27 Brilliant IKEA Japandi Hacks That Will Transform Your Home

Blending Scandinavian functionality with Japanese minimalism creates the perfect Japandi aesthetic.

You don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve this look—IKEA offers countless possibilities for customization.

With a few tweaks and some creativity, you can transform ordinary IKEA pieces into Japandi masterpieces.

The beauty lies in the simplicity, natural materials, and thoughtful details.

Ready to create a serene, minimalist space without breaking the bank?

Let’s explore these 27 clever IKEA Japandi hacks that will elevate your home’s style.

1: IVAR Cabinet Transformation

Turn the simple IVAR cabinet into a stunning Japandi storage piece. Paint it in a muted sage green or charcoal gray for an earthy feel.

Replace the standard handles with leather pulls or wooden knobs for natural texture.

The unfinished pine takes stain beautifully, allowing you to customize the tone.

Add rice paper or wooden slats to the doors for that distinctive Japanese-inspired look while maintaining Scandinavian functionality.

2: LACK Coffee Table Elevation

Transform the humble LACK table by wrapping it with thin wood veneer strips. This simple modification instantly elevates the piece with natural wood grain.

Add hairpin legs in matte black to create more height and visual interest.

The contrast between the warm wood and metal embodies the Japandi philosophy.

Finish with a light coat of matte varnish to protect while maintaining the natural appearance that’s essential to Japandi design.

3: MALM Bed Frame Makeover

Elevate your MALM bed frame with a DIY headboard made from vertical wooden slats. Space them evenly and attach to the existing frame for instant Japandi vibes.

Stain the entire bed in a natural walnut or bamboo tone. The warm wood finish creates the perfect foundation for layering neutral linens.

Add under-bed lighting that creates a floating effect—a subtle nod to Japanese design principles that emphasize lightness and space.

4: KALLAX Shelf Room Divider

Repurpose the versatile KALLAX shelving unit as a stylish room divider. Position it perpendicular to a wall to define separate living spaces without blocking light.

Add wooden legs to elevate it slightly off the floor, creating a lighter appearance. Fill some cubes with woven baskets and leave others empty for that perfect balance.

The clean lines and functionality honor both Japanese and Scandinavian design traditions.

5: FROSTA Stool Japanese Garden Seat

Transform the simple FROSTA stool into a Japanese-inspired garden seat. Sand the wood thoroughly and stain it in a deep ebony shade.

Replace the standard seat with woven rush or tatami-inspired material. This natural element adds authentic Japanese character to the piece.

The stool’s minimalist design already aligns with Japandi principles—your modifications simply enhance its cross-cultural appeal.

6: BEKVÄM Step Stool Plant Stand

Convert the BEKVÄM step stool into a tiered plant display. Sand it down and apply a natural oil finish to enhance the wood grain.

Add small wooden dividers to the top step to create compartments for multiple small plants or bonsai. The different levels create visual interest while maintaining clean lines.

Position near a window where the plants can thrive and cast beautiful shadows—a key element in Japanese design aesthetics.

7: RIBBA Frame Shoji Screen

Create a stunning decorative shoji screen using multiple RIBBA frames. Remove the glass and backing, then replace with translucent rice paper.

Connect the frames with small hinges to create a folding screen. Paint the frames in a matte black or natural wood tone to complement your space.

This piece functions as both room divider and art piece, embodying the functional beauty central to Japandi design.

8: RÅSKOG Utility Cart Tea Station

Transform the RÅSKOG cart into a mobile tea station. Sand and spray paint it in a matte black or deep charcoal for sophisticated elegance.

Add a wooden top to the upper tier for a natural serving surface. Arrange your tea ceremony items thoughtfully across the three levels.

The mobility allows you to bring the contemplative tea ritual to any space in your home—blending Japanese tradition with Scandinavian practicality.

9: SVALNAS Shelving System Upgrade

Enhance the already Japandi-inspired SVALNAS wall shelving with a few thoughtful modifications. Replace some shelves with slatted wooden sections for visual interest.

