Let’s talk about Japandi design—that gorgeous fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian coziness that’s been dominating Pinterest boards and design magazines.
The first time I stumbled across a Japandi living room online, I immediately wanted to trash all my belongings and start over.
That serene, uncluttered look with natural textures and perfect balance? Absolute design heaven.
But then I checked my bank account. Ouch.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to create that calm, sophisticated Japandi vibe in your home.
After transforming my own chaotic space into a budget-friendly Japandi sanctuary last year, I’ve gathered 20 clever hacks that’ll help you achieve that high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Let’s turn your home into the peaceful retreat you deserve—without giving your credit card a panic attack!
1. Declutter Like You Mean It: The Free Hack That Changes Everything
If there’s one non-negotiable step in creating a Japandi home, it’s decluttering. And guess what? It costs absolutely nothing!
When I started my Japandi journey, I was shocked by how different my space looked after simply removing about 30% of what was in it.
This isn’t your standard “tidy up before company comes over” cleaning. Japandi decluttering is about intentionally curating your space to include only items that serve a purpose or bring genuine joy.
Think of it as Marie Kondo meets Swedish death cleaning (yes, that’s a real thing, and it’s less morbid than it sounds).
How to declutter the Japandi way:
- Start with a “less is more” mindset—aim to reduce visible items by at least one-third
- Question every decorative object: Does it add value or just collect dust?
- Clear all horizontal surfaces first (countertops, tables, shelves) for immediate impact
- Create breathing room around furniture instead of pushing everything against walls
- Remember that empty space isn’t wasted space—it’s a design feature!
When my friend visited after my great decluttering, she asked if I’d bought new furniture.
Nope! The pieces just finally had room to shine instead of competing with clutter. That’s the power of intentional emptiness—it makes what remains look more expensive and purposeful.
2. Neutrals Are Your BFF: The Budget-Friendly Color Palette
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to achieve Japandi style is through color. Specifically, by embracing a palette of calming neutrals that create harmony and make spaces feel larger.
When I painted my formerly bold blue living room with a soft, warm greige (that’s gray-beige for the uninitiated), the transformation was immediate.
The room suddenly felt more spacious, peaceful, and expensive—all for the cost of a few gallons of paint.
Budget-friendly neutral color tips:
- Look for paint marked down in the “oops” section (where mixed colors didn’t work out for someone else)
- Stick to warm neutrals like oatmeal, greige, and soft white rather than stark white or cool grays
- Use the same neutral in different rooms for cohesion, just varying the shade slightly
- Add depth with different textures in the same color family instead of different colors
- Remember that black acts as an anchoring neutral in Japandi design—use it sparingly for contrast
Pro tip: Instead of repainting everything at once, start with the main living areas and gradually expand.
My Japandi transformation took place over six months as budget allowed, room by room. The neutral palette ensured everything worked together even during the transition.
3. Thrift Store Gold: Finding Hidden Japandi Treasures
Here’s a secret: some of the most stunning Japandi-style homes feature thrifted furniture. That clean-lined teak sideboard or simple oak chair you spot at Goodwill?
Pure Japandi gold once you look past the 1970s finish or dated fabric. I found my now-favorite coffee table buried under holiday decorations at a thrift store.
The simple, low-slung wooden design screamed Japandi, even if the orange-tinted varnish didn’t.
For $25 and an afternoon of sanding and refinishing, I created a piece that looks like it cost hundreds.
What to hunt for at thrift stores:
- Wooden furniture with clean, simple lines (mid-century pieces often work perfectly)
- Anything made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, or rattan
- Ceramic vessels in neutral colors or natural forms
- Simple textiles in linen, cotton, or wool
- Minimal artwork in neutral tones or nature themes
The key is looking at the bones of the piece rather than its current state. That dated wooden bowl could be stunning once stripped and oiled. Those mismatched ceramic vases might create a beautiful collection when grouped together. Train your eye to see potential rather than perfection.
4. Upcycle What You Already Own: Japandi DIY Magic
Before buying anything new, take inventory of what you already have. Many existing pieces can be transformed into Japandi-style elements with a little creativity and elbow grease.
