Who doesn’t love the relaxing and invigorating feel of the tropics?
The bright colors, natural materials, and laidback vibe can transport you to an exotic destination right from your own living room.
Bringing tropical style into your home is an exciting way to add color, texture, and personality.
The living room is a great place to introduce tropical elements since it’s often where we relax and unwind.
You can go all out with a tiki theme or add subtle touches for a more minimalist look.
We’ll explore everything from furniture and accessories to paint colors and flooring.
You’re sure to find plenty of inspiration for creating your own island oasis at home!
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Use Rattan and Wicker Furniture
Nothing says “tropics” quite like rattan and wicker furniture.
The woven texture adds natural flair and allows you to incorporate lighter woods that give off tropical vibes.
Rattan dining sets, chairs, tables, and shelving are ideal for breezy living rooms.
Mix in wicker accessories like baskets, trunks, and mats in natural hues.
Rattan furniture is widely available from high-end designers to affordable retailers.
Look for sustainably harvested rattan in its natural honey brown color.
Or opt for black rattan furniture to complement bold accent colors.
Painted rattan in soft pastels or sleek lacquered finishes also add to the tropical look.
Set up a rattan sofa and loveseat as the main living room seating.
Accent with wicker side tables, footstools, or standing lamps.
For smaller living rooms, try a rattan chair and ottoman paired with wooden side tables.
Shelving units, magazine racks, and accent tables also come in rattan to continue the theme.
Use lighter stained wood furnishings to balance out darker rattan pieces.
A wood coffee table and console cabinets will offset woven chairs or sofas.
Mixing the textures creates depth and interest.
Just be sure to use natural wood finishes rather than anything too modern.
Unfinished teak, mango wood, acacia, and bamboo all fit the casual tropical aesthetic.
Rattan dining furniture is another way to incorporate the material, especially if your living room flows into a dining area.
A six or eight-piece rattan dining set makes a stunning focal point.
Hang rattan pendant lights above the dining table to tie the look together.
For small dining spaces, try a rattan pedestal table or bistro set.
Rattan and wicker immediately set the foundation for a tropical living room.
From there you can layer in accessories, plants, artwork, textiles, and colors to complete the island feel.
Select Tropical Patterned Fabrics
Tropical print fabrics instantly liven up a living room with vibrant colors and natural motifs.
Use printed fabric to upholster furniture, create throw pillows, make curtains, or accent with small poufs and ottomans.
Look for large-scale prints in bold tropical patterns.
Florals like hibiscus, anthurium, and bougainvillea add bright pops of color.
Leaves like monstera, palms, and banana leaves create lush green accents.
Exotic animal prints such as zebra and leopard mimic the jungles of Africa and Asia.
Geometric ikat patterns typically found on Balinese tapestries have a global vibe.
For couches and chairs, select durable woven cottons and linens that won’t fade or pill easily.
Slipcover the furniture in the printed fabric for an easier update down the road.
Faux linen, cotton blends, and polyester fabrics also work well for upholstery and mimic the texture of natural fibers.
Use matching prints or contrasting color palettes to make a statement.
A royal blue sofa pops against leafy green and white palm prints.
Or pair pink hibiscus cushions with rattan furniture.
Contrast larger furniture prints with smaller coordinating patterns on pillows and ottomans.
stick to 2-3 prints so they don’t compete.
Try different applications like curtain panels, roman shades, tablecloths, and cushion covers to switch up the prints.
Lighter curtain fabrics like linen or voile allow sunlight to filter into the room.
Set the tone with a vibrant printed rug underfoot.
Use textured jute, cotton, or sisal rugs with tropical motifs.
Don’t be afraid to mix prints within the same color family.
Similar tones and soft color contrasts prevent fabrics from clashing.
Just limit the number of competing prints in one space.
With the right patterns and colors, printed fabrics quickly transform a lackluster living room into a lively tropical escape.
Paint the Walls a Tropical Color
Color is integral for setting the tropical mood.
Paint is an easy and affordable way to blanket the living room with the hues of the tropics.
