Japandi Style: The Ultimate Guide to Japandi Interior Design

Been lovin’ the clean-lined look of the Japandi style on influencers’ insta feeds? Know that it’s more than just a design. Japandi brings together the Japanese and Scandinavian designs. Both styles beautifully pair together to create a space that balances both relaxation and practicality.

Keep reading to learn all about this design style—and how you can use it to create a harmonious and minimalist living space.

What is Japandi Style?

You walk into a home where everything feels effortlessly calm. The neutral tones; cozy wooden textures; and the sleek modernity—every design element seamlessly blends in yet uniquely stands out. There’s a zen-like balance in the air.

That, our dear readers, is the Japandi style.

If you think Japandi is just another form of minimalism, it’s not! Unlike stark minimalism—which can sometimes feel pretty lifeless—the Japandi style balances simplicity with warmth. It’s functional but beautiful. And it embraces imperfection.

History of the Japandi Style

Around 150 years ago, when Scandinavian designers began traveling to Japan, Japandi interior design came into existence. The two countries share some similar principles—simplicity, an appreciation for the natural and handmade—and this realization with the other culture evolved into an east-west design fusion. Today, you can see this movement in design magazines, design stores, and homes across the world. Some famous Japandi designers are Norm Architects and Daytrip.

The Key Elements…

What are the ingredients that make the Japandi style so effortlessly serene? If Japandi were a recipe, it would include:

A little bit of minimalism
A generous dose of nature (and nature-inspired materials)
A pinch—or two—of coziness
And a big serving of balance

The biggest focus in the Japandi style is subtleness. Less is always more. But, that less must be intentional. So, no shelves full of trinkets or extra decor items lying around. Everything will have a purpose. Also, Japandi interiors aren’t afraid of a little breathing space. That’s why we often see negative space in these rooms.

At the same time, the Japandi style goes big on craftsmanship. You’ll see quality and handmade pieces—and never a cheap or throwaway structure.

You’ll also see plenty of neutral colors to complement Japandi furniture. The palettes are usually calming and tranquil. And when bright colors are incorporated, they’re done meaningfully and subtly.

This style emphasizes sustainability, and that’s why it thrives on organic materials. The type that bring nature indoors. This helps create a sense of warmth in the space. Wood is the focus of Japandi materials—from ask to oak—but there are also other natural materials that we’ll shed light on in just a bit.

Japandi doesn’t just mimic nature; it really invites it in. From the large windows that flood the room with sunlight to the indoor plants, you’ll see hints of Mother Nature right within your home.

As more and more people are looking toward eco-friendly aesthetics, it’s no surprise that Japandi’s popularity is on the rise.

Why Japandi is More Than a Trend

Trends come and go. But Japandi isn’t just another fleeting interior design trend. It’s a philosophy, and it’s a way of living.

Work deadlines…Social media overload…our lives are cluttered, and sometimes, so are our homes. Japandi is the antidote to this overwhelm.

japandi living room Unlike fast furniture, Japandi pieces are focused on quality and sustainability. This means they add to the longevity of your furniture and won’t need frequent replacements.

If you think the Japandi style looks peaceful, you’d want to experience it in your home. It feels peaceful, too. Your Japandi home will actually be a retreat! Also, whether you own an apartment or a mansion, this design style adapts well to any and every space.

For such reasons, it is becoming increasingly loved by homeowners across the globe—and also why it’s more than just a trend.

How Do Scandinavian and Japanese Styles Work Together?

At first glance, Japan and Scandinavia sure sound like polar opposites—one based on Eastern traditions, the other in Nordic practicality. But when it comes to interior design, dare we say, they may be soulmates!

Both cultures value simplicity. They love craftsmanship, and they celebrate a connection to nature. When they come together, we get a stunning design style.

Both styles reject clutter. The Japanese style celebrates the imperfect; the Scandinavian style prioritizes comfort. So, we get a relaxed atmosphere that’s equal parts inviting.
Scandinavian style prefers light woods; the Japandi style loves darker-toned woods. In Japandi, we blend these for a stunning contrast.
For the furniture, the Japandi design uses the clean lines (and more structural forms) of the Japanese style, and mixes this with the comfort of the Scandinavian style.

To picture these blends… A Japandi dining room might feature a light oak table (Scandi) paired with dark walnut chairs (Japan). And a Japandi bedroom would have a low platform bed (Japanese influence) with plush linen bedding and a soft wool rug (Scandinavian influence).

Japandi Color Palettes

This is easily one of our favorite parts of Japandi design. The color palettes are soothing, but at the same time, they have so much visual interest. The core of these color palettes is: calm and desaturated tones that feel timeless.

The Japandi Three-Layer Color Approach

Base colors—light and neutral. Soft and muted tones form the base of the Japandi style. They allow the furniture and decor to stand out. Think:

Warm white
Beige
Light taupe
Pale gray

Ideally, you should use these colors for the walls, flooring, and/or large furniture pieces, like the sofa.

Accent colors—earthy and muted. These tones add depth but without overpowering the space. For the accent colors, you want to use colors inspired by natural landscapes. Think:

Olive Green
Terracotta
Muted brown
Warm wood tones
Soft blue-grey

You can add on accent colors through the upholstery, wooden furniture, and the textiles—like the rug.

Contrast colors—dark and bold

Japandi isn’t completely monochrome. It does make room for deep and grounding shades, which add sophistication.

Charcoal gray
Deep blue
Matte black
Espresso brown

Add these colors more subtly, like with the light fixtures and only accent pieces of furniture. Another cool idea is using them for structural elements. For example, the door or trim.

