Tropical decor is a popular design style that brings a relaxed, beachy feel to any space. This decor style is inspired by the leafy flora and fauna found in tropical areas worldwide, including the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia.
This style is characterized by vibrant colors, lush foliage, and natural materials. Whether you live in a tropical paradise or want to bring a touch of the tropics into your home, tropical decor is an ideal way to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. We’ll take you through the key elements of this style and provide tips for incorporating tropical decor ideas into your own space.
Photo Credit: Andrew Howard – Brown teak and rattan outdoor sofas with blue pillows face a set of blue and white ceramic stools atop a tan rug.
Photo Credit: Meg Braff – Cottage dining room furnished with rattan hexagon chairs at a white bamboo table illuminated with a white lantern hanging from a white wood plank ceiling.
Photo Credit: McCann Design Group – Fresh air streams into a sunroom through green shutters open above a white rattan sofa and white rattan chairs accented with white and green floral cushions and placed in front of beadboard trim. The chairs are matched with green rope stools, while wicker backless stools sit at a tiki bar.
Photo Credit: Madre Dallas – White rattan chairs sit at a square wooden game table illuminated by a black floor lamp.
Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors – Leaded glass windows in a transitional foyer styled with a fiddle leaf fig plant in a woven basket, wood antique furniture, and a gold vintage rug. A tall ladder back wooden chair and rattan accent stool table bring an old-world feeling to the space keeping the space timeless.
Photo Credit: Digs Design – A white rug covers slate mudroom tiles and sits beneath brown rattan sofas accented with white cushions and white and blue pillows. The sofas are positioned facing a gold chinoiserie coffee table matched with two brown chairs lit by rattan light pendant hung from a vaulted plank ceiling. Decorative oars are mounted to shiplap trim over windows.
Photo Credit: Lux Report – Coral pink nursery features walls painted coral, Sherwin Williams Jovial, adorned with a hand painted palm tree mural by artist EEK. A glass art deco chandelier illuminates a white crib dressed in white and pink elephant crib bedding, a Quadrille Petite Zig Zag Fabric pillow and a white and pink crib mobile next to a salmon pink chair and a Two’s Company Elephant Side Table topped with pink roses as well as a gold Moroccan pouf atop a white sheepskin rug.
Photo Credit: Meg Braff – Blue palm leaf sofas and blue chevron pattern stools join with a white chinoiserie coffee table in a living room finished with a mosaic stone fireplace and a white spiky mirror.
Photo Credit: Kimberely Kay Interiors – Two rope outdoor chairs with palm leaf pillows on an outdoor dark stained oak patio with a city view. A reeded outdoor accent table is styled between the two chairs displaying succulent decor.
Photo Credit: Tamara Magel – Homework room features a craft paper roll on a chalkboard wall under palm leaf wallpaper, white built in cabinets with black leather hardware and a white table with white chairs atop a beige rug.
Photo Credit: Kara Theresa – Cottage style sunroom features light brown rope and rattan accent chairs and a light brown rope and rattan sofa atop a gray slate floor and a white shiplap fireplace wall.
Photo Credit: Andrew Howard – A light brown rattan sofa accented with blue pinstripe cushions sits in a sunroom on a blue chevron print rug facing a rattan coffee table and paired with a blue chinoiserie drum stool and side-by-side brown rattan chairs.
Photo Credit: Massucco Warner – In front of a palm tree wall mural, a shimmery gray sofa with a chaise lounge is accented with a peacock blue tufted ottoman placed on a black diamond print rug and paired with gray swivel chairs.
Photo Credit: Meg Braff Designs – Cottage dining room furnished and styled with a white oval dining table and white lattice chairs with animal print cushions. A white palm tree floor lamp is styled in the corner against a wall with tan walls. A white chinoiserie credenza features dark blue lamps and a bamboo mirror adding an eye-catching appeal to the dining space design.
Photo Credit: Ashley Whittaker Design – Tropical living room features an Arch Top Lantern illuminating a green velvet sofa adorned with blue pillows and cream and blue floral bolster pillows placed in front of French doors dressed in floor to ceiling cream and blue floral curtains. The green couch faces a brass and glass rectangular coffee table beside a purple ikat bench and a blue slipper chair upholstered in China Seas Java Java Fabric atop a diamond seagrass rug.
Photo Credit: Maria Barros – Blue and green tropical style living room with panels of turquoise blue Moroccan tile stencil beside turquoise framed mirror panels which highlight a modern white side table topped with turquoise bottle shaped lamp beside a white armless sofa layered with blue and green chevron pillows and a blue velvet pillow. A Fiddle Leaf Fig stands in the far corner, next to sun filled windows dressed in floor length sheers, with a pair of armless white accent chairs across from a navy tufted ottoman coffee table laden with books and a silver bar tray with leather handles.
