African Living room showcasing African interior design ideas including a terracotta sofa, patterned throw pillows, a rug with colorful motifs, a woven pendant lamp, a wooden armchair with cream cushions, a wooden side table with a bowl on it, a small tree and a wooden coffee table with decor items on it

11 African Interior Design Ideas for a Stunning Home

June 16, 2024

Step into a world where vibrant cultures and rich histories converge to create stunning spaces. African interior design has long been celebrated for its bold colors, stunning artistry, and deep-rooted symbolism. Think eye-catching rugs, soothing woods, woven furniture or intricate Moroccan tiles. These are just a sample of what you can expect when exploring this beautiful genre. Want to know more? Then join us as we explore 11 African interior design ideas that promise to bring that wow factor into your home.

How to Incorporate African Interior Design Ideas for a Striking Home

1. Ground Your Space with an African Rug
2. Get into the Organic Feel of Wooden Furniture
3. Bring in Woven Chairs to Relax in Style
4. Soften the Mood with Woven Pendant Lamps
5. Let Your Creativity Shine Through an Accent Wall
6. Liven it Up with Moroccan Tiles
7. Play with Patterns for a Bold Look
8. Store Seamlessly in Beautiful Baskets
9. Showcase Iconic Artistry with African Wall Baskets
10. Use African Pottery for a Dreamy Decor
11. Stand out with Unique African Art Pieces

1. Ground Your Space with an African Rug

Nothing anchors a room quite like an African rug. These vibrant, handwoven pieces are true storytellers, often incorporating traditional motifs and symbols. By grounding your room with an African rug, you’re not only adding color and texture but also inviting very special craftsmanship into your home. It’s the perfect foundation for spectacular interior design.

Living room showcasing African interior design with rust colored walls, white couches with rust colored pillows, and a large rug with brown, rust, and grey colors. A large handmade woven light fixture hands over the square, light wood coffee table. A large, colorful piece of art hangs behind the couch.

Red African rug in a beautiful modern bedroom with a California vibe

African interior design ideas: A home office setup showcasing a desk, ergonomic chair, and earthy tones, complemented by vibrant African-inspired rug and indoorplants.

2. Get into the Organic Feel of Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture is a key element in African interior design. Let the wood shine, and you will be rewarded. Options are endless: from hand-carved tables, to sleek chairs, artful cabinets, and the list goes on. The use of rich, earthy woods like mahogany, ebony, and teak connects your home to the continent’s beautiful forests and lush jungles. Plus, these pieces bring a timeless, authentic feel we love.

African living area with organic wooden funiture including three wooden couches with pink cushions and white throw pillows, a large circular wooden coffee table and two circular wooden side tables

Explore African interior design ideas with this warm dining room featuring a wooden table, chairs, and a woven pendant light. A large window offers a view of the outside.

Bedroom showcasing African interior design ideas: A warm, inviting bedroom features earthy tones with a wooden-beamed ceiling above a large bed flanked by matching nightstands and lamps. Artwork adorns the ochre-colored walls, complementing the room's rich, natural palette.

3. Bring in Woven Chairs to Relax in Style

Woven chairs bring a cozy factor that few other elements can. They are a perfect balance of comfort and style. Imagine sinking into a chair, intricately woven from natural fibers like rattan, seagrass, or sisal, with a good cup of coffee. Its curvy shape will make you feel like you’re in your own little cocoon. In general, woven chairs just bring that laid-back, bohemian vibe into your home. Perfect for creating a relaxed atmosphere.

African style reading area with woven chairs and a woven table

Woven chair and other art objects on an exterior terrace

4. Soften the Mood with Woven Pendant Lamps

As we continue our journey through African interior design ideas, our next stop is naturally woven lamps. Crafted from natural materials like reed, bamboo, or jute, these pieces are art in and of themselves. Plus, they cast beautiful shadows that dance across your walls no matter if it’s day or night. Their combination of functionality and artistic expression fully embodies the spirit of African design. Install a woven pendant light over your dining table, bed, or coffee table for a striking accent.

