Wabi-Sabi Design for Your Bedroom
Ever since the 15th century, the Wabi-Sabi philosophy greatly influenced many aspects of Japanese culture, from music and poetry to zen gardens and flower arrangements.
And here we are now.
A couple of hundreds of years later, and we are welcoming more than ever Wabi-Sabi in our house designs and private sanctuaries.
So What Exactly is Wabi-Sabi?
In traditional Japanese aesthetics, Wabi-Sabi is a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within life’s imperfections and accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay peacefully.
Wabi means things that are fresh and simple. It denotes simplicity and quietude and incorporates rustic beauty.
Sabi means things whose beauty stems from age. It refers to the patina of age and the concept that changes due to natural ageing can make an object more valuable.
If you are drawn to simple aesthetics and you are against the throwaway culture of the moment, then this style might suit you.
Grounded and peaceful, the Wabi-Sabi works great in bedroom decors where we need to relax and unwind.
If you want to learn more about this centuries-old style, here are the first steps towards achieving the look.
- Find Beauty in Imperfection
Wabi-Sabi interiors are elegant, sparse and imperfect.
Above all, we can talk here about respect for the authenticity of objects.
Wabi-Sabi celebrates time-worn elements, the knot in the wood or the wrinkle in the linen.
So next time you are thinking of throwing away something ancient, think of highlighting the item’s flaws instead of hating them.
For your bedroom accessories, use imperfect objects weathered by age, such as cracked ceramic pots or light fixtures from previous centuries.
- Borrow Your Colour Palette from Nature
Wabi-Sabi finds its inspiration in the colours and textures of nature.
And it encourages you to do the same.
When it comes to your colour scheme, choose browns, shades of taupe, greys and beiges. Then, to create a feeling of serenity, use soft blues, greens, whites and creams that reflect the blue of the sky, the garden of the forest or the natural colour of the sand.
- Connect to Earth and its Natural Materials
To introduce more natural elements, Wabi-Sabi focuses on raw textures, earthy hues and organic, natural materials.
Materials like wood, stone, leather and metal are well-appreciated for the way they age, stain and rust.
A wooden bed with a rustic touch is your best bet to help you achieve the style.
Pictured: Nordic Vegas Double Bed from Bedstar The Online Bed Superstore
- Appreciate Authenticity
When it comes to the materials and the furniture pieces used in your space, authenticity is vital.
Embrace quality objects that reflect a sense of history and old items that continue to perform the new functions.
Whenever possible, opt for something original rather than something mass-produced.
There’s nothing more authentic than homemade décor and artisanal pieces.
For instance, handmade ceramics are ubiquitous in Wabi-Sabi decors due to their simplicity and authenticity.
- Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle
The Wabi-Sabi philosophy came to be as a reaction to trends that made use of non-environmentally friendly materials.
It is all about a sustainable approach to home décor, so if you need to buy new items, always consider buying things that will stand the test of time.
- An Overall Sense of Order
Just because Wabi-Sabi promotes imperfection, that doesn’t mean it tolerates clutter.
Keep your bedroom free of clutter with pieces of furniture that double up as storage, such as an ottoman bed.
Make sure you leave enough negative space so that your eyes can rest around the area, and don’t rely on busy patterns or bold colours for this look.
If you are a subscriber to simplicity and authenticity, it will be easy for you to find beauty and peace in the Wabi-Sabi philosophy.
These are just the first steps towards a Wabi-Sabi décor. Should you enjoy the trend, this can then easily be translated into your everyday life.
Bio
Daniela Ganea is a passionate Interior Designer and Content Writer for the Home Furnishing Industry. With a PR background, she combines her higher education with her passion for interiors by helping people with Interior Design and Styling tips for a happier home.
