Bamboo

Light, strong and flexible. Split, woven and bent by hand.

What it is

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass. It is split into strips and woven, bent or joined into baskets, blinds and lamp shades.

Woven bamboo is a long-standing material of mingei (Japanese folk craft), from kitchen baskets to the fine work of specialist makers.

Where it works in a home

Window blinds, baskets, lamp shades, trays and small screens.

Sample photos for reference. They are not rooms we have furnished.

Choosing it

Hand-woven or machine-made

Hand-woven pieces are finer and last longer. Look at the edges and the joins.

Smooth edges

Run a hand along the rim. Good work has no sharp splinters.

Size for the room

Blinds and lamp shades are made to size, so we measure first.

Care, and a piece that travels

Dust, do not soak

Dust with a soft brush. Wipe with a lightly damp cloth and let it dry fully.

Dry indoor air

Very dry rooms can make bamboo brittle and split it. Keep it away from heaters.

Damp rooms

In humid rooms bamboo can grow mould. Keep air moving around it.

Sun and colour

Bamboo slowly changes colour in the light, usually to a warmer tone.

Other materials

What else a room can be made of.

Rooms that use it

Sample rooms where this material does the work.

Tell us about the home

Send the area, the rooms and when you next visit Japan. We reply within 24 hours.

A reply in writing, with a few questions about the rooms
A first plan for your rooms, with no obligation
You approve every piece before anything is ordered