You can’t go wrong with sunny yellows, energetic oranges, lush greens, serene blues, vibrant reds, or cheery pinks.
Full rainbow walls create maximum impact for a tiki theme.
Try painting one wall hot pink and the others a golden yellow.
Make a bold statement with a bright orange focal wall.
Or take a more minimal approach with pale blue-green paint all around.
Look to tropical destinations for color palette ideas.
A Hawaiian theme might include seafoam greens and ocean blues.
A Miami art deco vibe could incorporate pinks, turquoise, and creamy neutrals.
Jungles and exotic birds suggest vivid greens, oranges, and yellows.
Paint complements the style of furniture and decor you choose.
Rattan furniture pops against sunny yellow or pink walls.
Modernist pieces stand out with ocean blues and sage greens.
Black rattan makes a dramatic contrast to red or orange walls.
Consider painting patterned wallpaper on one wall as a chic accent.
Floral, botanical, ikat, or animal prints add texture.
Faux bamboo paneling or grasscloth wallpaper enhance the tropical look.
Keep the rest of the walls a solid neutral color so the pattern can stand out.
Floor-to-ceiling drapes, wainscoting, or chair rails also present opportunities for applying color.
Tropical inspired paint choices transform the entire feel of a space.
It’s an easy and inexpensive way to create a stylish backdrop for your living room.
Select Tropical House Plants
What’s a tropical space without lush greenery?
House plants instantly boost the tropical vibe and purify indoor air.
Ferns, palms, orchids, and bromeliads are classic choices with exotic vibes.
Go for varieties that mimic the diversity of plant life found in jungles and rainforests.
Here are some top picks for tropical plants:
- Ferns – Florist’s fern, rabbit’s foot fern, staghorn fern
- Palms – Parlor palm, areca palm, majesty palm
- Orchids – Moth orchid, dendrobium, oncidium
- Bromeliads – Scarlet star, earth star, flaming sword
- Ficus – Rubber plant, fiddle leaf fig, weeping fig
- Dracaena – Dragon tree, corn plant
Mix potted plants with hanging varieties to add depth and create the look of an indoor jungle.
Use plants to section spaces, add privacy, or improve flow between rooms.
Groupings of plants in coordinating planters also make a dramatic statement.
Let plants climb and cascade for an overgrown effect reminiscent of nature.
Strategically placed floor plants draw the eye and serve as living sculptures.
Greenery softens hard edges and adds intriguing silhouettes.
Match planters and pots to your color scheme.
Terracotta and ceramic planters come in sunny yellows, ocean blues, or bright whites.
Woven baskets and rattan hangers complement natural decor.
Concrete and wood planters add modern contrast.
Don’t forget the care requirements when selecting tropical plants.
Most need bright, indirect light and higher humidity than household air provides.
Group plants together to create a self-contained humid environment.
Use pebble trays and daily misting to boost moisture.
Placing tropical plants throughout your living room instantly makes it feel more like an indoor oasis.
Take care to choose varieties you can maintain for the long term.
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Incorporate Natural Wood Elements
Natural wood brings organic warmth and texture to a tropical living room design.
Use wood furnishings, architectural accents, and decorative elements to enhance the casual, nature-inspired aesthetic.
Wood coffee tables, side tables, cabinets, and shelving balance out rattan seating pieces.
Look for sustainably sourced tropical woods like teak, acacia, and mango which have beautiful natural grain.
Reclaimed driftwood, log slices, and bamboo also fit the aesthetic.
Inject wood accents through window valances, pendant lights, wall paneling, and room dividers.
For a modern twist, try wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile on floors or walls.
Use natural jute rugs layered over wood or tile floors.
Display decorative wood pieces like masks, sculpture, vases, trays, and bowls.
Wood stump side tables double as plant stands.
Hang woven wood lanterns and mobiles to add visual interest.
Don’t overlook the power of wood tones.
Stain or paint wood furnishings in ocean blues, sunny yellows, or seafoam greens to blend with your color palette.
A painted wood room divider or accent wall complements colorful furnishings.
Minimalist designs might feature a single hand-carved wood coffee table, modern chair, or sleek console.
