Everything You Need To Know About Japandi Decorating Style

January 03, 2024 5 min read

Everything You Need To Know About Japandi Decorating Style | Comfy Covers

When Japanese Decor Meets Scandinavian Decor

In the last decade, the definition of luxury has shifted from ostentation and gaudiness to sobriety and subtlety. A refined aesthetic that speaks more of quality and materials. Under this renewed concept, craftsmanship, local materials, minimalist design, and the classic "less is more" find their relevance. Nordic and Japanese styles both value this same philosophy, each in their own way. These two mixed have given rise to a unique, curious, and new concept called Japandi, let's explore the Japandi decorating style in detail in this article.

The Origin of Japandi? 

The word "Japandi" is a union of Japanese and Scandinavian. The origin of this style dates back to when Danish designers and creatives began traveling to Japan. The time when border closure policies established 220 years ago were finally lifted. At that time, their creations began to be influenced by this new enigmatic and fascinating oriental aesthetic.

The first traces of this design style can be seen in Danish ceramics, architecture, and furniture. It's true that both design philosophies appreciate simplicity, minimalism, and natural materials, so it was only a matter of time before the two were mixed in design.

You may think Japan and Scandinavia have nothing in common, but in terms of design elements, they are almost identical. Each's aesthetic is based on the simplicity of natural elements and ease. It's therefore not surprising that more and more designers are matching the two looks together and calling it "Japandi" alias Japanese and Scandinavian. Although it is a new aspiration, expect to see Japandi pop up in your Instagram feeds this year.

What is Japandi Design? 

Japandi design combines Scandinavian style and Japanese minimalism to create a sense of art, nature, and simplicity. This fusion creates a perfect alloy of form and function, focusing on refined lines, bright spaces, and clear colors.

What are the Elements of Japandi Style? 

Everything You Need To Know About Japandi Decorating Style | Comfy Covers


A perfect fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design, Japandi design focuses on minimalist designs that are aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional.

The Japandi style is characterized by exquisite craftsmanship, focusing on quality, using disposable and inexpensive structures that are handmade. This decorating style highlights natural materials, clean lines, soft colors, and especially minimalist furniture.

The Japandi style is characterized by exquisite craftsmanship, focusing on quality, using disposable and inexpensive structures that are handmade.

You will also see a lot of neutral colors and paint choices to complement Japandi furniture and accessories. Soothing, calm, and peaceful palettes are usually chosen. When more intense colors are incorporated, they are done so significantly and insightfully.

Furthermore, the Japandi style typically emphasizes sustainability. The benefits of natural materials and simple design make it an excellent style for green decoration. As more and more consumers look for an eco-friendly aesthetic, the popularity of Japandi is not surprising.

Here's How Japanese and Scandinavian Styles Work Together

If you are familiar with Scandinavian design, this style will not be new to you. The Scandinavian concept of comfort and conviviality in design has gained increasing popularity in the United States in recent years. Fundamentally, your home should be your sanctuary and provide a comfort effect every time you walk through the front door.

Scandinavian and Japanese decorating styles are compatible because both are grounded in minimalism and ease. The common aesthetic of the two creates a relaxed and refined style together.

The Japandi style is a quite personalized and simple style that combines elegance with rusticity. In this decoration, warm tones (from Japanese design) are combined with the clean tones of Scandinavian design.

How Can You Decorate Your Interior in Japandi Style? 


If you are a minimalist, you are likely to have already started trying the Japandi style. To really bring out this look, please use natural materials, such as unprocessed wood or bamboo. These materials bring naturalness and simplicity to your decor.

Soft colors are recommended for the Japandi style, so that your sofa matches these colors, you can check out our couch covers to choose the color you need. Prefer colors such as pale green to remind you of the greenery of plants or some green plants.

Reducing clutter is also key to achieving the Japandi style. This decorating style generally focuses on clean lines and airy spaces.

But if you have an active home and are struggling to find this minimalist look, it is recommended to try "false minimalism" with natural containers such as household items, built-in or folding screens to eliminate clutter and keep your space comfortable.

To get the best of both worlds, tap into the comfort of Scandinavian design with warm textures and soft pieces while retaining the elegance of Japanese decor. Although both styles insist on utility, it is crucial to maintain a feeling of calm in your space.

Because Japandi design is a matter of craftsmanship, it is not a case to be renewed very often. For this, you should look for pieces that can stand the test of time and adapt to your decoration in the years to come. It's the clear antidote to the disposable culture we have long accepted. And so, it is imperative that you focus on durable and safe pieces for our planet.

Although Japanese-style and Scandinavian-style decoration is not new, the combination of the two will certainly show an upward trend in the coming years.

Some Essential Notes for Successful Decoration 

Everything You Need To Know About Japandi Decorating Style | Comfy Covers


Minimalism is Key 

This applies to furniture and decoration. The style relies heavily on zero clutter. Choose functional and simple furniture, with no ornaments.

Prefer Natural 

The design philosophy emphasizes the importance of nature. In this style, wood is a dominant and natural element. But wood is not limited to furniture. It can be used generously on walls and floors. Alongside this, the style encourages users to bring many plants indoors.

Decorative Elements 

Both styles (Japanese and Scandinavian) embrace the philosophy of less is more, so this is naturally also the case for Japandi. Very few artworks on the walls, a soft and zen style decoration, a few vases or ceramic ornaments, and carefully chosen handcrafted decoration are recommended for homes.

Clean and Warm Materials 

In addition to furniture, it's important to pay attention to the textures of pillows, rugs, and side furniture. Natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, paper, ceramics, and light woods are ideal for this style.

An Earthy Color Palette 

To truly adhere to Japandi rules, think about colors present in nature. But note that this is also where the Japandi concept is slightly split. Those who identify more with Scandinavian design will prefer lighter and brighter colors (think white or light grey). Whereas those who prefer the Japanese aesthetic will favor earthy tones (think brown, olive green). However overall, all these shades adhere to Japandi.

Once you understand the Japandi style, it's not too hard to figure out how to combine elements. The main things to remember are:

  • Keep things simple and always decorate following the mantra "less is more";
  • Choose quality over quantity;
  • Never add too much of one thing. When in doubt, it's better to remove something rather than add something!

Conclusion

If you like simplicity, minimalism, and truly understand the charm of imperfections, then the Japandi style of decoration is for you. Japandi design is a mix between the timeless elegance of traditional Japanese elements and Scandinavian modernism. The resulting ambiance is a very appealing aesthetic balance, perfect for those seeking a style that fuses Eastern and Western cultures. By carefully applying the principles described in this article to your interior, you can create a welcoming, functional, and aesthetically astonishing home. Because we know, there's nothing better than feeling very comfortable in your own home.