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In today’s world of fast-paced living and ever-changing needs, the washitsu, or Japanese-style room, offers a design philosophy that resonates deeply. Rooted in tradition yet perfectly adaptable to modern life, the washitsu embodies simplicity, versatility, and mindfulness. Whether used for sleeping, meditating, entertaining, or even exercising, a washitsu is as functional as it is serene.
At Haiku Designs, we honor this timeless tradition by offering furniture and décor pieces that bring the essence of the washitsu into any home. From tatami mats to shoji screens, platform beds, and meditation accessories, we help you create spaces inspired by Japanese aesthetics and practicality.
What is a Washitsu?
Traditionally, the washitsu features tatami flooring, shoji sliding doors, and a tokonoma alcove for displaying treasured items or art. Its beauty lies in its adaptability: a room with no fixed purpose that evolves with your needs. In Japanese homes, it may serve as a playroom for children, a meditation studio, a versatile family gathering space, or even an exercise room.
Pictured: Japanese-style bedroom with Tatami Mats in an Auspicious layout. Elements like Shoji screens and Japanese decor complete the look. But did you know these kinds of elements can also be used to create your own multifunctional washitsu space elsewhere in your home?
For those living in Western-style homes, a dedicated washitsu might not be feasible, but the inspiration it provides can be transformative. By incorporating elements like tatami mats, minimalist furniture, but most importantly, an open mind toward versatile layouts and multifunctionality, you can bring the spirit of the washitsu into any space, creating a functional, harmonious environment that adapts to your lifestyle.
Designing Your Washitsu-Inspired Space with Haiku Designs
1. Tatami Mats: A Foundation of Comfort and Luck
Tatami mats are the heart of a washitsu. They’re not only comfortable but also steeped in tradition, offering a connection to nature and a calming aesthetic. At Haiku Designs, our tatami mats replicate the authentic feel of traditional materials while offering modern durability.
Pictured: Tatami Floor Mats in Auspicious Layout. Check out our 5-Piece Auspicious Tatami Mat Set to create a beautiful pattern in a 9x9 foot space. Customize with our Standard and Half-Size Tatami Floor Mats to create your own pattern.
Did you know? The arrangement of tatami mats can influence luck and fortune! Certain patterns, like those creating four corners, are considered inauspicious, while others invite blessings and good fortune. If you need advice on arranging your tatami, the Haiku Designs team is here to guide you. We have a 5-piece Auspicious Tatami Mat Set with a simple square configuration, or the Rectangle Tatami Mats and Square Tatami Mats to create the configuration that works best for your space.
Pictured: Our Haiku Designs Tatami Mats come with Black or Sage Green Trim. Half-Size Tatami Floor Mats and Standard-Size Tatami Floor Mats are available.
2. Shikibutons: Versatility in a Roll
The shikibuton is the epitome of flexibility. These rollable mattresses are perfect for sleeping at night and stowing away during the day, freeing up space for other activities. The two favorite choices for rollable Shiki Mats are the Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Shikibuton and the Natural Latex & Wool Shikibuton. We have a ton of other Japanese Futon inspired mattresses. Pair the Shiki Mats with our Raku Tatami Platform Bed or Kimara Tatami Platform Bed, both designed for low-profile Japanese aesthetics with recessed slats to lay a Raku Tatami Mat on top to be flush with the frame for a beautiful sitting or sleeping surface. Purchase them all as a package with the Kimara Tatami Mats and Shikibuton set. These beds can also serve as sitting platforms, perfect for casual gatherings or quiet moments of reflection.
Pictured: Rolled up Natural Latex & Wool Shikibuton on a Raku Tatami Platform Bed with Raku Tatami Mats, a great space-saving option. Also available, Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Shikibuton.
3. Shoji Screens: Functional Beauty
Shoji screens not only divide spaces but also bring light and a touch of elegance to any room. Use them to create zones within a multifunctional space—whether separating a play area from a meditation corner or a guest sleeping area from a home office. They can also be used for less noble tasks like "hiding" clutter or storage, but doing so in style.
Pictured: A versatile Shoji Screen allows you to separate and sectionalize your space in a multi-functional washitsu-style way.
4. Japandi Sofa Beds: Modern Minimalism
For a contemporary twist, our Innovation Living Sofa Beds combine the clean lines of Japanese design with Scandinavian functionality. These pieces embody the Japandi style, offering seating during the day and sleeping options at night, all while complementing the minimalist ethos of a washitsu-inspired space.
Pictured: Dublexo Sofa and Chairs from Innovation Living, with different configurations to create a perfect multi-functional space. Between the sofa and chair options, you can create beds, chaises, sofas and more!