Play up the wood grain with natural light.
For rustic spaces, use more distressed and aged wood elements.
Incorporating natural wood provides beautiful contrast to rattan and wicker pieces.
It has an organic look that feels intrinsically tropical.
Use wood strategically to enhance your living room’s relaxed vibe.
Display Worldly Accents and Accessories
Accessories with global flair transport your living room to far-flung destinations.
Think carved masks, brass objets d’art, batik wall hangings, and hand-painted tiles.
Display cultural artifacts and natural materials from tropical regions worldwide.
Carved tribal masks make compelling wall art.
Mount them asymmetrically or create an eclectic gallery wall display.
Masks come hand-carved from woods, ceramic, brass, and more.
Opt for authentic African, Balinese, or Papua New Guinean masks rather than cheap factory reproductions.
Sculptural artifacts like Hindu statues, Cambodian Buddhas, and Mexican sun faces embody cultural heritage.
Place them on pedestals, shelves, or in niches to highlight the craftsmanship.
Handwoven pillows, poufs, and hammocks add artisanal appeal.
Try Turkish kilim pillows, Mexican serape blankets, or Brazilian cotton hammocks in vibrant colors.
Locally made fabrics support indigenous artisans.
Display handcrafted pottery, vases, and planters.
Talavera tiles and animal-shaped Mexican ceramics have a playful quality.
Portuguese azulejo tiles create colorful backsplashes.
Terracotta vases lend an antique allure.
Don’t forget lighting like Moroccan lanterns, Indian pendants, and Tahitian drum lamps.
Tabletop accents like Balinese offering bowls, hammered brass trays, and beaded coasters provide global flair.
Groupings of related artifacts create intriguing tableaus.
Just take care that prized pieces don’t end up cluttered.
Curate accessories thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming the space.
Accenting a room with exotic furnishings and artifacts takes tropical decor to the next level.
Find special pieces that speak to you and display them prominently.
Add Pops of Color with Decor
Punctuate your tropical living room with playful decor accents.
Vibrant throw pillows, rugs, artwork, and vases infuse energy and color.
Don’t be afraid to mix bold hues for an eclectic island feel.
Throw pillows offer an easy way to experiment with fun patterns and colors.
Try tropical floral or animal prints, batiks, ikats, and embroidered styles.
Use pillows to pick up accent colors from furnishings and artwork.
Switch out artwork and wall hangings seasonally to vary the colors.
Frame botanical prints, native art, and maps of tropical locales.
Lean a surfboard against a wall for organic decor.
Use decorative objects like vases, boxes, or bookends in Citrus brights.
Paint terra-cotta pots or trays in custom colors.
Display natural curiosities like starfish, seashells, and coral for organic accents.
Lay down area rugs that complement your scheme.
Braided rugs come in endless color combos.
Jute rugs offer natural texture.
Dash patterned kilims add boho flair.
Switch up your rug each season to keep things fresh.
Don’t stop at the living room – take color into adjacent rooms.
Use a vibrant tropical palette in the kitchen, dining room, and entryway.
Paint cabinets, display serveware, and add stools in fun colors.
Pops of color enliven a space and reflect the diversity found in nature.
Embrace playful combinations to create a lively tropical environment.
The right accents will have your living room feeling happily vibrant.
Incorporate Natural and Organic Materials
Natural materials like wood, wicker, cotton, jute, linen, and terracotta add authenticity to tropical decor.
Use organic textiles and unrefined finishes to create a relaxed, earthy aesthetic.
Trade synthetic fibers and microfiber sofas for linen and cotton upholstery.
Natural fabrics breathe better in humid climates and have an organic drape.
Choose textured linen curtains over faux silk.
Use cotton canvas prints rather than poster paper.
Select unembellished ceramic, seagrass, and jute accessories.
Simple woven baskets feel organic, as do unpainted terracotta vases.
Try sisal or coir rugs instead of synthetic fibers.
Unfinished wood tables highlight the natural grain.
Display found objects from nature like coral, agate slices, shells, sand dollars, and sponges.
