Nothing pacifies and revives like taking a relaxing bath. Japanese-style bathrooms embody minimalism while drawing inspiration from nature to create an exquisite ambiance.
Curves can add an aesthetic that’s both soothing and substantial; angular furniture and countertops provide visual contrast.
Japanese bathrooms place great emphasis on simplicity, so frameless enclosures should be avoided in favor of less costly options like frosted glass panels.
Curved Sinks and Tubs
Japanese bathrooms often incorporate flowing curves as an aesthetic component, from tubs made of wood or porcelain to sinks featuring similar soothing contours. Their sleek yet substantial look creates a contrast against rougher, chunkier elements like wooden countertops, cabinets or flooring.
Japanese-style bathrooms often use angular furniture and screens to divide spaces without creating an enclosed atmosphere. These thin wooden-framed design elements often feature printed designs depicting Japanese history or culture or flowers and fauna to further add an aesthetic that defines this unique style.
Neutral colors and patterns are best suited to creating the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese bathroom. Brown hues, earthy creams and light grays add warmth while creating an environment of tranquility in this space. Wood-look tiles, raffia and bamboo elements work particularly well, while dramatic black tiles may also work. Too many bold or bright hues should be avoided as these may clash with its minimalist approach.
Angular Furniture and Screens
Japanese bathroom furniture tends to be angular rather than curvy, constructed of wood that may be left unfinished to bring out its natural color. Shoji screens and other screens are popular components in Japanese bathroom designs for privacy or simply as decorations; thin wooden framed designs often boast intricately printed patterns inspired by historical Japanese culture, nature or landscapes.
If you want to recreate Japanese bathroom designs, light colors and subtle textures should be your priority. An earthy or sandy palette works best, while stone tiles or wood add textural interest and turn your Japanese bathroom into a luxurious spa space.
An additional way to incorporate Japanese design aesthetic is through the use of pebbles on the floor – either randomly scattered or set aside in specific spaces. These small stones recall Zen gardens and can add an atmosphere of calm during bathing experience.
Open Shower Enclosures
Japanese bathrooms feature wet rooms – open showers without doors or curtains that allow the fixtures and decor to shine – as a key component. Tiled with monochromatic colors such as white ceramic subway or penny-round tiles create a smooth surface. A bathroom featuring black walls would look beautiful with such features in place.
Furniture found in Japanese-style bathrooms typically features high-grade wood with designs that emphasize natural beauty. Thin wooden screens make an appearance in these settings as room dividers and accent pieces, usually sporting printed images depicting historical Japanese culture or local flora and fauna.
Japanese and Scandinavian designs share many similar principles, such as minimalism, nature and comfort. Let Aiko from Japan guide you on how to incorporate Japanese style into your bathroom in this entertaining video!
Natural Stone
One of the cornerstones of Japanese bathrooms is natural stone. From flooring and walls to sinks and tubs, natural stone materials bring nature indoors with its textured surfaces and pair well with angular furniture and screens as an antidote for curvier designs of fixtures themselves.
Earthy hues of tile, wood and other materials can further complement the natural theme. Tumbled stone, granite and travertine are popular choices for bathroom floors; grayish-tinted marble also works. These shades of natural color coordinate well with almost any bathroom tile color scheme such as white, cream or even red!
Add wood-effect porcelain tiles or mosaic floor and wall tiles for an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind look. And if you want to take it a step further, add soft lighting options like recessed lights and pendants with warm illuminations that provide natural illumination.
