How to Decorate a Japanese Style Bedroom on a Budget

Decorate with a Japanese plant such as an orchid.

The Japanese-style bedroom focuses on simplicity and calmness. To decorate in this style, use only neutral tones, avoiding bold or bright colors. You will use a lot of off-white, beige and several shades of brown. You will need minimal furniture and decor, which makes it easy to decorate on a budget as you will not be spending a lot on your furnishings. To transform your bedroom into a Japanese haven, focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere with muted tones, and you will be satisfied with the results.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Wall decor
• Furniture
• White curtains
• Tatami mats
• Japanese-style accessories

Instructions

1. Paint the walls of your bedroom with a neutral, muted tone such as off-white, beige, grey or brown. Purchase the paint when it is on sale or use a coupon at a local paint store. Many discount retailers carry inexpensive paint in these colors.

2. Choose minimal decorations for the walls -- no more than three framed photographs. Purchase picture frames at the dollar store and paint them a neutral color that coordinates with your wall color. If you can find a small, round mirror at a second-hand store, hang it on the wall to act as a "moon window," which is common in the Japanese culture.

3. Cover your windows with white or off-white curtains, which are fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Another option is to look for shutters in a neutral shade in the classifieds or in second-hand or thrift stores.

4. Scatter tatami mats on the floors of your bedroom, preferably over hardwood floors. If your bedroom is carpeted, consider removing the carpet and laying down an inexpensive wood flooring.

5. Choose minimal furnishings that are low to the ground and are a dark brown to contrast with the colors of your bedroom. For your bed, a futon would work great for the Japanese style, as futons are inexpensive and low to the ground. Cover your bed with a neutral-tone comforter or silk bedding if you can find it on sale.

6. Accessorize your bedroom with just a few items that are in the Japanese theme. Place a plant, such as an orchid or bamboo, in a solid-color or neutral-shade vase. For other accessories, place them in groups of three or four on a side table. Such items include candles or candle holders, incense, Japanese-style antiques or trinket boxes and small lamps.

References

• Interior Design It Yourself: Japanese Interior Decorating
• Home Improvement Tips; How to Decorate a Japanese Bedroom; April 2010