How to Create a Japandi Bathroom - 8 Simple Ideas

Japandi style blends Scandinavian design with Japanese aesthetics to create a tranquil, elegant atmosphere. It’s a trend that’s rising in popularity and its effect on space is profound. As Interior Designer Shanty Wijaya describes, “It teaches us to form deep connections to the earth and nature, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.”

If you want to use more Japandi ideas to make your bathroom calmer and more beautiful, you're in the right place. This guide offers expert advice, key principles, and product tips for your space makeover.

What is the Japandi style?

Both Japanese and Scandinavian designs are centred around simplicity, nature and comfort. And yet the two differ slightly in their guiding principles. 

As Interior Designers at Fineline outline, “Unlike the Scandinavian interior design style, the Japanese Minimalist design embraces the idea of imperfection. It is a Zen philosophy concept in which one must learn to accept the world as it is in order to avoid disappointment and stress.” 

A Japandi bathroom blends Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese nature-inspired design. This unique fusion emphasises sustainability, simplicity, and a calming atmosphere. Here are eight simple ideas to help you craft a serene and stylish Japandi bathroom. 

8 ideas for creating a Japandi bathroom

Ready to transform your space? Follow these six simple steps to turn your bathroom into one with a clear Japandi influence.

1. Opt for natural materials

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The Japandi style features natural, sustainable materials that add warmth and texture to your space. To truly embody this aesthetic, carefully select your materials:

Wood: Incorporate natural wood elements, like oak, maple, or walnut, to ground the space and add warmth. Consider wooden vanities, shelves, or even wooden bath mats. Our Scanalato Vanity, in oak or walnut, is a perfect anchor piece. It balances style and function.

Bamboo: A staple in Japandi design, bamboo adds a soft, eco-friendly touch to the bathroom. Use bamboo for storage. It works for baskets, bins, and small decor, like soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. Bamboo is sustainable, durable, and perfect for humid areas.

Stone: Natural stone, such as granite, marble, or slate, offers a raw and organic texture that complements the Japandi style. Consider stone basins or countertops to introduce a sense of luxury and simplicity. Our Beyondstone basins add natural beauty to any Japandi space.

2. Install a Japanese toilet

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Despite their natural look, Japanese toilets are key to Japandi style. And this is for good reason. They have a heated seat, integrated lighting, and automated cleansing. They turn a bathroom staple into a throne of luxury! You’ll enjoy water and air drying features and help the planet by cutting out toilet paper too.Include a freestanding bath

3. Include a freestanding bath

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A freestanding bath is a statement piece that embodies the Japandi balance of form and function. Choose a deep, oval tub. It should resemble a traditional Japanese soaking tub, meant for relaxation and mindfulness. 

Position the bath near a window or under a skylight to use the natural light when reading or relaxing. Or, create a cosy nook with soft lighting and plants, like ferns or orchids. To enhance the bath, add a wooden caddy or a stone mat which are both practical and nice to look at.

4. Use a natural colour palette

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The Japandi aesthetic thrives on a natural, calming colour palette that promotes a serene atmosphere. 

Neutral Colours

Embrace shades of beige, brown, and taupe to create a warm, inviting feel. These tones work well on walls, cabinets and textiles. You can then add more striking furniture without the space feeling overwhelming.

Soft Blues and Greys

Introduce soft blues and greys to add a sense of tranquillity and to subtly reflect the Japanese influence. These colours can be used for towels, rugs, or even delicate floral patterns on tiles or wallpaper.

Black and Dark Green

Use darker tones like black and deep green sparingly to create contrast and depth. These can be introduced through small accessories, such as soap dishes or picture frames, or as accents on cabinets and fixtures.

5. Good Lighting is Key

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Lighting is crucial in creating the cosy, welcoming atmosphere central to the Japandi style. To emulate the Scandi concept of hygge - a feeling of warmth and comfort - opt for warm, soft lighting. Look for LED bulbs with a colour temperature between 1800 and 2700 Kelvin to create a soft glow that invites relaxation. Use a mix of ceiling lights, wall sconces, and LED-lit mirrors to layer your lighting. This will enhance the bathroom's ambience.

6. Keep the Space Clutter-Free

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Japandi design is about simplicity and functionality. So, the bathroom must be clutter-free. Use built-in storage solutions like vanity units or wall-mounted shelves or even minimalist robe hooks and rails to hang towels. to keep everyday items neatly organised and out of sight. This not only maintains the room’s clean, minimalist look but also promotes a sense of calm and order.

7. Create a Zen Garden Nook

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If space allows, consider dedicating a small corner of your bathroom to a mini Zen garden. This could be as simple as a shallow wooden or stone tray filled with sand, stones, and a few small plants or succulents. This feature adds a unique decor. It also boosts the calming, nature-inspired essence of Japandi design. It’s a subtle nod to Japanese gardening traditions and can be a focal point that enhances the bathroom's tranquillity

8. Think About Scent

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A key aspect of creating a Japandi bathroom is engaging all the senses, including smell. Use scent elements like natural soy candles, essential oil diffusers, or incense. They can fill the space with calming aromas like eucalyptus, sandalwood, and lavender. This experience helps one relax and be mindful, aligning with the Japandi philosophy.

Did you know that we offer a very personal design service? That’s right. You can share your wildest Japandi dreams with our design experts and they’ll make it happen for you. It costs just £100, and you’ll get that completely refunded if you go ahead with your order.