Living in a tiny Japanese apartment can feel like a challenge. But with smart design choices, you can turn your small space into a peaceful, functional home.
Japanese design celebrates simplicity and natural materials. It’s all about making the most of every square inch.
You can create a beautiful, organized apartment by mixing traditional Japanese elements with modern storage solutions.
Sliding screens and multi-purpose furniture help you maximize your room while keeping it calm and clutter-free.
Whether you want authentic touches like tatami mats or a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style, small changes can make your apartment feel bigger and more welcoming.
1. Use light, neutral wall colors to open up the space
Light colors make small rooms feel bigger. White walls usually work best in tiny Japanese apartments.
If you want a bit of color, try soft beiges or pale grays. These shades bounce light around your room.
Dark colors tend to make spaces feel cramped.
2. Install sliding shoji screens to save room and add traditional charm
Shoji screens are sliding panels crafted from wood frames and translucent paper. They divide spaces without eating up floor space like regular doors.
Use them as room dividers or closet doors. They let soft light through and give you privacy.
See beautiful shoji screen options here.
3. Incorporate tatami mats for an authentic Japanese feel
👉 See this tatami mat on Amazon
Tatami mats bring instant Japanese style to your apartment. These traditional mats use rice straw and rush grass.
Place them in a small corner for a reading spot. Or use them as bedroom flooring for extra comfort.
4. Choose low-profile furniture like floor cushions and low tables
Low furniture makes your apartment feel more spacious. Floor cushions and low tables keep everything close to the ground.
This leaves more open space above and makes ceilings seem higher. Try a low coffee table with floor cushions for seating.
Pick pieces with clean, simple lines.
5. Use multi-functional furniture like foldable tables and storage beds
👉 See this foldable table on Amazon
Multi-functional furniture lets you get more out of your tiny apartment. These pieces do double duty.
Foldable tables tuck away when you’re not using them. Store them against a wall or in a closet.
Storage beds keep blankets and clothes hidden underneath. Your bedroom stays tidy and organized.
6. Display bonsai plants to bring nature indoors
Bonsai trees add natural beauty to small apartments. Place them on windowsills, desks, or shelves with good light.
These tiny trees make your home feel peaceful. They don’t take up much space but bring the outdoors in.
7. Add subtle zen-inspired decor accents like small stone gardens
👉 See this small stone garden Amazon
Small stone gardens bring calm to your apartment. Fill a shallow tray with white sand or fine gravel.
Add a few smooth rocks and a tiny rake. These mini zen gardens fit on shelves, desks, or tables without crowding your space.
8. Utilize vertical storage shelves to maximize wall space
Wall-mounted shelves help you use empty wall space for storage. This keeps your floor clear and your room feeling bigger.
Install floating shelves at different heights. Store books, plants, and decorations up high.
Click here to explore floating shelf designs.
9. Include natural wood elements for warmth and simplicity
Wood adds natural warmth to your apartment. Choose furniture with clean lines and simple shapes.
A wooden coffee table or shelving unit works well. Unfinished wood that shows grain patterns looks especially nice.
10. Opt for minimalist, clutter-free shelving units
Go for simple shelving with clean lines and no fussy details. Light wood or white shelves match Japanese design.
Keep just a few items on each shelf. Leave empty space between objects to create a calm, organized vibe.
11. Place soft, translucent curtains to maintain natural light
👉 See these sheer curtains Amazon
Soft, translucent curtains make small apartments feel brighter and bigger. Pick light colors like white or cream to reflect sunlight
These curtains offer privacy but still let natural light in. Your room feels more open and airy.
12. Use futons that can be rolled up to free floor space
Japanese futons, called shikibutons, rest right on the floor. You can roll them up and store them away during the day.
This frees up floor space for daily life. The bed disappears, and your apartment feels bigger.
13. Incorporate hidden storage under seating and beds
Hidden storage helps you maximize your apartment space. Benches with lids open up to reveal storage inside.
Platform beds with drawers underneath keep your stuff organized. You can stash things without taking up extra room.
14. Decorate with washi paper lamps for gentle lighting
👉 See these washi paper lamps on Amazon
Washi paper lamps create a soft, warm glow that makes apartments feel cozy. These lamps use thin rice paper to spread light evenly.
Hang pendant lamps from the ceiling or set table lamps in corners. The gentle light works great for reading nooks and bedrooms.
15. Arrange cushions and floor seating in cozy groupings
Floor cushions give you flexible seating options. Move them around for whatever you’re doing.
Set large cushions around a low table for meals or tea. Toss in smaller pillows for extra comfort.
See comfortable floor cushion options here.
16. Keep countertops clear with clever utensil organizers
👉 See this kitchen storage rack on Amazon
Tiny kitchens need smart storage. Pull-out utensil bins hide clutter in drawers.
Wall hooks keep tools handy. Vertical stands save counter space while holding your most-used items.
Pick compact organizers that fit your style.
17. Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and expand the room
👉 See this floor mirror on Amazon
Mirrors make small apartments feel bigger and brighter. Put them across from windows to bounce natural light around.
Place mirrors at the end of narrow hallways to create depth. Large mirrors work best for opening up tiny rooms.
18. Display delicate ceramics or pottery as focal points
👉 See this ceramic vase on Amazon
Set a single ceramic piece on a floating shelf against a plain wall. It draws the eye with its unique shape and texture.
Pick pottery with irregular glazes or little flaws. These imperfections add character and fit with Japanese design’s love for authenticity.
19. Hang simple wall scrolls with calligraphy artwork
👉 See this wall art scroll on Amazon
Wall scrolls bring Japanese style to your space. They don’t take up any floor room and add vertical interest.
Choose scrolls with simple black calligraphy on white or cream paper. They match any color scheme and feel peaceful.
Hang them at eye level with small nails or hooks.
20. Adopt a Japandi style blending Japanese and Scandinavian touches
Mixing Japanese and Scandinavian design can instantly calm a space. This style leans on simple lines and natural materials.
Pick out light wood furniture. Go for neutral colors and keep things cozy with soft wool throws.
Stick to clean, minimal decorations. It’s all about that feeling of balance—nothing too busy, nothing too cold.