Foreigners visiting Japan often say, "Japanese toilets are amazing." In YouTube interview videos and other media, most people are surprised.
Clean, functional, with a heated toilet seat and automatic lid opening and closing. The comfort of so-called "high-tech toilets" is certainly highly valued worldwide.
However, such praise cannot be fully explained by functionality alone. Perhaps what leaves a lasting impression is the careful attention to the entire space, giving the feeling of "They've paid attention to even these details."
A culture that values the toilet as a "space."
In Japan, toilets have been regarded not only as a simple living facility, but also as a "place of purification" since ancient times. In Shinto thought, cleanliness is one of the important values, and that feeling is still passed down to many families today.
Even in a limited space, the toilet is kept clean every day, with flowers displayed and seasonal touches. The toilet is treated as a "space," and care is taken to ensure that the person using it feels comfortable. This awareness is naturally ingrained.
Adding another piece of art to the space can create a sense of softness and calm. Depending on the color and motif, it can enhance relaxation or provide a subtle change of pace. Through art, the taste and care of a home or shop can be quietly conveyed.
Because it's a small space, that's what makes it convey [the message/emotion].
Toilets are particularly limited in space within a home. Because of this, the presence of art placed there can leave a stronger impression than in other areas. Even small pieces of art that might become background in a larger space will stand out here, significantly impacting the overall impression of the room.
Also, even though it's only for a few minutes, the toilet is a place where people stop and spend time. The art that catches their eye during that time plays a surprisingly important role, helping them to calm down or leaving a lingering impression.
Can also be applied to store spaces.
This effect is the same for stores as it is for homes. For example, incorporating art into restrooms, fitting rooms, or a corner of a hallway in restaurants or apparel shops can improve the overall impression.
The presence of tasteful, small pieces of art can make people feel that "this store is somehow nice." This attention to detail enhances the overall atmosphere of the store and should lead to an improvement in brand image.
Because the toilet is a familiar space that we use every day, even a small amount of effort can transform it into a memorable space. Just having a piece of art there naturally conveys the thoughtfulness and comfort of the home to the user.
Summary
The effects of displaying art in the toilet.
- The atmosphere of the space becomes softer, adding warmth and individuality to places that tend to be inorganic.
- It conveys the attention to detail that leaves a good impression on visitors, giving the impression of a refined lifestyle.
- Gentle visual stimulation is added to a quiet space where a sense of relaxation can be created.
- The art you choose can express the sense and values of the person living there, and naturally convey their individuality and aesthetic sense.
・Just having a painting that elevates the "class" of a space can make an ordinary space seem like a special place.
- It can be easily enjoyed even in small spaces, and because it can be displayed regardless of the size, it is easy for art beginners to incorporate into their homes.
- It offers more freedom than the entrance or living room, where you can easily change things according to the season or your mood, and you can enjoy it as if you were redecorating.
If you're someone who doesn't have anything decorating their toilet, please give it a try.
I have a 30cm square art poster hanging in my house.
I'm healed every day by the art that I see every time I open the door.
