Whether it's zebra, leopard, tiger or giraffe, animal print has long been a staple of the world of fashion, and interior design. Suffice it to say that it's a choice that requires courage; maybe not as much as courage as it take to stalk a lion on the savanna but it animal prints are not for the meek of heart.
If you're the type who thinks they can rock the look of animal print you'll be glad to know that these hides can add a sense of adventure, thrill and glamour to your interior in a way that few other looks do. But, just in case you aren't quite ready for the full tilt animal look, you can also tone it down so that these patterns act as accents rather than centerpieces.
Here are four ways to think about the working animal print trend into your home decor.
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Animal Print Rugs
When it comes to animal prints, you may be afraid to go for a larger rug but, paradoxically, the smaller rug will actually draw more attention to itself and can even lead to an unbalanced look. Your room will benefit more if you jump in at the deep end and choose a larger design.
It's important to remember that the eye doesn't spend spend much of its time on floor coverings and that you'll be placing plenty of furniture and accessories over the top of it. It's not like a piece of art where there's less room to hide. That is, unless you're turning the rug into a wall hanging, like some of the pieces we'll be showcasing below.
Animal Print Wallpaper
Wallpaper is almost as old as walls themselves but with Rwraps Animal Print Wrap Films you don't have to mess with glues, pastes or water. Because they are made with air-release channels imbedded in the adhesive, you can literally squeegee on the look of leopard, cheetah, giraffe or even cowhide with no problem at all.
And, since we're trying to keep it classy let's think accent rather than four walls of crocodile skin. In the photo above, we can see how the Gray Leopard Print really accents the picture nook without overpowering it.
Another use of animal hide prints as an accent that's often underrated is on small areas that normally don't get paid much attention. One cool example is of these zebra wrapped stairs. When it comes to interior decorating projects there's almost nothing that could be more simple. Simply buy as many six by fifty-nine-inch sheets of the animal print vinyl wrap of your choice, clean, let dry, peel and stick. Voilà: your staircase now doubles as a conversation starter.
Animal Print Decor
If you're looking for a change of pace and find that you want your room to
pop, then it's time you gave your walls a makeover. Some walls are simply too large to do well with a tiger or zebra print from floor to ceiling but wall hangings provide a nice focal point without going over the top.
You can find your own blank canvas boards at Michael's for under $15 each (this is for the 12 by 36 inch size). Next just get some of our Rwraps Animal Print Film and apply them on the canvases.
Best of all, you don't even need to buy canvases at all. You can simply apply them to the wall since the are made to peel and stick.
Animal Print Furniture
By now, you've come to see that less is more when it comes to lions, tigers and bears' print patterns and furniture is no exception. Rather than drape your entire armoire in giraffe skin or splatter your commode with cheetah print use these wilder animal print patterns as accents.
One excellent way to get the benefit of animal print without going overboard is in the example above. By using a wrap to cover the back wall of the bookcase visual interest is created without overwhelming the piece or the room. What kids of ideas for accent wrapping furniture could you come up with? Comment below and let us know.
Types of Animal Print Patterns
We've discussed the ways you can use animal print patterns in your home but we haven't yet taken a look specifically at the actual types of print that are most commonly used in interior design. And, even though we offer a bunch more than we'll cover here (crocodile, snake, lion, cow and even yeti) we'll just focus on the top four:
- Zebra Print
- Leopard Print
- Tiger Print
- Giraffe Print
Zebra Hide Prints
Zebras are another animal whose skins have been used for centuries, primarily in a decorative nature due to the eye-catching look of their pelts. Members of the horse family, zebras are symbolic of socialization, the power of will, free-spirited, strength, friendliness, safety, and determination.
The zebra print pattern is probably one of the most commonly used of all the prints we've covered today but be forewarned: a little zebra goes a long way. Cushions, chairs and accents are great for zebra print but steer clear of full zebra walls and drapery.
Tiger Stripe Prints
Intended to serve as camouflage, a tiger's cryptic coloration allows them to hide, undetected. Since tigers are apex predators at the top of the food chain, they don't need to hide from animals that might eat them. They are carnivores — they eat meat — and they rely on stealth to hunt successfully. Naturally, then, the coloration and pattern of a tiger's skin conveys a sense of danger and prowess which has traditional made it a choice for those in positions of power or who pretend to such.
Ideal for use in offices and home gyms, tiger print can seem over the top when used recklessly. Get the eye of the tiger while you hit the heavy bag in your garage but maybe keep out everyone except for Tony the Tiger when it comes to the kitchen.
Giraffe Hide Wrap Film
Giraffe skin has a deeper, symbolic meaning of forecasting and prediction. Giraffes are able to see trends and warnings when others are oblivious. The giraffe is also a symbol for the trailblazer or pioneer. You will often find this pattern in the homes and offices of entrepreneurs and free-thinkers.
Giraffe prints are not for the faint of heart. Use these patterns sparingly or you just may end up being accused of running a safari out of your living room.
Leopard Skin Vinyl
The leopard is native to Africa, Eurasia and the Middle East and belong to the Panthera pardus. They have had quite a long history here on earth from between 2 and 3.5 million years and have evolved into nine subspecies of leopard. Despite their evolutionary successes, they are most known for their skin. Leopard skin stands out for its pattern, which features dark spots grouped in rosettes which, just like human fingerprints, are unique to every leopard. Fur color varies depending on the leopard's location; leopards who live in forests and mountains have darker, deep golden fur, while leopards who live in hotter regions are cream-colored or yellow.
Of all the patterns we've covered, leopard has the ability to blend the most and to be the least garish of all. But, whichever you pick don't be ashamed to use these prints to showcase your personal style.
