Japanese style homeware: a guide to bringing Japanese aesthetics into your home

japanese interior

Decorating our house with Japanese style homeware can add a touch of elegance and serenity. Not only for those who travelled or lived in Japan, but also for those wishing to visit one day or appreciate the literature, the cuisine or in general traditional Japanese philosophy. 

Japanese design is simple yet functional, perfect for a minimal but clever home. Moreover, it is often inspired by nature and embodies ancient skills and wisdom, which can both make us feel better.

People from around the world have been attracted to Japanese design for centuries. From Japonisme in the ‘800 to Steve Jobs to get inspiration for its products. Nowadays, the modern version is still relevant, and even a Nordic-European mix called japandi has emerged.

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Recurring characteristics

Wabi-Sabi: this popular concept see the beauty in imperfection, for example, in raw textured ceramic or asymmetry (read more about wabi-sabi here)

Nature:  Materials are often wood, ceramics, stone, fabrics, paper. Muted colours like beige, cream, dark brown, green are popular (with a touch of character, especially in bright fabrics design)

Minimalism: living with less and valuing each item is part of traditional Japanese wisdom. Although even Japanese society is more consumerist nowadays, reducing the declutter is still important

Functionality: items should be both beautiful and practical to avoid a surplus of decoration

japanese cup

Traditional Japanese style Homeware Pieces

Ceramic Tableware: whether a teacup, plate, bowl or vase, a piece of Japanese ceramic is useful in daily life

Lighting: lamps and lanterns help shaping the space through light, often with a soft, paper-filtered effect

Prints: hang in the wall a woodblock print doesn’t take up space but subtly decorates an empty space. Or self print your own favourite Japanese phrase.

Wood and lacquerware: using a tray, a bowl or a basket can help organise loose objects

Fabric objects: tablemats, pillow covers and table runners made with Japanese patterns are practical, light and pretty

Glass: for example, an edo kiriko style cup set or whiskey glass is a sophisticated solution

Furniture: you can even use a low table, shoji divider or futon mat for a more full integration of the style in your life

Japanese print

Scandi-Japanese Fusion: Scandinavian minimalism blended with Japanese simplicity in a new Japandi trend that is gaining popularity

Eco-Friendly: good quality pieces help shifting towards sustainable chives with natural materials and low-impact manufacturing 

Compact and Multi-functional Design: new items like stackable dishes and folding tables are invented

Minimalistic interior

Where to Buy Japanese Style Homeware

Some Japanese stores are available worldwide, like Muji or local shops with plenty of options. You might not know, but try to research in your town.

Online dealers shipping internationally are, for example, Yamazaki Home or Nihon Ichiban. 

If you are in Japan or planning a visit, the best is to organise a meeting at the craftsman studio (which often can’t sell internationally), go to an antique/flea market, or head to centers like the Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square in Tokyo.

Pics credits: Lucas Calloch, 五玄土 ORIENTO , tu tu, Art Institute of Chicago