Are you looking into adding some coziness to your Japanese apartment but don’t know where to start? Maybe you are used to being able to customize and add nice features to your apartment back home but have found that Japanese rental companies strongly discourage redecorating apartments as much as possible. If you think that creating an oasis with your personal touch involves breaking the bank, then don’t fret! These simple additions will help solve storage issues while also becoming a charming piece of decoration in your home that can also make your daily life more joyful and positive. Here are some choices you may want to add to your little apartment.
1. Cute Bed Sheets
Given the size of a typical Japanese apartment, your bed might be centerpiece of your entire bedroom, so it is only natural to choose the ones that fit the look that you are going for a more cohesive look. Look for patterns that closely match your personality—if you are a kawaii girl, you may want to buy more floral-patterned designs, simple and earthy tones, or something more maximalist with a lot of quirky designs. A cute bed sheet set, with matching pillowcases and a duvet, can instantly uplift your bedroom and put sleeping and relaxation on a whole new level. You can shop around for these products at any shopping center or home center like Nitori or Ikea, depending on what you prefer.
2. A Small Bed Canopy
A canopy is most likely not on the priority list of many renters when thinking about decorating their new apartment. It can be seen as impractical and does not complement the style or aesthetic that you are more drawn to, and that is okay! A small canopy can actually give you a sense of privacy, especially if your apartment is a studio with not many divisions between different living areas.
If you are into the kawaii style, adding a touch of fairytale magic to your living space may be the only thing you need to do for a more relaxed sleep. It is a great way to make space for a cute cozy nook that can give you a bit of an intimate and whimsical vibe and easily adds some vertical interest that highlights the ceiling in your apartment without taking up too much space. Some canopies also work as mosquito nets and serve a great purpose during the summer months leading to fall when these tiny insects are the most prevalent, so see if you would be interested in adding them to your home. You can find these online through different online shops like Mercari, Rakuten, and Amazon. Shop for the best prices and consider the sizes that would fit your space.
3. Indoor Decorative Plants
In recent years, the popularity of plants used to accessorize or brighten the room has surged. Having a bit of nature within your private space can do wonders in enhancing your living area. Real plants can help cleanse the air in your apartment, coupled with other benefits like maintaining a feeling of serenity, while fake plants are easy to sustain with very little effort but still add a touch of greenery to your cozy area. Whether you are into real plants or artificial ones, you will have no problems finding them in Japan, as there are florists and home goods stores like Viva Home and D2 where you can buy potted plants, seeds, and other gardening equipment. You can also shop around for cheap and adorable fake ones in 100-yen shops like Daiso or Seria.
4. A Small Floor Table and Floor Cushion
Embrace Japanese tradition by having small floor seating and a cushion with a small floor table in your space. If you live in a smaller apartment that does not allow you to have a full sofa, having one next to your glass door can give a very relaxing feel if you are working from home or simply drinking your morning coffee with a book in hand. This setup not only saves you space as you can use it in a variety of ways like working, eating, or simply just chilling alone or with friends, but it also adds a Japanese traditional feel to your cute apartment.
5. A Photo Gallery
Having a personal gallery really makes the place your own as it adds things that are quite personal to you and holds fond memories with the people you love the most. Having a gallery can immensely contribute to the beauty of your apartment and can fill out empty spaces on your walls. You can buy apartment-friendly hooks for as low as 100 yen per dozen at Daiso as well as a variety of picture frames that you can choose from. You can even hang them with a clip on a string using mini clothespins to give a relaxing and creative vibe, especially at night when your lights are off. Show off pictures with your friends and family, and places you have traveled to that you can look at when you are in a particularly bad mood to reminisce about the good things in life. Living alone can sometimes leave you feeling isolated, but having these photos will be a constant reminder for you to look ahead to the bright side.
6. A Comfy Rug
A soft, cute rug can make a world of difference in your apartment. It adds warmth, color, and texture to any room. Choose a pattern or color that complements your overall decor and enjoy the added comfort underfoot. A soft rug can make a world of difference in decorating your apartment. Not only does it add warmth, vibrance, and texture to your room, but it also provides a nice cushion to your delicate feet and keeps them warm in winter and comfortable in summer. Make sure to choose a pattern that matches your overall décor and enjoy the comforts of pampering your bare feet indoors.
7. DIY Projects and Other Decorations
Make the place your own by giving it your personal touch with some projects you crafted yourself. There are tons of materials for DIY you can get from dollar stores and stationery shops like LOFT, Tokyu Hands, and many others. Use woven baskets as organizers and containers but add lace or other cute accessories. If you like painting, hang one of your canvases or put them on your shelves. Put away cluttered objects in nicely DIY containers rather than standard cardboard boxes. If you enjoy knitting, jewelry making, and other types of crafting, don’t be shy to have them on display. They are an extension of who you are, and they will surely give you the satisfaction of creating something with your very own hands. If you have collectibles, books, little trinkets, and plushies, hang them on small shelves to complete the look.
8. A Full-Size Mirror
A full-size mirror can add wonders to your apartment. Not only does it make the apartment seem larger and brighter, but it also serves a functional and practical purpose aside from being one of the most important stylish additions. Choose one with a frame that adds elegance to your room and makes you want to shop for more outfits so you can have a full makeup or fashion show within your own home! It is nice to be able to see your outfit before leaving for work or going on a date so you can have that confidence of knowing you look perfect!
9. String Lights
String lights have that instant effect of immediately converting the atmosphere of your room from boring to dreamy and Disney-like in the simplest sense of the word. Highlight the features of your home by hanging them along the walls, and your windows, or you can even hang them above your bed. You can also hang them above key pieces of your furniture, like your sofa or dining table, to create a cozy and inviting focal point in your space. The soft glow of string lights can always make any area feel warm and enchanting. One thing you can do is put them in a jar, and you instantly have a cute DIY lamp that creates the ambiance of fireflies by your bedside.
10. Curtains or Drapes
Curtains have a significant effect in enhancing the ambiance of your apartment on top of adding a sense of style and function. Light and airy fabrics allow natural light to enter while still providing you with the privacy you need. Blackout curtains, on the other hand, help to create a cozy and intimate space for relaxation. They also help with keeping the room warm in winter and cool in the summer. Choose designs that complement your existing décor and give your room a pop of personality. Layering curtains is also a great way to add texture and visual appeal and can be used to section out areas within your apartment, creating a sense of separation without a physical wall. There are so many designs you can choose from in shops all over Japan.
When moving into a new apartment here in Japan, most of us aim to buy all the necessities first instead of focusing on the artistic side of furnishing our new place. If you are a minimalist, you might even consider toning down the décor you would like for your apartment. It is important to remember, though, that at the end of the day, our private space is our comfort zone, so we should consider making it as homely and comfy as possible.
