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Whether you are thinking of making a few minor changes such as adding simple accessories, or planning to completely renovate the space, you have come to the right place. We will help you infuse your space with the exotic allure and charm of places like the Fiji Islands, the Seychelles, the Maldives, and the Bahamas.
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Infuse Your Home With Tropical Charm
In this article, we have compiled useful tips, ideas, and recommendations on how to give your living room a
Whether you are on a tight budget or not, and whether you live in an apartment, condo, or a family home, we will show you how to transform your personal space into a stress-free escape all year round.
With the design ideas below, you can make small décor changes that will have a big impact. Get inspired to bring the rainforest and jungle vibes into your home. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a stunning
What Is Tropical Interior Design?
Tropical interior design originated in the 19th century, a period that is marked by the exploration of faraway exotic lands. Today,
It mimics the ambiance of a carefree life, calm seas, gentle breezes, the soothing sounds of the ocean, and exotic wildlife. An authentic
While contemporary

Contemporary
7 Main Characteristics of Tropical Design
Tropical interior décor emphasizes a sense of calm and relaxation which is specific to the islands of the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and of Indonesia such as Bali. Let’s explore the main features of tropical décor style:
Natural Materials
If you want to create an authentic
Tapping into the traditional craftsmanship that local artisans have used for centuries will provide your space with handmade, ethically sourced décor. Add in accents made from fabrics such as linen and natural fibers such as jute and sisal and you’ve got yourself a true
Color Palettes
Tropical style is heavily inspired by the vibrant colors found in nature, including:
- blues such as turquoise, cerulean and azure (ocean, sky)
- golden, brass & copper tones (sun-drenched sand, sunsets)
- greens such as moss, fern, and forest (dense vegetation)
- bright reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and purples (tropical flowers and fruit, corals,
tropical fish and birds)
When these are combined with neutral colors (browns, beiges, and whites), they achieve a perfect balance and a harmonious look.
If a more visually minimalist result is the goal, use more neutral tones as your primary focus while bringing in specific vibrant colors more sparingly.

Cool aqua blue waters of Blue Lagoon, Vanuatu island. Photo Credit: Escape

Hibiscus flowers. Photo Credit: Rotorua Pacific Island Trust
Bold Patterns
Typical
- Accent walls (leaf patterns, florals, pineapples, exotic animals) – A single great piece of wall art might be all that you need.
- Fabric accents (wall hangings, throws, tapestries) – A great tropical throw is so versatile as you can move it freely however you want and it will keep you warm as you snuggle under it in cooler weather!
- Cushions (leaf patterns, palm patterns, sea life patterns) – The couch pillow cases with a pineapple pattern are available in different colors and are great for adding the wonderful pop of color.

Raw wood, lush plants, banana leaf pillows. Photo credit: H&M
Natural Light
Since natural light is such a primary component in
Don’t be afraid to play with natural light sources. Even if your living room does not offer a lot of natural light, there are ways to maximize sunlight. You can always use mirrors to brighten up a room. Mirrors will open up your space by reflecting light into areas of the room which tend to be darker. Strategically placing a mirror or two can help to resolve that issue. Replacing heavy window treatments with lightweight, semi-translucent curtains will also help bring in the light.
Tropical Indoor Plants
Another crucial feature of
Large plants are perfect for livening up unused corners while vibrant flowers will brighten up your space. If you are a beginner with house plants, Spider plants or ZZ plants are good first choices as they are easy to grow. Some plants like crotons and orchids are simply fussier than others and require more specific lighting and care.

Tropical plants as focal points. Photo credit: The Nordroom
Indoor plants are beneficial for many reasons. They are used for:
- Enhancing interiors
- Purifying the air
- Absorbing sound
- Creating serenity
- Therapeutics and Relieving stress
Accents
There are countless ways to add
- Handcrafted wood carvings, figurines, masks and pots
- Handcrafted metal sculptures
- Quality keepsakes from your travels to
tropical destinations (nothing tacky or touristy!) - Carefully selected art which complement
tropical styles - Ornamental decorative items (vases, bowls, serving boards)
- Handblown glass artwork
- Woven baskets and mats
- Terracotta, clay, and ceramic pots

