japandi-office-designs-for-modern-workspaces

21 Japandi Office Designs for Modern Workspaces

Are you tired of messy, busy offices that make you feel stressed? A Japandi office might be just what you need. The Japandi style mixes Japanese simplicity with clean Nordic design to create calm, useful spaces that help you focus.

With Japandi style, you can build a workspace that feels peaceful and helps you get more done. By using natural materials, clean lines, and minimal items, your office can become a place where good work happens naturally.

In this, I’ll show you various Japandi designs that suit your needs. You’ll learn which design works best and how to keep things simple but useful. I’ll share multiple designs to match different needs and spaces.

What is Japandi Style?

Japandi style blends two design traditions: Japanese and Scandinavian. Both value simplicity, nature, and function. Japanese design brings warmth, craft, and respect for nature. Scandinavian design adds light colors and coziness. Together, they create spaces that feel both warm and clean.

For an office, this style helps you focus. It removes extra stuff that pulls your attention away from work. The natural elements keep you linked to the outside world, even when inside all day.

Why Choose Japandi for Your Office?

Your office affects how you work and feel each day. A Japandi office offers real benefits that other styles don’t. Let’s look at what makes this style work so well.

  • Better focus: With fewer things around, your mind can stay on your work. Studies show that clean spaces help people think more clearly.
  • Natural Colors: The color plan uses earth tones. Think soft browns, warm grays, gentle whites, and muted blacks. These colors come from nature and help you feel calm while working.
  • Handmade Touches: Small items made by hand add warmth. A clay pen holder, woven basket, or hand-stitched desk pad brings a human touch to the space. These items feel good to use.
  • Lasts longer: Japandi uses quality items made to last, not quick trends that look old fast. You won’t need to redo your office every few years.
  • Natural Light: Japandi offices face windows when possible. Light curtains let sun filter through. Lamps use paper or fabric shades for soft light. Harsh overhead lights are avoided.
  • Live Plants: Green plants bring life to the office. They clean the air and connect you to nature. Choose plants with simple leaves in plain pots. Even one plant makes a difference.

21 Simple Japandi Office Designs

Below, you’ll find 21 simple Japandi office designs that blend Japanese and Scandinavian styles. Each design offers a unique approach to creating a calm, functional workspace using natural materials and clean lines.

1. Mini Corner Retreat

Mini_Corner_Retreat

Mini Corner Retreat turns a small, unused corner into a useful work area. This design works well for people with limited space who still need a dedicated spot for focus.

This design keeps the footprint small but makes the space feel bigger through smart use of vertical space. The floating shelf removes the need for a bulky desk with drawers. 

Key elements:

  • Light oak desk with clean, straight lines
  • Single floating shelf above for essential items
  • Minimal desktop items – only what you use daily
  • Small plant in a simple pot to add life

2. Window-Facing Workflow

Window-Facing_Workflow

The Window-Facing Workflow puts nature at the center of your work day. This setup places your desk directly in front of a window, letting natural light flood your workspace.

The sheer curtains soften direct sunlight while still keeping the connection to outdoors. The plants create a smooth shift between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Key elements:

  • Pine wood desk with simple black hardware
  • Sheer white curtains to filter harsh sunlight
  • Plants on both sides of the desk to frame the view
  • Wall hooks for headphones and bag

3. Built-In Wall Unit

Built-In_Wall_Unit

The Built-In Wall Unit makes the most of wall space by creating a custom desk and storage solution. This design fits into alcoves or along flat walls, turning dead space into a hard-working office.

This design costs more upfront but saves money over time through smart use of space. All cables and tech clutter stay hidden behind scenes. The built-in nature means everything has its place, which helps keep the area tidy.

Key elements:

  • Custom shelving and desk built to fit your exact space
  • Soft clay or sand-colored paint with wood accents
  • Mix of open shelves and closed cabinets
  • Wall-mounted task light to save desk space

4. Standing Desk Setup

Standing_Desk_Setup

The Standing Desk Setup brings health benefits while keeping true to Japandi style. This office design lets you change positions throughout the day, moving between sitting and standing.

This design focuses on health without giving up style. The desk moves up and down smoothly without looking too technical. The woven floor mat feels good on bare feet and adds texture to the room.

Key elements:

  • Simple floor mat made of woven natural fibers
  • Wall calendar using fabric and wood dowels
  • Minimal cable setup with clever hiding spots
  • Small stool for short sitting breaks

5. Attic Nook Office

Attic_Nook_Office

The Attic Nook Office turns odd ceiling angles into a cozy work spot. This design makes use of spaces many people find too awkward to use well.