Photo Credit: Kara Miller – Green botanical roman shades cover windows located over cream spindle nightstands topped with wicker lamps. The nightstands flank a brown bamboo bed dressed in white and green bedding complement with a white and brown bolster pillow. Three green flower decor pieces hang over the bed, while an abaca bench sits at the foot of the bed on a natural woven rug.
Photo Credit: Lauren Haskell – Contemporary living room furnished with a pink tufted loveseat and green pillows with white borders. The loveseat is paired with a round rattan accent table styled with pastel decor complementing a palm tree wall art.
Photo Credit: Mona Ross – Tropical foyer design with mint green blue fretwork wallpaper, mint green blue lattice chair, round wood mirror, vintage chest and sisal rug.
Photo Credit: Urban Grace – Relax poolside beneath a lime green umbrella accenting a lime green stool table and lime green pillows placed atop dark brown wicker chairs and facing dark brown wicker sofas finished with white seat cushion. The seating area is centered around a dark brown wicker coffee table placed on a gray shag rug.
Photo Credit: Andrew Howard – Tropical living room features paneled tray ceiling adorned with gray wood beams over a floor to ceiling white brick fireplace accented with flatscreen TV niche over white brick hearth beside a fabric wrapped console table topped with Aerin Culloden Table Lamp and brass bowls under a white sunburst mirror. Living room boasts a salvaged wood console table leaning against a velvet sofa paired with a pair of woven armchairs topped with turquoise cushions atop a bound sisal rug.
Photo Credit: Hardenburg Designs – Stunning office corner designed with a white and gold desk paired with a rattan chair showcasing an amber glass lamp and a palm leaf decor. White flower accents decorate the wall above the desk for a feminine and chic finish.
Photo Credit: Southern Living – Schumacher Tropical Isle Wallpaper covers the wall of this gorgeous yellow and green powder room boasting an oval rattan mirror mounted beside a polished nickel towel ring over a pedestal sink lit by a 2-light nickel sconce.
Photo Credit: Angie Hranowsky – A vintage black chair sits under black sconces on green tropical print wallpaper with turquoise blue moldings.
Photo Credit: Hudson Interior Designs – Jungle palm leaf wallpaper in a powder room transforms a look into a lush, tropical escape. Wall mount sink with a mod chrome faucet complements a chrome towel rack on the base of the sink under a round black mirror lit by a two-light linear globe sconce.
Photo Credit: Susie Bettenhausen – Spa-like white master bath with warm wood accents and tropical greenery
Photo Credit: D2 Interieurs – Stray Dog Designs Celeste Sphere Chandelier hanging over a round wood oak foyer table paired with woven poufs atop a purple and green striped jute rug.
Materials For Implementing Tropical Decor
One of the critical elements of tropical decor is the use of natural materials. Bamboo, rattan, and wicker are popular choices for furniture and accessories, while wood and stone are often used for flooring and accent walls. These materials give a warm and organic feel to the space, and work well with the bright colors and bold patterns that are also characteristic of tropical decor.
Photo Credit: Andrew Howard – Brown teak and rattan outdoor sofas with blue pillows face a set of blue and white ceramic stools atop a tan rug.
Photo Credit: Meg Braff – Cottage dining room furnished with rattan hexagon chairs at a white bamboo table illuminated with a white lantern hanging from a white wood plank ceiling.
Photo Credit: Madre Dallas – White rattan chairs sit at a square wooden game table illuminated by a black floor lamp.
Photo Credit: McCann Design Group – Fresh air streams into a sunroom through green shutters open above a white rattan sofa and white rattan chairs accented with white and green floral cushions and placed in front of beadboard trim. The chairs are matched with green rope stools, while wicker backless stools sit at a tiki bar.
Choosing Your Colors
Speaking of colors, tropical decor is all about embracing the vibrant hues found in nature. Think bright blues, greens, yellows, and pinks, as well as earthy tones like brown and beige. These colors can be incorporated through wall paint, textiles, or accessories and can be mixed and matched to create a playful and lively atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Luxe Report – Coral pink nursery features walls painted coral, Sherwin Williams Jovial, adorned with a hand painted palm tree mural by artist EEK. A glass art deco chandelier illuminates a white crib dressed in white and pink elephant crib bedding, a Quadrille Petite Zig Zag Fabric pillow and a white and pink crib mobile next to a salmon pink chair and a Two’s Company Elephant Side Table topped with pink roses as well as a gold Moroccan pouf atop a white sheepskin rug.
Photo Credit: Meg Braff – Blue palm leaf sofas and blue chevron pattern stools join with a white chinoiserie coffee table in a living room finished with a mosaic stone fireplace and a white spiky mirror.
