10 Easy Wabi Sabi Decor Tips For Your Interiors
These wabi sabi decor tips will not only make your home look gorgeous, but can calm your mind, as well
By Diane Small
You know what? Perfection is overrated. It’s anal. It can even be wasteful. And that’s why we love wabi sabi.
Not sure what that means? Well, that’s not surprising, since the term is actually Japanese. In that language, the word ‘wabi’ means rustic simplicity and quietness.‘Sabi’ refers to beauty that comes with time and age.
Embedded in the beliefs of Zen Buddhism, wabi sabi encourages you to accept and enjoy things as they are: imperfect. The sooner you embrace this, the faster you can start to really appreciate the beauty of the natural world as a whole.
What’s the difference between Wabi Sabi and Japandi interiors?
According to Claudia Kampmann, Europe Brand Manager at Ruggable:
“Both Japandi design and wabi sabi design have all the fundamentals of minimalist styling, yet there are slight nuances between the two. Both trends are all about embracing clean lines, muted colour palettes and natural materials. However, wabi sabi leans more into the beauty of imperfectionism.
The rise of wabi sabi comes at a time when people embrace personality, functionality, and character in their homes. In contrast, in homes that lend themselves more to Japandi design, you’ll find harmonious colourways, clean perfectionism and functionality.“
So yes, there are indeed plenty of similarities. But wabi sabi is all about that lived-in vibe. And that can actually be good for your mental health!
Why wabi sabi decor helps wellbeing
Incorporating wabi sabi decor tips in your home can act as a reminder to love life as it is. It can also encourage an appreciation of the quirkiness and uniqueness of objects.
It can also reduce waste. Instead of throwing out that chipped cup, learn to appreciate it for what it is. Rather than feeling your fireplace or ceiling roses are outdated, understand that they’re a reflection of the history of your house. Instead of tossing that chintz lounge chair, just reupholster it, for example.
This go-with-the-flow attitude will make you feel more comfortable at home, but will also open your mind up to accepting life’s imperfections, rather than freaking out every time there’s a water stain on the coffee table.
According to Beth Kempton, a Japanologist, life coach and author of Wabi Sabi: Japanese wisdom for a perfectly imperfect life: “The core principle of wabi sabi is that everything in life is impermanent, imperfect and incomplete, and that feels to me like a giant free pass to explore and experiment within your choices.”
In other words, accepting wabi sabi principles can help us roll with life’s punches. For example?
“Although we tend to think about a career as a linear object, wabi sabi reminds us that life is cyclical, and we can have more than one ‘career’ in our lifetime,” says Beth.
Intrigued? Here are a few tips for easily incorporating the wabi sabi decor aesthetic and philosophy to your home.
Main image: mariemasureel.be
Wabi Sabi Decor Tips For Your Home
1. Incorporate artisanal and handmade items
Artisanal and handmade objects bring some soul to your home. Objects that were made by someone’s hands are likely to be unique, and will also incorporate a little piece of that person; their talent, their love for their hobby or profession. Whether you place them on a nightstand in the bedroom, a shelf in the kitchen or even in the bathroom, handmade items will give your home a touch of soul.
Get the wabi sabi look: You can create your own pottery, macrame, embroidered or knitted items. Why not learn how?
Image: elea ceramics
2. Embrace the history of your home
If you live in a home that’s several decades or even centuries old, well, lucky you! Such houses have their own unique character that’s been developed over time. These buildings showcase the styles, vibes and history of years gone by. There’s plenty of charm in aged wood, antique mouldings and vintage doors.
Get the wabi sabi look: Blending these features with modern furniture results in a truly unique home!
Image: madaboutthehouse
3. Texturise your walls
On the other hand, if you live in a brand new construction, such as a condo, and you want to give it a bit of wabi sabi charm, try textured walls. These can be concrete, wood, brick or even wallpaper. What you’re aiming for is a highly irregular, organic look, preferably in earthy, organic hues.
Get the wabi sabi look: Not sure how to do it? There are plenty of YouTube tutorials with great ideas!
Image credit here.
4. Use natural materials
Natural materials are a vital part of wabi sabi decor tips. In their raw state, materials such as wood and stone will bring natural energy to your home. Always choose these over plastic, whenever possible. This rule is true for construction as much as it is for decor.
Take wood, for example. The older it is, the more it cracks, gnarls and gets scratched. And that’s a beautiful thing!
Get the wabi sabi look: Experiment with natural fabrics for bedding, clothing and kitchenware. See how these bring a sense of character and calm. Look for stone sinks, wood counter tops, and rattan furniture. No budget? Just incorporate more dried grasses and flowers and natural rattan baskets and blinds in your home.
