17 New Japandi Living Room Ideas You’ll Love
Looking to bring more calm and clarity into your home?
Japandi style combines the best of Scandinavian coziness and Japanese simplicity — creating a living space that feels both stylish and serene.
As a stay-at-home mom of three, I know the importance of having a peaceful space to recharge.
Here’s how I transformed our busy living room into a cozy Japandi-inspired retreat — and how you can too.
🖨️ Free Printable: Japandi Living Room Checklist
Ready to turn your living room into a Japandi-inspired retreat? This simple checklist will help you stay focused and intentional with your design.
✅ Covers color palette, texture, and lighting
✅ Calm, cozy, and clutter-free planning
✅ No email needed — just print and create your haven
👉 Click to download your free Japandi checklist
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1. Neutral Color Palette
When I started redecorating, the first thing I did was swap out my colorful throw pillows and rugs for ones in soft beiges, greys, and whites. Japandi thrives on neutral tones that create a calming atmosphere. Think sand, taupe, and charcoal—colors that invite relaxation and harmony.
2. Low, Simple Furniture
I replaced my oversized sectional with a low-profile sofa in natural linen. Japandi furniture is all about clean lines and simplicity. Opt for pieces that are both functional and understated, like a wooden coffee table with a light stain or a sleek Scandinavian armchair.
3. Incorporate Natural Materials
During a Saturday trip to the market, I stumbled upon a beautiful bamboo lamp, and it now has pride of place in my living room. Japandi emphasizes natural materials like wood, rattan, linen, and stone. These elements bring warmth and texture to the space.
4. Declutter and Simplify
Confession time: decluttering was hard for me. But Japandi taught me that less truly is more. I started by donating items I hadn’t used in years and keeping only the essentials. Now, my living room feels twice as big and infinitely more serene.
5. Add Soft Textures
My youngest loves curling up on our new wool throw blanket, which I drape over the sofa. Japandi balances minimalism with cozy textures. Think soft rugs, knitted poufs, and fabric that invites touch.
6. Let in Natural Light
One of the simplest changes I made was ditching heavy curtains for airy linen drapes. Natural light is a cornerstone of Japandi style, so keep your windows clear and let that sunshine in.
🖼️ Free Printable: Japandi Mood Board
Planning a Japandi-inspired space? Use this printable mood board to gather your ideas in one calming place.
✅ Spaces for color palette, textures, furniture & lighting
✅ Helps visualize your serene living room design
✅ Print it out or sketch digitally — your peaceful haven starts here
7. Include Indoor Plants
The fiddle-leaf fig in the corner of our living room has become a family favorite. Plants add life and vibrancy to Japandi spaces, but keep it simple—a single potted plant or a small cluster is enough to make an impact.
8. Focus on Functionality
Every piece in a Japandi living room serves a purpose. I replaced our bulky entertainment center with a sleek console that doubles as storage. This style encourages thoughtful purchases and multi-functional furniture.
9. Layer with Rugs
To soften our hardwood floors, I layered a jute rug with a smaller, plush wool rug on top. The mix of textures adds depth and comfort without overwhelming the room.
10. Choose Muted Artwork
I swapped out bold, colorful prints for minimalist artwork in neutral tones. A simple line drawing or a serene watercolor landscape can complement the Japandi aesthetic perfectly.
11. Embrace Wabi-Sabi
My daughter calls our slightly imperfect ceramic vase “the perfectly imperfect piece.” Japandi borrows from the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection. Look for handcrafted items that tell a story.
12. Invest in Quality Pieces
While redecorating, I decided to invest in a high-quality oak coffee table. Japandi values quality over quantity, encouraging you to choose timeless, durable pieces that will last for years.
13. Create a Zen Corner
One of my favorite parts of the living room is a small corner I dedicated to relaxation. With a floor cushion, a bamboo tray for tea, and a stack of my favorite books, it’s now my go-to spot for unwinding after a busy day.
14. Use Soft, Diffused Lighting
I replaced our harsh overhead lights with a combination of floor lamps and table lamps. Soft, diffused lighting creates a warm, inviting ambiance that’s essential for Japandi spaces.
15. Mix Scandinavian Hygge with Japanese Zen
Think of Japandi as the perfect marriage of cozy and calm. I’ve kept a few plush pillows and a cozy throw for hygge vibes while maintaining a sense of spaciousness for Zen balance.
16. Add Subtle Pops of Color
While neutral tones dominate, a few subtle pops of color can add personality. I chose soft sage green cushions and a pale blue vase for a hint of freshness.
17. Prioritize Sustainability
When I chose new pieces for my living room, I looked for sustainable options. Japandi’s emphasis on natural materials and timeless design aligns perfectly with eco-friendly living.
🛒 Shop This Japandi Living Room Look
These finds helped me bring calm, cozy Japandi vibes into our family space — and they’re all available on Amazon!
- Low Linen Sofa (Neutral Beige)
Soft, structured, and effortlessly stylish
👉 View on Amazon - Wabi-Sabi Ceramic Vase (Imperfect Finish)
Adds the perfect handmade, lived-in feel
👉 See it here - Bamboo Floor Lamp with Soft Light
Ideal for diffused evening lighting
👉 Get it on Amazon - Linen Drapes (Sheer, Natural Color)
Let the light in while keeping things soft
👉 Grab them here - Neutral Area Rug (Jute & Wool Blend)
Great for layering and adding soft texture
👉 Check it out - Set of 3 Japandi-Inspired Prints
Minimalist and serene wall art
👉 See the set
As I look around my living room now, I can’t help but smile. It’s not just a space for lounging; it’s a sanctuary for our family.
My kids still pile onto the sofa for movie nights, but now it feels like a retreat rather than just another room in the house.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding a few Japandi touches to your home, these ideas can help you transform your living room into a space that’s as beautiful as it is calming. Who knows? You might even inspire your family to slow down and savor the serenity, too.
✨ Pin this for when you’re ready to turn your living room into your sanctuary
🧺 Calm. Cozy. Clutter-free. Just how it should be.
