Japandi is the newest interior design style to be gracing an ever-increasing number of Instagram feeds.
It is simply the convergence of Scandi style and Japanese style. Ok, ok, there’s no simplicity in that at all, but that is the explanation of where the name comes from at least!
The two interior styles have a lot in common, such as minimalist looks, comfort, functionality and natural materials.
Where they are different, they actually seem to compliment each other perfectly. Scandi design often includes lighter, neutral elements and some rustic pieces. These contrast nicely with the Japanese darker elements and sleek lines.
Where does Ikea come into all of this? Well, it can actually become quite expensive getting the Japandi look right due to the emphasis on craftmanship of natural materials. While Ikea is very much mass-produced, they have an uncanny way of mass-producing that borders on faux craftmanship.
In a nutshell, you can achieve an expensive Japandi look on a budget by shopping for some of the elements at Ikea! That and adding in the odd Ikea hack to enhance some of those elements!
We’re going to have a look at some of the best ways to do this.
Floating Wooden Shoe Storage Perfection
This floating shoe cabinet puts a fresh spin on the humble Ikea Stall shoe storage by wrapping it in warm wood veneer. The clean, natural lines resonate perfectly with Japandi style ikea hacks & ideas, merging minimalism and coziness effortlessly.
The elevated design adds a lightness that keeps hallways feeling open and airy, while the wooden cover-up hides any clutter with sleek simplicity. The subtle wood grain finish gives just the right touch of organic texture without overwhelming the space.
Inspired by @youneek.home, it’s an inviting way to blend Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics beautifully.
Streamlined White Metod Cabinets For Japandi Charm
This slick row of white cabinets captures the essence of Japandi style perfectly, simple, serene, and super practical. The clean lines and handleless fronts make the design ultra-minimalist, echoing both Scandinavian lightness and Japanese neatness.
The use of Ikea Metod here is a clever choice, lending flexibility to the layout. Subtle tweaks, like a flush installation and soft LED lighting from above, add a cozy glow without distracting from the calm vibe.
This sleek feature feels so inviting, it’s no wonder @uniekhuisje chose it as a standout element for their Japandi style ikea hacks & ideas.
Simple Ikea Eket Cabinet Upgrade Magic
Neutral tones meet clean lines with this subtle Ikea Eket revamp from @nummertje.97. The dark walnut veneer effortlessly adds warmth and sophistication, perfect for Japandi style ikea hacks & ideas lovers.
The original sleek white unit transforms into a natural centerpiece that cries out for minimal decor. Styled with a soft beige lamp whose curvy silhouette counters the rigid cabinet edges, it balances simplicity with a touch of cozy charm.
This approach opens up endless options to mix and match textures while keeping clutter invisible.
Sleek Rounded Edges Transform Ikea Enhet
Rounded corners bring a fresh twist to a traditional Ikea Enhet, softening the defined lines associated with Scandinavian designs. This simple adjustment enhances the calm, cozy vibes typical of Japandi style by blending smooth curves with light, natural colors.
The cabinet’s matte beige finish pairs beautifully with brass handles, lending subtle warmth to the minimalistic look. It’s an easy way to achieve understated elegance while maintaining functional storage in any room.
@house.ndl inspires us to rethink classic Ikea items by focusing on tactile, serene elements that bring peace into everyday living.
Sleek Beige Ikea Besta Minimalism
This beige beauty brings Japandi style ikea hacks & ideas to life with its clean, soft lines and subtle color. The Ikea Besta unit here is transformed with minimal fuss, blending function and warm sophistication.
Inspired by @veer.enmeer, the original Besta’s doors get a smooth makeover, trading handles for sleek vertical grooves that echo Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian elegance. It’s a serene, modern touch that keeps clutter out of sight without stealing the spotlight.
The choice of a neutral palette with soft gray-beige tones makes this piece a versatile foundation for any Japandi-inspired living room setup.
Textured Wood Elegance With Rounded Edges
This stunning sideboard is a perfect blend of Japandi warmth and Ikea practicality featuring a custom slatted wood facade for tactile interest. The rounded edges soften the look, making it feel crafted rather than mass-produced.
The rich walnut finish tones down the lines, bringing that natural, calming vibe typical of Japandi style. This piece draws inspiration from Ikea Eket but is transformed into something uniquely elegant by @abby_roadhome.
Consider mixing this luxe textured look with neutral minimalism for your own Japandi statement.
Streamlined Wood Fronts Meet Soft Neutrals
This kitchen shines with its warm, natural wood fronts paired perfectly against soft beige walls and taupe curtains, creating that calm Japandi vibe. The sleek and subtle design keeps things feeling open and inviting, a hallmark of those Japandi style ikea hacks & ideas.
