African seating options aren’t just about finding a place to sit—they’re about adding soul, stories, and a whole lot of flair to your space. Think of it as bringing a piece of history right into your living room. From the bold, statement-making Ashanti stools to the cozy, colorful Moroccan poufs, African seating pieces are designed to be conversation starters, cultural treasures, and standout decor elements. So if you’re looking to mix comfort with a dose of personality, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into five iconic pieces that embody African creativity and refinement.
Our Top Decorative African Seating Options
1. Woven chairs from Malawi
Malawi’s woven chairs are a masterclass in craftsmanship. Handwoven by skilled artisans, these chairs embody both tradition and resourcefulness. Using locally sourced materials such as rattan and bamboo, artisans transform raw, simple elements into functional works of art.
What makes these chairs truly remarkable is their blend of durability and timeless design. Each one is a testament to the skill and patience of the craftsperson, with every strand meticulously placed to form intricate, beautiful patterns. The result? A piece that radiates simplicity while exuding elegance.
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Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Malawi chairs are built to last. Their sturdy construction makes them a natural fit for a variety of settings. Picture one brightening a sunlit corner of your living room or bringing texture and charm to a lush garden retreat. These African seating designs are as versatile as they are stylish. Whether you’re savoring a quiet morning coffee or hosting lively conversations, they provide a cozy and inviting cocoon.
Where to Shop?
Malawi Cane Interiors
If you’re ready to bring one of these woven treasures into your home, you have a couple of great options. For those in the U.S. or the U.K, One World offers a curated selection of Malawi chairs. While their range is limited, it carries the most iconic Malawi chair models. Alternatively, for a more extensive collection straight from the source, explore Malawi Cane Interiors, a Cape Town-based brand celebrated for their authentic craftsmanship and wide variety of styles.
2. Ashanti Stools
Ashanti stools are more than just seating—they are iconic symbols of status and heritage. Originating from the Ashanti people of Ghana, these stools have long represented power and authority. In traditional Ashanti society, a stool isn’t merely a piece of furniture; it’s a deeply personal artifact, revered in ceremonies and everyday life alike.
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Carved from a single block of wood, Ashanti stools are celebrated for their artistry. Many feature Adinkra symbols, each carrying a distinct message or philosophy. These symbols embody values such as strength, unity, and wisdom, turning every stool into a piece of Ghanaian storytelling. Every curve and carving reflects a tradition perfected over centuries.
Beyond their cultural significance in the realm of African seating, Ashanti stools shine as bold design pieces. Their sculptural forms make a striking addition to any room, whether used as a side table, a decorative focal point, or a statement seat. With their rich heritage and timeless aesthetic, they bring both culture and character into any space.
Where to Shop?
Khayni
If you’re looking to bring an Ashanti stool into your home, Khayni provides an excellent range of Ashanti stools, ensuring that you find a timeless piece that not only elevates your space but also supports African artisans and their craft.
3. The Baule Chair
The Baule Chair is a masterpiece of African craftsmanship. Originating from Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), this chair reflects the Baule people’s deep respect for art and tradition. With its sleek, low-slung design, the chair is both elegant and functional. Its wooden frame is a canvas for intricate carvings that reveal symbolic patterns.
A Baule chair’s carvings represent beliefs, ancestral connections, and the spiritual world. Every curve and detail tells a story of their culture. The chair itself is a conversation piece, blending simplicity with deep symbolism.
Today, the Baule chair finds a place in both modern and traditional interiors. Its understated yet powerful design adds character to any room, making it a timeless African seating choice for your home.
Where to Shop?
The Corner Studio
For those seeking authentic hand-carved African chair options, The Corner offers a stunning selection that includes Baule chairs and other beautifully crafted pieces.
4. The Bamileke stool
The Bamileke stool is a true testament to the artistic genius of Cameroon. Crafted from solid wood, this stool carries the weight of tradition and culture in every carved line. It is a visual representation of the Bamileke people’s intricate design language, with patterns inspired by the community’s art, history, and spiritual beliefs.
The Bamileke stool is a work of art in its own right. Its sturdy, sculptural form is both beautiful and functional. Indeed, the rich textures and symbolic carvings turn this stool into an elegant accent side table, of African seating option.
It is more than just furniture. It’s a bold piece of history, a conversation starter, and a piece of Cameroonian identity that brings culture and distinction into any room.
Where to Shop?
For those looking to add an authentic Bamileke stool to their home, Pamono offers an exceptional selection. Their collection features a diverse range of designs and sizes. Whether you’re after a bold statement piece or something more understated, Pamono’s offerings ensure you’ll find a stool that perfectly suits your space.
5. Moroccan Poufs
Moroccan poufs embody tradition, artistry, and versatility. With roots in the nomadic lifestyle of Morocco, poufs have long been used as flexible seating or footrests during gatherings and ceremonies. Crafted by skilled artisans, they often feature handwoven leather or rich fabrics, adorned with intricate embroidery, beadwork, or traditional geometric patterns.
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In Moroccan homes, poufs have historically been a symbol of hospitality and warmth, often placed in living rooms to encourage conversation and comfort. They served as humble yet inviting seats during large family gatherings or relaxed moments over tea. Today, this African seating option continues to exude that same sense of welcoming, effortlessly transitioning from traditional Moroccan interiors to modern living spaces.
With their timeless appeal, Moroccan poufs are perfect for adding both comfort and flair to any room. Whether placed at the foot of a bed, in front of a couch, or in a reading nook, they make your space elegant and filled with cultural charm.
Where to Shop?
If you’re looking to add a touch of Moroccan charm to your home, Authentic Moroccan offers a stunning collection of leather poufs. With a variety of designs and colors to choose from, each pouf is handcrafted in Morocco, ensuring both quality and authenticity.
African seating brings culture, craftsmanship, and creativity to your home.
These pieces are invitations to connect with the continent’s cultures in a unique way. So, why settle for the usual when you can bring home a piece of Africa’s rich heritage? Elevate your home with seating that’s full of life, meaning, and that undeniable wow factor.
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