Photo Credit: Maria Barros – Blue and green tropical style living room with panels of turquoise blue Moroccan tile stencil beside turquoise framed mirror panels which highlight a modern white side table topped with turquoise bottle shaped lamp beside a white armless sofa layered with blue and green chevron pillows and a blue velvet pillow. A Fiddle Leaf Fig stands in the far corner, next to sun filled windows dressed in floor length sheers, with a pair of armless white accent chairs across from a navy tufted ottoman coffee table laden with books and a silver bar tray with leather handles.
Plants & Greenery
Another important aspect of tropical decor is the use of plants. Large, leafy plants like palms or ferns are a staple and can be used as statement pieces in the room. Smaller plants like succulents and tropical flowers can also be used to add pops of color and texture.
Photo Credit: Ashley Whittaker Design – Tropical living room features an Arch Top Lantern illuminating a green velvet sofa adorned with blue pillows and cream and blue floral bolster pillows placed in front of French doors dressed in floor to ceiling cream and blue floral curtains. The green couch faces a brass and glass rectangular coffee table beside a purple ikat bench and a blue slipper chair upholstered in China Seas Java Java Fabric atop a diamond seagrass rug.
Not only do plants add to the overall aesthetic of the space, but they also improve air quality and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Photo Credit: Andrew Howard – Tropical living room features paneled tray ceiling adorned with gray wood beams over a floor to ceiling white brick fireplace accented with flatscreen TV niche over white brick hearth beside a fabric wrapped console table topped with Aerin Culloden Table Lamp and brass bowls under a white sunburst mirror. Living room boasts a salvaged wood console table leaning against a velvet sofa paired with a pair of woven armchairs topped with turquoise cushions atop a bound sisal rug.
Furniture and Accessories
Regarding furniture, tropical decor is all about creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Soft, plush seating like sofas and armchairs are ideal and can be covered in colorful and patterned fabrics. Throw pillows and blankets can also be used to add extra coziness and texture.
Photo Credit: Digs Design – A white rug covers slate mudroom tiles and sits beneath brown rattan sofas accented with white cushions and white and blue pillows. The sofas are positioned facing a gold chinoiserie coffee table matched with two brown chairs lit by rattan light pendant hung from a vaulted plank ceiling. Decorative oars are mounted to shiplap trim over windows.
Photo Credit: Andrew Howard – A light brown rattan sofa accented with blue pinstripe cushions sits in a sunroom on a blue chevron print rug facing a rattan coffee table and paired with a blue chinoiserie drum stool and side-by-side brown rattan chairs.
Photo Credit: Kara Theresa – Cottage style sunroom features light brown rope and rattan accent chairs and a light brown rope and rattan sofa atop a gray slate floor and a white shiplap fireplace wall.
In terms of accessories, there are many options for creating a tropical vibe. Decorative objects like seashells, coral, and driftwood can be displayed on shelves or tables, while artwork featuring tropical scenes or motifs can be hung on the walls. Lighting is also important and can be achieved through the use of natural materials like rattan or paper or through fixtures in bright colors and bold patterns.
Tropical Wallpaper
One of the surest ways to add a touch of the tropics to any room is to incorporate tropical wallpaper. Decorating with tropical wallpaper is an excellent way to bring a touch of the exotic into your home. With their bold colors and vibrant patterns, tropical wallpapers can transform any room into a paradise retreat. Here are some tips for using tropical wallpaper in your home decor:
Photo Credit: Tamara Magel – Homework room features a craft paper roll on a chalkboard wall under palm leaf wallpaper, white built in cabinets with black leather hardware and a white table with white chairs atop a beige rug.
Choose the right room: Tropical wallpaper works best in rooms that receive plenty of natural light and have a relaxed, casual vibe. Consider using it in your living room, bedroom, or even your bathroom.
Start small: If you’re hesitant about using tropical wallpaper, start with a small accent wall or use it to line the back of a bookshelf. This will give you a taste of the tropical look without overwhelming your space.
Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match tropical prints with other patterns and textures. The key is to balance the boldness of the tropical print with more subtle elements.
Accessorize: Use accessories like throw pillows, curtains, and rugs to tie in the tropical theme throughout the room. Look for items with similar colors and patterns to the wallpaper.
Keep it simple: When using tropical wallpaper, it’s best to keep the rest of the decor simple and understated. This will allow the wallpaper to be the star of the show.
Photo Credit: Hudson Interior Designs – Jungle palm leaf wallpaper in a powder room transforms a look into a lush, tropical escape. Wall mount sink with a mod chrome faucet complements a chrome towel rack on the base of the sink under a round black mirror lit by a two-light linear globe sconce.
Photo Credit: D2 Interieurs – Stray Dog Designs Celeste Sphere Chandelier hanging over a round wood oak foyer table paired with woven poufs atop a purple and green striped jute rug.
Photo Credit: Angie Hranowsky – A vintage black chair sits under black sconces on green tropical print wallpaper with turquoise blue moldings.