The Ikea Metod kitchen base is wrapped in beautifully grained wood panels that feel both rustic and refined, giving the space natural texture without overpowering it. Toss in a matte black faucet and simple decor from @koakdesign to anchor the look with minimal fuss.
You could easily switch out finishes or try different countertop materials to make this understated style uniquely yours.
Sleek Stone Surface Meets Minimalist Base
This coffee table nails the Japandi vibe with a smooth stone-like top paired to a sturdy dark base. The contrast between the neutral beige stone finish and the deep espresso wood creates a calm, grounded look that feels both modern and natural.
The top’s material offers a sleek, slightly polished texture that reflects light gently, adding a soft glow to the room. Inspired by @lisiaaronson, this piece balances simplicity with elegance, showing how subtle details can refresh your space.
For a twist, pair it with an Ikea Linnmon top and Eket base for a similarly clean, customizable vibe.
Bold Black Slatted Ikea Besta Flair
This sleek black sideboard turns the simple Ikea Besta into a Japandi style showstopper. The vertical slats add texture and rhythm, blending modern minimalism with traditional Japanese lines effortlessly.
@our_home_interior_3 transformed this piece with custom wooden slats painted deep matte black for contrast against neutral walls. The grounded look works perfectly paired with soft beige chairs and subtle sculptural decor for a calm yet striking vibe.
It’s a smart way to keep functionality while elevating your space with natural materials and clean, graphic details.
A Japandi Four Poster Bed
The Ikea GJORA bed is the perfect way to introduce Japandi design into your bedroom. The minimalist, sleek, natural design of the bed gives the perfect base to start your bedroom design.
This gorgeous bedroom belongs to Emilie Desjarlais of Brook & Peony.
Some other elements that they have used to create the look are white walls, neutral fabrics, carefully chosen plants and unobtrusive, yet functional, bedside cabinets. The bedside cabinets are Ikea IVAR cabinets that have been painted in a similar, neutral colour to the bedding.
We think adding the SNAJDARE wall clock would compliment the look perfectly.
Clean Lines Cane Sideboard Hack
There are many Ikea products that lend themselves beautifully to being hacked into something that fits your needs. When it comes to Japandi style, you can find several Ikea hacks that fit the bill.
This incredible Ikea BESTA cabinet hack from Fronteriors makes use of the simple cabinet frame and adds their custom-made cane doors. The doors are, however, pricey so check out this Ikea hack from Hunker for a DIY version.
You can do the same with different Ikea products such as the BILLY bookcase in this hack from House of Hawkes.
A Home Office with Japandi Style & Organisation
Let’s just take a look at the elements in this stunning Japandi home office from Brook & Peony.
It’s a very neutral scheme, lots of natural materials, subtle additions of plants to add to the calming effect. I imagine this is a very nice desk to work at.
The desk itself is the Ikea LISABO which is just sleek lines and total functionality. The stool may not be ergonomically sound for a full day of work, but for occasional use just fine.
A Simple, Elegant Shelving Unit
A shelving unit as part of a Japandi design scheme? Well, you’ve got to have some storage!
The Ikea SVALNAS shelving system is so minimal that it totally fits into the Japandi way of designing a room. It also, as demonstrated in this room by A Merry Mishap, gives the opportunity to display a well-curated collection of pieces that calm the mind.
Thinking Outside the Box with Linen
I fully admit, there is nothing Ikea in this image, but it’s the idea that matters. You could drape a lovely natural linen such as the Ikea AINA fabric over any surface and dress it up with some gorgeous accessories such as the Ikea BLOMNING tea/coffee tin or the DRAGAN box set.
To take inspiration from this scene, you could have a SMYCKA artificial eucalyptus branch in a FORENLIG vase. Add in a trip to the beach for some interesting stones and a hardback book without it’s sleeve and you’re most of the way towards a look like this.
If you are considering a Japandi style in one, a few or all of your rooms then check out Ikea to see if they have something suitable. It could save you a lot of money!
One tip we recommend is to find a Japandi look that you like in a piece of furniture and then search for Ikea hacks with that type of furniture, material, colour in mind. Chances are someone has recreated it!
Failing that, get in touch and we can help you out!
Where are the shelves from with white brackets.
Hi Lynda, thanks for your question. These were the SVALNAS shelves from Ikea but it appears they are, sadly, no longer available. There is a company called Sklum that does a version of these, depending on your country. Otherwise, I have seen lots of these shelves new and second hand on sites like eBay. Hope this helps!