Photo credit: KBInteriors
Fabrics
Natural fibers such as linen, sisal, silk, seagrass, and jute complement the organic look of
Discover Tropical Home Décor Treasures
Bring island vibes into your home with exclusive artisan-made goods.
How To Incorporate Tropical Design Into Your Living Space
Below are several essential tips for bringing the vibe of exotic beaches and enchanting jungles into your living room.
- Balance is key – Avoid too many competing bright colors. Use animal prints sparingly. Have a few larger décor pieces be the “anchors” or primary pieces for tabletops and specific floorspaces with a couple of smaller complementing pieces grouped together with the larger ones. This helps to create a more balanced look without things becoming too crowded or visually busy.
- Let you personal style shine through – Your design should speak to you, whether it’s by using deep shades of orange and pink or bright sky blues. This is your space and it should take you to where you want to be! If you allow yourself to unleash your creativity, you will ultimately get the layout and the look you will love.
- Choose accessories that last – Since your design preferences can change over time, invest in accessories that are well made and that you genuinely love. These will last longer and you don’t have to worry about trends that come and go. You can store away certain pieces while displaying others and then rotate things later on to change up the look by storing those on display and bringing out the others.
- No need for full room remodel –You can make a big impact even with the smallest changes. For instance, adding a statement piece of wall art or a truly unique piece such as a handmade kava bowl will make your space feel more exotic.
- Layering – By layering furniture and accessories in proper amounts using different materials in contrasting colors and textures, you can be sure that your space will neither be overpowering or monotonous.
20 Tropical Living Room Ideas You Will Love
It’s time to bring the tropics to your home! Continue reading to find
1. Rejuvenation Retreat
Turn part of your living room into a dedicated wellness sanctuary reminiscent of the South Pacific. By having a nook for de-stressing which is only seconds away, you will be able to escape and travel to the tropics without actually leaving your home.
Furnish the space with soothing and calming elements. Include pieces such as quality ergonomic chair or sofa, an indoor fountain, ambient lighting, and of course, lots of plants. All of these elements are sure to help you relax after a stressful day, making it a perfect serene retreat!

Photo credit: Homilo, interior design
2. Modern Tropical Living Room
Unlike traditional
Everything else from the pots, chairs, and cushions, to the walls and floors are finished in neutral, earthy colors. Big, boldly designed furnishings and accents can easily be used in color schemes like this one because they increase visual interest without taking over the room.

Photo credit: Pinterest
3. Dark Wall Art & Neutral Upholstery
This small

Photo credit: Shelterness
4. Caribbean Tropical Living Room
Large living rooms are wonderful spaces for bringing in the tropics. Create a

Photo credit: Architectural Digest
5. Tropical Great Room
If your home has an open-concept space such as this one, you can easily tie the different uses of the room all together in a one beautiful cohesive look. Using the same design style and elements for both the living room space and the dining area creates real visual harmony. Keep the walls light, accentuate the ceiling if possible with contrasting open beams and use lots of natural fibers in the window treatments and rugs.
Large banana leaves or giant bird of paradise in addition to some brightly colored

Photo credit: Southern Living
6. Industrial Tropical Living Room
This elegant living area conveys an “industrial chic” vibe. Designed with green and grey tones, it is a very comfortable space with modern-style seating covered in a soft, textural fabric. The industrial grey is broken up by the white and green of the wall art. Hanging plants in white pots continue that theme and the varying heights and shapes create added visual interest. The hanging cage lamp provides some needed texture in addition to the greenery on the wall which really brings in some

Photo credit: Design café
7. Living Room With Character
Here’s a wonderful example of how you can transform a room and get that “Wow!” effect when you get creative and let yourself shine through. The grey and white mural on the wall is awesome!
With just a few statement pieces such as a handcrafted bench used as console table, a couple of rattan chairs, an old trunk used as a coffee table and some muted

Photo credit: Hector Sanchez
8. Boho Tropical Living Room
This room combines

Photo credit: Shelterness
9. Indoor Water Element
Water is one of the foundational and primary components of the tropics, whether it be in streams cascading over rocks in a rainforest, a jungle waterfall, the crashing ocean waves, or simply

Photo by: Décor Matters
10. Tropical Décor For Small Spaces
If you don’t have a lot of square footage but still long to have a piece of the tropics at home, here’s an idea for you:
Select a designated area in the room (a specific corner or even a console table, side tables, or a bookcase) where you can create a beautiful

Photo credit: Fodona
11. Bali-Inspired Living Room
This living area is inspired by the wonderful island of Bali. Lots of light comes in through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels which open to the outside.
This spacious room is a great example of how you can use large, leafy outdoor plans to create a lush jungle vibe indoors. The room combines a mid-century style with a touch of industrial with the grey upholstery. Natural elements such as the large palm tree and the wonderful pendant lighting bring in

Photo credit: Bali Interiors
12. Jungle Accent Wall
In this example, the wall is clearly the focal point. It features bold
If you decide to use wallpaper with a bold pattern such as this, be sure to check the repetition of the pattern on the wallpaper. It will be on the labeling or in the instructions for use. If you have a large wall, you will want to be sure that the size of the pattern before it repeats will work correctly for the size of your wall. You don’t want the finished look to take over the room by creating the same scene over and over again.
Also, as mentioned, keep the number of large furnishing pieces only to what you truly need. If you have to many things, the room will quickly feel very crowded because of the busy wallpaper.

