A Guide To Japanese Beds

For those looking to adopt the Japanese traditional style of near-floor sleeping, we offer the superb Oriental Bed. Japanese beds are among the most popular styles in contemporary bedroom design. This low wooden bed sits close to the ground, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms that have limited space.

The oriental design of the Japanese bed is simplistic, yet elegantffecive u,se of solid wooden inset bed legs. Here, we wanted to explore Japanese beds in more detail and provide a bit of detail about why these bed frames are a top choice.

What is a Japanese Bed?

In traditional Japanese homes, sleeping arrangements often involve a futon placed on a tatami mat or a low wooden platform bed called a "tatami bed" or "low bed." These beds are characterized by their low height, simplicity, and close-to-the-floor design.

The traditional Japanese futon consists of a mattress and a duvet, and it is often folded and stored in a closet during the day to maximize space in smaller living areas. The low height of the bed or sleeping platform is a distinctive feature of Japanese design, reflecting a cultural preference for simplicity and a connection to the natural elements.

In contemporary contexts, the term "Japanese bed" may also refer to modern bed frames that incorporate elements of traditional Japanese design, such as low profiles, clean lines, and natural materials like wood. These beds are popular for their minimalist aesthetics and can be found in various styles to suit different preferences.

What are the benefits of Japanese beds?

Here are some benefits associated with Japanese beds:

Space-Saving Design:

Japanese beds are often designed to be low to the ground, and many can be easily folded or rolled up during the day. This design is particularly beneficial in smaller living spaces where maximizing floor space is crucial. It allows for a versatile use of the room, transforming it from a bedroom to a living space with ease.

Versatility:

Futons, a common type of Japanese bed, are known for their versatility. They can serve as both a bed and a seating area. During the day, the futon can be folded and used as a sofa or tucked away, providing flexibility in room layout and usage.

Close to the Floor:

Traditional Japanese beds are placed directly on the floor, which some people find comfortable and soothing. This design is believed to promote better posture and alignment, as there is less distance for the body to fall when getting in and out of bed.

Minimalistic Aesthetics:

Japanese beds often follow a minimalist design philosophy. The clean lines, simple shapes, and neutral colors contribute to a calming and uncluttered aesthetic. This design choice can create a serene and tranquil bedroom environment.

Easy Maintenance:

Futons and other Japanese beds are typically easy to maintain. They can be easily aired out and may be less prone to dust accumulation compared to larger, more intricate Western-style beds with box springs.

Mobility:

Some Japanese beds, like futons, are lightweight and easy to move. This mobility can be beneficial for those who like to rearrange their living spaces or for people who move frequently.

Affordability:

Traditional Japanese beds, such as futons, tend to be more affordable than elaborate Western-style bed frames and mattresses. This affordability makes them an attractive option for people on a budget.

Cultural Connection:

Choosing a Japanese-style bed can be a way to incorporate elements of Japanese culture into your home. It offers a different sleeping experience and brings a touch of the traditional Japanese lifestyle into your living space.

The Benefits of Near-Floor Sleeping and Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an oriental tradition of organising the space in your home to create harmony – known as Feng Shui – and is the belief that furniture in your room should be organised in a way to create a feeling of calm and happiness. Your bed is an important part of this, and managing the energy flow around your bed is essential in creating comfort and getting a better night sleep. We’ve created the Japanese Fuji Attic Bed that follows these principles, and with its low and minimal appearance, helps direct the flow of energy in your bedroom.

Sleeping close to the floor may seem like a particularly strange concept to those that are only familiar with standard height bed frames. While following the principles of Feng Shui, the low profile of the bed frame has further benefits. A low bed also helps with keeping cool while the heat naturally rises and the minimal appearance creates a spacious sleeping space – that is proven to help you sleep.

Read more on Feng Shui and how it can help organise your home to improve comfort here.

Is The Japanese Platform Bed For You?

Along with our collection of Platform Beds, our Japanese Fuji Platform Bed is designed to assist you in maximising your bedroom space and enables you to create a storage solution by utilising the space underneath your bed frame. The design of our Japanese platform bed frame is not only ideal for saving space, its stunning appearance also enables it to become the main focal point of any bedroom. As the name suggests, our Japanese Fuji Attic Bed is a sought-after solution for attic and loft bedrooms, due to its elegant design and space saving functionality. With a bedroom with restrictive space or awkward corners, this Japanese Bed Frame is perfect for you.

Design Your Own Japanese Bed Frame

We have a range of bed sizes and solid bed frame finishes for you to choose from. Some of our most popular colour finishes include our stylish honey satin, sleek black beds and contemporary white beds with our satin stain. Our bed sizes range from the small single all the way to our unique 9’ super caesar bed size, so you can get the perfect size for your bedroom. As all of our wooden bed frames are lovingly handcrafted in our British workshop, this ensures that we are able to custom alter your Japanese Fuji Attic Bed to meet your exact needs should you need bespoke size or design requirements for your bed frame.