Japandi: 10 Living Rooms Inspired by the Japanese-Scandinavian Trend

When it comes to living rooms, there are plenty of design options to choose from – but your dream living space may actually be a balance of two popular styles. Japanese-Scandinavian home decor – also known as “Japandi” – is increasingly on trend this year thanks to its serene, simple and stylish vibes. Combining elements of Japanese minimalism (think clean lines, low clutter and calming colour palettes) and Scandi influences (like cozy textiles, neutral tones and lots of plants), Japandi design is all about balance and clean comfort. To help inspire you, here are 10 living rooms that showcase the decor trend.

minimal living room with grey couch and two small round coffee tables

Unsplash

1 / 10

Keep It Clean

One of the keys to Japanese interior design is to keep walls clean and clutter-free. This minimal living room keeps the walls bright and white while incorporating character via bold wooden art pieces with Scandinavian appeal.

white living room with brown leather couch and dried fronds in vase

Unsplash

2 / 10

A Soft Seat

When it comes to living room furniture, the ideal Japandi sofa combines practical function and sleek style. Opt for a couch or sectional that’s plush and comfy without being overly fussy. This sleek sofa fits the bill in a neutral, tawny tone, while its sleek black legs offer a nod to Scandi styling.

neutral grey living room with grey pillows on couch and sculptural coffee tables

Unsplash

3 / 10

Hygge Haven

The Danish concept of hygge values coziness and comfort – perfect for the living room that’s easy to incorporate via soft textiles and lots of layered texture. To keep the look Japandi, balance the comfy fabrics with clean-lined details like these sculptural coffee tables. Need a new place to rest your cuppa joe?

white living room with green couch, wooden coffee tables and green plant

Unsplash

4 / 10

Green Living

Plants bring a fresh feel to any room and they’re a key element of many Scandi home interiors. Here, a lush green indoor plant refreshes the minimal furnishings and clean walls in this cozy living room.

spacious living room with grey area rug and couch with pops of yellow, green and pink pillows

Unsplash

5 / 10

Colour Cues

One reason why Scandinavian and Japanese interior design styles work so well as a team is that both tend to favour soft, natural colour palettes. Here, a cozy neutral grey and wood base (very Scandi) harmonizes with nature-inspired hues like forest green and sunny yellow (which harken to Japanese interiors).

neutral living room with two-level coffee tables and antique-style wicker chair

Unsplash

6 / 10

The Beauty in Imperfection

Wabi-sabi Japanese style focuses on valuing the authentic of imperfection and channelling tranquility through simplicity. In this living room, clean-lined coffee tables harken to wabi Japanese styling, while a mix of soft neutral tones keep the overall aesthetic Scandi-chic.

minimal white living room with marble fireplace and wooden chair

Unsplash

7 / 10

Curated Character

Japandi home decor prioritizes function over abundance and favours intentional design, as this bright, light living room showcases to perfection. Decorations are carefully chosen and curated for less-is-more impact.

white living room with fireplace, wicker basket and magazine rack

Unsplash

8 / 10

Storage Solutions

While Japandi decor is minimal, incorporating a few smart storage options in natural materials (like a wicker or bamboo basket) can help keep the living room clutter free while keeping a few favourite books within arm’s reach of your couch.

neutral living room with white couch and neon light on wall

Unsplash

9 / 10

The Right Light

The right lighting can transform any room, but it can be tricky to find the right illumination to highlight a Japandi design. One solution? Opt for a Scandinavian-inspired overhead light fixture to illuminate cozy, clean-lined furnishings.

living room with white-and-wood wall panelling behind television

Unsplash

10 / 10

Clean-Lined Living

Japandi style tends to be low on clutter – but that doesn’t mean a lack of style. In this living room, a wood-and-white feature wall is clean-lined while adding lots of character. The wood details also add a classic natural touch, which appeals to Scandi style.