A tatami style bedroom offers numerous benefits, from the health advantages of natural materials to its calming effects on mental well-being. There are two primary methods for creating a tatami bedroom: professional installation or using tatami rugs. This article details these benefits and installation approaches.
Installation Methods

A tatami bedroom, with its serene Japanese ambiance, creates an ideal space for relaxation. We'll examine two installation methods: removing existing flooring to install tatami mats, and placing tatami mats over existing flooring. For each approach, we'll discuss the installation process and associated costs.
1.Removing the Floor (Professional Method)

The most authentic approach to creating a Japanese-style room involves removing the existing flooring and installing traditional tatami mats. This renovation method ensures durability and premium quality but typically requires professional installation.
Installation Process
Creating an authentic Japanese-style room begins with removing the existing flooring. The subfloor must then be prepared, as tatami mats differ in thickness from standard flooring. This base adjustment is crucial to prevent height discrepancies between rooms.
Next, installers lay a vapor barrier to protect against moisture damage. Finally, custom-cut tatami mats are installed to fit the room's exact dimensions. Professional craftsmanship is essential for proper installation, making this a job best left to experts. The process requires renovation time and contractor coordination.
Costs
Material cost: 8,000 (51 USD) to 15,000 (96 USD) yen per tatami mat (varies by type and thickness).
Construction cost: Approximately 200,000 (1,285 USD) to 500,000 (3,214 USD) yen for a 6-tatami room, varying by renovation scope and area.
Additional costs include disposal fees for removed flooring.
2. Tatami Layering (DIY Method)

This beginner-friendly method is recommended for those seeking a simpler approach.
Installation Process
A more straightforward alternative is laying tatami mats directly over existing flooring. This method's main advantage is its simplicity - purchase appropriate tatami mats and place them according to your room's dimensions. The installation requires no special tools or expertise, making it ideal for DIY projects. Furthermore, a tatami mat bedroom is a great start for beginners.
Costs
Material cost: Approximately 74.50 USD (11,600¥) per tatami mat (FuliJapan).
Installation cost: No additional costs required as this is a DIY installation method
This approach allows you to create a tatami bedroom with minimal investment, requiring only the cost of the mats themselves. It's particularly suitable for rental properties or temporary installations, as no structural modifications are needed. Simply arrange and place the tatami mats to instantly transform your space with authentic Japanese ambiance.
Discover Tatami Mini Square Mats
Related Articles: |
Recommended Products for Creating a Tatami Bedroom
For beginners, we recommend the second method of laying tatami mats over existing flooring. Here are some specific product recommendations for creating a bedroom with tatami flooring:
Tatami Mats(FuliJapan)

These lightweight, thin-design tatami mats offer easy portability and storage. Perfect for any space, from living rooms to meditation areas, they're foldable for compact storage when not in use. Ideal for placing under futons to create a Japanese-style sleeping area.
Tatami Mini Square Mats(FuliJapan)

Each mini square mat includes special joiners for connecting multiple mats securely. This allows flexible layout arrangements based on your space and needs. Suitable for various uses, from reading corners to children's play areas, meditation spaces, or home office comfort zones.
Discover Tatami Mini Square Mats
Tatami Thin Rugs (FuliJapan)

These lightweight, portable tatami rugs can be easily rolled or folded for versatile use throughout your home. Simply unfold on any flooring or carpet to instantly create a comfortable Japanese-style space.
What Is the Purpose of a Tatami Room?
Tatami rooms symbolize traditional Japanese lifestyle and are designed to provide relaxation and comfortable living spaces. In Japan, tatami rooms are often used as bedrooms. By understanding the characteristics of tatami and the cultural background in which they are rooted, you can appreciate why these spaces are so beloved.
Why Do Japanese Sleep on Tatami?
The reason why Japanese people sleep on tatami mats is deeply connected to their living environment and cultural background. Below are the main reasons.
In the Japanese living environment, making effective use of limited space has always been essential. By using futons on tatami mats, bedding can be easily stored during the day, allowing the room to serve multiple purposes. This flexible use of space has been particularly important in urban areas where homes tend to be smaller.
Another reason relates to Japan's distinct climate, with its humid summers and cold winters. It is understood that Japanese people, being sensitive to these seasonal temperature and humidity changes, adopted tatami mats for their high moisture absorption properties to create more comfortable living spaces.
Furthermore, tatami mats' elasticity perfectly suits a culture where people sit and sleep directly on the floor. The mats provide moderate cushioning that supports the body during sleep, making floor futons particularly comfortable. These characteristics have become deeply ingrained in the Japanese lifestyle through generations.
Even today, sleeping in a Japanese tatami bedroom offers a luxurious experience that captures the spirit of harmony, making it an attractive choice for those pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
What Are the Benefits of a Tatami Bed?

