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2. The Essence of Japandi: A Joyful Blend of Styles

First things first—what even is Japandi? I’ll admit, when I first heard the word, I thought it was a fancy coffee order. (“Can I get a Japandi latte? Extra foam?”) Spoiler: It’s not a drink. But it’s way better than a latte (sorry, my morning oat milk cold brew). It’s the perfect mix of two design worlds that sound like they’d clash, but somehow fit together like puzzle pieces: Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian “hygge.”

Let me break it down like we’re sitting across from each other at a café, mugs in hand (yours is probably a little chipped, mine definitely is). Japanese minimalism is all about “less but better.” Think clean lines, no clutter, that zen feeling you get in a quiet temple where you can actually hear your own thoughts (instead of the constant buzz of your phone). But here’s the catch: If you do it wrong, it can feel cold. Like, “Is this a hotel room or a home?” cold—no personality, no warmth, just… empty. Enter Scandinavian hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”)—the vibe that’s all about cozy sweaters, soft lighting, that “I’m wrapped in a blanket by the fire with a good book” warmth. My grandma’s living room was pure hygge: crocheted blankets (with a hole in the corner, but I loved it anyway), a fuzzy rug that felt like walking on clouds, and always a plate of cookies on the coffee table. Japandi takes the best parts of both and mashes them up. It’s like if your favorite minimalist yoga studio (the one with the bamboo floors and soft music) and that grandma’s living room had a baby.

Stunning Japandi bedroom, medium shot, showcasing a balanced composition, natural light from side window, queen-size bed with beige linen duvet, dark wood floating bedside table with single stem vase, light bamboo flooring

I used to think minimalism meant “empty and boring.” I’d see those Instagram rooms with zero decor and think, “Where do you put your stuff? Do you even live here? Do you never forget to put your keys away?” Then I tried Japandi. I got rid of that giant, carved wooden headboard I’d bought on a whim—you know the one, the one that made my small bedroom feel like a cave and collected dust bunnies I had to vacuum every weekend. Swapped it for a simple light oak platform bed, threw a chunky knit throw at the foot (the kind that’s so thick you could use it as a blanket), and suddenly? The room felt calm and cozy. No more panicking about “filling every wall” with art I didn’t love (I once bought a abstract print just because it was on sale, and it stared at me judgmentally for months). Just space to breathe, with little touches that make it feel like me.

Japandi’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. Every piece in the room should either serve a purpose (like a bedside table that holds your lamp and book) or make you smile (like that weird little ceramic mug you got from a trip to Portland). That’s it. No fancy rules, just good vibes. It’s design for people who want to live in their spaces, not just look at them. I still have a stack of books on my nightstand (I’m a “I’ll read three at once” person), and that’s okay—because they’re books I love, not just decor.

3. Color Palette Perfection: Embrace Nature's Calm

Let’s talk color. If you’re someone who loves bright red walls or neon blue pillows—no shade! I used to have a neon pink throw pillow that I thought was “fun,” until I realized it was the first thing I saw when I woke up and it made my eyes hurt (like staring at a stop sign first thing in the morning). But Japandi’s color scheme is all about “whisper, don’t yell.” Think of the colors you see on a quiet morning walk: the soft gray of mist hanging over grass, the cream of a mushroom cap peeking out of the dirt, the muted green of ferns that haven’t fully unfurled, the light brown of tree bark. That’s your palette.

Japandi bedroom detail, focus on color palette, soft natural light, beige linen bedding with textured throw blanket in muted green, light wood bedside table

I used to have a bedroom painted a bright teal. It was fun at first—every time I walked in, I thought, “Wow, this is so me!” But by 7 PM, after staring at screens all day, my eyes felt tired. Like they were working overtime to process the color. So I decided to repaint. I went to the hardware store and grabbed 10 paint swatches (all “off-white,” but apparently there are 50 shades of off-white—who knew?). I taped them to the wall and stared at them for a week: at 9 a.m. when the sun came through, at 3 p.m. when it was cloudy, at 7 p.m. with my lamp on. Finally, I picked one—“warm milk,” the label said. It’s not stark, hospital-room white. Think “milk with a little cream stirred in.” Added a sage green throw blanket (the color of my grandma’s herb garden), and suddenly? Even on rainy days, the room feels light. It’s like wrapping myself in a soft cloud instead of staring at a neon sign.

