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Japanese decor is simple and very tranquil in style.  The word ‘Zen’ is often used to describe the aesthetic experience it brings.  Japanese rooms have developed over hundreds of years, becoming infused with both history and culture to create interiors with striking visual appeal.

Over time, Japanese rooms have gained a distinct feel which differs from other Asian interiors.  Space is used creatively in Japanese room decor and simplicity is seen to be key.  Nature is used to unite indoor and outdoor areas.  Japanese decor offers views of nature from every angle.

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Image source: Webber + Studio Architects

Tatami mats are woven out of plants.  These mats cover the floors in all rooms but they are very versatile.  They are a crucial aspect of Japanese decor.

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Image source: Treehouse Specialty Store Faniguchi Corporation

Japanese interior decor is new to the west.  This is because Japan remained largely isolated until the 19th Century.  During this time trade routes opened up between east and west.  Japanese decor was then introduced to the western world.

Japanese decor ideas

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Image source: Feinmann, Inc.
Japanese decor has some core elements which make it appear distinct.  A Japanese living space is always open plan with kitchen, dining room and living room combined.

When it comes to furnishings, Japanese decor places high value on simplicity.  There is very little furniture in Japanese decor.  The room will appear spacious and movement should be easy.  All elements in the room are neutral in color in order to create a harmonious atmosphere.

Japanese style decor draws on nature and includes bonsai, pots filled with flowers, pebbles and lanterns.

Popular colors in Japanese décor design

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Image source: Webber + Studio Architects

Japanese decor draws on neutral colors.  If you would like to create a Japanese bedroom then use soothing, soft and natural colors which will calm you.  Tones are gentle.  Walls are often painted white, cream or beige.

Furniture is natural in color and often includes green, grey or brown tones.  Accessories are kept to a minimum and color schemes are often monochromatic.  This keeps the Japanese interior looking simple and serene.   Add a touch of color to drapes or add wall art to create interest in your room.

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Image source: MN Builder

Natural colors will always dominate Japanese decor so look to nature for inspiration.  Woods, stones and leaves offer subtle yet interesting tones which can be used to create a Japanese interior.  Houseplants in traditional Japanese style add a soothing yet earthy touch.

Soaking Tubs Are Important in Japanese Interior Decor

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Image source: Quatum Windows & Doors
Soaking tubs offer relaxation at the end of a long day.  Bubbling water is soothing and offers up a space for meditation.  It is for this reason that soaking tubs form an important part of Japanese decor.  Water is an essential element in Japanese home designs.

By adding a Japanese style hot tub to hour bathroom, you will create a soothing escape which will calm you at the end of a long day.  This is the perfect Japanese decor element to add to any bathroom or spa.

Use laughing Buddha and decorative fans

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Image source: MGLM Architects

Laughing Buddha’s are a traditional element to Japanese interior design.  Add them to your Japanese living room.  You could add jade statues or beautiful fans to your Japanese bedroom too.

Place pots with Bonsai, bamboo and palm plants

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Image source: KJM Design & Remodeling LLC

Japanese decor often incorporates bonsai trees into its designs.  Bonsai helps to merge inside and outside.  Select simple ceramics and plant your bonsai into them.  They will add a serene touch to your Japanese living room.  Orchids and bamboo also make excellent choices.  Place them in center stage and add them to your Japanese bedroom or living room.

Furniture

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Image source: Daniel Krienbuehl Contractors Inc.

Japanese decor is minimalist in design and furniture is both simple and elegant.  Keep your room open and your furniture low in design. Furniture which is natural and monochromatic will best suit a Japanese interior. Japanese decor focuses on clean lines and essential items.  The results are never lavish.

Keep your Japanese style bedroom simple.  A low bed or one placed on the floor will work well.  Include a low coffee table in your Japanese style living room.

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Image source: Webber + Studio Architects
Tea ceremonies are an important element of Japanese culture.  Surround your coffee table with cushions to take part in this special time.  Japanese homes often have a minimal amount of furniture.  Keep your home simple, keep furniture to a minimum and use low to the ground items to emulate the beauty of Japanese decor.