Photo credit: Wallmur
13. Rainforest Colors
This

Photo credit: Benjamin Moore
14. Eclectic Tropical Living Room
Eclectic style is based on combining different styles and periods. In this example, different colors, shapes, textures, and finishes are beautifully blended into a unique living room with character. Things do not need to match. They will simply “go together”. That’s the beauty of going with an eclectic style. No two looks will ever be the same!
Here, you can see that modern furniture and accessories are mixed with antique pieces. The result is a lively mix of several textures and shapes which create a one-of-a-kind cohesive

Photo credit: Design Café
15. Ocean-Inspired Color Palettes
Selecting a color palette for a
This sitting room is an excellent example of how starting with a lot of blue (the walls and the flooring) works because it is immediately toned with the white windows, the contrasting white on the blue ottoman, and the white wood of the armchairs. Greens and a touch of darker yellow are brought in to further break things up and add some

Photo credit: Trevor Dixon via Better Homes & Gardens
16. Tropical Gallery Wall
If you don’t have a lot of floor space, you can add some wonderful
To make the wall pop, make sure your walls and furniture are neutral in color. The wall art can add as little or as much color as you would like while some shelving with accents can add depth. Pillows and other accents can be used to bring in other colors and textures. In this example, green is the color the pops as beautiful potted tropicals and their bold greens complete the look.

Photo credit: Shelterness
17. Retro Tropical
Tropical vibes can also be achieved by blending retro furniture and décor with

Photo credit: Annie Schlechter via Southern Living
18. Soothing Earth Tones
Earth tones in décor are known for their remarkably soothing effect. They add warmth to a room, regardless of your décor style. From rich browns to a pastel sage, these calming colors offer a relaxed and cozy feel to any space. Items in these colors can also bring in much needed texture. Materials such as leather, rattan, jute, stone and raw wood will all work. To add some contrast, depth, and character, add several houseplants with differing leaf shapes.

Photo credit: Curated interior
19. Open Concept Layout
This open-concept space is airy, spacious, and beautifully adorned with whites, neutrals, and several greens. Mirrors bring in additional light. White linen cushions on wicker furniture combined with the wood table, plant life and the woven lampshades overhead give this space a calming, earthy, and serene ambiance. As we suggested in Idea #11 above, natural fiber pendant lighting is such a great idea because they simply add so much depth and natural texture to a room.

Photo credit: Lifestyling
20. Compact Sitting Room
This small living room perfectly balances out various colors, materials, textures, and shapes. The white sofas placed around a beautiful wood coffee table and paired with orange and autumn colored pillows provide ample seating in addition to the wicker chair and ottoman. The potted plants bring in the cool,

Photo credit: Home Stratosphere
Final Thoughts
We hope that these ideas for
Don’t forget to share this post! These inspirations should be shared so creativity can be sparked in others who need their own
As you embark on your journey, remember that the essence of
For your convenience, here is a list of the products we have recommended in this blog post which can really help to create an amazing and relaxing
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$27.89
Bold and awesome, this pineapple print with its beautiful blue background is a really great way to bring in a burst of tropical colors and imagery wherever that may be needed!
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04/01/2025 04:30 pm GMT -
$19.88
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Perfect for bringing in some tropical imagery and color, these couch pillow covers do the trick. They do not come with inserts but we've got you covered with these awesome inserts which are available in a variety of sizes!
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04/01/2025 04:42 pm GMT -
$19.50
These cushion inserts are perfect for replacing worn out ones or for those new cases that didn't come with inserts included! They are available in different sizes.
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03/31/2025 08:30 pm GMT -
$99.99
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$284.99
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04/01/2025 07:45 pm GMT -
This is one of the best larger indoor fountains available, it is great for creating that relaxing tropical atmosphere in your tropical escape! The sound of trickling water is perfect for easing away the stresses of the day. Note: We recommend using distilled water if possible to avoid calcium and mineral buildup.
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$89.99
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$72.99
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04/01/2025 07:45 pm GMT