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As much as we love a maximalist home, there’s just something about Japandi minimalism that hits like the design equivalent of Prozac. You know what Japandi style is, even if you don’t think you do; the term is a portmanteau of “Japanese” and “Scandi” for home decor and furnishings that pull from both cultures’ iconic design sensibilities. Think, ambient rice paper Noguchi lamps, Hans Wegner chairs, HAY homewares, and iconic mid-century modern investment pieces. It’s inviting, versatile, and sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy.
Luckily, finding affordable Japandi furniture and decor (that looks way more expensive than it is) has never been easier. Once upon a time, we would have had to smash our proverbial piggy banks to score a vintage Danish coffee table, simp over the sale section at Design Within Reach, or fantasize about running up our credit card for a Finn Juhl credenza.
These days, however, affordable Japandi pieces can be found on Wayfair, Castlery, West Elm, Article, and more retailers—hell, even Amazon has an epic Japandi edit. When in doubt, remember that the bendable rules of the aesthetic are: less is more, layer those earth tones, and reach for teak and other natural materials. Plus, if you’re truly at a loss for whether or not a piece falls under the Japandi umbrella, let clearly Japandi brand designers guide you. An ame like “Børge Møgensen” can’t steer you wrong.
Japandi design is simply one of the easiest ways for even the biggest design novices to start making their Hobbit hole/bachelor pad/NYC railroad apartment feel like a more elevated and adult space. And whether you’re looking for a total home decor makeover or the perfect housewarming gift for that friend who won’t stop reminding you about “how life-changing Copenhagen was,” we’ve rounded up some of the best pieces of Japandi furniture and decor for every budget and purpose.
Noguchi Lamps and Alternatives Set the Mood
Lighting is everything when it comes to curating a home space that feels inviting, and an Isamu Noguchi-style lamp is perfect for kicking off your Japandi journey. You have probably clocked these gauzy, glowing rice paper lamps on your Instagram feed, or spotted them in Troye Sivan’s dreamy Architectural Digest home video tour—and while an authentic
If it’s an authentic Noguchi lamp you seek, head over to 1stDibs to drool over the authentic—albeit, pricy—archival offerings.
Reach for Rugs in Neutral Colorways
Your Japandi oasis will require a big, beautiful rug with Dune-pilled tones. Keep an eye out for cream, beige, and terracotta colorways, and consider layering rugs made out of different natural, brut materials, such as wool or jute.
Rugs USA is hands-down one of the most affordable places to buy a big, gorgeous area rug online. It packs an extensive collection of jute rugs, which are excellent bases for layering up rugs.
Anchor the Room With a Japandi Coffee Table
Next up, you’re going to need a mid-century modern coffee table. Article and Castlery are excellent contemporary MCM (mid-century modern) brands to consult, and the latter even has a great Japandi edit.
If you’re looking for a darker colorway, Article’s sleek Lenia coffee table comes in both white oak and walnut colorways.
The Best Japandi Wall Art
There’s nothing worse than boring walls, but make sure that your Japandi art hits the perfect note between intriguing and serene.
If you have a slightly bigger budget, West Elm is home to this graphic, MCM style canvas wall art by Michael Upton (of the beloved, eponymous Southern California design studio).
The Best Designer Chair Dupes
Would we love to be able to blow our entire tax return on a designer MCM chair? Of course. But we’re just not there yet, and that’s OK, because the internet is full of designer chair dupes.
Caning and wicker are great MCM design details to keep in mind while building out your dream Japandi home, and this pair of Cesca alternatives from Amazon delivers on both texture and color.
The Comfiest Japandi Couches
Your dream Japandi sofa should look and feel like a veritable cloud, and that’s where this deep-set throne comes into play.
If you’re looking for a vegan leather sectional, Albany Park is offering a whopping $525 off its stunning Park Sectional Sofa, which ships in easy-to-move boxes.
Clever Japandi Storage Solutions
Listen, Japandi style thrives on minimalism, which is just another way of saying: keep your house clean and clutter-free.
Everybody needs a place to stash their electric blankets and linens, and this cozy wicker chest is the perfect Japandi storage solution.
Now, go put your feet up in your new Japandi paradise. You deserve it.
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