Be inspired and decorate your outdoor with these african style decor ideas!

Summer is here and in case you have been blessed with a garden, a terrace or whatsoever outdoor space (lucky you!), I am sure you are basking there, reading, eating, working on your laptop, or simply enjoying a quiet break while soaking up the open air.

I am addicted too to this Outdoor Therapy and as soon as I can, I spend time on my lovely balcony, it is so regenerating and relaxing.  Besides, being my outdoor a natural extension of my home, I have dedicated as much attention and care to its setting as it was my living room. 

And needless to say, for the decoration, I have deeply drawn on the rich African art and craftsmanship so easy to find here. The result is a cosy green open air space filled with local objects such as rattan chairs, wooden tables, tribal masks, braziers and terracotta vases, a homey corner where I love to snuggle to enjoy the nice warm breeze Dakar is delighting us with lately.

If you are a fan of the outdoor too and If you have liked reading about must have African décors for your home, get inspired here and see how the ethno-chic style is versatile and equally capable to decor your outdoor and make it spectacular. 

Best African style ideas for your outdoor

#1 Best African style ideas for your outdoor / West African woven chairs 

These colourful lounge chairs, very common here in Senegal and in most West Africa, masterfully reinterpreted by Malian designer Cheick Diallo, are meticulously hand woven using recycled plastic strips and rounded metal frames. Available in many colours, sizes and shapes, they will match perfectly with a neutral wall while adding a splash of colour to a green lush background.   

Neutral nuances for a sober atmosphere – credits

Bold colours on a green background for a jungle effect – credits

#2 Best African style ideas for your outdoor / Wax upholsteries 

Sometimes just a few details can make a huge difference. Look how a couple of pillows and matching footrest in wax, the most iconic African fabric, are capable to revive even a tiny outdoor corner, becoming captivating protagonists. Wax upholstered chairs or loungers will also impress and so will the use of smaller wax details such as table settings. The options of colours and patterns is endless here, but if you have a small space, better not to mix them too much, to avoid a messy final effect. 

 Wax upholsteries easily become protagonists of any space – credits ; credits

Wax details to impress – credits 

#3 Best African style ideas for your outdoor / Handwoven fabrics 

African hand made fabrics, like Malian bogolans and West Africa pagnes tissés are stunning and delicate at the same time, with their regular comforting patterns, neutral and warm earthy tones. They make beautiful pillows, throws, table cloths and mats, all items that you can equally use for your outside, recreating the same sophisticated ethno-chic atmosphere. 

A tastefully elegant look – credits 

A cosy African style corner – credits 

#4 Best African style ideas for your outdoor / Rattan decors 

Although very adaptable, in my opinion the rattan gives its best when used for outdoor spaces. Lounge chairs and sofas inspired to the originals from Malawi , lamps’ shades and baskets are possibly the most significant decorative items to have and to play with. Your outdoor will resemble a timeless old colonial patio, recalling evocative African atmospheres. 

Beautiful Malawi chairs in their natural colour – credits  

Rattan lamps, baskets, candle holders…what else? – credits

#5 Best African style ideas for your outdoor / Carved wood tribal items 

The choice here is endless: tribal masks or sculptures, tiny stools like Senufo or Bamileke ones ,mortars, big bowls and so many other wooden ornaments that can easily fit anywhere in you outdoor: hung on the walls, strategically placed in a corner or used as coffee tables, recreating that charming ethnic look that we love so much. 

Bamileke stools are just perfect as coffee tables – credits 

Almost a sculpture, Senufo’s handcrafts will fit magnificently in your outdoor – credits  

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In search of more ideas and inspirations for your outdoor? 

Check these other beautiful styles and trends from around the world!