If your workspace is feeling a little… chaotic, you’re not alone. With work-from-home life becoming the norm, many of us are searching for ways to bring a bit of peace, calm and intention to our daily grind. And that’s where Japandi steps in – the love child of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth.
It’s the interior trend that’s taken over Pinterest – and for good reason. Japandi design is all about clean lines, neutral tones, natural materials, and mindful simplicity. It’s minimal, but not cold. Organised, but still cosy. Perfect for a home office that needs to boost productivity and feel like a sanctuary.
So if you’re ready to refresh your workspace with that signature Japandi blend, here are 30+ Japandi home office ideas to help you design a calming, cohesive, and oh-so-beautiful space.
1. Start with a Neutral Colour Palette
Japandi colour schemes are all about soft, earthy hues. Think warm whites, taupes, stone greys, charcoal, and muted greens. These create a tranquil base that doesn’t distract the eye – ideal for staying focused.
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2. Incorporate Natural Materials
Wood is essential to Japandi design – especially light oak, ash or bamboo. Pair it with stone, ceramic, or linen to introduce texture and subtle warmth.
3. Invest in a Minimalist Wooden Desk
Ditch the bulky corner desks and go for a sleek, simple wooden one instead. Look for Scandinavian-style desks with slim legs and natural finishes – nothing too shiny or modern.
4. Add a Stylish, Supportive Chair
A comfy chair doesn’t have to ruin your aesthetic. Choose one with a wooden frame, woven seat or neutral upholstery. Look for curved, organic shapes to add a soft contrast to clean lines.
5. Stick to Functional Furniture Only
Japandi isn’t about overfilling your space – it’s about intentional living. Only keep furniture that serves a clear purpose. If it doesn’t help your work or calm your mind, it doesn’t belong.
6. Keep Surfaces Clutter-Free
Visual clutter leads to mental clutter. Use cable organisers, trays and drawers to keep your desk tidy. And adopt the “one in, one out” rule for office supplies.
7. Use Storage with Closed Doors
Visible storage = visual noise. Choose drawers, cabinets, or built-in cupboards to keep things tucked away. Bonus points if they’re wood or rattan!
8. Bring in Soft Linen Textiles
Add softness and warmth with linen curtains, a light throw or a cushioned seat pad. Linen’s slightly crumpled texture pairs beautifully with the clean minimalism of Japandi.
9. Add a Tatami-Inspired Mat or Rug
A woven or low-pile rug in jute, sisal, or wool adds tactile comfort without dominating the room. Stick to neutral shades or simple patterns.
10. Create Visual Harmony with Symmetry
Symmetry is calming. If you’ve got open shelves or art prints, try arranging them in a balanced way to keep things visually peaceful.
11. Use Shoji Screens for Division or Shade
Got a shared space or need to block glare? A Japanese-style Shoji screen is perfect. It provides privacy while still letting light through.
12. Add a Touch of Black for Contrast
Japandi isn’t all beige! A few black accents – a lamp, shelf brackets, or pen holder – create grounding contrast and visual interest.
13. Incorporate Handcrafted Decor
Japandi embraces the Wabi-Sabi idea of beauty in imperfection. Think handmade ceramics, a rough clay pot, or handwoven baskets.
14. Introduce Greenery with Intent
Instead of a jungle of plants, go for one or two sculptural options like a rubber plant, peace lily or bonsai. Place them mindfully – not just wherever there’s space.
15. Use Soft, Diffused Lighting
Avoid harsh overhead lights. Go for warm, diffused lighting from floor lamps or desk lamps with rice paper shades or frosted glass.
16. Hang Minimal Wall Art
Choose calming, abstract prints in natural tones – or go for Japanese ink drawings or Scandinavian watercolours. Keep frames slim and understated.
17. Add a Low Wooden Bench or Side Table
Great for extra storage, a tea break, or simply bringing in more natural wood elements.
18. Keep Tech Minimal and Tidy
Hide cables with cord organisers, use wireless accessories where possible, and mount monitors to free up desk space.
19. Choose a Calm Desktop Background
Yes, even your computer can go Japandi! Pick a neutral-toned wallpaper or a peaceful landscape image to keep your screen from feeling chaotic.
20. Introduce a Zen Corner
Create a tiny calm zone with a candle, incense burner, or small plant. A visual reminder to breathe during a hectic workday.
21. Use a Printable Japandi-Style Planner
Need to stay organised and on brand? Use a digital or printable calendar in Japandi tones – muted beige, soft green, black and white. Bonus points if it’s undated and reusable.
22. Make Use of Vertical Space
Slim shelving units in wood or metal are great for storage without cluttering your desk. Keep items minimal – a few books, one plant, a candle.
23. Add Organic Shapes
Break up the boxy lines with rounded objects – a circular mirror, curved vase, or arched lamp. This keeps things soft and soothing.
24. Keep a Neutral Moodboard or Pinboard
Instead of a chaotic cork board, use a fabric-covered pinboard or linen-wrapped one in a neutral tone. Pin just a few inspiring quotes or swatches.
25. Use Natural Scents
Scent plays a big role in Japandi mindfulness. Try sandalwood, hinoki (Japanese cypress), or lavender in an essential oil diffuser or soy candle.
26. Embrace Negative Space
Empty space is not a bad thing – it’s breathing room for your eyes and mind. Don’t feel the need to fill every shelf or wall.
27. Add a Tea Station or Water Carafe
A small wooden tray with a teapot, cup and coaster adds a lovely daily ritual to your work. Plus, hydration = focus.
28. Bring in a Floor Cushion
If you like to work or brainstorm away from the desk sometimes, a neutral-toned floor cushion or pouf offers comfort with style.
29. Incorporate Simple Rituals
Whether it’s lighting a candle when you start your workday or writing a daily intention in a Japandi-style journal – creating rituals grounds your routine.
30. Keep it Flexible
Japandi design values adaptability. Use lightweight furniture that’s easy to move, or pieces that can serve multiple functions – like a stool that’s also a side table.
31. Stay True to Your Needs
Most importantly – remember that Japandi isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentional simplicity. Keep what serves you and let go of what doesn’t. Your home office should help you thrive – not just look pretty.
Final Thoughts: Less But Better
Creating a Japandi home office isn’t about buying a bunch of new furniture or stripping everything down to beige. It’s about blending the simplicity and mindfulness of Japanese design with the warmth and functionality of Scandinavian style.
Whether you’re revamping your entire space or just adding a few calming touches, these 30+ ideas are here to help you create a home office that supports your focus, reflects your style, and makes work feel a little more serene.
Ready to elevate your Japandi workspace?
Check out our printable Japandi-style planners and calendars – minimalist, practical and perfectly designed to fit right into your zen new space.