Many people may feel, "We have a Japanese-style room available and would like to use it as a kids' room, but tatami might look too plain and not really fit..." However, with the right approach, a Japanese-style room can also be turned into a space children will enjoy. In this article, we introduce ways to renovate a Japanese-style room into a kids' room, along with stylish ideas for using it well even without renovation.
What are the drawbacks of turning a Japanese-style room into a kids' room?
It is worth understanding the common challenges that can arise when using a Japanese-style room as a kids' room.
- Hard to match with cute interiors: Bright, child-friendly interiors do not always blend easily with the atmosphere of a Japanese-style room, and this mismatch can be especially noticeable in a girl's room
- Can easily look too plain: If the space leans too heavily into a traditional Japanese style, it may end up feeling less exciting for children
What are three ways to renovate a Japanese-style room into a kids' room?
1. Cover the tatami with interlocking floor mats
Laying down removable interlocking mats can completely change the feel of tatami. They provide cushioning and sound insulation, and they are also effective as a safety measure for active children. There are many designs available, including wood-grain styles and colorful patterns. However, placing them over tatami can increase the risk of mold and mites, so a moisture- and pest-resistant underlay plus regular cleaning are essential.
2. Brighten the walls with DIY updates
Changing tatami to wood flooring with DIY is difficult, but changing the wall color is relatively easy. Simply switching to white or pastel tones can brighten the room dramatically. Peel-and-stick remake sheets that can be applied without glue and removed later are also practical for rental properties, and they come in a wide range of patterns such as wood, marble, and geometric designs.
3. Create a stylish look freely through interior choices
Once the floor and walls are updated, the rest depends on the interior design. White furniture with pastel accessories creates a cute room, while a monochrome scheme creates a chic space that remains practical as children grow older. Another major advantage after renovation is how easy it becomes to change the interior style later.
What are some ways to use a Japanese-style room as a kids' room without renovating it?
Replace it with stylish tatami
These days, more tatami options are available in modern designs. Simply arranging edgeless half-size tatami (Ryukyu tatami) in a two-color checkerboard pattern can transform the room into a stylish space. Washi tatami comes in light shades such as beige and yellow, does not have the usual igusa smell, resists dirt well, and is highly suitable for a kids' room.
Use natural-style furniture throughout
Wood-grain furniture pairs well with Japanese-style rooms, and when combined with white walls and light-colored tatami, it creates a clean and comfortable space. Choosing furniture with strong storage capacity also helps prevent clutter.
Add color to shoji and fusuma
Colorful or patterned shoji paper can bring brightness to a Japanese-style room. Plastic shoji is less likely to tear, which makes it reassuring for a kids' room. Fusuma can also completely change the atmosphere when you simply update them with remake sheets in a modern pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is it okay to lay interlocking mats over tatami?
It is possible, but there is a risk of mold and mites. It is important to place a moisture barrier underneath and remove the mats about once a month so the tatami can dry properly.
Q2. Can wallpaper be applied to the walls of a Japanese-style room in a rental property?
If you use removable wallpaper sheets, the room can be restored to its original condition, making them suitable even for rental properties. Be sure to choose a material that can be removed cleanly when moving out.
Q3. What are the benefits of a kids' room with tatami?
Tatami has shock-absorbing qualities, so falls are less painful. It also offers insulation and humidity control, helping maintain a comfortable environment.
Q4. How much do stylish tatami typically cost?
For Ryukyu tatami (edgeless half-size mats), a general guide is around 3,000 to 10,000 yen per mat. Washi tatami varies in price depending on the material. Installation costs charged by a contractor will also apply separately.