A tatami bedroom offers multiple benefits that enhance both physical and mental well-being, improving overall quality of life. Here are three key advantages of a Tatami Bedroom:
1.Health Benefits of Natural Materials
Igusa grass, tatami mats' primary component, offers unique health benefits inherent to natural materials. It effectively purifies air by absorbing harmful substances and unpleasant odors, maintaining cleaner room air quality. Additionally, igusa grass's natural scent provides relaxation benefits and may help reduce stress and stabilize blood pressure. Being a natural material free from artificial chemicals, it's particularly suitable for individuals with allergies. Time spent on tatami mats contributes to a lifestyle that's gentle on the body and supportive of overall health.
2.Mental Relaxation and Restful Sleep
The fresh scent of rush grass in tatami mats stimulates the brain to promote mental relaxation. This aroma carries the healing power of "harmony" that Japanese people have appreciated for centuries. Sleeping in a tatami room naturally enhances relaxation and creates conditions conducive to deep sleep. Furthermore, tatami mats' balanced softness and elasticity provide gentle body support, ensuring comfort even when sleeping on a floor futon. This optimal firmness, neither too hard nor too soft, promotes proper sleeping posture and leads to more refreshing mornings.
3.Comfortable Living Space
Beyond their multi-purpose flexibility, tatami rooms offer additional comfort benefits. Tatami possesses triple the sound absorption capacity of standard materials, creating a quiet and peaceful environment. This makes it ideal for activities requiring silence, such as child-rearing, reading, or music appreciation. Additionally, tatami's natural greenish hue provides visual calming effects. Rooms featuring this simple, serene atmosphere complement minimalist interior design. These characteristics combine to create a particularly comfortable and cozy space.
FAQ

Below are answers to common questions about Tatami Bedrooms, addressing typical concerns about living with tatami mats and helping you create your ideal Japanese-style room.
How Many Tatami For a Bedroom?
The required number of tatami mats depends on your room's size and intended use. While a 6-tatami mat room (approximately 10 m²) represents the standard size in Japan, you might opt for a smaller 3-tatami mat space (about 5 m²) or a larger 8-tatami mat room (about 13 m²), selecting the appropriate number of mats for your space.
Tatami mat sizes vary by Japanese region, with common dimensions including Kyo-ma (京間) (approximately 191 cm x 95.5 cm) and Edo-ma (江戸間) (approximately 176 cm x 88 cm). Consider your room's purpose and furniture layout when determining the required number of mats.
Can You Put a Bed in a Tatami Room?
Yes, beds can be placed in tatami rooms. However, since tatami is a softer material, bed frame legs may leave impressions or cause damage. To prevent this, use protective pads under the legs or employ a platform that distributes the bed's weight evenly across the tatami.
Low-profile bed frames and floor futons are particularly popular choices for tatami rooms. These options maintain the room's functionality and aesthetic appeal while preserving the traditional tatami atmosphere.
Related Articles: |
Is Sleeping on Tatami Healthy?
Yes, tatami mat sleeping offers health benefits. As mentioned earlier, the natural rush grass material purifies air and helps regulate room humidity, maintaining a clean, comfortable environment.
Sleeping on a futon placed on tatami mats helps maintain natural spine alignment and provides even body support. This can reduce back pain issues often associated with overly firm or soft mattresses. Additionally, rush grass's natural scent promotes mental relaxation and quality sleep.
However, maintaining comfortable sleep on tatami requires regular futon and mat maintenance. Proper care to prevent moisture and dust accumulation ensures a healthy sleeping environment.
Conclusion
A tatami bedroom transcends typical sleeping areas, offering a special space that supports both physical and mental well-being while creating a calming atmosphere for daily life. Natural tatami mats purify air and regulate humidity, ensuring a clean, comfortable environment. The distinctive scent and gentle elasticity of tatami mats enhance mental relaxation and promote restful sleep.
The two installation methods available accommodate different lifestyles and budgets. Additionally, tatami rooms offer versatility through various furniture and futon arrangements. Incorporating tatami allows you to experience a healthy, comfortable lifestyle while embracing Japanese aesthetic principles.
The Tatami Bedroom represents a space of subtle yet profound appeal that enhances daily living. Consider introducing a tatami bedroom to experience a lifestyle that beautifully blends traditional Japanese elements with modern comfort.