Japanese-style bathroom
Relaxation and harmony
Key points at a glance:
- A Japanese bathroom is all about relaxation: The Japanese bathroom combines functionality with tranquility, transforming the space into a place of rejuvenation.
- Opt for natural materials: wood, natural stone, soft colors, and clean lines create that quintessential Japanese sense of well-being.
- A modern take on wellness: freestanding bathtubs, walk-in showers, and shower toilets combine comfort, aesthetics, and innovative technology.
The traditional bath
Relaxation has always been a priority in traditional Japanese bathrooms. In addition to their functional purpose, these spaces were also designed to promote rejuvenation. At the heart of this is the classic Japanese bathtub. Its sole purpose is relaxation—the actual cleansing takes place beforehand in the shower.
This is reflected in the layout. First, there is an entryway with a sink, bathroom cabinets, and plenty of space to get dressed and undressed. Behind it is a full bathroom. There is no separate shower stall in a Japanese-style bathroom; instead, the shower and bathtub are located in the same room. After a thorough wash in the shower, you can then enjoy a relaxing hot bath.
The toilet is located in a completely separate room with its own sink. This way, the Japanese-style bath can be used by several people at the same time while still offering a space for peace and relaxation.
By the way: Many elements of the Japanese bathroom can also be found in Scandinavian bathrooms. So it’s no surprise that a unique hybrid style has emerged—Japandi.
Designing a Japanese-style bathroom
Of course, it’s not always possible to build a traditional Japanese bathroom. Unless you’re building a new house based on your own designs, you probably won’t find a layout that combines an entryway with a wet room and a separate toilet. Nevertheless, it is possible to design a Japanese-style bathroom:
The bathtub takes center stage
The Japanese-style bathtub plays a special role, one that should be reflected in a bathroom designed with this in mind. A freestanding bathtub is practically a must here.
Walk-in shower
If you want to recreate the classic bathing experience as closely as possible, consider adding a walk-in shower. This integrates the shower even more seamlessly into the bathroom and recreates the traditional combination of shower and bathtub.
Wood and natural materials
Even though a traditional Japanese wooden bathtub may not be well-suited to modern needs, its aesthetic appeal can be reflected in the bathroom through the use of wood and other natural materials, such as natural stone. As a general rule, when designing a Japanese-style bathroom, stylistic elements from other Japanese design features—such as Japanese gardens—can also be incorporated.
Shapes and colors
When it comes to shapes and colors, the focus is also on creating a relaxing atmosphere. Choose calm, muted colors that harmonize with natural materials, such as earthy tones or deep shades of green. Rounded shapes combined with clean lines create the right aesthetic.
Less is more
Traditionally, Japanese interior design emphasizes balance and simplicity. So don’t clutter your bathroom; instead, add thoughtful, understated accents. This will transform your Japanese-style bathroom into a true haven of relaxation.
Technical components: Shower toilets and more
Internationally, the Japanese bathroom is known less for the traditional bathing experience and more for modern technology. And in fact, state-of-the-art technology and classic bathroom traditions can be perfectly combined.
Shower toilet
Few things are as closely associated with the Japanese bathroom as the shower toilet. And indeed, in Japan, it is often a true marvel of technology. Western bathrooms, while a bit less elaborate, are no less comfortable or practical.
While in Japanese bathrooms, the shower toilet saves water thanks to an integrated sink and reuses the wash water for flushing, here it is primarily sophisticated technology such as Duravit Rimless® that delivers the savings. In any case, comfort is combined with practicality here as well.
Whirlpool bathtub
While whirlpoolbathtubs are not typically a standard feature of Japanese bathrooms, technically sophisticated bathtubs are certainly used. And what could better capture the essence of a relaxing bathing experience than a built-in massage function?
By the way: The bathing experience in a Japanese “shower capsule” is even more sophisticated.
Rain shower
Here, too, the focus is less on recreating a Japanese bathroom down to the last detail and more on capturing the sense of relaxation that a bathroom can provide. A rain shower helps you slow down and instantly creates a sense of well-being.
Matching Duravit collections
The ideal of harmony and precision that characterizes Japanese design is also reflected in the Duravit collections. The following collections deliberately incorporate traditional elements and integrate them seamlessly into the context of the modern bathroom:
Bento Starck Box
With the Bento Starck Box series, star designer Philippe Starck once again demonstrates his boundary-pushing genius. The clean layout perfectly reflects the order and harmony that underpin the Japanese bathroom.
Zencha
The Zencha series by Sebastian Herkner is minimalist yet elegant. Its organic shapes and curves create subtle accents. The bathtub in this series is deliberately inspired by a classic Japanese onsen bath.