Photo Credit: Southern Living – Schumacher Tropical Isle Wallpaper covers the wall of this gorgeous yellow and green powder room boasting an oval rattan mirror mounted beside a polished nickel towel ring over a pedestal sink lit by a 2-light nickel sconce.
Photo Credit: Massucco Warner – In front of a palm tree wall mural, a shimmery gray sofa with a chaise lounge is accented with a peacock blue tufted ottoman placed on a black diamond print rug and paired with gray swivel chairs.
Quick Decorating Tips for the Tropical Design Style
Use natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and rattan.
Incorporate tropical plants and flowers like palm trees, orchids, and hibiscus.
Choose vibrant colors like turquoise, coral, and yellow.
Add tropical patterns to fabrics and accessories like pillows and curtains.
Use decorative elements such as seashells, driftwood, and coral to enhance the tropical theme.
Use textured wall coverings like grasscloth or woven wallpapers.
Use lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance, such as string lights or lanterns.
Consider adding a water feature like a fountain or fish tank to bring in the soothing sound of water.
Keep the overall design cohesive by using a consistent color palette and theme throughout the space.
Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors – Leaded glass windows in a transitional foyer styled with a fiddle leaf fig plant in a woven basket, wood antique furniture, and a gold vintage rug. A tall ladder back wooden chair and rattan accent stool table bring an old-world feeling to the space keeping the space timeless.
Photo Credit: Kimberly Kay Interiors – Two rope outdoor chairs with palm leaf pillows on an outdoor dark stained oak patio with a city view. A reeded outdoor accent table is styled between the two chairs displaying succulent decor.
Photo Credit: Meg Braff Designs – Cottage dining room furnished and styled with a white oval dining table and white lattice chairs with animal print cushions. A white palm tree floor lamp is styled in the corner against a wall with tan walls. A white chinoiserie credenza features dark blue lamps and a bamboo mirror adding an eye-catching appeal to the dining space design.
Photo Credit: Kara Miller – Green botanical roman shades cover windows located over cream spindle nightstands topped with wicker lamps. The nightstands flank a brown bamboo bed dressed in white and green bedding complement with a white and brown bolster pillow. Three green flower decor pieces hang over the bed, while an abaca bench sits at the foot of the bed on a natural woven rug.
Photo Credit: Lauren Haskell – Contemporary living room furnished with a pink tufted loveseat and green pillows with white borders. The loveseat is paired with a round rattan accent table styled with pastel decor complementing a palm tree wall art.
Photo Credit: Mona Ross – Tropical foyer design with mint green blue fretwork wallpaper, mint green blue lattice chair, round wood mirror, vintage chest and sisal rug.
Photo Credit: Urban Grace – Relax poolside beneath a lime green umbrella accenting a lime green stool table and lime green pillows placed atop dark brown wicker chairs and facing dark brown wicker sofas finished with white seat cushion. The seating area is centered around a dark brown wicker coffee table placed on a gray shag rug.
When designing a tropical-inspired space, it’s important to keep the overall aesthetic cohesive and balanced. Too many colors or patterns can overwhelm the eye, while too much clutter can detract from the relaxing vibe. By using a mix of natural materials, bold colors, and lush greenery, it’s easy to create a space that feels both stylish and calming.
Photo Credit: Hardenburg Designs – Stunning office corner designed with a white and gold desk paired with a rattan chair showcasing an amber glass lamp and a palm leaf decor. White flower accents decorate the wall above the desk for a feminine and chic finish.
Tropical decor is a fun and vibrant design style that can be incorporated into any home. By embracing natural materials, bold colors, and lush greenery, it’s possible to create a relaxing and inviting space that feels like a tropical getaway. Whether you’re looking to create a beachy bedroom, a breezy living room, or a relaxing outdoor oasis, there are many ways to incorporate tropical decor into your home.
Photo Credit: Susie Bettenhausen – Spa-like white master bath with warm wood accents and tropical greenery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some key elements of tropical style decor?
Tropical decor often includes natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, and wood, as well as brightly colored accents and tropical prints.
What colors are commonly used in tropical style decor?
Colors commonly used in this design style include bright and bold shades such as turquoise, coral, yellow, and green.
How can I incorporate this decor without going overboard?
One way to incorporate tropical decor without going overboard is to choose a few key pieces, such as a tropical print rug or accent pillows, rather than overwhelming the space with too many tropical elements.
Can tropical decor work in a small space?
Yes, tropical decor ideas can work in a small space by incorporating smaller items such as tropical plants, accent pieces, and artwork.
What are some popular tropical plants to incorporate in decor?
Popular tropical plants include palm trees, monstera plants, birds of paradise, and hibiscus. These plants can add a vibrant and tropical feel to any space.
Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]
