Many people love animal prints, including cheetah, leopard, antelope, zebra, tiger, cow, deer, and many others.
Over the past several years, animal prints have become increasingly popular and more readily available.
The main decorating disaster pertaining to animal print is over use.
The best way to use animal print is to only use ONE type of animal print on ONE item (or pair of items) in your room.
Here are some tips for decorating with animal print in a sophisticated way without your home looking like a zoo gift shop.
Upholstered Ottoman
Ottomans upholstered in an animal print can be an elegant addition to a room.
Ottomans are small enough that the animal print will not overpower the room.
Don't go overboard and get any of the coordinating animal print furniture pieces to make your room look like a tacky safari themed room.
You can opt for 2 different contrasting animal prints in the same room if you have a very bold style.
You might opt for animal print in its natural colors or choose an animal print pattern in a unique color not found in nature.
Carpets or rugs
Carpets or rugs with animal print are a fun addition to a home.
They can be used in many different homes containing many different decor styles.
If you decide to use an animal print carpet or rug, be cautious in using any other animal prints in the room so the prints do not try and overpower each other.
Keep the other patterned items in your room to a minimum.
An ideal place for animal print carpet or an animal print rug is a closet, on stairs, or in a home office, however you might choose to have it in another larger room if you like to go bold.
Pillow or Throw
Consider using an animal print or faux fur pillow or throw for just a touch of animal print in a room.
Even the most sophisticated traditional rooms will often have a tiny animal print (often tiger print) lumbar pillow in the center of a bed or sofa.
If you like to make a bold statement, you can use an animal print rug or carpet and have a coordinating pillow to match.
Do not include animal prints for every animal in the jungle all together else it will look like you are a hunter who is constantly on safari without access to any other fabrics.
Kids like big floor pillows made out of faux fur to lay on while watching TV.
Small Chair
A small chair, or maybe a pair of matching chairs, in the corner of the room can be upholstered in animal print to add a bit of whimsy to a room.
Make sure it is complemented with solid colored furniture pieces.
Don't go overboard and upholster all of your dining chairs in animal print (unless you just LOVE it).
Decorating Tips
Decorate a room as you would dress yourself.
If you would not dress yourself in head to toe animal print then don't accessorize your room that way either.
If you love to dress in a lot of animal print, then feel free to go bold in your home!