Use tatami mats And scrolls

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Image source: Thompson Raissis Architects

Japanese decor uses tatami mats as floor decor.  You can also use these mats as scrolls.  These scrolls are decorated with Japanese imagery and places on walls in the living room.

Use floor cushions

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Image source: Treehouse Specialty Store Faniguchi Corporation

Japanese decor is always low.  Many Japanese rooms have low level furniture and floor cushions.  When it comes to tea ceremonies, Japanese people always use floor cushions.  Add cushions to your living room floor to take part in this elegant Japanese ritual

Japanese style sliding doors or screens

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Image source: Zen Door

Japanese homes are often small in size and it is important to make the most of space.  Japanese people often use screens, known as Shoji, to save space.  These screens don’t take up the same amount of space as doors do because they slide back and forth.

Traditionally, Japanese screens have a sheer effect as they are made up of transparent paper.  However, modern screens are often made up of glass panels.

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Image source: Feinmann, Inc

Japanese decor uses screens to allow light into the room.  Screens also ensure a view of nature.  When walls are kept to a minimum and glass sliding doors are added to a room, outside and inside merge and the effect is light and airy.  Small spaces appear larger which makes screens an essential element of Japanese decor

Lighting

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Image source: LBC Lighting

Lighting plays an important role when it comes to creating atmosphere in your home.  Japanese decor relies on natural lighting.  Keep windows large to allow light inside.  Leave curtains open to allow inside and outside to merge.

If you do need to use artificial lighting, use it with restraint.  Pendants and night lamps should only be used if necessary.  Try to keep them minimalistic and hidden.  Lamps which are natural in appearance such as wooden lamps may be freely used.

Standing lamps with paper lanterns are a popular choice in Japanese decor. Use them in your Japanese style bedroom to add atmosphere.

Use rocks, stones and blinds

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Image source: Concrete-Visions LLC

Japanese decor merges interiors with natural spaces.  Using organic accessories will enhance this look.  Use stones, pebbles, bamboos and even rocks to add a natural appeal.  Choose smooth rocks and cover windows with bamboo blinds for a natural look.

Low beds

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Image source: Intexture Architects

Japanese decor is minimalist in style and this applies to beds too.  Beds often have no frames and a simple mattress gives a Japanese bedroom a simplicity which is soothing.  A headboard will add an elegant touch.

Low furniture adds height to a room, making small spaces appear larger.  In a small Japanese bedroom, low furniture makes a lot of sense.

Open Shelves

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Image source: John Lum Architecture,Inc. AIA

Japanese decor makes use of open shelving.  This not only helps to keep your items in easy reach but will also add an interesting touch to minimal decor.  In a neutral room, open shelving offers color accents and interesting shapes and textures.  Add to your Japanese bedroom or living room designs.

Put a kotatsu in your room and stay warm all winter

Japanese decor incorporates many innovative ways of staying warm in winter.  If you are creating a Japanese style room, borrow from these creative ideas and install a kotatsu into your home.

A kotatsu uses a source of heat covered by a table frame and a very thick blanket to hold heat in the home.  A kotatsu makes a great focal point in a Japanese style interior.  It will also keep you very warm in winter.

Accessories

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Image source: Balodemas Architects

Japanese decor keeps furniture to a minimum.  Adding a few accessories will help you to add a personalized touch to your home.  Use a Shoji screen in your Japanese bedroom for an authentic touch.  You can also conceal any clutter which threatens the simplicity or harmony of your Japanese style bedroom.

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Image source: Shannon Malone

Add nature to your home by using bonsai trees.  Silk curtains make a great addition to your Japanese style home.  Add nature-based art such as images of cherry blossoms.  Floor pillows, ikebana arrangements and even boxes of dried flower petals make great accessories for your Japanese home.

If you love all things Japanese, full your home with gorgeous Japanese decor.  This will give you a glorious feeling of ease and simplicity while you save up for that special trip to Japan.

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