Design Solution: Japanese Shoji Screens
See How Light-Filled Shojis Create Serene Spaces for Modern Homes
Debbie Snider
20 January 2011
Houzz Contributor.
Shoji screens may be the solution to many of your design challenges. They can be made into one-of-a-kind room dividers, freestanding screens, closet doors, windows and more. If you are a fan of the Asian aesthetic of simplicity, the use of natural materials and serene uncluttered spaces, shoji may be just what you need.
In traditional Japanese homes, shoji is a wooden framed lattice screen which is covered in translucent rice paper. The white paper provides privacy while allowing diffused light to pass through. Shoji doors slide to open and many are designed as pocket doors to expand a room or reveal an unobstructed view of a beautiful garden. Although shoji is still used in its original form, it has been redesigned to suit the size, functions and durablity needs of the Western home.
In traditional Japanese homes, shoji is a wooden framed lattice screen which is covered in translucent rice paper. The white paper provides privacy while allowing diffused light to pass through. Shoji doors slide to open and many are designed as pocket doors to expand a room or reveal an unobstructed view of a beautiful garden. Although shoji is still used in its original form, it has been redesigned to suit the size, functions and durablity needs of the Western home.
Freestanding shoji screens create a soothing backdrop and eliminate the need for a headboard in this cozy bedroom.
Here is a Japanese style room with typical sliding doors.
Coordinating panels top these double cross grid doors. Notice how well they accommodate the high ceiling and add drama to this stunning contemporary dining room. The chairs echo the lines.
Instead of rice paper, natural grasscloth in an earthy tan adds texture and warmth. The vertical lines repeat throughout the space in the sliding doors of the floating buffet, accent chair and accessories.
In traditional Japanese homes, the shoji doors were protected by an outside overhang like this. A set of exterior wooden doors added security at night.
Here is a view from the outside. In this modern version, screen doors keep the bugs out. Durable facings such as vinyl-backed paper, fiberglass and acrylic are available to suit your needs.
In a modern kitchen, shoji windows are embedded with natural grasses. These work really well with the cabinets.
Black framed closet doors create a strong architectural element in a white minimalist bedroom.
Here, a similar set of closet doors in wood pairs with earth tones to create a warm retreat.
This panel defines a small workspace and provides privacy.
A shoji window in a sliding barn door adds a touch of Asian to this loft.
This tall stationary window panel is inspired by shoji.
A screen beautifully filters the natural light.
Hanging panels from the ceiling create the illusion of clerestory windows.
You can see some custom options for shoji screens at Cherry Tree Design.
You can see some custom options for shoji screens at Cherry Tree Design.
The bottom portion of the windows was left clear so that the view can be seen while seated on the low Japanese style chairs or floor cushions. The track lighting offers the only hint that this is a modern room.
You would never see shoji doors this tall in a typical Japanese home. These divide two living spaces.
This shoji-inspired front door and side panels work well with modern architecture and furnishings.
Have you used shoji in your home? If so, please share your photos with us in the comments below.
Next: Shop shoji screens on Houzz
Have you used shoji in your home? If so, please share your photos with us in the comments below.
Next: Shop shoji screens on Houzz
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Shoji can be used for almost any wall. They would be kinda expensive for a kids room and not real strong to stand up to any rough housing.
curlieq, You could try a faux look. Paint the wall some type of white of your choice. You could even put rice paper, tiny bamboo (like matchstick blinds), or grass paper on the wall. Then put up wood strips in the pattern of a shoji grid to mimic the look.