Top 78+ Alluring Edo Period Living Room Most Outstanding In 2023

The Edo period, also known as the Tokugawa period, was a time of peace and prosperity in Japan from 1603 to 1868. During this time, the ruling Tokugawa shogunate placed strict regulations on Japanese society, including strict social classes and a rigid hierarchy. This had a significant impact on the design and layout of homes, including the living room. In this article, we will explore the top 10 features of a traditional Edo period living room and how it reflects the culture and values of this period.

The traditional Japanese living room, known as the "zashiki," was the heart of the Edo period home. It was a multi-functional space used for dining, entertaining guests, and daily activities like reading and tea ceremonies. The layout was designed to promote harmony and balance, with an emphasis on natural materials and simplicity.

A defining feature of the Edo period living room was the use of tatami mats for flooring. These woven straw mats were not only comfortable to sit and walk on but also served as a way to measure the size of a room. In a traditional Japanese living room, the size of the room was measured by the number of tatami mats it could hold.

The Japanese tea ceremony, or "sado," was an essential part of Edo period culture. It was a ritualized way of serving and drinking tea that emphasized simplicity, mindfulness, and respect for nature. The tea room, known as the "chashitsu," was a designated space within the living room where the ceremony would take place. It was designed to create a sense of tranquility and harmony, with minimal decoration and natural materials.

Edo period interior design was heavily influenced by the concept of "wabi-sabi," which embraces the beauty of imperfection and transience. This is reflected in the use of natural materials like wood, bamboo, and paper, as well as the minimal and simplistic design of furniture and decorations. The Edo period living room was a perfect example of this aesthetic, with its clean lines and understated elegance.

Another defining feature of the Edo period living room was the use of Japanese sliding doors, known as "fusuma." These doors were made of wooden frames and covered with paper or fabric, allowing for natural light to filter through. They were also used as a way to divide the living room into smaller spaces or to create privacy when needed.

In the Edo period, furniture was considered a luxury and was only used by the upper classes. The most common pieces of furniture in the living room were low tables, called "chabudai," and floor cushions, known as "zabuton." These were used for dining and sitting on the floor, as was the custom in traditional Japanese homes.

The use of tatami mats in the living room not only added a natural and rustic touch to the space but also served a practical purpose. The mats were easy to clean and, due to their insulating properties, helped keep the room warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also provided a comfortable and soft surface for sitting and sleeping.

Along with sliding doors, shoji screens were another common feature in the Edo period living room. These screens were made of wooden frames and translucent paper, allowing for privacy while still letting in natural light. They were also used as a way to divide the living room into smaller areas, such as a tea room or sleeping area.

The Edo period living room was decorated with simplicity and understated elegance in mind. Natural elements, such as plants and flowers, were often used to bring a touch of nature indoors. Artwork, such as calligraphy and paintings, were also commonly displayed, often reflecting the values and aesthetics of the Edo period.