Here’s the trick: Start with a neutral base (warm white, cream, soft gray, light beige). Then add tiny pops of color—nothing too bold. A dusty blue pillow (mine has little stripes, so it’s subtle), an olive green plant pot (from Target, $10), a blush pink cushion (the kind that’s so soft you want to squish it). These colors don’t fight for attention; they just wave and say “hello” to the room. It’s like adding a little sprinkle of cinnamon to oatmeal—subtle, but it makes everything better.

And yes, you can use black! But sparingly. Like a black frame around a simple print (I have one with a line drawing of a cat—basic, but I love it because my cat looks exactly like that) or a small black ceramic bowl on the nightstand for my jewelry (I used to lose my earrings all the time, so this bowl has been a lifesaver). It adds a little edge without messing up the calm. Think of it like adding a pinch of salt to a cake—just enough to make the flavors pop, not enough to ruin it. I once painted a small shelf black and put it above my bed; it’s just a little contrast, but it makes the wall feel less “blah.”

4. Minimalist Furniture with Maximum Comfort: Less is Truly More

Furniture in Japandi is simple: clean lines, low profiles, no frills. But here’s the non-negotiable part: It has to be comfortable. No pretty-but-uncomfortable chairs that look great in photos but make your back ache after 10 minutes (I had one of those—sat in it once to read, and ended up on the floor because my back hurt so bad). No beds that feel like sleeping on a rock (I’ve had that bed too—never again; I woke up every morning with a stiff neck). This is about “less stuff, better stuff.”

Japandi bedroom, medium shot, minimalist furniture focus, soft daylight, low platform bed made of light oak wood, minimalist bedside lamps with paper shades, woven tatami rug, simple wooden bench at the foot of the bed

Let’s start with the bed—since it’s the star of the bedroom. Platform beds are so Japandi. They’re low to the ground, which makes the room feel bigger (hello, small apartment wins!), and they usually have clean lines—no headboards with fancy carvings that collect dust (or dust bunnies, in my case). I got a light oak one last year, and it’s the best purchase I’ve made for my bedroom. It’s sturdy—my cat, Mochi, jumps on it 50 times a day (she’s a little chaos gremlin) and it doesn’t creak. And when I flop onto it after work? Pure comfort. No more struggling to climb into a high bed (I’m short, so high beds were a nightmare—like trying to climb onto a couch). It’s just… easy.

Bedside tables? Skip the bulky ones with drawers that stick (I had one where the drawer only opened halfway—so annoying; I’d have to yank it to get my book out). Go for floating shelves (they’re easy to install, I promise! Just use a level—don’t be like me and wing it; I installed mine crookedly the first time and had to redo it) or small wooden tables with just enough space for a lamp and a book. I have a floating shelf on one side of my bed, and it holds my lamp, my current read (right now it’s a cozy mystery—nothing too scary before bed), and a small cup of water (I’m always thirsty at 2 a.m.). No clutter, no mess—just what I need.

And that wooden bench at the foot of the bed? It’s not just for show. I use it to toss my clothes on when I’m being lazy (we’ve all been there—“I’ll fold them tomorrow” turns into “I’ll fold them next week”) or to sit and put on my shoes in the morning (no more balancing on one foot while tying laces). Every piece works hard, but it doesn’t look like it. That’s the Japandi way—function that doesn’t scream “function.” I once saw a bench online that was so fancy it had gold legs, but it was $300. I found one at a thrift store for $40, sanded it down, and painted it light oak. It looks just as good, and it’s way more “me.”

5. Natural Materials: Bringing the Outdoors In

Japandi loves natural materials. Like, loves them. Think wood, linen, cotton, bamboo, rattan—anything that feels like it came from the earth, not a factory. Why? Because these materials have texture and warmth. They don’t feel “fake” or cold. They feel like home. My grandma’s house was full of natural materials—wooden cabinets, cotton curtains, a jute rug—and it always felt cozy, even on rainy days.

Japandi bedroom detail, natural materials focus, warm light, linen bedding in natural beige, textured wool throw blanket in cream, light wood headboard with visible wood grain, bamboo window blinds, small ceramic bowl with smooth stones

Let’s talk linen sheets. I used to sleep on polyester, and I had no idea what I was missing. I thought linen was “fancy” or “high-maintenance”—like something only people with maid services used. But nope. Linen is a little crisp at first, but after a few washes, it softens up like an old friend. It breathes, too—so I don’t wake up sweating in the summer (a game-changer for someone who’s always hot; I used to wake up with my hair sticking to my neck). Worth every penny, trust me. I even bought an extra set because I hate waiting for them to come out of the dryer (pro tip: dry them on low heat—they shrink a little if you use high, and no one wants sheets that are too small).