Add small wooden dividers to create more intentional display spaces. Keep styling minimal with a few carefully chosen items—empty space is essential in Japandi design.

The wall-mounted design embodies the light, airy feel that both Japanese and Scandinavian designs value.

10: POÄNG Chair Textile Refresh

Give your POÄNG chair a Japandi makeover with new upholstery. Choose natural linen or cotton in muted earth tones or indigo blue.

Sand the wooden frame lightly and apply a walnut or bamboo stain. The curved wood already references traditional Japanese design.

Add a small lumbar pillow in complementary fabric for comfort and style. The chair’s iconic silhouette works perfectly with the Japandi aesthetic.

11: BJORKSNAS Dresser Enhancement

The BJORKSNAS dresser already embraces Japandi style, but you can enhance it further. Replace the round knobs with minimal leather pulls or wooden handles.

Add wooden dividers to the drawers for more organized storage—a nod to Japanese attention to detail. Keep the top surface clear except for one thoughtful arrangement.

This piece demonstrates how sometimes less modification yields more authentic results when the foundation is already strong.

12: MARKERAD Rug Custom Dye

Transform the plain MARKERAD rug with Japanese shibori-inspired dyeing techniques. Create organic patterns using indigo dye for authentic character.

The geometric simplicity of the original rug provides the perfect canvas for this customization. After dyeing, brush the fibers gently for a softer texture.

Position under a simple wood coffee table where the pattern can be appreciated but doesn’t overwhelm the space.

13: SINNERLIG Pendant Light Modification

The bamboo SINNERLIG pendant already embodies natural Japandi elements. Customize it by painting thin black rings around the middle for added definition.

Install with a dimmer switch to control the ambiance—soft lighting is essential in creating the serene atmosphere central to Japandi spaces.

Hang it lower than standard height over a dining table to create a more intimate setting for gatherings.

14: MOPPE Mini Chest Japanese Apothecary

Transform the MOPPE mini storage chest into a Japanese-inspired apothecary cabinet. Stain the exterior in dark walnut and the drawer fronts in a lighter tone for contrast.

Replace the circular finger pulls with minimal rectangular cutouts. Label each drawer with simple kanji characters for an authentic touch.

This small-scale storage solution embodies the Japanese appreciation for organization and the Scandinavian love of functional design.

15: SAMLA Box Tatami Platform

Create a Japanese-inspired tatami platform using SAMLA boxes as the base. Arrange them in a grid pattern and secure together for stability.

Cover the top with thin plywood, then add authentic tatami mats or tatami-inspired material. The raised platform creates a dedicated meditation or relaxation zone.

The hidden storage within the boxes honors the Scandinavian principle of practical design beneath a serene Japanese aesthetic.

16: SKOGSTA Dining Set Refinement

Enhance the SKOGSTA dining set’s natural beauty with thoughtful modifications. Sand the table and chairs thoroughly and apply a darker stain for richness.

Replace standard chair seats with woven rush or bamboo material. Add thin black metal strips along the table edges for definition.

This dining set becomes the perfect gathering place that honors both cultures’ emphasis on craftsmanship and natural materials.

17: FLISAT Children’s Table Zen Garden

Convert the FLISAT children’s table into a miniature Zen garden. Replace the storage bins with a single tray filled with fine sand for raking patterns.

Add small rocks, moss, and minimal plantings around the edges. Include a tiny rake and smooth stones for arranging and rearranging.

This interactive piece introduces children to mindfulness while serving as a beautiful decorative element that adults will appreciate too.

18: EKBY JÄRPEN Shelf Floating Tokonoma

Create a floating tokonoma (Japanese display alcove) using EKBY JÄRPEN shelves. Install two shelves with the lower one extended further to create a stepped display.

Add a small wooden divider on one side and a tiny plant or ikebana arrangement. Keep styling minimal with just one or two objects of natural beauty.

