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From streetwear to film, music to cuisine, Japanese-influenced design and culture have risen in popularity. Decor is no exception: Zen and Japandi are two of the most popular Japanese-inspired design styles you can bring into your home. But what’s the difference, and how do you use them in your space? Whether you’re looking for a Zen formal living room, Japandi bedroom, or a mix of the two, this guide will help you easily embrace these styles.
Zen is a minimalist, meditative style rooted in Japanese culture and tied to the history of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Zen decor focuses on similar tenets to Zen Buddhism: simplicity, calm, and harmony. But in this case, those principles apply to your home decor!
Zen furniture is known for low-profile designs, focus on functionality, and the use of natural materials like wood and bamboo. Similarly, Zen decor tends toward minimalism and is often nature-inspired. Think of bonsai trees and Japanese dry gardens (also called Zen rock gardens). The primary colors used in Zen decor stick with this natural theme and are often earthy tones like beige, light brown, white, and shades of green. Textures typically include wood, bamboo, stone, and woven Japanese mats called tatami.
Japandi is a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. Think classic Zen meets hygge! Japandi combines the warmth and coziness of Scandinavian design with the clean, serene elements of Japanese decor. The furniture found in Japandi styles tends toward streamlined and minimalist but also has more of the warmth and function of Nordic influences.
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Japandi decor continues this trend with a mix of modern and traditional Japanese pieces that blend Scandinavian simplicity. Much like Zen, neutral color palettes rule, but Japandi is slightly different, with darker contrasts (charcoal, deep browns) and softer tones like light greys and pastels. Japandi also blends smooth wood with ceramics, wool, and linen, incorporating major hygge vibes that are perfect for snuggling up with a book.
If you decide the Zen look is for you, choose low, functional furniture with clean lines and natural materials. Wood, especially light-colored wood, is a great option. Zen bedroom ideas include a wood bedframe that is low to the ground and neutral-colored linens (like beige with light brown accents).
For Japandi, you can use similar ideas of sleek, modern furniture with natural materials. In addition, though, consider adding soft, cozy elements like plush throws or cushions. A Japandi living room might have a neutral beige sofa and wooden coffee table but plenty of comfortable pillows and blankets for movie night.
No matter if you choose Zen or Japandi, stick to minimalist decor. But for Japandi, don’t shy away from warmth! Natural elements strongly influence both styles, so be sure to include potted plants. Keep it simple — succulents or bonsai for Zen, and maybe larger greenery for Japandi. Your Zen Japanese living room should be soothing and visually uncluttered, so small and thoughtfully chosen decor is critical. Consider simple artwork or black-and-white photography for your walls.
Stick to neutral tones for both styles, but add contrast with darker accents for Japandi. Zen color schemes should focus more on neutral, earthy tones without majorly contrasting accents. For example, a Zen bathroom could be primarily light brown or beige with green accents. However, the green accents shouldn’t be a dark emerald – opt for a pale sage. For a Japandi makeover, however, you could go for that bolder green!
Changing up the style of your home to a clean Japandi or Zen-inspired look can freshen up your style and give your space a whole new feel.
But changing up the look of your home doesn’t have to mean breaking the budget or throwing out your old furniture. When it comes time to shake things up, turn to CORT Furniture Outlet for pieces that will make you, the planet, and your wallet happy!
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Explore our unique selection online or visit us in-store today. With CORT Furniture Outlet, you can create a beautiful, sustainable home while making a positive impact on the environment. Together, let’s transform your space for a brighter future!