Then there’s wood. I have a light wood headboard with visible grain, and I love looking at it. It’s not perfect—there are little knots and lines where the tree grew—but that’s the beauty. It feels like a piece of a tree, not a mass-produced item that 100 other people have. I found it at a local woodshop; the guy who made it told me the wood came from a maple tree that fell in a storm. How cool is that? It has a story.

Bamboo blinds? I hung them last month, and when the sun filters through, the light looks like it’s coming through leaves. It’s a small thing, but it makes the room feel alive. Like I have a little piece of the outdoors inside. I used to have plastic blinds that clattered every time the wind blew—now it’s a soft rustle, which is way nicer.

Even the little stuff counts: a ceramic bowl (not shiny—matte, please) for your jewelry (I have one that’s a little lopsided, but it’s cute), a wool throw that feels fuzzy in your hands (the kind that makes you want to wrap up and watch a movie), a rattan basket for storing extra blankets (I have one in the corner—it holds my old college blanket, which is ugly but so cozy). These materials don’t just look good—they feel good. And in a bedroom, that’s everything. You’re touching them when you climb into bed, when you grab a blanket, when you put your jewelry down at night. Why not make those little moments feel nice?

6. Declutter and Destress: Creating a Serene Sanctuary

Let’s get real about clutter. I used to keep everything on my bedside table: a book, a charger, a lip balm (that I never used), three hair ties (all different colors, for some reason), a half-eaten granola bar (oops—don’t judge; I was busy). It looked messy, and honestly? It made my brain feel messy too. Like, even when I was trying to relax, my eyes would dart to that granola bar and think, “I need to throw that away.” Then I tried Japandi’s “declutter first” rule—and my life changed.

Japandi bedroom, wide shot, decluttered space, soft morning light, minimalist queen bed with white duvet, empty bedside tables made of light wood, clear floor space, minimal decor, only essential items, woven basket for storage

Decluttering isn’t about throwing everything away. It’s about keeping only what you need or love. Here’s how I did it: I took everything off my bedside table, put it in a pile on the floor, and asked myself, “Do I use this every day? Or does it make me happy?” The charger stayed (obviously—who can live without their phone?), the book stayed (I read before bed every night), and the rest? Donated or tossed. The lip balm went to my purse (turns out I do use it sometimes!), the hair ties to a drawer, the granola bar to the trash (it was three days old—gross). Now my bedside table is just a lamp, a book, and a cup of water. That empty space? It’s not “missing something”—it’s breathing room. My brain feels lighter just looking at it.

Storage is key here. Get a woven basket for extra blankets (I have one that looks like it’s made of jute—super cute and hides all my old throw blankets, including the ugly college one), or a platform bed with drawers underneath for clothes (perfect if you don’t have a dresser—my friend has one, and she says it’s saved her from having clothes on the floor). I have a small basket in the corner for my workout gear—so it’s out of sight, but easy to grab when I need it (which is… sometimes. Let’s be honest). The goal is to make your bedroom feel like a retreat, not a storage unit. You shouldn’t have to move three things to sit on your bed.

And here’s a secret: Decluttering doesn’t have to be perfect. My bed’s not always made (some days I’m in a rush, okay?), and sometimes I leave a book on the floor (Mochi likes to sit on it, so I let her). But that’s okay! Japandi’s about calm, not perfection. A little mess is human. Just keep it to a minimum, and your brain will thank you. I still find myself putting random things on my bedside table sometimes—like a pen or a receipt—but now I catch myself and move them. It’s a habit, not a rule. Last week, I found an old photo of my friends and me on the floor, so I put it in a small frame and set it on my floating shelf. It’s not “clutter”—it’s a happy memory.

7. Lighting the Japandi Way: Soft, Warm, and Inviting

Lighting can make or break a bedroom. Have you ever turned on an overhead light at night and thought, “Why does this feel like a hospital room?” Yeah, me too. I used to have this harsh, white overhead light that made every flaw in my room stand out—stains on the carpet, wrinkles on the sheets, that one spot on the wall I never got around to repainting. It made me feel self-conscious, like someone was staring at my messy room. Japandi lighting is the opposite: soft, warm glow—like candlelight, but safer (no worrying about knocking over a flame when you’re half-asleep, which I’ve definitely done).

