What is Japandi Interior design (and how to get the look)

The Japandi style has surged in popularity recently and has quickly become one of the most sought-after trends for creating a serene interior.

By combining the minimalist, modern lines of Scandinavian style with the sleek, simple elegance of Japanese design, Japandi provides a harmonious blend of functionality, style, and comfort to transform your bedroom and other interior spaces.

But what exactly is Japandi, and how can you create the look? Below, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of this timeless trend.

Japandi’s major elements

The ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi and the Scandinavian practice of hygge inspires the significant elements of Japandi design.

Wabi-sabi is a way of life that emphasises slow living, contentment, and simplicity, while hygge is all about comfort, cosiness, and well-being.

When incorporated into interior design, wabi-sabi encourages using neutral tones and natural materials like wood and stone. These materials provide warmth and continuity and create a tranquil atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the hygge method encourages using functional furniture that is both beautiful and practical, with warm textures that make a space more inviting.

Recreating the Japandi look

Neutral colours

To recreate the look of Japandi, start with a neutral colour palette. Stick to greys, beiges, and whites, and add texture with materials like linen, wool, and faux fur.

Bright pops of colour should be reserved for artwork and small décor, giving your space a neutral tone that evokes a sense of calmness.

A wooden bed frame or grey upholstered bed frame is a great starting point if you are unsure how to balance your colour palette.

Minimalist bed frame

Regarding bed frames, the Japandi style calls for something simple and minimalist, like the low elegance of the Nordic Mill Shake Low (pictured below) or the traditional style of the Urban Beds Tour – you basically want a bed frame that blends in.

We prefer wooden bed frames for the Japandi style, but a low upholstered frame like the Birlea Stratus (pictured below) can also work perfectly.

If you go down the wooden bed route, read our guide first.

Pictured: Birlea Stratus 4FT Small Double Fabric Bed Frame. Priced from £254, from Bedstar.

Pictured: Nordic Mill Shake Low Wooden Bed Frame. Available from Bedstar.

Sleek and modern furniture

Introduce pieces of furniture that are sleek and modern, such as low-slung sofas and floating shelves. Balance these out with more traditional shapes, like chests of drawers and armchairs, that add a touch of cosiness.

Japandi is not concerned with angles and organic shapes, although organic shapes like ovals, circles, and rounded corners blend in better.  

Nature and natural materials

References to nature are also an essential part of the Japandi style. If you’re feeling bold, try some statement pieces like a stone wall or a wooden dining table.

Add some potted plants and natural artwork for a subtler approach to inject a hint of the outdoors. Mirrors, too, are a great way to make a space feel larger and more open.

However, the best Japandi addition to your bedroom is a bonsai tree like a Chinese elm, which will last a decade or more if you look after it properly. There is also evidence that plants in the bedroom can help you sleep.

Subtle yet functional accessories

Finally, accessorise your Japandi look with soft lighting with a combination of metallic, woven, and natural surfaces for contrast. Don’t forget to bring in some of your personality. A few thoughtfully selected pieces – like a patterned cushion or a vase with flowers – will help to bring your design to life.

Summing up 

Creating the perfect Japandi style is all about striking the right balance between minimalist modern lines and cosy comfort. With a focus on muted colours, soft textures, and natural materials, it is easy to create a stylish and serene bedroom. 

Include sleek, modern pieces of furniture, accessorise with cosy textures, and pay homage to nature with plants, artworks, and natural materials like wood. If you enjoyed this article, read our maximalism vs minimalism article.

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