Simple Ways to Choose African Wall Art for Any Room

African wall art​ is a fun and creative way to decorate your space. Featuring bright patterns and a rich cultural heritage, African wall art​ adds a unique touch to living rooms or bedrooms. Whether you choose bold prints or handmade pieces, this style brings authenticity while supporting local artists and eco-friendly initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• Think about your room and style before picking African art. Measure the walls and think about the room's use to choose art that fits nicely.

• Pick art that goes with your home's look. Whether it's classic, modern, cozy, or mixed, the right art makes your space better and shows your style.

• Use different art sizes for a fun display. Begin with a big piece as the main focus, then add smaller ones around it for balance and fun.

1.Understand Your Space and Style

Picking African wall art starts with knowing your space and style. This helps the art match your room and show your personality. Let’s break it into steps.

Check the Room's Layout

Look at your room’s layout first. Notice wall sizes, ceiling height, and furniture spots. For example:

1. Pick art that fills two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall.

2. Hang the middle of the art about 57 inches from the floor.

3. Over a sofa, choose art two-thirds the sofa’s width.

These ideas keep your room balanced and make the art pop. Think about the room’s purpose too. A living room might need bold art, while a bedroom could use soft African prints.

Find Focal Points

Every room needs a main focus, and African art works great for this. A focal point could be a big window, a fireplace, or eye-catching wall art. Once you find it, arrange other items to highlight it. For example, hang a bright African textile or bold painting above a mantel to grab attention. This keeps your space balanced and not too busy.

Match African Wall Art to Your Style

Your art should match your home’s look. African-inspired decor works with many styles, like modern, rustic, or eclectic. Here’s how to pair art with your style:

• Traditional: Use earthy colors and natural items like masks or landscapes.

• Modern: Pick bright colors and simple designs for a neat look.

• Rustic: Add African fabrics or wooden pieces for a warm feel.

• Eclectic: Combine patterns and colors for a lively gallery wall.

By picking African wall art that fits your style, you’ll make a room that feels connected and full of culture.

2.Pick the Best Size for Wall Art

Choosing the right size wall art can make your room shine. It’s about balance, fitting the space, and matching the room’s style. Let’s break it into simple steps.

Measure Your Wall Space

Before picking wall art, measure your wall carefully. This helps you avoid art that’s too small or too big. Follow these tips:

• Use the three-eighths rule for empty walls. Leave three-eighths of the wall’s width as space on each side of the art. For example, on a 9-foot wall, choose art about 60 inches wide.

• For walls with furniture, pick art that’s two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture below it.

These tips help your african wall art fit perfectly in the room. Whether it’s bright colors or detailed designs, the right size makes a big impact.

Combine Big and Small Art

Mixing different sizes of african art makes your wall look exciting. Start with one big piece as the main focus. Add smaller pieces around it to fill spaces and balance the look. Try these ideas:

This works well in living rooms or hallways, adding movement and balance to the space.

Match Art with Furniture

Furniture helps decide where to hang your african wall art. Over a sofa, pick art that’s two-thirds the sofa’s width and hang it 8 to 10 inches above. This keeps the room neat and functional. For mantels or tables, leave enough space above to avoid clutter and protect the art.

By placing wall art thoughtfully with furniture, your room feels complete. Whether you’re showing off african prints, masks, or textiles, good placement makes your decor stand out.

3.Use Color and Types of African Wall Art

Match or Contrast with Room Colors

Colors change how a room feels. African wall art can match your room’s colors or stand out boldly. To match, pick art with colors like your furniture or walls. For example, a soft-toned African print can calm a dark blue room. To contrast, use bright African prints on plain walls for a bold look.

Colors like orange and blue work well together. They create contrast but still feel balanced and welcoming.

If your room already has colors, pick art that fits them. If not, let the art guide your color choices. This makes your African decor look planned and stylish.

Try Paintings, Textiles, and Sculptures

African art comes in many forms to fit your style. Paintings show bold patterns and bright colors, sharing Africa’s culture. African textiles, like kente or mud cloth, add texture and warmth. Masks and sculptures bring depth and a 3D feel to your walls.

• Paintings: Show stories with colorful patterns and designs.

• Textiles: Traditional fabrics add unique and warm touches to rooms.

• Sculptures: Wooden masks and carvings give timeless, bold looks.

Mix these types for a creative display. For example, pair a bright painting with a simple sculpture for balance.

Add Bold African Patterns

African patterns are full of energy and meaning. Geometric shapes and tribal designs tell cultural stories. These patterns can turn a plain wall into something exciting. Southern African art, like Ndebele designs, shows bold patterns tied to heritage.

Think about the feeling you want in your room. Bright patterns can make a living room lively. Softer designs work better in bedrooms. Combine African textiles, paintings, and sculptures for depth and authenticity. Adding these patterns celebrates African culture while making your home unique.

4.How to Make Your Own African Wall Art

Making African wall art yourself is a fun way to decorate. It saves money and adds a personal touch to your home. You can make art for any room, like your living room or office. Here are some easy DIY ideas to try.

African-Themed Jigsaw Puzzles

African jigsaw puzzles are creative and relaxing to make. Once done, frame them to use as wall art. Look for puzzles with African patterns, landscapes, or prints. They add a personal and cultural vibe to your space. Plus, building them is a fun activity for family or friends.

Paint African Portraits by Numbers

Paint-by-numbers kits with African portraits are easy to use. They guide you step by step to create colorful art. You don’t need to be an artist to make something amazing. When finished, your painting can be the highlight of your room. This project is both beautiful and rewarding.

Create Your Own African Canvas Art

Making African canvas art lets you get creative. Use materials like African fabrics, beads, or recycled items. For ideas, think of African masks or beadwork from the Bamileke people. These projects tell stories and bring culture to your walls.

DIY African art is more than decoration—it’s a way to connect with culture. Whether you choose puzzles, painting kits, or custom canvases, you’ll make something unique and meaningful.

Picking African wall art is about more than decorating. It honors African culture and shares its stories in your home. Bright prints, detailed masks, or bold paintings all add charm. Each piece makes your space unique and interesting. African art blends old traditions with modern styles beautifully. Choose pieces that show who you are. This can turn any room into a lively tribute to heritage.