Tatami mats are a typical floor covering in traditional Japanese interiors. They consist of rice straw surrounded by woven connective grass. This creates a solid surface that also provides comfort, which is particularly important in a culture where people sit on the floor. Unfortunately, the mat is used less and less in modern Japanese furnishings. That's why we would like to introduce it to you in this article and show you how effective and exotic the Tatami mat can look as a Japanese decoration in modern furnishings. Get inspired!
Tatami mats have existed since around the 8th century. From that time until the 12th century, wooden floors were equipped with them to provide the nobility with comfort when sitting. Also used for sleepingtoday's decorationboth the nobility and the samurais, while the common people used straw mats for this purpose, which are called Gaza.
From the 16th century onwards, it was common practice to cover the entire floor with tatami mats. Such rooms are known as zashiki and were used to gather large groups. Soon the mats were also used to indicate the size of a room. The tatami mats as decoration became a unit of measurement, so to speak. The way the mats were laid depended on what the respective room was to be used for.
It was around this time that the architecture and furnishing style that we know today from Japanese culture and which we refer to as traditional Japanese style emerged. This style is composed of the monks' study rooms and the formal reception rooms of the military elite. Of course, the tatami mat was not missing from this mix of styles.
The tea master Sen no Rikyu, who had a major influence on the development of the tea ceremony, introduced the use of small tea rooms in the 16th century. These were equipped with rustic and natural materials and as you could have guessed, the tatami mat was also included as a Japanese decoration. The tea master showed that simplicity can be beautiful. This simplicity has since been associated with the tea ceremony.
From the 17th century onwards, tatami mats gradually made their way into middle-class homes and quickly became an essential element of every house. One reason for this is that the mats are perfect for the Japanese climate as Japanese decoration. Summer in Japan is warm and humid, while winter is cold and dry. The mats, in turn, regulate the humidity wonderfully. They make sitting and lying on the floor, which is typical in Japan, as well as walking barefoot more comfortable.
Over the last 150 years, traditional Japanese furnishings have increasingly been replaced or at least supplemented by styles from the West. This meant that in most houses only one room was furnished with tatami mats. These rooms are called washitsu. Another reason why mats are no longer used as much as flooring and decoration is that they are relatively difficult to clean.
Instead, the Japanese no longer use the mats as Japanese decoration but for sleeping. A thin mattress is placed on the mat and can be rolled up during the day. This saves space, which is known to be very limited in Japan. These beds are known as futons. The mattress alone would be too thin for the hard floor without the mat. But these typically Japanese beds are also increasingly being replaced by Western beds.
Despite this, the Tatami mat is and remains an element that is associated with Japanese culture. It is part of the Japanese identity. If you have also decided on this Japanese decoration, just add accents instead of covering the entire floor. We would like to remind you once again that the mats are not as easy to care for as a wooden or tiled floor, for example.
The soothing look of the mats as a Japanese decoration as well as their pleasant smell and feel make them a perfect replacement for the classic carpet. They are a perfect addition to a Zen-style interior or a modern interior that wants to have Japanese accents. But it is also a covering that should be considered.
If you have chosen a Japanese-style dining area with a low dining table and seats on the floor, the tatami mat is recommended as a base. Thin seat cushions often do not provide sufficient seating comfort, which is quickly provided with mats. If the mats are not exposed to constant traffic in the apartment, they do not get dirty as quickly.
If you want a typically Japanese decoration, choose the Tatami mats. Even if they had a specific use in the past and were not directly used as decoration, they can still be used for this purpose in modern furnishings and give the atmosphere the desired Zen flair.
If you have decided on a floor made of tatami mats, this variant is particularly recommended. The mats are embedded in the ground and there is no risk of tripping. This idea can be planned when designing the floor. Such platforms are well suited for later renovations.
The light color of the mats creates a friendly atmosphere and is a good option if your interior is otherwise very dark. Whether in the living room, bedroom or dining room, the Tatami mats look perfect in every room and ensure the desired living comfort.
The Japanese mats can be wonderfully combined with other decorations that exude the Japanese atmosphere. These include murals or room dividers with Japanese motifs, vases and sculptures, Japanese flower arrangements or furniture. Let your imagination run wild and use Japanese decoration to create a unique interior.
The traditional decoration may no longer be as common in Japan, but the mat is becoming increasingly popular in Western countries. Don't just decorate the floor. Go one step further and create a reading or cozy corner with the tatami mat, where you can also take a cozy nap.
The Tatami mat also works very well outside the house. It is a popular item for relaxation. Create a covered daybed or use the decoration for sunbathing while adding exotic flair. However, the mats should be stored indoors when it rains and in winter. Otherwise the connective grass will be ruined by the high humidity.
It's certainly a great idea to equip your own fitness room with tatami mats. The firm yet comfortable floor makes various exercises more pleasant. This makes Japanese decoration particularly useful in your interior. Whether you use the mats as floor covering or as an accent is up to you.
