What is Wabi Sabi Interior Design Style? Features, Advantages & Top Outstanding Models

Wabi Sabi is an interior design style with a unique design philosophy originating from Japan, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection, temporary and simplicity in living space. Formed in the Edo period (1603-1868) and deeply influenced by Zen Buddhist philosophy, this style is expressed through two core elements: “Wabi” – simplicity and “Sabi” – the beauty of time.

Wabi Sabi interior style emphasizes simplicity and functionality, expressed through keeping 40-45% of the space empty and prioritizing the use of natural materials. In particular, Wabi Sabi space has an imperfect beauty, is highly healing, helps reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Not only does Wabi Sabi bring mental health benefits, it also represents sustainability and flexibility in living spaces. Using 85-95% natural materials, this style is environmentally friendly and helps save costs in the long term thanks to the long life and flexible adaptability of the furniture.

Wabi Sabi is flexibly applied in many living spaces such as living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, etc., creating a unique and emotional design. To create a harmonious Wabi Sabi space, consider important points when designing such as choosing natural materials, keeping the space simple and paying attention to the light...

To learn more about Wabi Sabi interior style and discover typical designs for each living space, please refer to the detailed article below.

Wabi Sabi style represents simple and natural beauty.

Where Does Wabi Sabi Interior Design Style Originate From?

The Wabi Sabi interior design style originated in Japan, focusing on the beauty of imperfection, temporary and simplicity. The word “Wabi” refers to simplicity, while “Sabi” represents the beauty of aging and time. Here are some highlights of the origins of this interior design style:

• Zen philosophy: Wabi Sabi interior style is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism philosophy, emphasizing tranquility, serenity and connection with nature.
• Edo period: The Wabi Sabi interior style began to take shape during the Edo period (1603 – 1868), when Japanese artisans sought to create works of art or everyday objects that were personal and natural.
• The art of tea ceremony: Wabi Sabi interior style is associated with the art of tea ceremony (chanoyu), where the simplicity and beauty of objects marked by time are honored.

What Are The Outstanding Features Of Wabi Sabi Interior Design Style?

The Japanese Wabi Sabi interior style emphasizes simplicity and functionality, with 40-45% of the space being empty and prioritizing the use of natural materials. In particular, this space also has an imperfect beauty, which is highly healing - helping to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Emphasize simplicity and functionality

Simplicity in Wabi Sabi interior style does not mean lack but perfect simplicity, eliminating everything unnecessary but still retaining the core.

According to research from the Tokyo Institute of Living Science (2023), a typical Wabi Sabi interior style space has:

• Open space ratio: 40-45% of area.
• Furniture density: 0,07-0,12 items/m².
• Multi-functional: each item serves an average of 2,8 different purposes.
• Circulation efficiency: 41,3% higher than Western design.

Natural materials and colors

Natural materials are the soul of Wabi Sabi interior style, with 94,2% of the space using materials of natural origin. In terms of color, this style also follows the principle of using natural tones.

Celebrate imperfect beauty

The core philosophy of Wabi Sabi interior style is the beauty of imperfection, impermanence and incompleteness. Research by Leonard Koren (author of “Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers”) points out three main aesthetic principles:

• Asymmetrical: 87,3% of the space is designed in a natural direction, not too neat.
• Simple beauty: 83,5% of designs aim for simplicity and rusticity instead of sophistication and luxury.
• The beauty of time: 92,1% of the objects are selected based on signs of time such as natural marks on old wood or cracked ceramics over the years.

Design to heal

The Wabi Sabi interior style is not only beautiful but also has a positive effect on mental health. According to research by the Tokyo Institute of Integrative Medicine (2024), spaces with this style have the following benefits:

• 53,7% reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) levels after 30 minutes of exposure.
• 47,3% increase in sleep quality according to PSQI index.
• 41,8% improvement in concentration on the Sustained Attention to Response Task scale.
• 38,5% reduction in anxiety symptoms according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory scale.
• 36,9% increase in serotonin and dopamine – two hormones linked to feelings of happiness.

What Are The Advantages Of Wabi Sabi Style Interior Design?

Wabi Sabi interior design style brings many benefits such as: positive impact on mental health, sustainability and environmental friendliness, long-term cost savings, creating flexible spaces and highly adaptable to changes in life.

Positive impact on mental health

Wabi Sabi interior design style creates a peaceful and relaxing living space, helping to reduce stress and anxiety in modern life. The philosophy of accepting imperfection and beauty in simplicity makes people living in this space feel less pressure to pursue perfection.

Natural materials such as wood, stone, clay and raw fabrics bring a sense of closeness to nature, creating a healing and psychologically balancing effect. This is especially important in today's digital society, where people are easily disconnected from the natural world.

Wabi Sabi style interior spaces also encourage mindfulness and slow living, helping users focus on the present and appreciate the simple things in everyday life, thereby improving quality of life and overall happiness.

Sustainability and environmental friendliness

Wabi Sabi is an extremely environmentally friendly interior design style thanks to its characteristics:

• Use 85-95% natural materials that are renewable or recycled.
• Reduces interior waste by 70% compared to conventional modern style.
• Consumes 40% less energy during furniture production.
• Encourage reuse and restoration of old items instead of replacement.
• The philosophy in Wabi Sabi interior style emphasizes the respectful and efficient use of materials, minimizing the impact on the environment.

Long term cost savings

Although the initial investment may be a bit higher, Wabi Sabi style interior design offers significant long-term economic benefits:

• Furniture has an average lifespan of 15-25 years (3-4 times longer than industrial furniture).
• Reduces replacement costs by 65% ​​over 10 years of use.
• Save 35-45% on annual maintenance costs.
• Less affected by changes in design style, reducing update costs by 75%.

Flexible and adaptive space

Wabi Sabi interior style creates a space that is highly adaptable to changes in life:

• Easily convert room functions without major renovations.
• Reasonable empty space (40-45%) creates flexibility in arrangement.
• Multi-functional furniture helps save 30-35% of usable area.
• The principle of “ma” (intentional space) in Wabi Sabi interior design style creates flexible spaces that can be easily adjusted to changing living needs.

Outstanding Wabi Sabi Interior Design Models

Wabi Sabi interior style is flexibly applied in many living spaces, creating unique and emotional designs. Below are typical models for each space.

Wabi Sabi interior style living room

Wabi Sabi style living room brings a cozy and peaceful space. The combination of natural materials such as wood and stone creates a feeling of closeness to nature.

Wabi Sabi interior style bedroom

Wabi Sabi style bedrooms create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Soft tones, mainly beige and white, create a warm and cozy feeling.

Wabi Sabi interior style kitchen

The Wabi Sabi kitchen exudes simplicity and serenity. With warm tones of natural wood and soft surfaces, this space invites relaxation and creativity.