You May Also Like: 7 Woven Pendant Light Designs & Beautiful Styling Tips

African interior ideas - Stunning woven lamp in African living room, sofa with colorful throw pillows and wooden coffee table

Bedroom interior with neutral tones, featuring a bed with white linens and tan pillows, an armchair, a side table with a vase and candle, and a large woven pendant light.

A dining room presents a harmonious blend of natural elements and modern design. At the center of the room, a round wooden table with a unique, sculpted base is surrounded by four wooden chairs, each featuring cushioned seats for added comfort. On the tabletop, a potted plant provides a touch of greenery, complementing the larger potted plant in the corner of the room. A striking woven pendant light hangs above the table, casting a warm glow on the scene. Behind the table, a framed piece of art adorns the wall, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. A window with curtains provides natural light, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The room is grounded by a neutral-toned rug, which adds texture and warmth to the overall aesthetic.

5. Let Your Creativity Shine Through an Accent Wall

When one thinks of African design ideas, bold colors and stunning art immediately come to mind. An accent wall serves as the perfect canvas to bring these elements into your home. You could paint it in a vibrant color, design dynamic patterns, or create a mural inspired by African landscapes and wildlife. This feature wall instantly becomes the focal point of the room, allowing you to make a meaningful statement.

A well-lit living room space featuring clay-colored walls contrasted by light beige hues, with natural light streaming in through a large arch window on the left. A beige couch, adorned with orange and gold throw pillows, sits centered against the clay-colored wall, beneath a framed abstract painting with shades of orange, yellow, and green. A round dark-wood coffee table, topped with a blue vase and a tray with books, rests in front of the couch on an intricate reddish-patterned rug. The room is furnished with an orange mid-century style chair on the right and a wicker chair on the left that provides varied textures and seating options. Tall potted plants are placed on either side of the couch, adding a touch of nature to the room. The overall ambiance suggests a modern yet cozy living space, enhanced by the complimentary color palette and strategic use of lighting and decor.

An interior shot of a foyer. The walls on the left and right are a light beige. The back wall is a medium brown. There is a doorway to the left, and a doorway to the right; both doorways are framed with black trim. In the far left corner is a light wood chair with a gray and beige pillow. To the right of the chair, against the back wall, is a thin light wood table with 3 pottery pieces on top. Next to that is a large floor plant in a neutral colored pot. Above the chair and table hangs a framed abstract picture. Above the picture hangs a chandelier with 5 globes. On the right wall, towards the top of the frame, is a copper colored, cylindrical sconce. In the foreground, a round rattan rug is visible.

An eye-level shot shows the entryway to a house featuring rich textures, earthen tones, and natural materials. The ceiling is covered in horizontal wooden planks that give a warm, rustic feel to the space. Suspended from the center of the ceiling is a modern, minimalist pendant light with a simple, saucer-like shade. The walls are painted in a solid, muted earth tone. To the left, a framed portrait adds character to the wall. Below the portrait, there is a small bench or table with a woven seat. On the center of the wall, there is a larger framed artwork depicting a classical figure. Underneath the artwork is a small bench furnished with plain cushions. Beside the bench, a large woven vase holds tall, thin branches. To the right, a pair of French doors allows a view of outdoor greenery. The doors are framed with stonework which adds to the earthiness. A patterned, neutral-toned rug covers the wooden floor, tying the various elements of the entryway together.

6. Liven it Up with Moroccan Tiles

Moroccan tiles are the epitome of elegance and distinctive design, making them a fantastic addition to any home. These tiles, often handcrafted and painted in a dazzling array of colors and patterns, feel seamlessly luxurious. Whether used for a kitchen backsplash, a bathroom floor, or a decorative border, Moroccan tiles sprinkle in their charm and sophistication. Their origins date back centuries, blending Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences to create unique, captivating designs. A true celebration of craftsmanship!

