5 Bedroom Decorating Ideas with Animal Prints: Creative ways to add animal prints to your bedroom without going overboard

A few years ago, I had a client who wanted a bedroom “that felt like a safari but still New York chic.” I almost laughed—how do you balance giraffe prints with minimalism? But that project taught me that animal prints, when done thoughtfully, can be downright stylish. Small spaces, especially bedrooms, can spark big creativity if you know how to layer patterns and textures. So today, I’m sharing five animal print decorating ideas that I’ve personally tested over the years.

1. Accent Walls with Animal Wallpaper

I once transformed a narrow bedroom by using a zebra stripe wallpaper on just one wall. It instantly brought depth and a focal point without overwhelming the room. The trick? Keep the other walls in soft neutrals so the print can breathe. Tools like room planner can help you visualize the wall impact before you commit.

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2. Animal Print Bedding

Leopard or cheetah print bedding is the quickest way to add personality. I usually balance it with plain sheets and a neutral headboard so it feels intentional, not chaotic. Be warned—cheap synthetic fabrics can make it look tacky, so invest in cotton or linen blends for a more elevated touch.

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3. Rugs that Roar

A tiger-striped rug under the bed can ground the space beautifully. I used this trick in a city apartment where the client wanted “something wild but warm.” It’s a bold move, but when paired with earthy tones, it feels surprisingly serene. Planning placement with the free floor plan creator makes sure the rug scale fits perfectly.

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4. Layered Textures

Don’t stop at just visual prints—bring in faux fur throws, rattan, or leather trims to echo the natural mood. I once layered a cowhide over a sisal rug, and it made the room feel curated rather than themed. The challenge here is restraint—it’s tempting to throw in every wild element, but minimal layering wins.

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5. Statement Artwork

Large-scale animal portraits or abstract prints can tie the theme together without adding more patterns to physical surfaces. In a recent project, a monochrome lion print above the bed gave just enough drama. Using kitchen layout planner—yes, oddly enough—helped me repurpose wall plotting tools for this decor arrangement.

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FAQ

1. Are animal prints outdated? Not at all—animal prints cycle through fashion and interior trends regularly. With neutral pairing, they feel timeless.

2. How do I avoid a “jungle” look? Limit prints to one or two focal areas and keep the rest of the elements solid and muted.

3. Can animal prints work in small bedrooms? Yes, but scale matters—choose smaller motifs or use them sparingly to avoid crowding.

4. What colors pair best with animal prints? Earth tones, black, white, and muted metallics complement animal patterns beautifully.

5. Which print is easiest to start with? Leopard or zebra prints tend to blend well with different styles.

6. Are animal prints kid-friendly? They can be—opt for washable fabrics and softer textures for safety.

7. Can I mix different prints together? Yes, but balance scale and color palette. One large-scale print with a smaller one can look intentional.

8. Is there a source for understanding color psychology in design? The American Psychological Association notes that warm tones can evoke comfort, while bold contrast enhances visual interest (APA.org).