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Are you on the hunt for eco-friendly home decor that brings serenity to your living and sleeping space? Have you considered tatami mats?
If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Mrs. M is an avid fan of all things Japanese (she makes incredible spicy tofu ramen).
And I know a thing or two about the best organic tatami mats after extensive research a while back when re-flooring her small home yoga room with them as an anniversary surprise.
These sustainable and stylish alternatives to traditional carpets and eco rugs are becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious consumers, offering natural fibers, tranquil colors, and an authentic Japanese feel.
I’ll cover all you need to know, and run you through my top picks.
They Say: Create a space with a Japanese mood by simply placing these unit tatami mats on the floor. The mat surface material is made from Japanese (Kyushu)-grown rush grass. Each strand of rush grass is thick, with a thick surface skin and fine fibers, resulting in outstanding elasticity and durability.
We Say: I decided right at the start of the planning process for this article that I wanted my overall winner to be made in Japan using authentic materials.
However, this threw up the dilemma of the environmental impact of shipping from Japan to the U.S.
Step forward Etsy and its carbon offset delivery and packaging.
FutonTokyo’s mats are a fantastic way to bring natural comfort and beauty into your home.
They’re constructed with Japanese-grown rush grass and Aomori cypress cotton padding, providing excellent elasticity and durability while purifying the air and regulating humidity.
They’re lightweight and come with connector joints, meaning you can buy multiple mats and customize the size and shape of your layout to fit any space.
The color of the edges of my mat looks different from that of the center, but this is not a sign of product defect…it’s simply an effect of the natural materials used.
These tatami mats are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a touch of Japanese style to their home.
The free U.S. (carbon offset) shipping took under three weeks to reach my door. The mat was securely packaged and arrived 100% undamaged.
Finally, if you’re visiting Japan, FutonTokyo has a physical shop in Tokyo you should visit!
✔ Double-Strength Woven Rush Grass
✔ Moisture Barrier Backing
✔ Kiln-Dried Hard Pine Frame
They Say: Oriental Furniture opened its doors in 1985 as a retail store in Natick, Massachusetts. Since then, we have been providing our customers with unique and handcrafted furniture, decor, and gifts from overseas. It has been our privilege to know and work with many of the same craftsmen and their families for more than 30 years.
We Say: Measuring 2” thick; this Oriental Furniture tatami mat is significantly thicker than average.
The thickness makes this platform mat a perfect choice for supporting furniture.
It’s also an excellent choice if you like the idea of sleeping on a traditional Japanese futon mattress on tatami mats but want that little bit of extra height off the ground.
Its double-strength woven rush grass and moisture barrier backing make it incredibly strong and durable.
This mat has a kiln-dried hard pine frame which ensures that it has a perfect spring vs. firmness balance that makes it durable and comfortable to use.
In addition to the strong frame, it has a baked dried rice straw fill which gives off a sweet and distinctive smell.
If 6’ x 3’ (32” x 64”) is not right for you, don’t worry. This excellent platform tatami mat is available in five other sizes:
It’s beautifully designed in a classic Japanese style that instantly elevates any décor or room setting, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for an attractive decorative platform that also provides a unique and beautiful flooring solution.
✔ 100% Japanese Rush Grass
✔ Thin and Compact
✔ Individually Crafted
They Say: We use the highest-quality rushes and Japanese traditional methods passed down many years to delicately craft each tatami mat individually. Good futon and good tatami mats for a good sleep. Tatami mats bring the wonderful, calming feeling of being surrounded by nature. Would you like to experience a “Japanese bedroom” using tatami mats and futons?
We Say: The FULI Japanese Tatami Mattress is ideal for giving your bedroom a unique and calming look.
FULI calls it a mattress, but it’s essentially the same as all the other folding tatami mats I tested…just better!
Its 100% Japanese rush grass material ensures that you will get the best quality and maximum comfort when using this mat.
As the rushes are individually crafted, you can be sure of their long-lasting durability too.
This high-grade tatami mat is a brilliant choice for natural air purification, humidity control, and good sleeping posture.
With the FULI Japanese Tatami Mattress, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing comfort for style…it offers both!
Tatami mats first appeared in the ancient palaces of Japan and were used as a status symbol by the elite.
A tatami mat is made from a combination of Igusa rush grass, rice straw, and split bamboo held together with natural fibers and has been an essential part of Japanese culture since at least the Heian period (794-1185).
Tatami mats are still used today, especially by practitioners of Zen Buddhism, who use them as a meditation platform.
A tatami mat has many incredible benefits:
It’s not all positive, though. There are some minor potential downsides to be aware of:
You can use the best tatami mats in various ways:
A traditional Japanese tatami mat is usually twice as long as they are wide, with the most common sizing being 910mm x 1,820mm.
However, this varies slightly in different parts of Japan.
Tatami mats are known for their distinct and unique smell. This is because the rush grass, rice straw, and split bamboo used to make them give off a natural scent that some find comforting while others may find unpleasant.
You can minimize the smell with regular maintenance, such as airing out the mat or using essential oils and incense.
A tatami mat can last decades with proper care. Some top tips to extend the lifespan include:
Non-Japanese mats are often made from inferior materials, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Ensure you only buy genuine Japanese tatami mats if you want the best results.
By investing in authentic products, you’ll be supporting local communities and will be able to enjoy all the benefits of this traditional flooring for many years to come.
Be careful to avoid greenwashing companies falsely making their mats sound more authentic and eco-friendly than they actually are.
Every recommendation in this article is made in Japan to exacting standards.
Bamboo floor mats are a great option if you’re looking for an alternative. They provide a similar look and feel to a tatami mat without needing regular maintenance.
Sustainable bamboo is naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, making it resistant to bacteria and dust mites. It’s also easy to install and tends to be more cost-effective.
Most genuine tatami mats are made in Japan by artisan craftspeople. Organic certifications are often too expensive for small-scale producers.
Also, many of the certifications we’re familiar with in the U.S. are uncommon in Japan. The recommended mats might not be officially marketed as organic, but they’re jam-packed with non-toxic and sustainable natural materials.
Yes, tatami flooring is effortless to install and can be put in place within minutes.
Some people find traditional tatami mats comfortable enough to sleep on (and even find that the natural scent can help them sleep more deeply).
Others prefer an all-natural futon mattress on top of their tatami (which is an alternative to the traditional way of placing a futon mattress on a futon frame).
Tatami mats are perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home.
They can be used in any room, but traditional Japanese-style tea rooms (chashitsu) are also particularly suited to mats.
It’s a tatami mat with an internal layer of coconut coir for extra stability and durability.
The recommendations in this article come in a range of sizes. If you don’t find something to meet your needs, let me know, and I’ll help you source the exact size you’re looking for.
When people talk about tatami beds, they’re usually simply referring to a futon mattress on a tatami mat.
Traditional tatami mats are a great way to bring a Japanese aesthetic into your home and, if looked after correctly, can last for years. By following the tips in this article, you should be able to keep your tatami mat looking as good as new!
Using original Japanese materials and, wherever possible, traditional production methods, you can ensure your tatami mat will stand the test of time. Make sure to buy from a reliable source so you don’t fall victim to greenwashing tactics or inferior products that won’t last.
With the right combination of care and attention, your tatami mat will be a lasting addition to your home. So, why not take the plunge and treat yourself to one today? You won’t regret it!
Do you have tatami mat experience? Have I missed your favorite traditional tatami mat brand?
Who do you think makes the best tatami mats? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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