This design works with your home’s structure instead of fighting it. The white walls bounce light around what might otherwise be a dim space.

Key elements:

  • White walls that reflect light in a potentially dark space
  • Exposed wood beams left natural
  • Small desk fitted perfectly to the available corner
  • Low storage that fits under sloped ceiling sections

6. Paper Screen Divider

Paper_Screen_Divider

The Paper Screen Divider brings the Japanese art of space division to modern homes. This design creates a separate office area within a larger room without building permanent walls.

This design works well in studio apartments or open floor plans. The screens block visual distractions but still allow light to flow through the space.

Key elements:

  • Thin wooden-framed screens with paper or fabric panels
  • Soft, diffused light passing through the screens
  • Simple desk setup with only essential items
  • Small floor lamp for evening work

7. Round Table Office

Round_Table_Office

The Round Table Office breaks from the typical desk shape, creating a more fluid work environment. This design uses a circular table as the main workspace, which changes how the room feels and functions.

A round table has no sharp corners to bump into and creates a more open feeling. Papers and projects can spread out in a natural way.

Key elements:

  • Light maple round table, 36-48 inches across
  • Black bench seat with thin cushion for comfort
  • Small drawer unit on wheels that tucks under the table
  • A soft rug under the table to define the space

8. Floor-Level Workspace

Floor-Level_Workspace

The Floor-Level Workspace follows traditional Japanese room design, bringing work close to the ground. This setup removes standard chairs and desks in favor of floor cushions and low tables.

This design connects to centuries of Japanese living traditions. The lower position changes your outlook and can help with certain creative tasks.

Key elements:

  • Low wooden table, 12-16 inches high
  • Comfortable floor cushions in natural fabrics
  • Paper lamp on floor or hanging low from ceiling
  • Woven mat or rug to mark the space

9. Bookshelf Backdrop

Bookshelf_Backdrop

The Bookshelf Backdrop creates a useful and visually pleasing wall behind your desk. This design turns book storage into a feature while keeping reference materials close at hand.

This design makes books part of your office look rather than hiding them away. The shelves create a full wall of interest without being busy. Empty space between book groups keeps the look clean and ordered.

Key elements:

  • Simple open shelving with clean lines
  • Few select objects displayed among books
  • Desk positioned in front, creating a focus wall
  • Neutral shelf color that lets book spines stand out

10. Plant-Centered Office

Plant-Centered_Office

The Plant-Centered Office puts nature at the heart of your work space. This design uses plants as main features rather than just accents, creating a living office that changes and grows.

This design brings life and fresh air to your office. The plants create soft borders around your work area. Studies show that being near plants can lower stress and boost focus.

Key elements:

  • Taller plants flanking the desk on both sides
  • Hanging plants from ceiling or wall brackets
  • Natural wood desk with white or light top
  • Planters in simple shapes with neutral color

11. Hall Closet Conversion

Hall_Closet_Conversion

The Hall Closet Conversion turns unused storage space into a compact work area. This clever design makes the most of small homes where dedicated office rooms aren’t possible.

This design hides work when needed but gives a proper spot for focus time. The closed-off nature creates a sense of going to a different place for work, even within your home.

Key elements:

  • Former closet with doors removed for openness
  • Desk fitted precisely to the closet width
  • Painted interior walls in a color that contrasts with the desk
  • Wall-mounted light that doesn’t take desk space

12. Bamboo Roll-Top

Bamboo_Roll-Top

The Bamboo Roll-Top brings back a classic desk style with modern Japandi touches. This design offers the ability to hide your work instantly while adding natural texture to your room.

The bamboo adds a distinct texture not found in most modern offices. The wood mix follows the Japandi practice of pairing different natural materials. This setup brings old-world craft to modern work needs.

Key elements:

  • Desk with bamboo roll-top cover that pulls down
  • Built-in small drawers for office supplies
  • Mix of white oak and bamboo for color contrast
  • Simple stool that tucks fully under when not in us

13. Kitchen Extension

Kitchen_Extension

The Kitchen Extension creates a smooth flow from cooking space to work space. This design recognizes that many people work near where they eat and cook, making it official rather than makeshift.

This design works well for homes where the kitchen serves as a center of activity. The counter height is often good for standing work sessions.

Key elements:

  • Office area built onto the end of kitchen counter
  • Same countertop material for smooth visual flow
  • Stool that tucks under counter when not used
  • Good task lighting that matches kitchen fixtures

14. Bedroom Corner Setup

Bedroom_Corner_Setup

The Bedroom Corner Setup carves out a work zone without taking over the sleep space. This design respects that bedrooms should stay restful while acknowledging space limits in many homes.

