see here are for illustration purposes only.