This simple installation brings the traditional Japanese concept of a dedicated display space into modern homes with Scandinavian simplicity.

19: NORRÅKER Bench Window Seat

Transform the NORRÅKER bench into a serene window sitting area. Add custom cushions in natural linen or cotton with minimal patterns.

Position beneath a window where natural light can highlight the wood’s texture. Store a few rolled floor cushions underneath for extra seating.

This creates a contemplative space that celebrates the Japandi appreciation for natural light and comfortable simplicity.

20: PUDDA Basket Washi Container

Elevate the simple PUDDA felt baskets with traditional Japanese washi paper.

Cut strips of patterned washi and weave them through the felt for visual interest.

The soft felt combines with the delicate paper to create beautiful textural contrast. Use these containers to store items that bring joy—following Marie Kondo’s principles.

These baskets become functional art pieces that honor both cultures’ respect for craftsmanship and natural materials.

21: MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge Bonsai Display

Repurpose the MOSSLANDA picture ledge as a dramatic bonsai display shelf. Paint it in matte black for a striking background that highlights the plants’ forms.

Add small wooden platforms of various heights to create a more dynamic arrangement. The narrow profile keeps the focus on the natural beauty of the bonsai.

This display method allows appreciation of these living sculptures from below—a perspective often emphasized in Japanese display traditions.

22: VITTSJÖ Shelving Unit Room Divider

Transform the VITTSJÖ shelving unit into a sophisticated room divider. Spray paint the metal frame in matte black or deep bronze for elegance.

Replace some glass shelves with wooden ones for warmth. Add rice paper panels to the back for privacy while allowing light to filter through.

Style minimally with a few ceramic pieces and natural elements. This piece beautifully balances openness with definition—key in Japandi design.

23: EKET Cabinet Wall Composition

Create a Japandi-inspired wall feature using EKET cabinets. Arrange them asymmetrically with intentional negative space between units.

Paint in a palette of three coordinating earth tones—deep charcoal, warm taupe, and soft sage. Mix open and closed storage for visual rhythm.

This modular approach honors the Japanese concept of ma (negative space) while maintaining Scandinavian functionality.

24: GLADOM Tray Table Japanese Tea Table

Convert the GLADOM tray table into a Japanese-inspired tea table. Remove the tray top and replace with a custom wooden circle featuring traditional grain patterns.

Paint the base in matte black for contrast with the natural wood. Keep the surface clear except when in use—embracing the concept of purposeful emptiness.

This small table becomes the perfect spot for a mindful tea moment—a practice valued in Japanese culture.

25: RANARP Pendant Light Paper Lantern

Transform the RANARP pendant light into a Japanese-inspired paper lantern. Create a custom shade using washi paper adhered to a lightweight frame.

The metal fixture provides structure while the paper diffuses light beautifully. Choose paper with subtle patterns or texture for visual interest when illuminated.

This lighting solution creates the soft, atmospheric illumination essential to creating the serene mood of Japandi interiors.

26: YPPERLIG Coffee Table Stone Garden

Reinvent the YPPERLIG coffee table as a living stone garden display. Add a custom tray filled with smooth stones of various sizes and shapes.

Incorporate small plants and moss among the stones for life and texture. The table’s light frame contrasts beautifully with the substantial stones.

This conversation piece brings nature indoors—a principle valued in both Japanese and Scandinavian design traditions.

27: STOCKHOLM Mirror Meditation Focus

Repurpose the STOCKHOLM mirror as a meditation focus point. Add a thin wooden frame painted in matte black for definition and depth.

Position at seated eye level in your meditation space. The mirror’s round shape references the Japanese ensō circle—symbolizing enlightenment and infinity.

This thoughtful addition creates a space for reflection both literally and figuratively—embodying the mindfulness central to Japandi philosophy.

Conclusion

These IKEA Japandi hacks prove you don’t need a designer budget to create a harmonious, mindful home.

Start with one project and watch how it transforms not just your space, but your experience within it.