Ten Ways to Use Tatami Mats in Your Home

Do you have an area in your home that you have been wanting to transform into a meditation room? Perhaps even a small space in your cellar or attic? Maybe you even want to clear the clutter out of a walk-in closet and redesign it to be a place of peace and tranquility? Yes? Then tatami mat flooring might just be the right choice for you.

Tatami mats were once a sign of affluence in Japan. A person's wealth and status could be revealed in the thickness of the mats and how elaborately detailed and colored the bindings were. Used literally to cover dirt floors, the wealthy who could afford them had specific guidelines for laying them in their homes. It was and still is believed that in order to achieve wealth, tatami mats must never be placed in a grid fashion, nor should the corners of three or four of the mats ever actually touch each other on the floor. (Please see the sample that I have attached in the photo section of this article for an instructional floor pattern for tatami mat room flooring.)

The mats are carefully constructed of woven Japanese rush grass and a dry rice fill layer that is baked. After a cooling period, the two layers are sewn as one. (Traditionally, this is done with organic twine.) They have a fabric border that is commonly black. Many also have a safe, moisture resistant barrier. Tatami mats have a fresh distinct scent that can have a calming effect on the body. At first, they appear greenish in color. As they age, this color will change to more of a tan looking hue.

Tatami mats are still very much a part of Japanese homes today. They are also a part of certain religious ceremonies, tea rituals, and martial arts practices. Shoes must always be removed as a sign of respect to the host and hostess, and to promote the longevity of the mats. In addition to removing one's shoes, another way to prolong the life of the mats is to sun dry them on a quarterly basis. A soft dusting with corn starch has also been known to be helpful. Wipe with a clean damp cloth to clear dirt and dust and always do so by going with the grain and not against it. Vacuuming the mats with an electric broom and cleaning the crannies between the mats is also recommended.

Ten Ways to Use Tatami Mats in Your Home

Westerners today are learning new ways to include tatami mats into their Asian inspired home décor. If you are unable to create a full room floored with tatami mats, here are ten easy suggestions for adding at least one, two, or a few to strengthen and sharpen your home's Asian style:

1. Use a tatami mat to create a meditation space in a quiet corner in your home.

2. Line tables with thin tatami mats as unique table runners and covers.

3. Place tatami mats on the floor by the right and left sides of your bed. You will appreciate the serene simplicity and the scent will aid in promoting relaxation.

4. Use tatami mats in the play room. Children will love playing on them and they can help make a hardwood, stone, vinyl, or ceramic floor "kiddie safe".

5. Place a tatami mat under your living room coffee table. This will help make the room look centered and pulled together, especially if you are aiming for an Asian themed area.

6. Use a tatami mat in front of the television for family members and guests to sit. Keep a wicker basket filled with pillows for them to use as needed.

7. Designate a tatami mat as a "thinking mat" when children need time-outs. This is a kinder, gentler alternative to the "Time-Out Chair".

8. Create a special "stretching space" for your family. Designating an area in your home for this can be beneficial for all of you. You could even get your children in the habit of using the stretching space before and after school with you. Teach them new stretching exercises each week to keep the idea fresh.

9. Use tatami mats with portable futon bed cushions. Portable tatami mats and futon cushions are affordable, easy to store, and simple to maintain. You can keep them on hand for when unexpected overnighters happen with guests (you should offer them your bed and take the tatami futon bed to sleep on - or at least I would if guests were staying at my house.) These mats can be rolled and stored in containers. The padding can be washed and stored. Clean the tatami with a damp cloth and air dry before storing.

10. Cover your cement cellar floor with tatami mats and transform it into a family/activity room. Just by cleaning your cellar and adding these mats, you can make a whole new room for your family to enjoy!

Where to Find Tatami Mats

To find tatami mats, your best bet is to shop online. If you type "tatami mats" into your search engine, you will be able to browse for hours. Here are five online establishments that sell traditional tatami mats at reasonable prices:

Oriental Furniture.com: http://www.orientalfurniture.com
Japan Arts.com: http://www.japan-arts.com
Chopa.com: http://www.chopa.com/ShopSite/traditional_tatami_mats.html
Tatami Room: http://tatamiroom.com
Asian Import Store: http://www.asianimportstore.com