Read more: Moroccan Tiles for Bathroom: Stunning Designs and Layout

Room decorated with Moroccan decor, including a woven chair, a pendant lamp and Moroccan tiles on the floor

Entry hall with beautiful Moroccan blue tiles

Modern bathroom with beautiful Moroccan blue tiles

7. Play with Patterns for a Bold Look

African interior design embraces patterns as a means to create a bold and vibrant atmosphere in your home. They play a pivotal role in African decor. In fact, African patterns often represent elements of history, mythology, and daily life. By including them into your space through throw pillows, textiles, wallpaper, or upholstery, you transform mundane furniture into a visual feast. It’s about daring to mix and match and creating a visual tapestry that adds an exciting dimension to your home decor.

If patterns draw you in, Eva Sonaike’s collection will be your haven.

A well-lit living space features a harmonious blend of colors and textures. The focal point is a light beige sofa adorned with red and patterned cushions, set against a backdrop of a large abstract painting with vibrant strokes of red, yellow, and blue. A sizable houseplant stands to the side, complemented by a lamp with a white shade. In front of the sofa, a wooden coffee table holds a stack of books, delicate white flowers in a small vase, and a shallow metal bowl. The space is grounded by a patterned rug in shades of red and brown, adding warmth to the room. Natural light streams in from a large window, partially covered by a sheer white curtain. Additional seating is provided by a matching sofa and a patterned chair, enhancing the room's cozy and inviting atmosphere.

A bedroom features a large bed with an orange quilted headboard, crisp white sheets, and a rust-colored throw at the foot of the bed. Two large patterned square pillows rest against the headboard, flanking a smaller rust-colored square pillow in the center. Above the bed, a framed abstract painting with a large circular element dominates the wall space. To the left of the bed, a window with brown shades allows natural light to flood the room. Matching wooden nightstands are placed on either side of the bed, one adorned with a plant and the other with a lamp with a white shade. A tall wooden cabinet stands to the right of the bed, adding to the room's cohesive aesthetic.

Living room with an orange patterned settee with throw pillows, artwork on the wall, and a houseplant. A settee upholstered in an orange and gray geometric pattern sits in front of a white wall. Several throw pillows are on the settee including one in a matching orange pattern, a beige pillow, and a textured gray pillow. Above the settee are two pieces of framed art, each with abstract color blocks. To the left of the settee is a large houseplant in a brown pot. Below the settee is a beige rug.

8. Store Seamlessly in Beautiful Baskets

In African interior design, storage isn’t just functional—it’s another opportunity to showcase craftsmanship. Beautiful baskets, woven from natural materials like grasses, reeds, or even colorful dyed fibers, serve both practical and decorative purposes. These baskets come in various shapes and sizes, suiting any purpose. Use them to store blankets, magazines, or even as plant holders, bringing a touch of authenticity and charm to your space.

The image shows a well-lit bedroom with a neutral, earthy color palette. The bed is centered in the frame, featuring a wooden frame with a white comforter, two terracotta-colored square pillows, and two lighter brown square pillows. A beige throw is draped across the end of the bed. To the left of the bed is a wooden nightstand with a single drawer and an open shelf beneath. On top of the nightstand, there is a clear glass vase with some green sprigs. Above the nightstand, a pendant light hangs, consisting of a clear glass bulb with a black fixture and a small amount of material inside the bulb. On the wall above the bed hangs a framed picture with a warm-toned wooden frame. To the right of the bed is another nightstand, also in wood, with a similar green sprig arrangement in a vase. A large open window with sheer white curtains allows sunlight to stream into the room. Next to the window, a large potted plant with wide green leaves adds a touch of nature to the space. In front of the bed, there are two woven baskets of varying sizes, partly obscuring a beige rug that covers the wooden floorboards. Above the bed, a round beige lampshade hangs from the ceiling, providing additional light. The walls and ceiling are painted in a soft off-white color, contributing to the room's bright and airy feel. Beyond the window, a glimpse of a wooden patio and greenery can be seen, hinting at an outdoor space.

