An opening
In order to meet the needs of people who are constantly advancing in their social civilizations and pursuing a life of quality, different styles of furniture have been mixed. This creates new values and shapes, as well as allowing them more choice. The modern society moves too quickly. Furniture is used to reflect a casual and simple lifestyle. IKEA’s and MUJI’s minimalist Nordic and Japanese furniture is popular on both the East and Western markets. The two artists have different conceptions of the “simple” themes, even though they are trying to achieve the same goal. This article compares and contrasts two different minimalistic styles. It then explains the similarities, as well as the differences, to resolve the confusion that people in East or West have when selecting furniture.
Design idea
IKEA, a Swedish brand that represents Nordic design, was founded in 1943. The founders followed the design principles of affordability, accessibility, and democratization. MUJI’s design concept comes from Japanese culture. Naoki Naoto was the first researcher to create “The Birth of MUJI,” in 1980. Koike aiko joined him. Julian Holloway & Sheila Hones 2007 p.557 Its design philosophy was “out from nothing” in a minimal form, simple and natural design service. “Kristoffersson contextualizes Scandinavian designs both historically as well as today. IKEA uses a Scandinavian design that is brighter and more colorful than MUJI. MUJI is a Japanese “Zen” design, but it is less complex than IKEA. It also has a lower brand awareness.
Nordic and Japanese minimalism
Minimal Art is a movement that began in the middle of the 20th century. Designing minimalism and living it are two different things. The first is that it’s a lifestyle. The contemporary minimalist style, in addition to the German Bauhaus advocated “less is more” and “functionalism”(William Smock,2009), Nordic and Japan are also unique. Likewise, IKEA Nordic and MUJI Japan both have a minimalistic design. IKEA products are designed in a way that minimizes interference with the personal aspects of design. Japanese minimalism, on the other hand, is about people and their use. Its simple design is functional.
Material difference
IKEA and MUJI both prefer natural products. MUJI’s products are made primarily from natural materials like cotton, linen and wood. MUJI puts emphasis on eco-awareness, “recycling, and reusability”, and is “based a clear view of what are desirable future lifestyles” (Julian Holloway, Sheila Hones (2007), p.559). MUJI is a company that focuses on simple, eco-friendly, and simple design ideas. They use minimal processing and adhere to Zen thinking. IKEA uses materials like glass or stainless steel to make 71% of its products. IKEA tables, for example, will have a wooden top and steel legs. The MUJI tables are mostly made of wood.
Colour difference
IKEA uses bright colours and neutrals for its transition. MUJI, however, uses natural colors without a sharp contrast. MUJI cushions, for example, are all white, gray, etc. to avoid using high-purity colors. IKEA cushions have vibrant colours and fun patterns.
Price difference
IKEA first considers the price, then design. “Say that we’re trying to design an affordable chair. Krokstade elaborates. “Can the chair be made from solid oak?” It’s unlikely to be possible at this price. However, on the other side, would we really want to because in this situation, the case is not the best in terms sustainability? “(Sjogren h, 2015).This means that IKEA utilizes sustainable materials for the design of furniture, in order to lower costs. The furniture design is good, but it’s also affordable, functional and of high quality. MUJI prices are based more on design and brand value than IKEA. It uses the same oak as IKEA’s table, and is cheaper.
Volume difference
The differences in design cultures and body types are the main influences on the furniture designs of East and West. IKEA’s furniture is quite diverse. MUJI is smaller than IKEA because the Japanese are more concerned with saving resources, maximizing functions, and maximizing space. The MUJI couch is designed compactly and it’s not comfortable for people to lie on. IKEA has a very open design, so you can lay on the top of it.
What are the differences between IKEA’s and MUJI’s designs?
The environment plays a major role. IKEA’s origins are in Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle. The winters were therefore very long. Nordics prefer to live in a home that is comfortable, soft and simple. This is because they spend a lot of time indoors. A rich resource of Nordic wood makes it the primary material for furniture manufacture. MUJI is a Japanese company. Japan is located east of Asia. Because of its small size, Japan has a large population and limited resources. The design promotes simplicity, rational space use and waste reduction.
Another factor is the national culture. Nordic democracy dominates. Nordic design encourages a humanistic attitude, emphasizing both craftsmanship and function, but also the psychological and social influences of people. Zen is a strong influence in Japanese design. Zen emphasizes simplicity and naturalism, leading to MUJI’s minimalistic design.
In summary
IKEA’s furniture and MUJI’s furniture differ in material, colour, and many other factors. Both reflect their own unique characteristics. The quality of human life is the same no matter what time period we are in. It will become more and more difficult to achieve. Furniture design needs to be in harmony with its own artistic level, while adhering to modern lifestyle principles of simplicity. Create a furniture collection with humanistic concepts.
