Using African Crafts to Decorate your Home

Lose yourself in Africa's exotism and learn how you can decorate your home with African crafts.

Many people around the world are fascinated by the wild aesthetic of African crafts. This is a very easy style to bring home because you only need a few pieces to create a beautiful space.

African culture is very expressive and one of the world’s most important. The mix of different materials and techniques creates eclectic art. This is why they fit any modern or traditional space.

In this article, you can read about the most remarkable African crafts to turn your home into a true African savanna.

Find comfort and style with an African ottoman

Most certainly, African ottomans are a great way to surprise your guests. Ottomans are great for informal spaces because they’re both comfy and stylish.

African ottomans are made of different types of leather and natural fibers. Artisans combine these two elements to create geometrical figures.

These artisan pieces are versatile, they fit any modern or traditional style thanks to their simple and beautiful shapes.

African crafts made of natural fibers

Wicker baskets are statement pieces of the African craft. Artisans can make many objects using wicker, but there’s one piece that everybody loves – wicker baskets.

Made of natural fibers, wicker baskets bring a sense of warmth to any space. Their simplicity makes them great pieces of furniture.

They come in many shapes and patterns because they’re handmade. Therefore, they are extremely versatile. These are a few possible uses:

• For your laundry. Wicker baskets were originally made to harvest tea leaves. This is why they’re deep. Enough to keep your dirty clothes or store your bed linen in.
• Wicker baskets with a lid or no lid. Use these as a jewelry box or to store little things like fruit or vegetables.
• Flat baskets for your kitchen. This is an original way to give warmth to your kitchen or dining area, whether their modern or traditional in style. You can use then as mats, trays or as wall decorations.

Abstract patterns in African tribal blankets

If you want to add an ethnic element to your home, handwoven African blankets are a great choice.

African textiles are beautiful pieces of art. These unique blankets are handwoven using natural fibers, giving them a texture that stands out on any surface. Don’t worry, they won’t overshadow the rest of the pieces, they’ll enhance them.

Most of these blankets have geometrical patterns that create a strong visual statement. Therefore, they can transform your rooms into eclectic and cozy spaces.

African masks can give extra color to your walls

Masks and figurines are symbolic of traditional art and culture in many parts of Africa. They’ve had a big influence on artistic expressions likes Cubism, Fauvism, and Expressionism.

These masks carry an important ritualistic element because they were originally used in important religious ceremonies throughout Africa. However, you can find exact replicas and use them to decorate your home.

Crafts like these mix human-like faces with geometrical shapes. The deformation of human traits creates a mythological and wild look.