Layer in glass floats, sea glass, and driftwood.
Don’t over-arrange – keep it casual.
Use organic shapes and silhouettes inspired by nature.
Round rattan chairs, oval jute rugs, and kidney-shaped coffee tables have playful lines.
Avoid rigid symmetry.
Define separate seating areas with natural room dividers.
Use an indoor bamboo screen, linen curtain, or collection of plants to divide the space.
Take care to avoid anything too plastic, shiny, or obviously fake.
Simplicity and natural imperfection add to the tropical charm.
Focus on responsibly sourced goods to protect people and the planet.
Surrounding yourself with natural materials enhances wellbeing.
It brings the calming effects of nature indoors.
Raw, authentic finishes create a laidback tropical look.
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Hang Woven Pendant Lights
Don’t overlook lighting when designing your tropical living room.
The right fixtures provide ambiance while complementing the aesthetic.
Woven rattan pendants instantly impart tropical flavor.
Conical woven lampshades cast a warm, filtered glow for laidback lounging.
Use rattan pendant lights over seating areas, above coffee tables, or over dining sets.
Hang them alone or in clusters at varying heights.
Seek out drum-shaped pendants made from natural rattan, bamboo, or woven grasses.
The cylindrical form factors in well with most decor.
Hang them high to spotlight furnishings below.
For island vibes, try tiki-style bamboo or woven reed lighting.
Use fanned palm leaf pendants to layer texture.
Add a touch of whimsy with pineapple or coconut shaped lampshades.
If rattan doesn’t fit your style, try linen, jute, or ceramic pendants.
Earthenware shapes like vases or rounded jute lamps work in boho spaces.
Frosted glass globes diffuse light elegantly.
Make sure pendant cords are long enough for versatile placement.
Test arrangements before installing permanent lighting.
Adjust heights to create pools of light for tasks or ambiance.
Many woven lampshades are sold shade-only to pair with standard light kit.
This makes it easy to customize your lighting.
Just ensure the lampshade accommodates the bulb and socket.
The right pendant lights enhance ambiance and add visual intrigue.
Woven rattan and natural fiber lamps complement the breezy tropical aesthetic.
Install Wallpaper with Tropical Motifs
Make a room pop by papering an accent wall in lively tropical prints.
Florals like hibiscus, birds of paradise, and exotic orchids add bright, eclectic contrast.
Pair these vivid prints with neutral walls and furnishings so they don’t overwhelm.
Leafy motifs create the feel of a jungle oasis right at home.
Fronds, ferns, palms, and banana leaves come in graphic black and white or lush greens.
Cut-out designs with shadowbox depth enhance the tropical motif.
Consider banana leaf wallpaper for its iconic tropical flair.
The oversized leaf shape pairs well with rattan and wood furnishings.
Try blue and green colorways for versatility.
Grasscloth wallpaper offers soft texture reminiscent of thatched huts.
Woven textures like sisal and seagrass add dimensional style.
Faux bamboo wallpaper mimics the reeds used in tropical architecture.
Look for washable wallpaper if using it in moist areas like bathrooms.
Install seamlessly around windows, outlets, and corners so the pattern flows smoothly.
Wallpaper requires precise measuring and installation.
But the results can transform a boring wall into a stunning showpiece.
Tropical prints energize a space without overwhelming.
Use Oceanic Colors and Textures
Capture the serene beauty of tropical oceans and beaches through color and texture.
Soft oceanic tones, weathered finishes, and undulating shapes impart tranquil vibes.
Paint walls in shades of sea glass green, cerulean blue, or aqua.
Layer oceanic hues through accents like pillows, vases, and planters.
Rugs and throws incorporate textures like sand, coral, and seaweed.
Distressed wood with whitewashed or weathered finishes recreate driftwood.
Try a salvaged wood coffee table or console.
Hang a piece of bleached coral on the wall like art.
Capture the fluidity of waves and water through furnishings with curved silhouettes.
Try a rolled armed sofa, oval ottoman, or kidney shaped accent table.
Arrange decor in asymmetrical groupings across surfaces.