When I couldn’t afford the beautiful wooden floor lamp I’d been eyeing, I remembered an old metal lamp gathering dust in my storage closet.
With some sandpaper, spray paint in a matte black finish, and a new linen shade, I created a sleek, Japandi-inspired piece for under $20.
Easy Japandi upcycling projects:
- Sand and refinish wooden furniture in natural, matte finishes
- Replace ornate hardware with simple black or wooden knobs
- Recover dining chairs with neutral linen or cotton fabric
- Paint picture frames in matte black or strip them to natural wood
- Dye existing textiles in coffee or tea for that perfect warm neutral tone
My friend transformed her ornate, traditional dining set into a Japandi masterpiece by removing the decorative chair backs, sanding everything down to raw wood, and finishing with a light whitewash. Total cost? About $30 in supplies and a weekend of work.
5. Plants: The Budget-Friendly Life-Givers
No Japandi space is complete without plants. They add life, texture, and that crucial connection to nature—all while purifying your air! The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune on greenery.
I built my plant collection almost entirely through propagation and cuttings exchanges with friends.
That statement fiddle leaf fig that anchors my living room? Started as a tiny cutting that cost me nothing but patience.
Budget plant strategies:
- Start a propagation station for growing new plants from cuttings
- Join local plant swap groups on social media
- Focus on easy-care varieties like snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants
- Create impact with fewer, larger plants rather than many small ones
- Use simple, natural containers like terracotta pots or woven baskets
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are low-maintenance options that thrive on neglect.
My snake plants have survived vacations, forgotten waterings, and even a brief period when my cat decided they were salad.
6. DIY Shoji Screens: Room Dividers That Transform Spaces
Authentic Japanese Shoji screens can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. My DIY version? Less than $50 and an afternoon of work.
Using simple wooden frames from the hardware store and rice paper from an art supply shop, I created room dividers that add that distinctive Japanese architectural element while serving the practical purpose of separating my work-from-home space from my living area.
How to create simple Shoji-inspired screens:
- Use pre-made wooden picture frames or build simple frames from inexpensive wood
- Attach rice paper or translucent contact paper for the panel sections
- Connect panels with basic hinges to create a folding screen
- Keep the design minimal and geometric for authentic Japandi style
- Position to filter light or divide spaces without blocking flow
These screens aren’t just decorative—they’re functional solutions for open-concept spaces or rentals where you can’t build permanent walls.
My studio apartment instantly felt like it had distinct “rooms” once I added these screens.
7. Lighting Makeovers: From Harsh to Hygge
Lighting might be the most underrated element in creating Japandi ambiance. Those overhead fluorescents?
Definitely not creating that serene vibe we’re after.
I transformed my harsh lighting by removing existing fixtures and replacing them with simple paper lanterns and plug-in wall sconces.
The soft, diffused glow immediately made my space feel more intentional and cozy—exactly the Scandinavian “hygge” element that balances Japanese minimalism.
Budget lighting transformations:
- Replace bright white bulbs with warm LED bulbs (2700K or lower)
- Add paper lanterns over existing ceiling fixtures for diffused light
- Use plug-in wall sconces to avoid electrical work (IKEA has great options)
- Incorporate budget-friendly table lamps with simple ceramic or wooden bases
- Place tea lights in small ceramic vessels for evening ambiance
The difference between harsh overhead lighting and layered, warm lighting sources cannot be overstated.
My apartment went from “institutional” to “intentional” with about $75 worth of lighting adjustments.
8. Textile Magic: Softness on a Shoestring
Textiles add the crucial element of softness that prevents Japandi spaces from feeling cold or sterile.
The good news? You don’t need expensive linens to create that cozy-meets-minimal vibe.
I found plain cotton curtains on clearance and dyed them with tea to create the perfect natural linen look.
For bedding, I ditched my colorful patterns in favor of solid neutral cotton that I already owned, then added texture with a chunky knit throw I made myself.
Budget-friendly textile tips:
- Look for cotton and linen-blend fabrics in neutral tones
- Tea or coffee dye white textiles for that perfect natural color
- Remove busy patterns in favor of textural interest (ribbing, waffle weave, etc.)