Innovation Living has several Sofa Beds that can help create the ultimate in configurable rooms, even if they're not found in traditional Japanese washitsu spaces. Pieces like the Dublexo can be paired to create beds, chaise lounges and more. Larger pieces like Neah or Newilla can fold out like traditional Sofa Beds. Newilla with Lounger has built-in chaise lounger with smart storage.
The Many Faces of the Washitsu
The beauty of a washitsu-inspired space is its adaptability. From multi-use space, to furniture that can play multiple roles--sofas, storage, beds, tables, etc. washitsu lifestyle allows you to make the most of your space.
Pictured: Osvald Sofa Bed from Innovation Living with convenient Cornila Storage Ottoman. Use the Cornila to create a functional chaise lounge and keep bedding close by, but out of sight. The minimalist lines of the Osvald Sofa Bed keep your washitsu space clean, but it easily transforms to a comfortable bed when needed.
Here are a few ways to make the most of its multifunctional potential:
- Playroom for Children: The tatami flooring is soft underfoot, making it ideal for little ones to play safely. When the toys are put away, the space transforms back into a serene retreat.
- Exercise Room: Use the tatami mats for yoga, Pilates, or meditation. Our Blue Lotus Yoga cushions and mats are easy to store when not in use, keeping the space clutter-free, but easy to store when we're not using our space for meditation or yoga. We love the Zabuton Meditation Mat and Zafu Meditation Cushion.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Incorporate our Bodhi, Transcendence and Sattva meditation chairs for a dedicated mindfulness corner, but they're still lightweight to easily move to regain an open space.
- Family Gathering Spot: A low table and floor cushions can transform the room into a cozy space for games, tea, or meals shared with loved ones.
- Guest Sleeping Space: If your guests are comfortable and familiar, (or at least adventurous), you can lay a shikibuton and cozy blankets directly on the tatami flooring for a ready-to-go guest room.
Pictured: Washitsu-inspired exercise room, featuring Tatami Floor Mats and Shoji Screens.
Washitsu-Inspired Touches
When I was designing my own Washitsu-inspired space, I wanted to honor my Japanese roots while embracing my modern, American lifestyle. My washitsu-inspired room is a place for meditation and creativity. I’ve placed a small tokonoma alcove to display seasonal treasures—like an ikebana-style flower arrangement in spring or Japanese artwork or even a Japanese calligraphy piece.
Pictured: Raku Tatami Platform Bed (no headboard) with Raku Tatami Mat and 5" Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Shikibuton. Tatami-Inspired rugs and minimalist furniture to create a flexible and multifunctional living space.
I also use Raku Tatami Mats as the foundation on top of a Raku Tatami Platform Bed (without headboard) that doubles as a sitting area when I have guests. And while I love keeping my space uncluttered, my roommate's child’s toys sometimes find their way into the room. We have a wall-mounted flat screen television in the room, but it easily hides behind its own Shoji screen when the room requires tranquility The flexibility of the space means it can transform into a fun playroom one moment and a relaxing meditation retreat the next—just as the traditional washitsu was intended.
Pictured: The Bodhi Gen 2 Meditation Chair in action. Perfect, comfortable chair to relax and meditate in your washitsu-space.
One tip I always share: keep storage simple and beautiful. I use minimalist baskets and boxes to store meditation cushions, shikibutons, and toys. For larger storage, I have sectioned off a small area behind a shoji screen, just to keep the room peaceful and things out of sight. This makes transitions between uses effortless while keeping the room serene and inviting.
I was even able to repurpose this space for an impromptu Dining Room, using the Linden Gateleg Table from Greenington temporarily paired with a Bench and some Chairs from the kitchen. It's beautiful caramelized bamboo tabletop added sophistication for the dinner, and afterward, the Linden Gateleg folded away for easy storage.
Pictured: Linden Gateleg dining table, from Greenington Furniture
Conclusion
You don’t need to commit to a full washitsu to enjoy the benefits of its design philosophy. By taking inspiration from its principles—adaptability, simplicity, and mindfulness—you can create a space that works as hard as you do. Whether it’s a versatile playroom, an exercise sanctuary, or a serene guest room, the washitsu-inspired approach offers limitless possibilities.
At Haiku Designs, we’re here to help you bring this timeless concept into your home. From tatami mats arranged for good fortune to multipurpose furniture and meditation essentials, we’ll guide you in creating a harmonious space tailored to your needs.
Start your journey to a modern washitsu today and discover the art of flexible, mindful living.
Thanks for reading!
Miko Tanaka 🌸
P.S. Do you prefer traditional Washitsu, or more western Washitsu-inspired designs? Share it on our Haiku Designs Facebook post, and let’s start a conversation.