A bathroom space features a blend of natural elements and modern design. To the left, a white door with dark hardware complements the light walls. A wooden countertop runs across the wall, supporting a round, white ceramic sink beneath a circular mirror with a thin, black frame. A trio of dark, minimalist faucets adds a touch of modernity, contrasting with the woven pendant lights hanging above. The wooden countertop, which appear to be solid timber planks, also serves as shelving, displaying small woven baskets, neatly stacked towels, and decorative glass bottles. A cream-colored hand towel hangs from a metal hook near the door. To the right, a window frames a vivid green view of trees. A potted plant stands near the window, adding to the room's natural ambiance. On the floor, a woven rug lies beneath the vanity, and a large, woven basket sits to the side. The ceiling, with exposed wooden beams, lends a rustic touch to the space.

A medium shot features a natural-toned interior design arrangement, showcasing a wooden cabinet with woven doors, a potted plant, and decorative items. The image is well-lit, highlighting the textures and colors of the various objects. The focal point is a light wood cabinet, featuring two doors with a delicate woven design. The cabinet stands on angled legs, adding a touch of mid-century modern style. Small, rectangular wood pieces serve as the cabinet’s handles on the door. On top of the cabinet, a stack of books is placed next to a round woven basket with small handles. The wall above the cabinet is adorned with a wooden-framed abstract piece, its neutral tones complementing the rest of the objects. To the right of the cabinet, a tall potted plant adds a touch of greenery to the arrangement. The plant is potted in a large woven basket that matches the other basket on top of the cabinet. The backdrop is a neutral wall, providing a soft contrast to the natural wood tones of the furniture and decorative items. The flooring is a light-colored carpet.

9. Showcase Iconic Artistry with African Wall Baskets

Another ingenious use of African baskets involves showcasing them on your walls. When hung strategically, they command attention, becoming a focal point that add depth and texture to your decor. Whether arranged individually or grouped in clusters, wall baskets imbue your room with a captivating feel. Somehow, these humble items are simply hypnotizing.

Check out our 11 Top Brands for Stunning African Wall Baskets to find the perfect piece.

A bright living room features a sectional sofa with an off-white upholstery and wooden base. The sofa is adorned with an assortment of pillows in coordinating neutral tones and subtle geometric patterns. Above the sofa, a collection of nine woven baskets of various sizes and designs are hung on the white wall, creating a visually appealing focal point. Sunlight streams into the room, casting shadows and highlighting the texture of a woven rug and a potted plant with large, green leaves on the right side of the frame.

A softly lit dining room features a solid wood table surrounded by four wooden chairs with tan cushions and curved backs. Illuminated from above are four woven pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. On the textured white wall hangs a circular, woven basket with a central black decorative pattern. Two small plants sit on the table. A large window is to the left.

A natural, minimalist interior, featuring a wooden console table against a pale wall. Above the table hangs a large, round, woven basket, serving as a decorative wall piece. The console table, with three drawers and elongated wooden pulls, displays a curated assortment of objects: a small, speckled rock, a vase filled with delicate branches, and a stack of soft-covered books topped with a small vessel. Two different vases are placed on the table, one round with a ridged texture and one short and wide, with a narrow neck. The scene evokes a sense of calm and considered design, highlighting natural textures and muted tones.

10. Use African Pottery for a Dreamy Decor

Second to last of our African interior design ideas is pottery. This organic craft enriches your home with deeply rooted African-inspired aesthetics. From earthy terracotta pots to intricately glazed vases, each piece tells a story of skill. Use them as functional tableware, decorative accents, or statement pieces on shelves. They are one of the purest from of connection to the land and its people.