Japandi bedroom, medium shot, lighting focus, warm evening light, bedside table with a soft glow ceramic lamp, paper floor lamp in corner, natural light filtering through sheer curtains, ambient and gentle lighting

First, natural light is your best friend. Hang sheer curtains (not heavy drapes that block out all the sun!) so the sun can filter through. I have sheer white curtains, and in the morning, the room is filled with soft light. It’s like waking up inside a lantern—no harsh shadows, just warmth. I used to have blackout curtains because I thought I needed them (I’m a light sleeper), but now I wake up feeling more rested because the light eases me into the day. No more jarring alarms and pitch-black rooms—just a slow, gentle wake-up.

Then, layer your lighting. Bedside lamps are a must—get ones with soft, diffused shades (paper or fabric works great). I have a ceramic lamp with a linen shade by my bed, and it casts a warm glow that’s perfect for reading. No harsh edges, no eye strain (I used to get headaches from reading with my old overhead light). A floor lamp in the corner? Even better. I have a paper floor lamp that looks like a small lantern, and it adds just enough light to the room at night—no need for overhead lights. I turn it on when I’m getting ready for bed, and it makes the whole room feel cozy. It was $30 on Amazon, and I was worried it would look cheap, but it’s become my favorite thing in the room.

Dimmer switches are a game-changer, too. I installed one for my floor lamp (okay, my dad installed it—electrical stuff scares me; I once tried to change a lightbulb and shocked myself). Now I can turn the light down low when I’m reading (so it’s not too bright) or up a little when I’m folding laundry (so I can see what I’m doing). It’s the little things that make the room feel tailored to you.

Remember: Lighting isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling. Soft light = calm mind. Hard light = stressed mind. Choose wisely. Your eyes (and your mood) will thank you. Last night, I turned on my floor lamp, curled up with my book, and felt so calm I forgot about my to-do list. That’s the power of good lighting.

8. Textiles for Texture and Warmth: Cozy Layers of Comfort

Minimalism doesn’t mean cold. I used to think “minimalist” meant no blankets, no pillows, just a bare bed (like a hotel room that’s too perfect to touch). But Japandi uses textiles to add warmth and texture—think of them as the “hug” of the room. Linen, cotton, wool, jute—anything that feels soft or fuzzy, that you want to wrap yourself in. My grandma always said, “A room without textiles is like a cookie without chocolate chips”—and she was right.

Japandi bedroom textiles, focus on texture, soft light, crumpled linen bedding in off-white, chunky knit wool throw blanket in beige, textured cotton cushion, woven jute rug, tactile and layered textiles

Let’s start with bedding. Linen sheets are a Japandi staple, but don’t stop there. Add a cotton duvet (lightweight for summer, heavier for winter—I have one that’s like a cloud; I want to sleep in it all day) and a few textured pillows. I have a linen pillow and a cotton pillow with a small, subtle pattern (little dots—nothing too busy) so the bed doesn’t look flat. No 10 pillows that you have to move every night (who has time for that? I’d rather spend that time reading).

Then the throw blanket. I have a chunky knit wool throw that I got at a farmers’ market. The vendor was an old lady who said she made it while watching her grandkids, and you can tell—some of the stitches are a little uneven, but that’s why I love it. It feels like a hug from a stranger who cares. I drape it over the foot of the bed, and on cold nights, I wrap myself up in it while I watch TV. It’s like having a portable hug. Last week, I was having a bad day, so I curled up with that blanket and a cup of tea—and instantly felt better.

Underfoot, a jute or wool rug is a must. I have a jute rug next to my bed, and it feels soft on my feet when I wake up. No more cold hardwood floors first thing in the morning—bliss. I used to step out of bed and immediately jump back in because the floor was so cold (I’m a baby about cold feet). Now? I can stand there and stretch without shivering. The rug’s a little scratchy at first, but it softens over time—like a good pair of jeans.

Textiles are all about layers. You don’t need 10 pillows or 5 throws—just a few pieces that add texture and warmth. Think “cozy, not cluttered.” It’s like adding toppings to a salad—you don’t need every topping, just a few that make it taste better. I once added a cotton tapestry to my wall (it’s beige with a simple leaf pattern), and it made the wall feel less empty without being too much.

