I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Japanese futon has been completely adopted, because certain aspects have definitely been changed for our tastes.  For example, the thickness of the mattress and how it basically goes together is a bit different.  In fact, the Japanese style has two parts, one of which is the mattress and the other part is the quilted upper piece.  These are both used in combination with a mat, a tatami, for the traditional sleeping or bedroom arrangement.

The Japanese bedroom invites the outdoors in.

Just because this is the traditional or classic way of using a futon, it does not mean that you have to adopt this exact style in your home.  If you have an Asian-inspired theme to your home or room in question, then by all means it may make perfect sense.  However, with bedding, you have many options with which to work.

The futon mattress is a great place to start for bedding because they are quite simple in design and will usually take on whatever style is being used with them.  So, for example if you choose to have an Asian themed room, the bedding can be traditional in both colors and patterns.  Now, we would need to define what type of Asian culture you are looking to emulate, as they do vary.

However, for the sake of this article, let’s talk briefly about Japanese design.  With this, simplicity and elegance are the goals.  But, rather than seek elegance from overstated pieces and eccentric looks, the Japanese style is more simple and refined. Clean lines and a limited color palette are more classic.  New trends emerge, but this is what has been most characteristic of this culture.

So, imagine a simple vase on a bookshelf, maybe a small sculpture on a nightstand with a simple light.  Prints in this room might be of landscapes or a modern image.  Colors would typically include, reds, whites and blacks.  Rich looking woods like cedar and teak tones are also appreciated, though a lighter pine works well also.

As far as the bedding goes, let your Japanese futon mattress dictate the answer there.  Based upon your other artwork and themes in the room, let your simple tastes flow.  Don’t worry about matching a specific piece to this or that.  Let the overall design of the room flow more organically.  This will help your Asian bedding appear to be more of natural part of your overall theme.

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