While searching around for info about Tetsubachi basins for the previous pet bowl post, we meandered over to this site selling tatami mats for the home, and began to think how these traditional Japanese floor mats would make for a fine natural flooring alternative for a modern home...
Tatami mats are constructed of 4,000 to 5,000 woven rushes, with a straw stuffing and a cloth border; this squashed inner core of cotton holds in heat well, and the material also absorbs humidity from the air (which then supposedly evaporates back into the air for a cooling effect), and is probably a lot more hygienic than a carpet or rug. Tatami mats also have the added benefit of bringing in a natural grassy fragrance (instead of VOC fumes) and are naturally treated to repel insects. Just remember to place the mats out in an auspicious layout, lest you bring in bad luck.
[Photo from the Lilly Library of Earlham College]
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Tatami mats *are* pretty cool. But the upkeep is a bit too much for me. No shoes, no heavy furniture with feet (the dents! The scrapes!). New tatami has a scent (which I like), but aging tatami has a scent (which I usually don't like). Flaking just happens in high traffic areas. Also, does anyone know if tatami lice exist outside of Japan?
view squidlette's profile
Ahh, but "no shoes" is what we prefer in our home, with or without tatami mats! Because if you knew what was at the bottom of your shoes (think of all the times you've used the public bathrooms at work!)...
view gregory's profile
The heavy furniture thing is a problem -- if you use any, you can pretty much never move it, because the dents are more or less permanent. Also, you can easily wear down tatamis in high traffic areas, which then have to be replaced.
view komori's profile