This design keeps work visually quiet in the bedroom. The wall-mounted approach saves floor space and makes cleaning easier. The small footprint ensures the bedroom still feels like a place for rest, not work.

Key elements:

  • Simple wall-mounted desk with no legs for more floor space
  • Just enough desktop area for laptop and notebook
  • A small wall light attached above the desk
  • Minimal color contrast with bedroom decor

15. Textile Focus

Textile_Focus

The Textile Focus brings soft elements to the typically hard surfaces of an office. This design uses fabric and fiber to add warmth and sound absorption to your work space.

This design softens the feel of an office through texture. The fabrics help control sound, making the space better for calls or recording. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and jute bring subtle color variation without bright patterns.

Key elements:

  • Fabric wall hanging as main visual point
  • Chair with woven back in natural fibers
  • Desk with simple lines that don’t compete with textiles
  • Lamp with fabric shade for soft lighting

16. Glass Desk Design

Glass_Desk_Design

The Glass Desk Design brings a sense of lightness to your work area. This approach uses glass as the main desktop surface, creating visual space in the room.

This design helps small offices feel more open. The see-through desktop doesn’t block your view of the room, making the space seem bigger.

Key elements:

  • Desk with clear glass top and wood frame
  • Simple wooden filing cabinet underneath
  • Black metal lamp for needed contrast
  • Small wooden tray for daily items

17. Stone and Wood Mix

Stone_and_Wood_Mix

The Stone and Wood Mix brings together two natural materials for a rich sensory experience. This design pairs cool stone with warm wood for a balanced work surface.

This design adds weight and substance to your work area. The stone top feels solid and stable under your hands. The cool surface provides nice contrast to the warm wood elements.

Key elements:

  • Desk with stone top (marble, slate, or concrete)
  • Simple wooden legs and frame supporting the stone
  • Single wooden drawer for essentials
  • Black chair with minimal padding

18. Two-Person Office

Two-Person_Office

The Two-Person Office creates a shared work zone that respects both people’s needs. This design makes smart use of space for couples or roommates who both work from home.

This design balances togetherness and privacy. The shared middle space creates a spot for items you both use. The length gives each person enough elbow room to work comfortably.

Key elements:

  • Long desk (72-96 inches) with room for two people
  • Each side with its own storage solutions
  • Matching chairs that tuck fully under
  • Shared task lighting with two adjustable arms

19. Converted Closet

Converted_Closet

The Converted Closet turns a standard closet into a fold-away office space. This design makes use of closet depth rather than just width, creating a pull-out work station.

The darker interior paint makes the closet feel like a separate room when open. The fold-up desk feature saves space while still giving a proper work surface when needed.

Key elements:

  • Bi-fold doors that open fully to reveal the desk setup
  • Interior painted in a darker color for visual depth
  • Light-colored desk that folds up when not in use
  • Cork board or magnetic strip for notes and reminders

20. Storage Wall Office

Storage_Wall_Office

The Storage Wall Office creates a full wall of function with the desk built in. This design treats the entire wall as a work zone, with the desk as just one part of the system.

This design brings order to busy home offices. The closed storage hides printers, papers, and supplies that would otherwise clutter the space. The desk itself becomes part of a larger system rather than standing alone.

Key elements:

  • Full wall of low cabinets (18-24 inches high)
  • Desk section built into the middle of the cabinet run
  • Closed storage to hide office items
  • Open shelves to display select objects

21. Minimalist Pod

Minimalist_Pod

The Minimalist Pod creates a room within a room for total focus. This free-standing structure offers privacy without building permanent walls.

This design solves the problem of distractions in shared spaces. The pod creates a visual and sound barrier between you and the rest of the room.

Key elements:

  • Three-sided “pod” with roof and open front
  • Interior just big enough for desk and chair
  • Simple light mounted to inside of pod roof
  • Natural wood exterior that matches room decor

Conclusion

We’ve looked at what makes the Japandi style special. It brings together the best parts of Japanese and Scandinavian design. Your office affects your work more than you might think.

A messy, busy space makes it hard to focus. But a well-made Japandi office offers a middle path – not too cold, not too busy.

From the designs we shared, you can see there’s a Japandi option for every home. Small corners, attics, or full rooms can all become useful, calm workspaces.
The key is to start with what you need to work well. Add only items that serve a clear purpose. 

Ready to create your own Japandi office? In the comments below, tell us which of the 21 designs speaks to you most.
 

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