The Natural Foundation for Your Space

Tatami Mats

Bring harmony, simplicity, and timeless tradition into your home with Zentai Tatami Mats. Crafted using authentic materials and traditional Japanese techniques, our tatami mats are more than just floor coverings – they are an invitation to slow down, ground yourself, and embrace mindful living.
4 ½ mat Tatami set up with Shoji light in 3 sizes
ZENTAI LIVING

Tatami Mats

Zentai Living is the major Supplier of traditional Tatami Matting in Australia. We supply many Japanese restaurants, interior designers, and customers wishing to add the beauty and natural comfort of Tatami to their home.

CONSTRUCTION

Tatami is made from rush called igusa. The mat is finely woven from this rush and rice straw. About 4-5,000 pieces of rush are used to make one full-size Tatami.

HISTORY

Tatami Matt

The Tatami mat dates back to 71AD, when Emperor Shoumu first used it as a bed. But there were rules governing the use of Tatami. People of different social ranks had different types of mat thickness and varying colours of fabric edging. The edge of the mat for the Emperor was usually from the best available silk. Later in the EDO area (about 1730 AD) Tatami came commonplace. Today Tatami are not only used as beds but also as flooring.
Tatami mat, shown with our Shoji lights
Bamboo Mat, shown on Tatami floor

Tatami

Tatami have been reported to help clean the air in the room because the Tatami absorbs nitrogen dioxide. It is also hydroscopic (moisture absorbant) when there is high humidity, and it discharges this when the air is dry. It is also a good insulator, as it helps to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
TRADITIONAL TATAMI MAT SIZES
½ MAT – 90 × 90 × 5.5cm
FULL MAT – 90 × 180 × 5.5cm
TATAMI BED – 90 × 203 × 5.5cm
BENEFITS

Traditional Layout

Tatami have been reported to help clean the air in the room because the Tatami absorbs nitrogen dioxide. It is also hydroscopic (moisture absorbant) when there is high humidity, and it discharges this when the air is dry. It is also a good insulator, as it helps to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Tatami Laying Patterns

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Tatami are surprisingly durable and easy to clean, requiring only a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner ( when vacuuming move the brush in direction of the reed ). Stubborn marks may be cleaned with an equal amount of white vinegar and hand-warm water, using a damp cloth. Do not use strong detergents or abrasive cleaners as these may damage the surface finish of your mats.

Allow your mats to air by removing the futon (or other coverings) on a regular basis, at least twice a year. If mats are used as flooring shoes should not be worn!

NOTE: over time, the sunlight will change colour of the straw on the surfaceof Tatami. It will fade from a sage green to a lighter tone; this varies according to how much exposure to light the mat receives.