- Layer multiple neutrals for depth rather than using contrasting colors
- Focus on natural fibers even in budget options—they look and feel more expensive
The simple act of removing colorful throw pillows and replacing them with neutral, textural options (like a $5 thrifted sweater transformed into a pillow cover) gave my sofa an instant Japandi upgrade without buying anything new.
9. Natural Wood Accents: Bringing the Outside In
Wood is essential to Japandi design, adding warmth and natural beauty to the space. But beautiful wooden decor can be expensive—unless you know where to look.
I’ve become something of a wood scavenger, collecting interesting driftwood during beach walks and fallen branches from local parks after storms.
Once cleaned and sometimes lightly sanded, these natural elements become stunning decor that literally costs nothing.
Free or cheap wood accent ideas:
- Display interesting branches in a simple vase or container
- Mount driftwood pieces as wall art or shelf accents
- Use log slices as candleholders or plant stands
- Repurpose wooden crates into storage or display shelves
- Look for wooden bowls and utensils at thrift stores to display
My favorite centerpiece is a large piece of driftwood I found after a storm. After cleaning and drying it thoroughly, I added small air plants in its natural crevices.
It’s a constant conversation starter and brings that crucial element of wabi-sabi (imperfect beauty) to my dining table.
10. Handmade Pottery (Without the Pottery Skills)
Ceramic pieces add wonderful texture and organic shapes to Japandi interiors, but artisanal pottery can be pricey.
The solution? Create the look with air-dry clay or transform existing pieces.
With no pottery experience whatsoever, I used simple air-dry clay to create small vessels and bowls with organic, imperfect shapes.
Once dry, I painted them with matte paint in earthy neutrals. The slightly imperfect finish actually enhances the wabi-sabi aspect of Japandi style.
DIY ceramic options:
- Use air-dry clay for small decorative bowls and vessels
- Transform existing ceramic pieces with matte spray paint in neutral tones
- Look for simple stoneware at discount stores and remove labels
- Group similar items together for visual impact
- Embrace imperfections as part of the aesthetic
I also found that cheap terracotta pots from the garden center look surprisingly high-end when painted with a matte chalk paint in white or charcoal.
Grouped together on a shelf, they create that curated ceramic collection look for pennies on the dollar.
11. Mindful Wall Art: Less Is Definitely More
Japandi walls tend to be sparsely decorated, with a few carefully chosen pieces rather than gallery-style arrangements. This is great news for your budget—you need less art overall!
Instead of buying expensive prints, I created simple ink wash paintings inspired by traditional Japanese sumi-e art.
With basic watercolor paper, black ink, and a brush, I made minimalist nature scenes that perfectly complement the Japandi aesthetic.
Budget-friendly art approaches:
- Create your own minimal artwork using simple materials
- Look for digital downloads on sites like Etsy (often under $5)
- Frame natural elements like dried leaves or grasses
- Display a single statement piece rather than multiple small ones
- Use simple DIY floating frames for a clean, modern look
When my friend admired a framed “artwork” in my hallway, she was surprised to learn it was actually a pressed fern from my garden, mounted on neutral paper.
Natural elements make perfect Japandi art and often cost nothing but time to collect and display.
12. Open Shelving: Display With Intention
Open shelving is a Japandi staple, allowing for the intentional display of beautiful everyday items. The good news? Creating open shelving can be incredibly budget-friendly.
I removed the doors from my existing kitchen cabinets, filled the hinge holes, and painted the interiors to match my walls.
Suddenly, my standard-issue kitchen had that open, intentional display look without purchasing any new furnishings.
Budget open shelving ideas:
- Remove upper cabinet doors and fill hinge holes
- Install simple wooden planks on basic brackets
- Use tension rods in window recesses for shallow display shelves
- Repurpose a ladder as leaning shelves
- Stack wooden crates for modular open storage
The key to successful open shelving is displaying less, but with more intention.
I edited my visible kitchen items down to white ceramic dishes, wooden utensils, and clear glass containers—everyday items that become design elements through thoughtful curation.