Image credit: Pinterest
5. Hunt for antiques
Adding vintage and antique furniture and accessories add warmth and character to your room. No need to go for something huge, like a sofa or wardrobe. You can also get great pieces on even the smallest of budgets! Think: vases, platters and artwork, and mirrors, like those below, for example.
Get the wabi sabi look: Is your town not well known for its antiques markets? No worries! You can always hit up online shops like 1stDibs.com to look for treasures around the world!
6. Try kintsugi
Here’s another Japanese word for you: kintsugi. This refers to a kind of art where broken objects like pottery are fixed with molten gold, silver or platinum. The idea behind this is to preserve the history of an object instead of disguising it. And it looks beautiful!
Get the wabi sabi look: Ok, so not everybody is a goldsmith – or has access to someone who can do proper kintsugi for them. But you can always paint cracks in broken pottery with gold paint instead.
Image: lifegate.com
7. Incorporate more plants & nature
The philosophy of wabi sabi is deeply intertwined with nature. And as anyone who has spent time in nature knows, it can truly encourage us to reflect on what really matters. One of the easiest ways to bring it into your home is with plants.
Houseplants are irregular, unique and ever-changing. Their colour, green, balances our energies represents purity and harmony. But don’t stop there!
You can also bring a biodynamic vibe into your space with flowers, branches, feathers, shells, and pebbles, for example.
Get the wabi sabi look: Discover the joy of finding and styling these yourself, creating visual poetry with the gifts of land and sea.
8. Upcycle when you can
Where possible, be creative with what you have, or repurpose items that have had a previous life. Upcycling can include anything from making a flower pot out of a broken cup, to reusing pickle jars for storage.
Get the wabi sabi look: Get creative! Before you throw out that old bike with the basket, consider making it a garden sculpture, with plants in the basket. Instead of ditching that old fashioned trunk, transform it into a coffee table. You get the idea! Making decor eco friendly is easier than you think.
9. Keep it clean & simple
Another of the core wabi sabi decor tips is to keep your home clean and simple. Decluttering makes space for you to appreciate the things you really love. And that’s a good thing! As Marie Kondo says: “When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state.” Go deep!
Get the wabi sabi look: Ditch the nicknacks. Unless, of course, as Ms Kondo says, they ‘bring you joy’.
Image:Omar Tolba on behance.com
10. Keep your colours soft and natural
This is one of the easiest wabi sabi decor tips! Ditch any bright, cartoonish hues in your furnishings and walls and incorporate soft colours found in nature instead.
Get the wabi sabi look: Paint your walls in bone, mushroom, or taupe. Or if you prefer darker hues, go for an olive green or a chocolate brown.
Image: Pinterest
Final Thoughts
Rather than chasing trends, wabi-sabi decor encourages slower living and mindful design choices — letting textures age, valuing handcrafted objects, and allowing rooms to evolve naturally over time. Whether you adopt one idea or all ten, these wabi sabi decor tips can help you create interiors that feel peaceful, soulful, and effortlessly timeless.
FAQs: Wabi Sabi Decor Tips
What are wabi sabi decor tips?
Wabi sabi decor tips focus on embracing simplicity, imperfection, and natural materials in interior design. The style values organic textures, muted colours, and objects that show age or craftsmanship.
How can I start using wabi sabi decor tips in my home?
Start by decluttering, choosing earthy neutral tones, and incorporating natural materials like wood, linen, clay, and stone. Focus on fewer, more meaningful objects rather than decorative excess.
Do wabi sabi decor tips work in modern homes?
Yes. Wabi sabi decor tips work beautifully in modern spaces by softening clean lines with texture, natural materials, and handcrafted or imperfect elements.
Is wabi sabi decor the same as minimalism?
Not exactly. While both styles value simplicity, wabi sabi decor embraces warmth, texture, and imperfection, whereas minimalism often prioritises sleekness and visual precision.
What colours are best for wabi sabi decor?
Earthy, muted tones work best, such as warm whites, beige, taupe, soft greys, clay, olive, and natural wood shades. These colours create a calm, grounded atmosphere.
Can wabi sabi decor tips be budget-friendly?
Absolutely. Wabi sabi decor often favours vintage pieces, handmade items, and natural wear, meaning you don’t need to buy new or expensive furniture to achieve the look.
What materials are essential for wabi sabi decor?
Key materials include unfinished or lightly finished wood, linen, cotton, wool, stone, ceramics, and plaster. Imperfect or handmade finishes are encouraged.
Can wabi sabi decor work in small spaces?
Yes. In fact, wabi sabi decor tips are ideal for small spaces because they promote simplicity, intentional design, and a sense of visual calm rather than clutter.
Wabi sabi decor tips remind us that a beautiful home doesn’t need to be perfect, polished, or new. By embracing natural materials, subtle imperfections, and a sense of calm restraint, wabi-sabi interiors create spaces that feel grounded, authentic, and deeply personal.
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