9. Greenery and Nature: Breathe Life into Your Japandi Bedroom

No Japandi bedroom is complete without a little greenery. Plants are like living decor—they purify the air, add color, and make the room feel alive. But if you’re a self-proclaimed “plant killer” (guilty!), don’t worry. Japandi greenery is low-maintenance. We’re talking “set it and forget it” plants, not the ones that need to be watered every day and have a specific amount of sunlight (I killed one of those once—RIP to my fern).

Japandi bedroom corner, medium shot, greenery focus, soft daylight, bonsai tree on light wood stand, bamboo plant in woven basket, small succulent on bedside table, natural light highlighting plant leaves, bringing nature indoors

Let’s start with succulents. They’re basically indestructible. I have a small one on my bedside table—water it once a week, and it’s happy. I even forgot to water it for two weeks once when I went on a trip, and it still lived (phew). I named it Spike (original, I know), and I talk to it sometimes (don’t judge—it makes me smile). It’s small, but it adds a little pop of green to my nightstand.

Bonsai trees are another great option—they’re small, have clean lines, and add a little “zen” vibe. I got one last year, and it’s still alive (win!). I just water it when the soil feels dry, and it sits in the window where it gets a little sunlight. Easy. I was worried I’d kill it, but it’s been six months and it’s growing a new little branch—so I must be doing something right.

Bamboo plants are perfect for corners. They grow tall, so they fill empty space without taking up too much floor room. I have one in a woven basket, and it looks like a little piece of the jungle in my bedroom. Every time I walk past it, I feel a little calmer—like I’m in a park instead of my apartment. It’s tall enough to reach the window, so it gets plenty of light, and I water it once every two weeks. No fuss, no stress.

The key is to choose plants with clean lines—no bushy ferns that drop leaves everywhere (I had one of those, and I was always vacuuming; it was a nightmare) or flowers that die after a week (I love roses, but they only last a few days). And don’t overdo it! One or two plants are enough. Remember, Japandi is about “less but better.” You don’t want your room to look like a jungle—just a little touch of green.

And here’s a bonus: Plants make you happier. Studies say they reduce stress and improve mood. So not only do they look good—they’re good for you. Win-win. Last night, I was feeling stressed about work, so I sat by my bamboo plant and watered it. It sounds silly, but it helped. Sometimes the small things are the best.

10. Accessorizing with Intention: Meaningful Details

Accessories in Japandi are not about filling space—they’re about adding meaning. No more buying trinkets just because they’re on sale at Target (we’ve all done it—admit it; I once bought a tiny statue of a llama because it was $5, and it sat on my shelf for a year before I donated it). Every accessory should be something you love, or something that tells a story. Something that when you look at it, you think, “Oh, that’s special.”

Japandi bedroom detail, close-up shot, accessories focus, warm light, ceramic vase with dried flowers, minimalist wooden tray with essential oil diffuser, stack of books with neutral covers, small stoneware bowl

Let’s talk about my favorite accessory: a ceramic vase my grandma made. It’s lopsided, the glaze is uneven, and it has a little chip on the side (from when I was 10 and knocked it off the table—she said it’s “character”). But it’s perfect. I put dried lavender in it—lavender from her garden, actually—and it smells like her every time I walk into the room. Every time I look at it, I smile and think of the summers I spent at her house, picking lavender with her and making sachets for my closet. That’s the kind of accessory Japandi loves. Not something perfect, but something with heart.

A wooden tray on the dresser? Perfect for holding your essential oil diffuser, a few books, and a small stoneware bowl for jewelry. I have one that my friend made—he’s into woodworking as a hobby, and he gave it to me for my birthday. It’s not perfectly smooth (you can feel the wood grain), but that’s why I love it. It keeps things organized, but it also looks pretty and reminds me of him. I put my diffuser on it (lavender oil, of course) and a stack of my favorite books—so it’s both functional and meaningful.

Artwork? Keep it simple. A black-and-white line drawing of a tree, or an abstract piece in muted colors. I have a small print of a mountain on my wall—it’s from a hike I did last year with my sister. We got lost (like, really lost—we had to use my phone’s GPS to find our way back), and we ended up eating peanut butter sandwiches on a rock with the most amazing view. Every time I look at that print, I remember that day: the fresh air, the laughter, the way we laughed so hard we cried when we realized we’d been walking in circles. It’s calm, and it’s personal.