13. DIY Zen Garden: Mindfulness on a Mini Scale
A small desktop Zen garden adds that perfect Japanese touch while also serving as a mindfulness tool.
Commercial versions can be expensive, but DIY versions are simple and cheap to create.
My desktop Zen garden cost less than $10 to make, using a shallow wooden tray, fine sand from the hardware store, and small rocks collected during walks.
I added a miniature rake made from a chopstick and thin cardboard. It sits on my coffee table both as decor and as a meditative fidget toy during stressful days.
Simple Zen garden materials:
- A shallow wooden, ceramic, or plastic tray
- Fine white sand or crushed rock
- Interesting small stones or shells
- A miniature rake (DIY or repurposed tool)
- Optional: tiny plants like moss or air plants
This is a great project to involve kids in, too. My niece loves rearranging the stones and creating patterns in the sand when she visits—a screen-free activity that introduces children to mindfulness concepts.
14. Wabi-Sabi: When Imperfection Becomes Perfect
The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in imperfection—is perhaps the most budget-friendly design philosophy ever.
That chipped bowl? The slightly wonky handmade item? In Japandi design, these aren’t flaws—they’re features!
I’ve embraced wabi-sabi by displaying items that show their age and history: my grandmother’s well-worn wooden spoons, a slightly cracked ceramic vase, a handwoven basket with uneven edges.
These imperfections tell stories and add authentic character no mass-produced item can match.
Embracing wabi-sabi on a budget:
- Look for handmade or artisanal items at craft fairs and thrift stores
- Appreciate and display items that show their age and use
- Repair broken items visibly rather than disguising the fix
- Value patina and wear as signs of history and authenticity
- Create imperfect handmade items rather than striving for machine-like precision
This philosophy has been incredibly freeing in my decorating journey. That scratch on my wooden table? A record of family gatherings.
The slightly crooked ceramic mug I made? Evidence of human hands at work. Wabi-sabi turns “flaws” into features, making budget and handmade items not just acceptable but preferable.
15. The Power of Empty Space: Ma
The Japanese concept of “ma”—the powerful empty space between objects—is central to Japandi design. And guess what? Empty space costs absolutely nothing!
I’ve learned to resist the urge to fill every shelf, corner, and surface. Instead, I leave intentional empty spaces that give the eye places to rest and allow special items to stand out.
This approach not only creates a more peaceful environment but also means I need fewer decor items overall.
How to use empty space effectively:
- Leave at least one-third of each shelf or surface empty
- Create breathing room around furniture pieces
- Allow negative space on walls rather than filling every spot
- Use fewer, more meaningful objects rather than many small items
- Balance empty areas with focal points for visual rhythm
This concept was the hardest for me to embrace initially—I kept thinking spaces looked “unfinished.”
But once I adjusted to the intentional emptiness, I realized how much more impactful and peaceful my home felt. And my wallet appreciated buying less stuff!
16. DIY Bento Box Organization
Japandi organization takes cues from bento boxes—everything has its designated space, neatly contained and visible.
This approach creates visual calm and makes everyday items part of your aesthetic.
I created drawer organizers using scrap wood and simple dividers, mimicking the compartmentalized design of bento boxes.
Now my kitchen utensils, office supplies, and bathroom essentials are neatly arranged in designated spaces, reducing visual clutter and making items easy to find.
Budget bento-style organization:
- Use scrap wood to create custom drawer dividers
- Repurpose small boxes and containers as organizers
- Group similar items together in defined spaces
- Make dividers visible rather than hidden for visual interest
- Keep consistency in container materials (all wood, all woven, etc.)
These organizational systems don’t just look good—they function beautifully.
My morning routine is smoother because everything has a place, and cleaning is easier because items don’t migrate to random spots.
17. Paper Lantern Lighting: Affordable Ambiance
Paper lanterns are a quintessential element of Japanese design and, fortunately for us budget decorators, they’re incredibly affordable.
A simple paper lantern can transform an ordinary ceiling fixture into a diffused, calming light source.
I hung three different-sized white paper lanterns at varying heights in my bedroom corner, creating a lighting sculpture that looks far more expensive than its $25 total cost.
