Japanese Home Decoration – An
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With its emphasis on space, balance and simplicity, the Asian way of decorating is not for those who like to impress others with expensive furniture, extravagant household appliances and plush designs.
That doesn’t mean Japanese home decoration isn't attractive. On the contrary, it can be stunningly beautiful.
The first thing you will notice when entering a house decorated in Asian style is the limited amount of furniture.
The main piece of furniture in a traditional Japanese home is the kotatsu, a low and large table with a small heater underneath - you may recognize it from Asian restaurants. For people in Japan, the kotatsu is the place where they meet, eat and talk. It is the focal point of family life.
On the floor you’ll see a mat called a tatami – and most rooms will have several of these. They are made of woven straw.
If you're considering buying a tatami, know that you should treat your tatami with care. It's easily damaged, so the Japanese take off their shoes before stepping on it.
Another important element is the futon. A futon in the Western World is often an inexpensive bed, with a thick mattress placed on a wooden frame.
The original futon from Japan looks quite different. The folded mattress is much thinner than the Western version, there is no frame, and it’s usually sold in sets with a thin blanket and a pillow. In both cultures, people not only sleep on a futon, but they use it as a chair, too.
The tansu is the most typical drawer-type furnishing from Japan, and there are several styles of this traditional piece of furniture. It often has sliding grated doors and a large number of compartments.
The use of the tansu dates back 400 years. Back then, the Japanese did not know about closets. They used tansus for hanging up clothes and storing their kimonos.
To divide parts of the room, shoji screens adorned with fine art prints are used. And instead of doors, the Japanese prefer norens, (or doorway curtains), made from 100% cotton, and containing silk-screened images.
Bamboo blinds known as sudare prevent people from looking in to different parts of the room. Big paper lanterns supply bright, but still cozy light.
To complete your makeover in Japanese home decoration style, you can't do without flower arrangements, figurines, hand-painted dishes and scroll paintings with Japanese calligraphy from days gone by. These items add a colorful subtlety to an amazingly simple and warm atmosphere.
Japanese home decoration is one of many interior decorating styles described here.
