How to Create a Tranquil Japandi Bathroom

The bathroom is where we go to unwind and wash away the stresses of everyday life, so it's essential to create a space that feels like a breath of fresh air — a sanctuary in which to retreat after a long, hard day. Enter Japandi, a harmonious fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design styles that embraces minimalism, natural materials, and functionality to create a peaceful, restorative environment.

Japandi is built on the philosophies of wabi-sabi from Japan, which finds beauty in things imperfect and incomplete, and hygge from Scandinavia, which encompasses a feeling of cosy contentment and togetherness. This East-meets-West design aesthetic hinges on both cultures’ shared appreciation for simplicity, comfort, and high-quality craftsmanship.

Whether you’re looking for a complete re-design or just a few subtle changes in your space, here’s how to invite calmness and serenity into your daily rituals with a Japandi bathroom.

Less is more when it comes to Japandi. This hybrid design approach strongly emphasises minimalism, encouraging the use of only essential, simple, and functional elements to create a clean, clutter-free space.

It takes inspiration from Scandinavian design, which seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Utilise practical storage solutions such as floating shelves and vanities, under-sink storage, mirror cabinets, and recessed wall niches to keep your bathroom essentials organised and out of sight. Remove unnecessary handles or bulky fixtures, opting for sleeker options such as push-to-open latches for your bathroom cabinetry.

Japandi interiors are synonymous with earthy hues and organic shades, including white, beige, grey, or even a soft blue or green. This palette is crucial to creating a soothing backdrop and should flow through your walls, tiles, and flooring to create a cohesive theme.

To add some depth to the room, consider layering shades. For example, you might opt for a dark Japandi bathroom with a moody palette that references traditional Japanese design, which could incorporate dark timber cabinetry and moody matte black or brushed gunmetal tapware.

Alternatively, a more Scandinavian flair could feature a lighter timber like pine, maple or oak, paired with off-white tiles. This approach gives contrast, texture, and depth to your tranquil Japandi space.

Natural materials are a pillar of Japandi design. Add interest to your bathroom by layering different textures such as wood, bamboo, rattan, stone, and concrete.

Japanese wabi-sabi celebrates the beauty of imperfection and authenticity. So, don’t be afraid to play with irregular shapes and patterns or incorporate handmade items that show a little wear and tear. This could include a curved Japandi bathroom vanity, organic-shaped mirror, handmade wooden stool, or tiles that vary in colour and shape.

Plants are another way to incorporate nature into your bathroom, with the lush green providing a pleasing contrast against the neutral Japandi colour palette. For convenience, opt for a low-maintenance variety like bonsai, bamboo, succulents, and snake plants, displayed in simple planters to support the minimalist scheme.

Warmth and comfort are essential to Scandinavia’s hygge philosophy, so it’s important to soften the space using textiles such as cotton or linen towels, rugs, or deep pile bathmats.

In an authentic Japandi bathroom, the bath is the centrepiece of the room. Bathing is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, dating back to the 6th century. It’s a place to cleanse your body and spirit to improve your health.

If you have the space, place your bath in a central position, either freestanding or against the wall, so it’s the first thing you see upon entering the room. You could use a bath caddy or floating shelf to hold your essential bath products neatly. 

Alternatively, a walk-in shower is another feature to add a sense of luxury to your space while supporting a minimalist aesthetic. Use a recessed wall niche to store your products, glass panels to create an open, airy feel and simple modern fixtures to complement the look.

Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of designing your Japandi bathroom, essential in creating a serene yet practical space. Look for light fittings that balance Scandinavian design characteristics with elegant Japanese aesthetics. 

Explore a mix of natural materials, sleek organic shapes, tonal colours, and soft ambient lighting options, such as wall sconces and pendant lights strategically positioned around the features you wish to highlight in your bathroom. You might even like to install dimmer switches for added control over the mood and atmosphere of your space.

Natural light is another powerful design element that can transform a dull and dreary bathroom into a bright and inviting oasis. Use windows and skylights to help your Japandi bathroom feel open, airy and connected with nature.

For further inspiration on incorporating the Japandi design style into other rooms throughout the home, read our blog:

Japandi Style: Your Guide to Achieve The Look