The soft, glowing light they create is perfect for that relaxed Japandi ambiance.
Paper lantern tips:
- Use battery-operated LED options to avoid electrical work
- Hang lanterns in clusters at different heights for visual impact
- Look for simple white or natural paper rather than colorful options
- Consider rice paper table lamps for a similar diffused effect
- Mount paper lanterns over existing ceiling fixtures for an easy upgrade
The light quality from paper lanterns is universally flattering and creates that soft, cozy atmosphere that’s central to both Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies.
18. Functional Minimalism: When Less Does More
Functional minimalism means choosing items that serve multiple purposes rather than filling your home with single-use objects.
This approach not only creates a cleaner aesthetic but saves money by reducing the number of things you need to buy.
I replaced my collection of decorative boxes with beautiful storage containers that hold seasonal items.
My coffee table has a shelf underneath for books and magazines. Even my wall art includes a mirror that both reflects light and serves as a functional getting-ready spot.
Functional minimalism strategies:
- Choose furniture with built-in storage opportunities
- Select decorative items that also serve practical functions
- Avoid single-use gadgets and tools, especially in the kitchen
- Look for beautiful versions of everyday items rather than separate decorative pieces
- Ask “what else can this do?” before bringing anything new home
By embracing this mindset, I’ve reduced the total number of items in my home while actually increasing functionality.
My space works better while looking cleaner and more intentional.
19. DIY Natural Fiber Art: Texture on a Budget
Woven wall hangings and fiber art add wonderful texture to Japandi interiors, but artisanal pieces can be expensive.
Creating simple versions yourself is surprisingly easy and budget-friendly.
With a $3 wooden dowel and some cotton string, I created a simple wall hanging using basic macramé knots learned from YouTube.
The natural cotton fiber and uneven, handmade quality perfectly complement the Japandi aesthetic while adding much-needed texture to my walls.
DIY fiber art ideas:
- Learn basic macramé for simple wall hangings
- Weave twigs or branches with yarn for natural texture
- Frame raw linen or burlap for textural wall art
- Create simple wall hangings using wooden beads and cotton rope
- Display beautiful textural fabrics stretched in wooden frames
These handmade pieces often become the most commented-on elements in a room, with friends assuming they’re expensive artisanal items rather than budget DIY projects.
20. Mindful Consumption: The Ultimate Japandi Budget Hack
Perhaps the most important Japandi budget hack is adopting the mindset of mindful consumption—buying less, but better.
This philosophy saves money in the long run while creating a more authentic and personal space.
Instead of rushing to fill my home with Japandi-style items all at once, I’ve taken a slow, intentional approach.
I save for special pieces that truly speak to me, hunt for the perfect thrifted find, and leave spaces empty until the right item comes along.
This patience has resulted in a home that feels genuinely mine rather than a catalog imitation.
Practicing mindful consumption:
- Implement a waiting period before new purchases (I use a 30-day rule)
- Save for a few quality pieces rather than many cheaper items
- Consider the lifecycle and longevity of anything you bring home
- Choose natural, sustainable materials whenever possible
- Value craftsmanship and repairability over trendiness
This approach might seem at odds with a budget mindset, but it actually saves tremendously in the long run.
By buying fewer, better things that last, I avoid the cycle of replacing cheap items repeatedly.
Creating Your Own Budget Japandi Haven
The beauty of Japandi design is that it’s fundamentally about simplicity, intention, and harmony—qualities that don’t come with a price tag.
With these budget-friendly hacks, you can create a serene, beautiful space that looks expensive while aligning with both your aesthetic goals and financial reality.
My own Japandi transformation has been a journey rather than an overnight makeover.
Each thoughtful change—from decluttering to DIY projects to mindful new additions—has brought me closer to that peaceful, intentional space I envisioned. And the best part? My bank account is still intact.
Remember that true Japandi style isn’t about perfection or following strict rules.
It’s about creating a harmonious space that feels right to you—a home that supports your wellbeing through beauty, function, and tranquility.
With a little creativity and patience, that serene sanctuary is absolutely within reach, no matter your budget.
Ready to embrace the calm? Your Japandi journey starts now. 🍵