The rule here is: If it doesn’t make you happy, get rid of it. Accessories should add joy, not clutter. I used to have a shelf full of trinkets I’d bought on impulse—little statues, keychains, mugs—and every time I looked at it, I felt nothing. Now? That shelf has the wooden tray, the lavender vase, and the mountain print. And every time I look at it, I feel happy. That’s the point. Last week, I found an old concert ticket from my first show with my best friend, so I put it in a small black frame and added it to the shelf. It’s tiny, but it makes me smile every time I see it.

11. Japandi for Small Bedrooms: Maximizing Space and Style

If you live in a small apartment (raise your hand!), you might think, “Japandi sounds great, but I don’t have space for that.” Wrong. Japandi is perfect for small bedrooms. Because it’s all about minimalism and smart storage—two things small spaces need more than anything. I used to live in a studio apartment where my bedroom was also my living room (read: my bed was 10 feet from my couch), and Japandi saved me from feeling like I was living in a closet. I could barely turn around without bumping into something, but after adding a few Japandi touches, it felt like a cozy little nest.

Japandi small bedroom, wide shot, maximizing space, soft morning light, twin platform bed against wall, built-in light wood bedside shelf, wall-mounted paper sconce, minimalist desk with chair, light color palette, vertical storage solutions

Let’s start with the bed. A low platform bed is your best friend. It’s low to the ground, so it doesn’t take up visual space (which makes the room feel bigger). I had a twin platform bed in my old studio, and it made the room feel twice as big. I could even slide a storage box under it for my winter clothes—hello, hidden storage! No more bulky bed frames that take up half the room (my old bed frame had a huge headboard that made the room feel like a cave).

Floating shelves are a game-changer. Install one above your bed for books, or next to it for a lamp. No bulky bedside tables—just space. I had a floating shelf next to my bed in the studio, and it held my lamp and my book. That’s all I needed. I installed it myself (after watching a YouTube tutorial—shoutout to DIY channels), and it was easier than I thought. Just make sure you use wall anchors—you don’t want it falling down!

Wall-mounted lighting is another win. I had a paper sconce mounted on the wall next to my bed, and it saved so much space on my floating shelf. No more lamps taking up valuable real estate (I used to have a small lamp that took up half the shelf, so I had no room for my book). The sconce was $20, and it casts a soft glow—perfect for reading.

Vertical storage is key. Get a tall, narrow cabinet for clothes, or hang shelves high on the wall. I had a tall bamboo cabinet in my studio, and it held all my clothes without taking up too much floor space. I even put a few baskets on top of it for extra storage (for my socks and underwear—no more digging through drawers). It looked clean, and it kept my clothes out of sight (so my room didn’t look like a laundry basket).

And don’t forget the color palette! Light colors (warm white, soft gray) make small rooms feel bigger. I painted my studio walls a light gray, and it felt like I added 10 square feet. Dark colors make small rooms feel like caves—trust me, I tried that once, and it was a mistake. The walls felt like they were closing in on me. Light colors reflect light, which makes the room feel airier.

Small bedrooms don’t have to feel cramped. With Japandi, you can turn even the tiniest corner into a sanctuary. It’s not about having a lot of space—it’s about using the space you have wisely. I used to hate my studio, but after adding Japandi touches, I looked forward to coming home. And that’s all you need.

12. Creating Your Japandi Bedroom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Bliss

Ready to turn your bedroom into a Japandi retreat? Don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it sounds. You don’t need to redo everything in one weekend (I tried that once, and I was exhausted by Saturday night; I ended up ordering pizza and watching Netflix instead). And you don’t need a big budget. Just take it step by step. Go at your own pace. This is about making your space feel good, not checking boxes.

Japandi bedroom, medium shot, step-by-step guide style, bright daylight, showing different elements of Japandi design, linen bedding, wood furniture, plants, minimalist decor, color swatches in neutral tones, textile samples, mood board, creating a Japandi bedroom step-by-step

Declutter Ruthlessly (But Kindly): Start by grabbing a box. Put everything you don’t need or love into it—old clothes that don’t fit (I had a pair of jeans I kept “for when I lose weight,” but let’s be real, they’re too small), broken gadgets you’ve been meaning to fix (my old phone charger that only works if you hold it a certain way), trinkets you forgot you had (the llama statue, RIP). Donate what you can (I took mine to a local thrift store that supports a shelter—feels good to give back), toss what you can’t. I did this over two nights—one night to sort, one night to drop off donations. No rush. I even found an old concert ticket in a drawer and put it in a memory box instead of the donation pile. Little exceptions are okay.

