Color, pattern, rhythm — African print textiles have it all. A hint on the sofa, a twist on the lampshade, or a runner on the table, and the whole space wakes up. But when styling them at home, the magic lies in striking that balance between lively and refined. Let’s discuss smart ways to do it.
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What Exactly Are African Print Textiles?
When people talk about African print textiles, they usually mean fabrics that are machine-printed with bold colors and repeating motifs. A few popular ones stand out.
Ankara / Wax Prints
Probably the most famous of all African print textiles. These cotton fabrics came to West Africa from Indonesia through Dutch traders but quickly became fully African, with local symbols and meanings woven (well, printed) into every design. Today, you’ll see Ankara worn daily but also at major celebrations.
Kitenge
A close cousin to Ankara, Kitenge is beloved across East and Central Africa. Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya—you name it, you’ll find people styling it beautifully. It has the same Indonesian batik-inspired roots but has evolved into its own statement piece.
Shweshwe
South Africa’s pride and joy. Usually indigo blue but also available in earthy reds and browns, Shweshwe is covered with tiny geometric motifs. Its story goes back to the 19th century when indigo-printed cloth was gifted to King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho. To this day, it’s considered a “heritage print” of Southern Africa.
How to Style Your Interior With African Print Textiles
African Print Textiles for Upholstery and Furniture
Accent Chairs
If you want a focal point that sparks conversation, an accent chair covered in African print textiles is it. One chair is all you need; not even two. You could also try upholstering your sofa, but that’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re up for the balancing act, go for it.
Dining Chairs
Dining rooms are trickier. Only upholster if your palette can handle the energy of bold prints. A good rule: keep the rug, tablecloth, and curtains neutral, and let the chairs do the talking.
Ottomans & Benches
My personal favorite: a patterned bench or ottoman at the end of the bed. It feels unexpected in a cozy, calm bedroom, but that contrast is what makes it work so well.
Headboards
For a glamorous touch, a padded headboard in African print textiles can anchor the whole bedroom. Add a few solid cushions plus a matching bed runner, and you’ve got a magazine-worthy setup.
Lampshades
Yes, lampshades! A lined lampshade in Ankara or Kitenge is one of those details that makes people do a double take. It works in the entryway, on a side table, or even on your dining room’s sideboard.
Elegant Soft Furnishings in African Print Textiles
Throw Pillows
The easiest way to test the waters. Mix patterned cushions with solid ones for balance. Try keeping shapes consistent: geometric prints with modern, clean-lined spaces, and rounded prints in softer, curvier rooms.
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Stool and Bench Cushions
Think cushions on bar stools, kitchen nooks, or benches. It’s a small surface but enough to add personality.
Bed Runners
An underrated trick. A nice runner at the foot of the bed ties together other pieces like headboards or ottomans. Just don’t go overboard—choose two or three textile accents, not all of them at once.
Kitchen & Dining Done Differently
Table Runners
Nothing looks more polished than an ornate wax print runner over a neutral cloth. Orange and gold are stunning color options, but really, the choices are endless.
Napkins
Swap plain napkins for ones made of Kitenge or Shweshwe, and suddenly your dinner table feels curated. The bold patterns set against a neutral plate or table runner create instant contrast. And guests always notice.
Coasters
Don’t underestimate the power of coasters. Resin-sealed coasters featuring Ankara or Kitenge prints bring just the right amount of flair to a side table or cocktail tray. They also make brilliant gifts for friends who appreciate décor with personality.
Festive Décor
Holidays and African print textiles are a perfect match. Think deep reds, lush greens, and shimmering gold patterns spread across your table during the festive season. These prints add warmth and sparkle, but without the clichés of typical Christmas décor. They feel rich, celebratory, and undeniably stylish.
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Bonus Wall Treatments
Framed Textiles
African print textiles can double as art. Stretch them over a frame or mount them in a sleek border, and you’ve got instant wall décor.
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African Print Wallpaper
Not technically fabric, but worth mentioning. Wallpapers inspired by African print textiles make an accent wall sing. Perfect for highlighting artwork or adding depth to small spaces.
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Tips for Styling African Print Textiles in a Sophisticated Way
- Less is More – African print textiles are powerful. Use them as accents, not wallpaper for your entire life.
- Neutral Pairings Work Best – White, beige, grey, or black are perfect backdrops for these bold fabrics.
- Stick to One or Two Prints – Mix within a color family or vibe, but don’t go geometric next to soft swirls. The clash will hurt your eyes.
- Quality is Everything – Cheap fabric looks cheap, and it will drag the whole room down. Invest in good-quality prints with crisp colors and proper fabric weight. The difference is night and day.
African print textiles can turn even the simplest corner into a showstopper
With a few pillows, a chic ottoman, or a statement lampshade, your home suddenly feels alive, personal, and full of rhythm. The best part? You don’t need a ton of pieces—just the right ones, styled with confidence.
