Shoji screens are a sliding door made of a timber latticed screen covered in rice paper traditionally made in Japan.

Shoji screens are a hallmark of Japanese architecture and interior design in both form and function. Geometrically precise and distinctive, they allow spatial flexibility – while their effect in softening and diffusing light gives a feeling of warmth and tranquility to any room. The exquisite craftsmanship and proud traditions of shoji make them a wonderful and subtle addition to the Western-style home.

The traditional shoji screen has an intricate “kumiko” framework which supports translucent paper sheeting. The framework gives shoji its distinctive and ordered appearance – while the paper maintains privacy, and allows soft light to pass through.

Japanese shoji frames are made from high quality, straight-grained timbers. The Australian equivalent made by The Japanese Shoji & Tatami Company uses top-grade Tasmanian oak and is crafted along the same delicate yet sturdy lines as the original Japanese screens.

The translucent sheeting traditionally used in shoji is “rice” paper or “washi”. The Japanese Shoji & Tatami Company imports genuine Japanese paper to construct screens in Australia, though modern variations are available to meet varying needs of the customer.

Whether used as interior dividing walls, in place of curtains or blinds, or even as wardrobe doors, shoji screens are a practical and beautiful addition to Western architecture. Open or closed, they contribute a sense of oriental mystery and intrigue to any home.

The Japanese shoji & tatami company is also involved in incorporating Japanese elements into a western home, such as the addition of a genkan, Japanese bathrooms, tatami rooms/tearooms and shoji screen partitioning or backlit wall inlays.

The genkan is a Japanese-styled entry, which is lower than the main floor level where people leave their shoes on entering the house. The Japanese bathroom combines a sit-down shower and sunken baths for soaking. Tatami rooms or tearooms are found in every house in Japan, incorporating tatami floor covering and shoji screens to partition the room from the rest of the house. This room doubles as a guestroom where futons can be laid out on the floor. The shoji screen makes an easy divider between rooms and utilise the space effectively by sliding out of the way when not in use.

It can be cleverly used to divide a hall from a room and reversed to create a hall. When built into a wall and illuminated from behind, it not only warrants room but create a stunning visual feature.

Shoji screens are priced on a job specific basis as there are so many variables. To discuss your shoji needs please feel free to call our office.