Japandi is a style that blends Japanese simplicity (wabi-sabi) with Nordic cosiness and function. Think calm, earthy colours, natural materials like wood, clay and linen, a few well-considered things and plenty of breathing space. The result is a home that's minimalist yet warm – handmade ceramics and stoneware fit right in.
Japandi is one of the most popular interior styles – and for good reason. It brings together the best of two worlds: Japanese calm and the warm functionality of the Nordic home. Here's what the style is all about, and how to bring it into your own home.
What is japandi?
The word is a blend of Japan and Scandi. The style draws on wabi-sabi from Japan – the beauty of the simple, imperfect and handmade – and combines it with the Scandinavian focus on light, function and cosiness. What they share: purity, natural materials and calm.
Colours and materials
The palette is calm and earthy: warm beige, greys, clay, black and deep, muted greens and blues. The materials are natural – wood, clay, stone, linen and bamboo – with matte surfaces rather than glossy ones. Handmade ceramics and stoneware with small irregularities are the very heart of wabi-sabi.
Tip: Choose a few beautiful things rather than many. In japandi, a single handmade vase with a branch is more striking than a full shelf.
The key principles
- Less is more: clear out, and give things room to breathe.
- Natural materials: wood, clay, linen and stone in matte finishes.
- Calm colours: earthy tones and muted shades.
- Craftsmanship: the handmade and slightly imperfect over the perfect.
- Function: everything should be both beautiful and useful.
Japandi vs. Scandinavian
| Scandinavian | Japandi | |
|---|---|---|
| Colours | Light, white, pale wood | Warm earthy tones, darker contrasts |
| Mood | Light and airy | Calm and earthy |
| Details | Function and cosiness | Craftsmanship and wabi-sabi |
How to get the look
Start by clearing out and choosing a calm, earthy palette. Add natural materials and simple, handmade objects: a stoneware vase with a single branch, a ceramic bowl, linen on the bed. Keep the lines clean and let there be air between things – it's the empty space that gives japandi its calm.
Frequently asked questions
What is japandi?
A style of interior design that blends Japanese simplicity (wabi-sabi) with Scandinavian cosiness and function – calm colours, natural materials and a few well-considered things.
What colours are used in japandi?
Calm, earthy tones: beige, grey, clay, black and muted shades of green and blue.
What's the difference between japandi and Scandinavian?
Scandinavian is light and airy; japandi is warmer and more earthy, with a focus on craftsmanship and wabi-sabi.
What materials suit japandi?
Natural materials such as wood, clay, stone, linen and bamboo – ideally with matte surfaces and handmade character.
How do I start with japandi?
Clear out, choose a calm palette, and add a few handmade objects in natural materials with air between them.
Summary
Japandi unites Japanese wabi-sabi and Nordic cosiness: calm earthy tones, natural materials, craftsmanship and plenty of air. Choose a few beautiful things rather than many, and let handmade ceramics and stoneware set the tone. It's a style that's minimalist – but never cold.
Read also
- Scandinavian interior design: minimalism with personality
- Minimalist interior design: less is more
- What is ceramics? Everything you need to know about the material
Get the calm japandi look with our handmade ceramic vases and vases.
