If you’re drawn to calm, cozy interiors that feel both modern and natural, then you’re going to love Japandi tiles. Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of Japanese and Scandinavian design, these tiles combine natural materials and earthy colors to create spaces that feel calm and grounded. And when used the right way, they can completely transform the look and feel of your space.
Whether you’re planning a bathroom refresh, updating your kitchen, or just looking for ideas to bring more peace into your home, Japandi-style tiles can help you create that balanced, clutter-free vibe you’re after.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what Japandi tiles are, how to use them in different rooms, how to pick the right ones, and tips to maintain and care for them. By the end, you’ll know how to bring this style into your space confidently.
Let’s start by breaking down exactly what Japandi tiles are and why they’ve become a go-to choice for designers and homeowners alike.
What Are Japandi Tiles?
Japandi tiles are tiles that follow the Japandi style, a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian design. This style is all about keeping things simple, natural, and peaceful. So when it comes to tiles, think of soft colors, clean lines, and natural textures that make your space feel calm and cozy.
These tiles are often made from materials like ceramic, porcelain, and natural wood, designed to mimic the aesthetics of Japanese zen gardens and Scandinavian woodlands. They don’t have loud patterns or shiny finishes. Instead, they bring a quiet, relaxed feel to your home. You’ll find them in different forms, too; some look like wood slats, and others look like smooth stone or handmade clay.
Now, let’s take a look at how you can use Japandi tiles in different rooms of your home, from your bathroom and kitchen to your living space and bedroom.
Japandi Tile Design Ideas – Room-by-Room Application
Now that you know what Japandi tiles are all about, let’s explore how to use them in different rooms around your home. Whether you’re starting fresh or giving a space a little update, these Japandi tile ideas will help you bring in that calm, clean Japandi vibe without overthinking it.
Japandi Tiles for Bathrooms
Bathrooms are the perfect place to introduce Japandi tiles. You can go for soft, neutral tiles on the floor, like beige or stone-textured tiles, and pair them with natural wood slat tiles on the walls to bring in warmth and texture. If you’re redoing your shower, consider using wood tile for shower walls or even a wood slat tile shower look. It instantly creates a spa-like feel that’s both cozy and minimal.
For your bathroom floor tiles, consider options like Japandi natural slat wall tiles or wood tiles for your shower walls. These tiles offer durability and water resistance, while still giving your bathroom that sleek, natural look. You can also use Japandi maple slat wall tiles to create a feature wall or a warm accent in your shower space.
Plus, there are Japandi tiles for bathroom floors that are easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for high-moisture environments like bathrooms.
Recommended Japandi Bathroom Tiles to Buy
Wood-Look Porcelain Tiles
If you love the warmth of wood but need something water-resistant for your bathroom, these wood-look porcelain tiles are a perfect option. They offer the natural wood aesthetic with the durability you need in a wet environment. Shop Wood-Look Porcelain Tiles
Marble-Look Tiles
Marble-look tiles add a luxurious feel to your bathroom while keeping things grounded. Their subtle veining mimics natural stone and adds elegance without overwhelming the space. Shop Marble-Look Tiles
Japandi Slat Wall Tiles
Add texture and a modern, spa-like feel with Japandi slat wall tiles. These tiles can give your bathroom an elevated look, whether placed behind your vanity or along the shower wall. Shop Japandi Slat Wall Tiles
Read this: 10 Japandi Bathroom Ideas for a Minimalist & Spa-Like Retreat
Japandi Tiles for Kitchens
In the kitchen, Japandi tiles can be used to create a clean and calming backdrop. Try a Japandi tile backsplash in a matte finish with soft, muted tones. Subway-style tiles with a handmade feel also work well here. If you’re redoing your floor, Japandi floor tiles in warm stone or light wood-look tones can bring in that natural element beautifully.
For a unique touch, you can even tile a small section of your wall using Japandi maple slat wall tile for added texture. Pair with light wood cabinets, black hardware, and open shelving for that full Japandi-inspired look.
Recommended Japandi Kitchen Tiles to Buy
Herringbone Pattern Tiles
A herringbone pattern in your kitchen brings a touch of elegance and timelessness. These tiles look great on backsplashes or floors and add a dynamic flair to your cooking space. Shop Herringbone Pattern Tiles
Subway Tiles with Matte Finish
If you want to create a minimalistic, clean vibe in your kitchen, subway tiles with a matte finish are the perfect choice. Their simple design complements the Japandi aesthetic and brings out a smooth, refined look. Shop Subway Tiles with Matte Finish
Terrazzo Tiles
For a bit of playful texture and color, terrazzo tiles offer a unique, Japandi-inspired look in the kitchen. Their multicolored specks add personality while maintaining a calm, earthy vibe. Shop Terrazzo Tiles
Read this: 9 Japandi Kitchen Design Ideas for a Cozy Cooking Space
Japandi Tiles for Living Rooms
In the living room, Japandi tiles can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for floor tiles or accent wall tiles, Japandi tiles provide the perfect backdrop for minimalist furniture, cozy textiles, and natural elements like plants.