Use accessories with ocean themes like sea turtle sculptures, agate bookends, glass starfish, and rattan fish wall hangings.
Incorporate bits of nature like sea glass, shells, feathers, and sand.
The right lighting sets the mood.
Try frosted bulb floor lamps for diffuse illumination.
Hang glass orb pendants at varying heights overhead.
Layer ambient and task lighting.
Create tranquility with soft, textural fabrics like linen, cotton voile, and velvet.
Use textured jute and seagrass rugs.
Display glass floats and natural baskets.
Calm, oceanic color palettes paired with weathered textures and fluid shapes cultivate relaxation.
Bring serene coastal vibes into your living room.
Add Height with Potted Palms
What’s more iconic of the tropics than tall, graceful palm trees?
Incorporate this essential ambiance into your home with potted palm plants.
Their statuesque presence instantly conjures laidback vibes.
For indoor use, the majesty palm is a classic choice reaching 6-10 feet tall.
Place a majesty palm in a woven rattan planter near seating areas or corners.
The areca palm is more compact at 6-8 feet tall and also thrives indoors.
The parlour palm is petite enough for tabletop display at just 4-6 feet tall.
Use parlour palms in high-visibility areas like entryways, dining rooms, and living room focal points.
Their wispy fronds add delicate texture.
Kentia palms and bamboo palms are two other compact options under 10 feet tall.
Look for plants with multiple curving stems for the fullest effect.
Formal single-stem palms work for tighter spaces.
Always use planters 2-3 inches wider than the root ball so the palm won’t become root-bound.
Providebright, indirect sunlight and keep soil evenly moist.
Mist leaves regularly to mimic tropical humidity.
Place palms behind furniture to create a living backdrop.
Use floor palms to divide seating areas or define spaces.
Group cluster for dramatic impact.
Remember, palm trees grow continually so plan space to accommodate their increasing size.
Routine pruning keeps growth manageable and the canopy full.
With the right care and conditions, potted palms thrive for years of enjoyment.
They bring the ambiance of the tropics right into your indoor space.
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Layer Lighting for Ambiance
Don’t forget about lighting when designing a tropical living room.
Proper illumination transforms the space from day to night.
Use varied fixtures to create ambiance, highlight decor, and provide task lighting as needed.
Install recessed can lights around the perimeter to wash the walls with ambient light.
Dimmer switches allow you to set the perfect mood.
Position can lights to illuminate artwork and architectural details.
Use floor and table lamps for task lighting needs.
Try natural woven lampshades or ceramic bases to complement the island aesthetic.
Place lamps beside seating areas to create a cozy glow for reading nooks.
Light the exterior of display shelves and cabinetry.
Rope lighting or LED strips cast a soft glow and show off beloved objects.
Just take care not to overdo it.
Overhead pendant lighting offers a centerpiece opportunity.
Hang rattan drum pendants at staggered heights above gathering areas.
Try woven coconut pendants for playful flair.
Tabletop lighting like lanterns, hurricane lamps, and sconces make charming accents while providing additional illumination.
Cluster candles and lanterns down the center of dining tables.
Dimmable bulbs give you flexibility.
Set electronics like TVs and sound systems to dimmer switches to control lighting when watching movies.
With strategic placement and varied fixtures, your living room transitions gracefully from day to night.
Lighting completes the ambiance for tropical design.
Creating a tropical oasis in your living room is an exciting way to bring island vibes into your home.
Rattan furnishings, woven accents, leafy plants, global artifacts, and vivid colors come together to form a relaxing escape.
Just a few of these ideas can impart a breezy tropical feel or go all out with a fully themed tiki room.
Make the look uniquely yours by blending favorite furnishings with new tropical touches.
As your space evolves, change out accents and artwork to keep things feeling fresh.
The beauty of tropical design is that it promotes creativity, color, and connection to nature.
Approach your room with a relaxed, casual mindset.
Tropical decor welcomes imperfections, patinas, and creative reuse.
Don’t worry about achieving perfection – think harmony and flow.
Bring the vibes, colors, and textures of your favorite tropical locale home.