You May Also like African Pottery: A Timeless Treasure | 7 Remarkable Styles

A horizontally-oriented, eye-level shot depicts a portion of a wooden bureau, styled with a beige decorative vase and other small neutral-toned accent pieces set against a light, neutral wall. The bureau features two large, flat-front drawers that make up most of the composition; the drawers have horizontal wood grain details. The hardware for opening the drawers is flush with the drawer surface, revealed as a short, dark, rectangular void. An oversized bulbous vessel anchors the bureau from the left of the composition. Its simple shape and matte beige color draw the viewer's eye, and a thin, horizontal line circles it at the top of the base section. To the right, stacked books and a pair of small, stemmed wooden bowls, partially-filled with dried flora, add visual intrigue. A tiny sculpture of what appears to be a small bird sits on the right side of the bureau, facing forward. Behind the bureau sits a textured wall in a neutral tone, adding subtle depth to the background. A section of what appears to be a painting is also present as a very large square hung on the wall, featuring a broad beige surface with a simple, dark outline. To the right of the painting, another plain wooden panel can be seen. The general color palette throughout the image is soft and natural, promoting a sense of calm minimalism.

A eye-level medium shot depicts a variety of ceramic vases of differing sizes on top of a wooden ledge. The backdrop features a light gray wall, some dry, straw-like leaves, and dry bunch of small cotton-like plants. On the ledge is a small, plain, white vase that is fluted, a very large, round, textured-gray vase with a rounded beaded necklace coiled around it, a small brown mug behind stacked books and the dry bunch of small cotton-like plants. The ledge appears to be made of a light, naturally-colored, unfinished wood. The light allows the colors of each vases to pop out and the gray-like background color helps it look like a minimalistic scene.

A decorative vignette against a light gray wall features a textured wicker round mirror above a rustic wooden console table. A faux distressed pottery vase with greenery sits to the left of the table. Two bronze-colored decorative bowls sit to the right. The mirror reflects a doorway with horizontal window blinds.

11. Stand out with Unique African Art Pieces

Finally, no African-inspired interior is complete without the addition of African art. Sculptures, paintings, or masks – African art pieces are imbued with artistic mastery. Showcasing them into your home decor not only adds visual interest but also deepens the narrative of your space. Whether traditional or contemporary, these pieces will elevate your interior design to a new level of sophistication.

Living room area with modern decor with an abstract painting overhead. A beige-colored sofa is centered against the wall with throw pillows in varying patterns to be more decorative. Leaning on the far-left is a house plant in a neutral-colored pot with woven baskets in the wall. An African mask hangs on the right side of the painting with a vase of decorative grass. The rug blends in with the warm-colored wood of the floors completing the look of the modern decor.

Beautiful set of African art pieces in a dark-colored wood

A framed landscape photograph hangs on a white wall, above a wooden sideboard. The photograph depicts a scenic coastal view with mountains rising in the background and a turquoise sea meeting the shore. Puffy white clouds accent the blue sky. Below the photograph, the sideboard is styled with a minimalist aesthetic. On the far left, a round, matte vase holding dried floral stems sits atop two neatly stacked books. To the right are two decorative vases with neutral tones. The sideboard appears to be made of light-colored wood, featuring clean lines, a cabinet door on either side, and three drawers in the middle, with simple, matte gold rectangular handles. The sideboard stands on similar toned solid wood legs. A neutral-colored rug peeks into the frame at the bottom, adding a touch of texture to the otherwise smooth and clean setting. The composition is simple and modern, blending natural elements with contemporary decor.

This concludes our journey through African interior design ideas.

One thing is clear: more than just decor, African interior design ideas celebrate heritage and creativity. Embrace the colors, embrace the stories, and embrace the soulful elegance they offer. Let your home become not just a well-designed space, but a reflection of the cultures that inspire you.

Looking for more? Here’s just what you need: The Ultimate Modern African Home design | 7 Elevated Ideas to Unleash Your Home’s Potential.