About Tropical Interior Decorating

Tropical interior decorating is a style based on the tropics. The Caribbean and Pacific Islands, as well as Southern Florida, Key West and Hawaii provide the inspiration for this type of interior decorating. Tropical interior decorating has the feeling of warm weather, white sandy beaches, clear blue ocean water, tall coconut palms and sweet-smelling tropical flowers and fruits.

• In the United States, tropical interior decorating seems to be more popular in the warmer Southern states rather than the cold Northern states. However, this type of decorating works well in any climate to bring a warm feeling into a room.


• When decorating your home in this style, think of a rainforest, a jungle, the beach, a Caribbean resort, banana trees, coconut palms, animal prints, grasscloth, linen, bamboo, baskets, wooden bowls, hardwood floors and a lot of sunlight. Use tropical furniture, neutral wall colors, Caribbean-inspired bright accessories and green plants.


• Furniture: tropics-inspired furniture includes oversized rattan sofas, wicker chairs and headboards. Rattan and wicker are very practical as they require very little maintenance and last for many years. Your choice of seat cover fabrics can be neutral tones such as tan or light palm green. Use throw pillows in bright colors, printed with palm leaves, bamboo, animal prints and tropical flowers.


• Colors: Walls can be painted in white, cream, light yellow, light green or neutrals. Bright-colored accessories look better if the walls are painted in soft, light colors.


• Window coverings: Choose lightweight, breezy fabrics. Linen and light cottons are perfect choices. Instead of regular blinds, use rollup bamboo blinds or shades.


• Flooring: Take out the carpet and cover your floors with light-colored hardwood or bamboo flooring. If you prefer tile, opt for large tiles in a light color. Many homes in the Caribbean have tile flooring.


• Accessories: Tables can be embellished with wooden bowls, baskets or any other objects made of bamboo or grass. For wall art, use wrought iron pieces and paintings with tropical motifs. Use lots of greenery, preferably large indoor palm trees. If you have a green thumb, try growing orchids and decorate your rooms with them.


• The key to tasteful tropical interior decorating is not to overdo it with the colors and accessories.