Japanese minimalist furniture design has proven for centuries that beauty and functionality can live in unison together. It is characterized by minimalist designs that focuses on balancing simplicity, functionality, and above all, living in harmony with nature. Traditionally, Japanese minimalism utilizes natural materials like bamboo and wood, and prioritizes modern structures with versatile, space-saving elements. Rooted in age-old craftsmanship, the design style naturally evokes calm and balance through its use of neutral hues, clean lines, and a strong connection to the natural world.
Because of its ability to bring instant peace to any living space, it’s only natural that Japanese design has been regularly sought when styling a home.
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What are types of Japanese furniture?
When tapping that home design style, there is a variety of Japanese furniture designs big and small to choose from.
10 Japanese Furniture Designs
Seating
HINOKI BATH STOOL
Typically crafted from natural Hinoki wood, known for its durability and natural fragrance, the bath Hinoki stool has remained a staple in traditional Japanese bathing rituals. The soft wood finish and natural fragrance of this Japanese bathroom stool can work as a functional addition to any bath, or double up as space-saving side tables.
ZEN BENCH
Intersecting both Japanese and Scandinavian interior design, the Zen bench combines simple wooden plants with an elegant cut and finish. Because of its versatile nature, the Zen bench can be placed in many areas of the home as an added seating option while contributing to the tranquil atmosphere. Made with elegant craftmanship and smooth, clean lines, this piece of Japanese style bedroom furniture fits seamlessly into the backdrop of any space.
KANSO SOFA
The Kanso sofa embraces the Japanese principle of “kanso,” which celebrates simplicity and cleanliness, and the decluttering of unnecessary elements. Its clean lines, minimalist silhouette, and neutral tones offer a sense of balance and calm contributing to a serene living space. The Kanso sofa is an ideal representation of minimalist and understated beauty in Japanese interior style which also acts as a reminder of a purposeful and mindful way of living.
Table Furniture
JAPANDI COFFEE TABLE
Designed with the functionality of Scandinavian furniture, a Japandi coffee table effortlessly combines both minimalist elegance with practical design. Acting as the heart of the Japanese-style living room, this style of coffee table will instantly bring balance and calm to any space. The warmth, organic texture, and neutrality of the natural materials represent the connection to nature that serves as the mark of a Japanese style home.
TAKONOMA CONSOLE TABLE
A “Tokonoma” is a traditional alcove in a Japanese room used to display floral arrangement, paintings, and pottery. With its typically sleek and simple design, a Tokonoma Console Table will naturally amplify any artful piece placed atop it to offer a striking balance of showcasing thoughtful decor all while maintaining a minimal aesthetic. This Japanese minimalist furniture style of table works well when placed in entryways, long hallways, or large living spaces to mindfully ground and creatively connect the home to the outside world.
WABI SABI DINING TABLE
A Wabi Sabi dining table is a style of furniture that embodies the Japanese philosophy of embracing the beauty of life’s constant state of change. Therefore, it celebrates the process of objects being weathered and worn by time and addionally pulls in the Zen Buddism way of life that appreciates the beauty of imperfection that comes with age. In any Wabi Sabi furniture, you’ll be sure to find flaws and signs of wear as well as asymmetrical lines which reflects the raw materials the object is typically made from. To transform your living space into a Zen room, pairing a Wabi Sabi dining table with Wabi sabi dining chairs makes for a great choice for those styling a calming home.
Bedding
FUTON BED
A Futon is a Japanese mattress that can be placed on the floor or directly onto a Tatami mat. Due to its lightweight quality and ability to be folded up during the day, it’s one of the best space-saving beds for small rooms. Often made of natural materials like cotton or wool, its functionality and simplicity perfectly embody the Japanese design style.
TATAMI BED
A tatami bed is made to feature a low, wooden platform with a woven Tatami mat as its foundation. It offers a natural sleepign surface which is firm and is typically paired with a thin mattress or futon. By combining the beauty of practicality, natural materials, and a simple design, it offers a clean yet understated bedding option while embodying the Japanese aesthetic.
Wall Separators
TATEGU SLIDING DOORS
An essential feauture of Japanese interiors are Tategu sliding doors which are typically made of natural wood and translucent glass or paper. These style of doors work to functionally separate spaces all enhancing the airy and open nature of the layout. With it, rooms can feel calm and serene while contributing to the minimalist design of the home.
SHOJI SCREENS
Shoji screens are an iconic piece in Japanese home interiors. They can be classified as a door, window, room divider, or at times sliding doors. Traditionally made from wooden frames and translucent rice paper, these screens allow for diffused light to softly filter through to enhance a room’s openness and soothing quality.
Whether you’re styling your very own Japanese living room or minimally integrating Japandi furniture or traditional Japanese-style furniture into your home, these pieces continue to find their place in modern interior design, today.
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