Example Japandi Color Combos

The Classic

Warm white + light oakwood + soft gray + black accents

We especially love this palette for the living room. This is because it creates an open and airy feeling.

The Earthy

Beige + warm brown + olive green + terracotta accents

This is great for a cozy space. For example, the bedroom—where you want to spend some cozy moments—or the dining room, where you gather with your loved ones.

The Moody

Charcoal gray + deep walnut wood + off-white + soft gray accents

Wherever you want a spa-like ambiance, use this color palette. We especially love it in bathrooms!

Japandi Paint Color Suggestions

Light and Neutral Base Colors.

Farrow & Ball – “Skimming Stone” (a warm gray)
Benjamin Moore – “Swiss Coffee” (a soft white)
Behr – “Creamy Mushroom” (beige)

Earthy Accent Colors.

Sherwin-Williams – “Soft Fern” (a muted green)
Farrow & Ball – "Dead Salmon” (a warm clay)
Behr – “Cider Spice” (Terracotta)

Contrast and Moody Tones.

Benjamin Moore – “Wrought Iron” (charcoal black)
Farrow & Ball – “Railings” (a deep blue/black)
Sherwin-Williams – “Iron Ore” (mysterious charcoal)

Japandi Furniture Selection

Japandi Sofas and Seating

Japandi sofas should feel inviting and structured. They focus on comfort, but at the same time, they use clean lines. These pieces usually sit low to the floor. You can expect the following features:

Neutral-colored upholstery
Natural fabrics
Minimalist and boxy shapes
Low-to-the-ground profiles

Japandi Beds

Japandi beds are grounded and restful. They have a low and sleek style (similar to that of traditional Japanese futons) while keeping the plush comfort intact, as seen in Scandinavian pieces. Some features are:

Low-profile wooden bed frame
Neutral-hued linen bedding
Minimal headboard (or no headboard at all)
Layered textiles

Japandi Tables and Chairs

Whether it’s a Japandi coffee table, dining table, or console table, we see practicality and elegance. These pieces are often made from solid wood, and have a matte finish. You can expect the following:

Clean and geometric lines (no intricate carvings)
Light or dark wood (in natural finishes)
Organic shapes (like a cloud)
Interesting combinations—like metal and wood or two differently shaped coffee tables placed together

Be sure to pair your dining table with Japandi chairs. These use natural materials like wood or rattan, and sometimes come upholstered in soft fabric.

Japandi Storage

We’re following the “out of sight, out of mind” principle here. Japandi storage is minimalist and built-in—and the end result is to reduce visual clutter. Some features include:

Hidden storage, like closed cabinets and sliding panels
Using natural materials, like woven baskets
Minimal hardware (no ornate handles)

Japandi Decor and Accessories

Intentional simplicity is followed in Japandi interiors—and that applies to the accessories, too. Every item in the interior has a purpose. This can be functional or sentimental. Or it can even have artistic value. Unique and handmade pieces are preferred over mass-produced decor. If you see blank walls—just know that this is intentional negative space which will allow other decor items to stand out.

Japandi wall art typically uses abstract lines. If you prefer landscapes, make sure these use soft neutrals. Woven wall art is also loved in Japandi interiors, as are stone/ceramic sculptural pieces.

Japandi textiles may look minimalist at first glance. But a designer’s eye would understand the role they’re playing in factoring in warmth. We see plenty of linen and cotton, because it’s light and breathable. Japandi rugs use neutral colors, but add visual interest with their patterns. They’re often woven or made from jute, allowing natural textures to soften the space underfoot.

Japandi ceramics reflect the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic. That is, beauty in imperfection. Expect hand-thrown pottery and dinner sets made using minimalist stone.

Japandi lighting goes BIG on natural light. But we also see plenty of statement lighting fixtures for the darker hours. These are usually organically shaped.

And, not to forget, indoor plants! But not a jungle of plants. Japandi interiors appreciate a few well-placed pieces. The Bonsai tree adds Zen and Scandinavian minimalism to your space. The snake plant is sleek and sculptural. And the bamboo helps add some balance.

Japandi Style in Every Room—Quick Styling Tips

Japandi Living Room

Keep the surfaces clutter-free
Layer a linen throw and soft wool cushions on the sofa
Add a low-profile wooden coffee table and then add on a ceramic vase

Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to decorate a Japandi living room.

Japandi Bedroom

Use neutral, breathable bedding
Use a single ceramic lamp that casts soft lighting
Add a woven storage basket

Here are some of our top Japandi bedroom ideas.

Japandi Kitchen

Use ceramic dinnerware—preferably handcrafted
Opt for a solid wood dining table and add on minimal decor
Keep countertops clean and only display important items

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to decorate a Japandi kitchen here.

Common Mistakes in the Japandi Style

Do not over-clutter the space. Remember, a minimalist aesthetic that feels warm is the goal.
Do not use too many synthetic materials. Wherever you see the opportunity to go natural—take it!
Do not ignore contrast. Japandi is much about balance, and that includes light and dark colors.
Do not overlook textures. These are the secret to taking “stark” out of minimalism.

FAQs

What is the difference between Japandi design and boho style?

Japandi style is minimalist; boho style is free-spirited. Both styles do celebrate natural and handmade. But boho design is far more cluttered and colorful.

Are there rules in Japandi style?

There are no hard and fast rules. But to achieve the aesthetic, you want to keep in mind the elements: natural materials, minimalism, a neutral palette, lots of natural light.

Let’s Decorate in Japandi…

And, that’s a wrap! Now you know all about the Japandi style; its key features; what to do and what not to do—and more. What’s your favorite part of Japandi decorating? Let us know in the comments below 👇