Designing a japandi interior: the role of tableware on the table
When you think of a japandi interior, furniture comes to mind first: low wood, natural fabric, little colour. Tableware is often forgotten, even though the dining table — including what's on it — is just as much part of the overall picture.
Why tableware matters in a japandi interior
A japandi space works through calm: little contrast, natural materials, no unnecessary decoration. Brightly coloured or busily patterned tableware breaks that calm just as much as a bright orange sofa would. Tableware in muted colours and organic shapes actually reinforces the effect of the rest of the space, even if it's only on the table a few times a day.
Matching colour and material to your space
Warm, earthy interiors (wood, linen, terracotta) pair well with Cosmos's organic beige stoneware (from €9 per piece, sets from €100). Sleeker, cooler spaces with more white and grey suit Aura's light blue porcelain (set for 4, €55) or Elite's reactive glaze (from €9 per piece, sets from €90) better. Want an accent point in an otherwise calm space? A single piece from Zafiro (deep blue, €90 for a set of 6) or Velvet (pink and white, €90 for a set of 6) works as a statement, without overpowering the rest of the table.
Comparison: which collection suits which space?
| Interior style | Suits | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-rustic (wood, linen, terracotta) | Cosmos | Hand-shaped stoneware, organic beige |
| Sleek-minimalist (white, grey) | Aura | Porcelain, light blue, uniform |
| Refined-informal | Elite | Porcelain, reactive glaze |
| Accent statement | Zafiro / Velvet | Hand-painted ceramic |
Tableware as open-shelf decoration
A hallmark of japandi interiors is storing items on open shelves or in display cabinets rather than behind closed cupboard doors. Tableware with an irregular, hand-shaped texture — like Cosmos — is beautiful stacked in plain view, while smoother porcelain such as Elite or Aura looks calmer in a sleek, styled cabinet.
Setting the table: less is more
Setting a japandi table works best with a limited number of elements per place setting: a dinner plate, a smaller plate or bowl, and perhaps a single piece as an accent — rather than a full service with matching glassware and linen in the same colour. The irregularity of the tableware itself already provides enough visual interest.
Start small
You don't need to buy a complete dinnerware set right away to see the effect. A single plate from €9, or one of our Japanese coffee cups (€22) on an otherwise empty shelf, already shows how tableware can set the tone of a space.
Frequently asked questions
Does all my tableware need to come from the same collection for a japandi look?
No. As long as you stay within the same colour family and material feel (for example organic beige with light blue), pieces from different lines combine well.
Does brightly coloured tableware never fit a japandi interior?
A single accent piece can work, as long as the rest of the table and space stays calm. It gets busy once several bright elements appear together on the table.
What's the cheapest way to start?
A single plate or bowl from €9, or a Japanese coffee cup for €22 — both already show the effect without investing in a complete set right away.