To add a modern touch, try Japandi slat wall tiles to create texture and dimension in your living room. These tiles are perfect for accent walls or areas around a fireplace. For flooring, go for wood-look tiles or stone tiles, both of which bring nature inside and create a serene, minimalist vibe.
Recommended Japandi Living Room Tiles to Buy
Large-Format Tiles
Large-format tiles create an open, spacious feel in your living room. They have fewer grout lines and add a modern touch to any room, creating a seamless flow between areas. Shop Large-Format Tiles
Cement-Look Tiles
Cement-look tiles offer a more industrial, urban take on the Japandi style. These tiles are great for adding some raw texture while maintaining the calm aesthetic the style is known for. Shop Cement-Look Tiles
Wood-Look Tiles with Distressed Finish
These wood-look tiles have a distressed finish for a rustic, lived-in look that still feels warm and cozy in the living room. They’re perfect for creating a natural foundation for your furnishings. Shop Distressed Wood-Look Tiles
Read this: 10 Japandi Living Room Ideas for a Chic Minimalist Home
Japandi Tiles for Bedrooms
The bedroom should be your sanctuary, and these Japandi bedroom tiles can help you create a calming environment. For your bedroom floors, consider soft, muted tiles that mimic natural wood or stone textures. These types of tiles create a warm and inviting space that complements your cozy bedding and minimalist decor.
If you want something different, consider a tiled headboard wall using Japandi maple slat wall tile. It brings in that natural wood look without needing actual planks.
Recommended Japandi Bedroom Tiles to Buy
Matte Black Tiles
Matte black tiles offer a bold yet serene backdrop to any bedroom. These tiles exude sophistication and pair perfectly with lighter furniture and soft textiles to balance the overall look. Shop Matte Black Tiles
Calm Beige Tiles
Beige tiles can transform your bedroom into a serene and peaceful retreat. These neutral tones are perfect for a minimalist, calming atmosphere and pair well with Japandi-inspired furniture. Shop Beige Tiles
Wave-Pattern Tiles
If you want to add a subtle touch of texture to your bedroom, wave-pattern tiles can be used on one feature wall. These tiles create a soft, fluid design that enhances the relaxing ambiance of the room. Shop Wave-Pattern Tiles
Read this: 10 Minimalist Japandi Bedroom Ideas for a Calming Refuge
How to Choose the Right Japandi Tile for Your Space
Choosing the right Japandi tile doesn’t have to feel like a design puzzle. It really just comes down to understanding your space, knowing the kind of feeling you want to create, and picking tiles that work well with your overall vibe.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop or plan:
1. Think About the Mood You Want
Japandi design is all about calm, so think of tiles that feel soft, grounded, and natural. Are you going for a cozy spa-like bathroom? Then lean into warm wood tones or soft stone textures. Want a minimal, clean kitchen? Light gray or off-white tiles with a matte finish might be just what you need.
Start with how you want the room to feel, then work backward. Do you want it airy? Cozy? Sophisticated but not cold? That will guide your choices.
2. Stick to a Simple Color Palette
Japandi colors are usually muted — think beige, taupe, soft whites, warm grays, and dusty pastels. You won’t see bold or flashy colors here. Your tiles should blend effortlessly with the rest of the room, not overpower it.
Also, keep the contrast low. If your floor tiles are light, consider using a slightly darker but still neutral wall tile, or vice versa. This helps everything feel seamless.
Learn more about the different Japandi color palettes here.
3. Choose the Right Texture
Texture plays a big role in Japandi interiors. You might go for smooth, matte tiles if you want a cleaner and more modern look. But if you’re craving something with more character, wood-look tiles or slatted wall tiles add that beautiful tactile feel without being too much.
Japandi slat wall tiles, in particular, are great for adding interest while still keeping things minimalist. They work well as accent walls in bedrooms, bathrooms, or behind open shelves in living areas.
4. Keep Tile Size in Mind
In smaller rooms like bathrooms or laundry areas, smaller or thinner tiles can help the space feel more intimate and detailed. For larger areas like kitchens and living rooms, bigger tiles (or large slat panels) tend to look better and make the room feel more open and cohesive.
The size you choose should complement the room, not fight it.
5. Match Your Tile with Other Materials
Japandi tiles look best when paired with other natural elements like wood, stone, linen, and metal. If you’re using wood-look tiles, make sure they match or complement the other wood finishes in your space. Too many mismatched wood tones can throw off the harmony.
To keep things cohesive, choose materials that feel just as natural and relaxed as your tiles. Soft lighting, cozy textures, and just a few thoughtful pieces will do the trick.
