African decoration: 7 quick tips on how to decorate with African style
Whether you’re looking to add a safari touch to your home or pay homage to your nationality, African decor is a stylish and unique way to give your home decor some cultural appeal. African home decor draws its inspiration from the many cultures that grace the vast continent of Africa.
Here are some tips for putting together an African themed room:
- Colors: Colors in an African-themed room should be based on safari or jungle motifs. Black, brown, cream, and burnt orange make great base colors. Add touches of green and blue to add depth. Stick with natural colors and tones.
- Textures and patterns: Textures are a very important part of the African style. You can add natural accents like bamboo picture frames, straw mats, and plants to quickly add texture to your room. Cheetah, leopard and zebra prints on wall hangings, pillows, rugs and throws will also go a long way in adding African influence.
- Handmade African Art – From primitive tribal masks to intricate ebony wood carvings, African art is appreciated around the world. For your walls, hang primitive weapons, tools or tribal masks. Handmade tribal instruments and dried gourds will also add an African appeal to your home.
- Drums: Drums are an integral part of African society and make very interesting conversation pieces. Leave a small drum at the end of the sofa or near some plants. Larger drums can even make unique end tables.
- Mud cloth: Mud cloth is an art form that is very unique to Africa. They are made from cotton fabrics that are painted with dyed mud with striped tribal designs or primitive tribal scenes. The cloth is then washed, treated with an organic solution and hung to dry. The mud cloths are excellent for wall decoration, to cover a sofa or for pillowcases.
- Native Animals – Adding elements of the African safari to your home decor is important. Elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and zebras are an integral part of African society. Look out for tall sculptures of wooden giraffes and carved soapstone elephants and lions.
- Woven Baskets: Woven baskets are an ancient art form in Africa. Usually made with simple geometric designs, African baskets vary in design and materials depending on the region in which they are woven. Use African woven baskets for wall décor, magazine baskets, or fruit baskets.
