I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant colors and textures of African design, there’s something so grounding and joyful about it. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to bring that spirit into your home.
With a few well-chosen pieces, you can create a space that honors African heritage while adding warmth and personality. Think bold patterns, earthy materials, handcrafted details, and a whole lot of heart.
If you’ve been craving a richer, more soulful vibe at home, I’ve got some easy and affordable ways to weave African-inspired style into your space.
1. Colorful Kente Cloth Pillows
Who knew a few bright pillows could transform your couch so dramatically? Kente cloth, with its vibrant geometric patterns, originated in Ghana and speaks volumes about African craftsmanship.
Look for affordable Kente-inspired fabric at craft stores and sew simple pillow covers yourself. No sewing skills? Try iron-on hem tape or fabric glue for a no-sew option.
2. Mud Cloth Wall Hangings
Sometimes the simplest decor makes the biggest statement. Authentic Malian mud cloth (bogolanfini) features hand-painted symbols and patterns using fermented mud on cotton.
Find affordable mud cloth pieces online or at world markets. Frame a small section in a thrift store frame or use decorative dowels to hang larger pieces. The striking black and white patterns bring instant African flair to blank walls.
3. Repurposed African Baskets
Though once purely functional, African baskets now serve as stunning wall art in modern homes. Woven from natural fibers like sweetgrass, sisal, and banana leaves, these baskets tell stories through their patterns.
Hunt for affordable versions at thrift stores or global markets. Hang a collection in a grid pattern or scatter them across a wall. If wall space is limited, use them as catchalls for remotes or as planters.
4. Tribal Print Curtains
Where there’s a window, there’s a way to add African style! Tribal prints featuring bold geometrics and earthy colors can transform a room instantly.
If new curtains aren’t in your budget, buy affordable tribal-print fabric and use curtain clips to hang them on existing rods.
Another option? Take plain curtains and add African-inspired trim or fabric bands at the bottom for a custom look.
5. Wooden Masks As Focal Points
If you’ve never considered African masks as art, you’re missing out on powerful focal points! Representing spirits, ancestors, or cultural figures, these pieces carry rich symbolism.
Instead of expensive authentic masks, look for artisan replicas at fair trade shops or world markets. Place a single statement mask above a fireplace or create a gallery wall with several smaller ones.
Even one mask can anchor your Afrocentric design vision.
6. Mud Cloth-Inspired Painted Furniture
Why buy new when you can transform old furniture with paint? African mud cloth patterns work beautifully on wooden chairs, side tables, or dressers.
Find geometric mud cloth patterns online and use painter’s tape to recreate them on thrifted furniture. Black and white creates a classic look, but don’t be afraid to experiment with terracotta, indigo, or ochre for authentic African color palettes.
7. Cowrie Shell Accents
Long before paper money, cowrie shells served as currency across Africa and now make beautiful decorative elements. Their distinctive shape and creamy color add instant texture to any space.
String them together for curtain tie-backs or glue them around plain mirror frames. For a quick project, fill a clear glass bowl with cowrie shells as a coffee table centerpiece. Many craft stores sell them inexpensively by the bag.
8. Ankara Fabric Table Runners
Few textiles capture the spirit of Africa like Ankara fabric with its bold patterns and eye-popping colors. Originally from West Africa, these cotton prints tell stories through their designs.
Visit fabric stores for affordable Ankara prints and hem the edges for an instant table runner. No sewing machine? Use iron-on hem tape instead.
Match your runner with simple placemats for a coordinated dining experience that brings African joy to mealtime.
9. Raffia And Jute Textures
Natural fibers reign supreme in African design, creating warmth through texture rather than price tags. Raffia and jute elements ground a space with earthy authenticity.
Look for raffia-wrapped vases, jute rugs, or woven placemats at discount home stores. Even simple jute twine can transform plain glass bottles into African-inspired vases.
The rough textures contrast beautifully with smooth surfaces like glass or ceramic.
10. Hand-Painted Geometric Pottery
African pottery tells stories through patterns, not words. Traditional designs feature triangles, zigzags, and circles that carry cultural significance.
Rather than importing expensive pieces, buy plain terracotta pots and paint them with African-inspired patterns. Acrylic craft paint works perfectly for this project.
Group several painted pots together on a shelf or use them as planters for succulents or small houseplants.
11. Recycled Glass Bead Curtains
Across Ghana and other African nations, recycled glass beads transform into colorful treasures. These beads carry both environmental and cultural significance.
While authentic recycled glass bead curtains can be pricey, craft stores sell similar beads for DIY projects. String them on fishing line to create doorway curtains or window treatments.
The beads catch light beautifully, casting colorful shadows throughout your space.
12. Adinkra Symbol Wall Stencils
Among the Akan people of Ghana, Adinkra symbols represent concepts like wisdom, strength, and unity. These powerful visual elements make striking wall decorations.
Find Adinkra patterns online and create simple cardboard stencils. Use them with paint to create accent walls or border patterns.
For less commitment, stencil symbols onto canvas or heavyweight paper and frame them. The geometric simplicity works with any color scheme.
13. Calabash Bowl Displays
For centuries, dried calabash gourds served as vessels across Africa. Their organic shapes bring natural beauty to modern homes.
Real calabash bowls can be found at world markets, but painted papier-mâché versions make affordable alternatives.
Half-fill them with dried beans or stones and place candles on top for atmospheric lighting. Or group several different sizes together as a coffee table display.
14. Indigo-Dyed Textiles
Few colors speak of Africa like indigo, especially from Mali and Nigeria where traditional dyeing techniques create stunning variations of blue. The rich hue brings instant depth to any room.
Look for indigo-inspired fabrics at fabric stores or online. Frame swatches as art or use larger pieces as throws for sofas. For a quick project, dye white cotton napkins with commercial indigo dye for an African-inspired dining accent.
15. Handmade Paper Bead Garlands
Across East Africa, artisans transform magazine pages into colorful paper beads. This sustainable craft creates stunning decorative elements from recycled materials.
Make your own by cutting triangular strips from colorful magazines, rolling them tightly around skewers, and sealing with glue.
String finished beads into garlands to drape across mantels or windows. The project costs almost nothing but delivers authentic African craftsmanship.
16. Animal Print Accents
While actual animal skins aren’t budget-friendly or ethical, animal prints evoke the majesty of African wildlife. Small doses make big impact without overwhelming your space.
Look for zebra, leopard, or giraffe print throw pillows at discount stores. Or try animal print picture frames, coasters, or small rugs as accent pieces.
The key is moderation – one or two prints per room creates a sophisticated nod to African wildlife.