6. Don’t Forget the Practical Stuff
Lastly, always think about how the space will be used. Will the tiles be in a high-traffic area? Then go for something durable and easy to clean. Are they going on the walls? Then you might have more freedom with texture or material.
Also, if you’re working with a smaller space, choosing lighter-colored tiles with a matte finish can help reflect natural light and make the room feel bigger and more open.
Once you’ve picked your tile, the next step is keeping it looking good over time. Let’s talk about how to care for your Japandi tiles without stress.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Japandi Tiles
One of the best things about Japandi tiles is how easy they are to live with. They’re not just beautiful, but they’re also low-maintenance, which fits perfectly with the calm, clutter-free vibe of the Japandi style. But of course, to keep them looking their best, a little TLC goes a long way.
Start with regular upkeep.
A quick sweep or vacuum every few days will help prevent dirt or debris from scratching the surface, especially on Japandi floor tiles in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or hallway. For bathrooms and showers, it’s good to wipe down tiles with a soft cloth or squeegee after each use to prevent water spots or soap build-up.
Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners.
Japandi-style tiles are often made from natural materials or designed to mimic them, so harsh chemicals can damage their finish or wear them out too soon. Stick with pH-neutral tile cleaners or a simple mix of warm water and mild dish soap. For wood-look tiles or slat-style wall tiles, use a soft cloth instead of anything too rough.
Pay attention to grout lines.
Even if your tiles are spotless, dirty grout can dull the whole look. Every few weeks, give your grout a quick scrub using a soft brush and a gentle cleaner. If you’re working with light-colored tiles or grout, you can also reseal them once or twice a year to keep moisture out and stains at bay.
Check your ventilation.
This is especially important if you’ve used Japandi shower tiles. Good airflow helps reduce moisture build-up and keeps mold or mildew from forming. A small fan or even just opening a window after your shower can make a big difference.
Handle wood-look tiles with care.
If you’re using wood slat tile in the shower or as a decorative wall tile, avoid soaking it for long periods. Even though most of these tiles are water-resistant, they’ll last much longer when they’re kept dry and gently wiped down.
Lastly, protect your floor tiles.
For Japandi floor tiles in your living room or bedroom, consider adding felt pads to the legs of furniture and avoid dragging anything heavy across the floor. It’s a small habit that helps preserve the finish over time.
Japandi tiles can be waterproof, depending on the material. Tiles like porcelain and ceramic, which are commonly used in Japandi design, are naturally water-resistant and great for areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Just be sure to double-check the product details before installation to be sure you’re choosing a tile that suits your space.
Yes, you can use Japandi tiles outdoors, but only if you choose the right type. Outdoor-rated porcelain or stone tiles with a slip-resistant surface are ideal. These tiles can handle weather changes and still keep that clean, minimal Japandi look. Just avoid indoor-only options, especially those with delicate finishes or materials not built for outdoor conditions.
Yes, you can use wood-look tiles in showers, as long as they’re not made from real wood. The best option is porcelain tiles that mimic the look of wood. These give you the warmth and texture of wood while staying durable and water-resistant, which makes them perfect for wet areas like showers.
Slat wall tiles are not always waterproof. Some are made purely for decorative purposes and are meant for dry spaces like bedrooms or living rooms. If you want that slatted look in a bathroom or wet area, go for tiles that are specifically designed to handle moisture or use water-resistant alternatives with a similar design.
The flooring used for the Japandi style usually includes natural-looking finishes like wood-look tiles, large neutral tiles, or smooth stone surfaces. They usually feature earthy colors, matte textures, and clean lines. The goal is to keep everything minimal and calming, so your floor becomes part of the serene atmosphere rather than a bold statement.
The best Japandi bathroom colors are soft, muted tones. Colors like warm whites, off-whites, sandy beiges, light grays, and even soft black can all help create that relaxing, spa-like vibe. These shades pair well with natural materials like wood, stone, or soft textiles to complete the look.
The tile that will never go out of style is neutral, timeless, and versatile. In Japandi design, this usually means simple stone-look tiles, warm wood-look finishes, or soft textured tiles in calm, earthy tones. These options stay relevant no matter how trends shift, and they age beautifully in any space.
Conclusion
Your home should feel like a peaceful haven, a place where you can breathe, slow down, and just be. Japandi tiles help you create that kind of atmosphere without trying too hard.
From the bathroom to the kitchen, and even the living room or bedroom, these tiles can help you shape a home that looks good and feels even better. The best part? You don’t have to go overboard. Even just updating one wall or floor with Japandi-inspired tiles can make a huge difference.
So if you’ve been craving a home that feels more peaceful, grounded, and intentional, maybe it’s time to let Japandi tiles guide the way.
Need help picking the right tiles for your bathroom? Our 10 Best Bathroom Tile Ideas are packed with stylish, down-to-earth advice to help you decide.
