A modern bedroom interior with a bed covered in grey bedding and with a tray on it. With a wicker chair and a rattan ceiling pendant light

What is Japandi Lighting?

We know your first question will be, “What is Japandi?”. So, let’s get that ironed out from the get-go.

The interior design savvy amongst you might be able to detect a hint of some other design trends hidden within this name, so well done. You get a gold star! For everyone else, here’s the breakdown - Japandi = Japan meets Scandi.

The core elements of Japandi are simplicity, natural materials, and a focus on functionality. Lighting is crucial in this interior trend. It adds key elements and creates a sense of calm, warmth, and balance in the space.

We feel more peaceful already!


Japandi Lighting Inspiration

This combination of two interior powerhouses creates something magical. A fusion of natural, feel-good shapes and clean lines from Scandinavian design, combined with the minimalist style, rich colours, and natural materials from Japan.

Japandi draws inspiration from the timeless Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which emphasises slow living, contentment, and simplicity. Alongside the Scandinavian concept of Hygge, known for its focus on comfort, cosiness, and well-being.

Using lighting that slots into this trend is an easy way to commit to the aesthetic and add an extra layer to the style. Choose lights that use natural materials like paper, bamboo, wood, and linen to stay true to the two philosophies of Wabi-Sabi and Hygge.

Opt for warm white bulb colours, and shades that softly diffuse the light to create a softly lit sanctuary. In terms of design, always keep it minimalistic with clean lines. Less is more when it comes to a Japandi interior.   


Japandi Lighting Ideas

You can add to a Japandi style interior by placing your lighting in a variety of places. A Japandi pendant light with clean lines and organic materials looks amazing hanging over a dining table or kitchen island.

With Japandi floor lamps and table lamps, focus on lights with a low profile in your living spaces for a cosy, relaxed ambience. This trend is all about harmony, so make sure your choices have understated elegance to complement the aesthetic without throwing it off-balance. 

When it comes to Japandi ceiling lights and wall lights, look for flush lights with natural colour tones to enhance the look without being overpowering. This can be more of a subtle nod to the trend but will still be an impactful addition.


Tips for choosing Japandi Light Fixtures

A Japandi living room or Japandi kitchen should make use of lighting that embodies the natural beauty of authentic Japanese design. Crafted from sustainable materials such as light and dark woods, bamboo, rattan, hemp, and paper.

Make sure to prioritise simplicity and functionality. This is especially true for pendants and ceiling lights. These fixtures should be understated and elegant, with clean lines and a focus on natural materials.

Another option is to go for basic geometric shapes for your lighting fixtures. This could involve using cylindrical or rectangular shades, or even just bare bulbs set within a sleek metal frame. The key is to keep the design clean and uncluttered, with a focus on functionality over decoration.


How to Incorporate Japandi Lighting in Different Spaces

In a Japandi-inspired living room, opt for minimalist pendant lights and floor lamps to layer your lighting and still be in-keeping with the Japandi style. Focus on materials that bring warmth and an organic feel to your interior.

In a Japandi-inspired bedroom, your lighting should be focused more on soft bedside lighting and wall lights. This diffuses light softly throughout the room, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and contemplation.

For a Japandi-inspired kitchen and dining area, pendant ceiling lights over tables and islands are a great way to stay true to the Japandi aesthetic whilst also being functional.

 


Finishing Touches for a Japandi-Inspired Interior 

The Japandi trend blends black accents with cool metallic tones to complement neutral and earth-toned finishes with natural colours and materials. Adding lush green plants completes the harmonious, Japanese-inspired aesthetic for your home, too.

By using lighting that complements these design elements, with matching neutral textile furnishings and natural material furniture, you can utilise every item of home décor to emphasise the look.

Rember that embracing Japandi lighting goes beyond just selecting new décor. It's about adopting a lifestyle that values mindfulness, a connection with nature, and a love for tidy spaces where everything has its rightful place.


So, there you have it. Our take on Japandi lighting inspiration. We hope we've shown you the benefits of this interior trend and inspired you with how you can embrace it in your own home.

To make it even easier, we’ve created a Japandi-inspired collection, where you can find all the lights that fit into this trend. 

If you love this guide, let us know in the comments! Join us on social media and share how you incorporate the Japandi trend in your living spaces. Use the hashtag #wemakedaysbrighter or tag us on Instagram @Value_Lights.