Pick Your Colors: Choose a neutral base (warm white, cream, soft gray) and 1-2 accent colors (muted green, dusty blue). Grab paint swatches from the hardware store and hold them up to your walls—see how they look in natural light. Colors look different at 9 a.m. vs. 7 p.m., trust me. I held my “warm milk” swatch up at noon, and it looked yellow; at 7 p.m., it looked soft and creamy. Go with the one that feels calm at night—you’re in your bedroom to relax, not to stare at a color that changes.

Invest in Key Furniture: You don’t need a lot—just a good bed, a small bedside table (or floating shelf), and maybe a bench. Spend money on pieces you’ll use every day. My platform bed was a splurge ($200), but it’s worth it because I sleep in it every night. Don’t waste money on a fancy chair you’ll never sit in (I did that once—bought a “accent chair” that looked cute, but I never sat in it; it just collected clothes).

Add Natural Materials: Swap your polyester sheets for linen (start with one set—you can always buy more; I got mine for $50 on Amazon), add a wood headboard (or just a wooden tray on your dresser), or hang bamboo blinds. Start small—even one natural material makes a difference. I added bamboo blinds first, and it immediately changed the feel of the room. No more plastic blinds that clatter—just soft rustles.

Layer Textiles: Throw a wool blanket on the bed, add a jute rug on the floor, and toss a few linen pillows. Keep it simple—3-4 pieces max. I have a wool throw, a jute rug, and two pillows. That’s it. No more piles of blankets that take up half the bed (I used to have five blankets—why? I don’t know).

Bring in Greenery: Grab a succulent or a small bonsai tree. Water it once a week, and watch it grow. It’ll make the room feel alive. I got my succulent from a grocery store—they’re cheap ($10) and easy to find. If you’re really worried about killing it, get a fake one (but real ones are better—they breathe!). I once got a fake succulent, but it felt “fake,” so I swapped it for a real one.

Accessorize with Love: Add one or two meaningful pieces—a ceramic vase from a trip, a wooden tray your friend made, a print from a hike. No clutter, just joy. I added the lavender vase and the mountain print, and that’s all I need. I used to have a shelf full of trinkets, but now it’s just things that make me happy.

Fix the Lighting: Swap your harsh overhead light for a paper floor lamp and a bedside lamp. Add a dimmer switch if you can—game-changer. I got my paper floor lamp from Amazon for $30, and it’s one of my favorite things in the room. I rarely use my overhead light now—why would I, when the floor lamp is so cozy?

Keep It Functional: Every piece should serve a purpose. If that chair in the corner just collects clothes—get rid of it. I had a chair that I thought looked cute, but it just became a laundry pile. I donated it, and suddenly the room felt bigger. Ask yourself: “Do I use this? Or does it just take up space?”

Embrace Imperfection: Your bed doesn’t have to be made every day. Your succulent might lose a leaf. That’s okay! Japandi’s about calm, not perfection. I still have days where I leave my book on the floor (Mochi likes to sit on it). It’s fine. Perfection is overrated—messy is human.

Add Your Personality: Hang a photo of your friends, or keep a book you love on your shelf. This is your space—make it feel like you. I have a photo of my sister and me on my floating shelf. It’s small, but it makes the room feel like home. Don’t be afraid to add little touches that are “you”—that’s what makes Japandi work.

Enjoy It: Sit on your bed, turn on the lamp, and take a deep breath. This is your sanctuary. You earned it. I do this every night before bed—just sit for a minute and look around. It makes me feel grateful for this little space that’s all mine. Last night, I sat there with my lavender diffuser on, and I felt so calm I forgot about my work deadlines. That’s the magic of Japandi.

Creating a Japandi bedroom isn’t about decorating—it’s about creating a space that makes you feel calm, happy, and at home. It’s about less stress, more joy. And isn’t that what we all want from our bedrooms? A place to escape the chaos of the day, to relax, to be ourselves.

So go ahead—grab that box, pick that paint color, and start. Your new favorite space is waiting. And if you make a mistake? It’s okay. Just adjust. This is about progress, not perfection. You’ve got this.

12 Japandi Bedroom Designs That'll Make You Never Want to Leave Your Bed!