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Wabi Sabi
A living style based on Japanese philosophyWhat is Wabi Sabi? Many people are sure to ask themselves this question when they hear this not-so-familiar term. So first of all, the meaning of Wabi Sabi: it is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that has a strong connection to Zen Buddhism. It is about seeing beauty in imperfection and making simplicity a concept of life. In addition to everyday life and working life, this can of course also be applied to fashion and interior design. Be curious and find out why Wabi Sabi is so popular in modern living styles.
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Where does the term Wabi Sabi come from?
The term comes from the Japanese, where "wabi" describes simplicity and imperfection, while "sabi" conveys ageing and the transience of earthly things. Influenced by Buddhist teachings, the philosophy of Wabi Sabi has developed, which is able to see beauty in every imperfect aspect. In other words: the appreciation of imperfection, the joy of simple things and the acceptance of transience - celebrated, for example, in traditions such as the Japanese tea ceremony.
"The flow of river is ceaseless and its water is never the same."
This sentence by Kamo no Chōmei from the text Hōjō-ki translates as "The flow of the river never stops, and its water is never the same." It summarises the core essence of Wabi Sabi: A constant and unavoidable flow of life where nothing stays the same for long. Chōmei was in search of simplicity, solitude and connections to nature through the social order. With his philosophical movement, he founded Wabi Sabi aesthetics, even though the term was only coined after his time.
The Wabi Sabi philosophy in living trends
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The Wabi Sabi living trend appreciates blemishes and signs of wear and tear that have appeared on treasured furnishings over the decades or that are caused by the material properties. For example, bubbles in the glass or striking grains in rustic wood.
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A patina that develops over the years, for example on a copper lamp, a natural solid wood table, a high-quality leather sofa or a natural stone vase, are welcome flaws in the Wabi Sabi style. What might otherwise be discarded is given a place of honour here.
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In Japan, flats are furnished puristically and without excess because of their small size. Those who furnish according to the wabi-sabi philosophy celebrate purism and are committed to a pared-down lifestyle in which there is only room for things that are loved and needed - or according to Marie Kondo: things that make you happy. This basic attitude creates a mindful atmosphere of lightness.
Wabi Sabi living: the furnishing style for your home
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The focus is on timeless colours ranging from soft grey to warm beige and light off-white. Earth tones and pastel colours as well as matt shades from sage green to grey-blue add a little more colour. As far as materials are concerned, natural materials dominate, from wood and leather to linen, marble, stone, glass and ceramics.
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A flat furnished according to the Wabi-Sabi philosophy should have the courage to have too much space and play with warm light. The natural light should be skilfully complemented by warm light sources that caress the cosy afternoon tea ceremony and ensure a more relaxed atmosphere.
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From the perspective of the Wabi-Sabi style, the fact that furnishing accessories show scratches or even fade over time is a sign of authenticity. After all, such vases, lamps and sofas often have stories to tell - whether as flea market finds or inherited from grandma and grandpa. Transience thus becomes a plus point.
Wabi-sabi living - how do I implement the Japanese principle at home?
Bring the essence of Wabi-Sabi into your home with just a few, deliberate steps:
- Go for natural materials such as coarse linen cushions, handmade ceramic vases or decorative wooden bowls. Each piece should be authentic and of simple beauty.
- Do away with the superfluous and let clear lines and natural textures speak for themselves. A single, delicately dried flower in a simple vase or a hand-woven rug can transform the atmosphere in your room.
- Reflect on the essentials. Less is more and more space to work brings relaxation for eyes and soul. It is precisely in its simplicity that you will find the true warmth and harmony that characterises Wabi-Sabi.
Harmonious rooms with Wabi-Sabi flair so atmospheric!
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Excursus: How do I manage not to set myself up perfectly?
People often try to live in perfect harmony and symmetry. To be imperfect, the Japanese word Kintzugi is an interesting clue. It describes a traditional craft in which broken vases are repaired. As they are destroyed and repaired, they retain visible cracks and no longer look as they did in their original state. Traditionally, this process takes a very long time, but as food for thought, we can derive how to be less perfect for our Wabi-Sabi ambience.
Wabi Sabi lamps and the art of imperfection
Immerse yourself in the timeless aesthetics of the Wabi-Sabi style and create an atmosphere of natural harmony with organically curved lamp designs. Each luminaire tells its own story - characterised by organic shapes and unique irregularities that make them truly one of a kind. Made from materials such as fine paper, warm bamboo or rough ceramic, these lamps capture the essence of nature. The calm elegance of the Wabi-Sabi style unfolds in the interplay of light and shadow, enveloping your home in soft, calming nuances. Perfection is a thing of the past - experience the beauty of imperfection.
The connection between wabi sabi and lighting: perfection in imperfection
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The calming effect of light should not be underestimated for a balanced general state of mind. That's why the following applies: creating a balance between light and shadow is one way of creating harmony, as practised in the Wabi-Sabi environment. To achieve this, the natural daylight in the living rooms is supplemented by area and accent lighting that emphasise and visually highlight islands of well-being.
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On the one hand, the shape of the luminaire is crucial: organic curves, as nature shows us, are perfect for the wabi-sabi look. Naturally, a warm light colour also contributes to a harmonious feeling. Last but not least, the placement of the luminaires - the lighting concept - is of great importance: several small islands of light provide more grounding, beauty and well-being than one large general light for the entire room.
Tip: When it comes to mindfulness, choose lights that you know where and how they were made, preferably handmade for extra value.
The terrace can also be designed wabi sabi
When the terrace becomes a second living room in summer, the appreciation of simplicity and beauty is the programme. Just like tea time in winter, an evening with friends and family outdoors on a warm summer evening is a treat for the soul. The matching outdoor accessories and lights follow the same principles as those for indoors: Simple, organic, natural and anything but overloaded!
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Wabi Sabi and sustainability go hand in hand
As the philosophy of Wabi Sabi has something to do with mindfulness, the topic of sustainability is also important in the production of furniture, home accessories and lighting. Renewable raw materials, short transport routes, a high-quality, timeless design and fair working conditions all play a role. You can find out all about sustainable brands such as Envostar, Good & Mojo and LeuchtNatur in our Guide to sustainable luminaires.
Our conclusion: Wabi Sabi is more than just a living trend!
Wabi Sabi is rather an invitation to celebrate the beauty of simplicity and to go through life calmly and mindfully. With natural materials, muted colours and a touch of imperfection, you can create a home that radiates peace and warmth. Rounded off with atmospheric lighting, an atmosphere is created that is inspiring, revitalising and at the same time grounding, even meditative, every day anew.
Japandi flair also brings wabi-sabi influences with it
The Japandi ambience, which is a mixture of Scandi and Japanese-influenced furnishings, also incorporates aspects of Wabi Sabi. Here, too, the focus is on the essentials and the furnishings are well chosen and have room to work.
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