Furniture, for me, is one of those places to play it safe and invest in pieces that won't tire in a short time. So, you won't find a zebra-print credenza in my dining room anytime soon. But that doesn't mean I don't like looking at such things as animal-print furniture in other people's homes! Take a look at these pieces:
If you like this look, I imagine it is probably a pretty doable DIY. Find a nicely-shaped but badly-finished old piece of furniture and sass it up a bit with some hand-painted stripes!
Do you have animal prints on any of your furniture? If so, you're a braver soul than me. Tell us about it below!
Images: The Lennoxx, Horchow, Traditional Home, Kartell, Artistic Tile
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Animal print -- OK! but those red eggs under the starburst mirror really steal the show in the first picture! I'm not looking at the zebra skin -- my eyes are glued to them eggs! :)
If you look at those photos, the animal print was still not a huge commitment. The first pic looks to be a table skirt, or you could at least achieve that look by skirting a table; then a small scale chair, then really just pillows on the sofa. I like how the animal print is used in more formal settings. It's nice to see it used outside of the more eclectic designs, too.
I like animal prints as an accent, but not as a theme. I always think the owner of an animal print theme room probably has a miniature poodle that has been dyed pink.
i want those teacups! anyone know where i could find them?
I am a huge fan of animal print. There can be a fine line between Ralph Lauren and Peg Bundy. and both have thier place.
Where can i find those red eggs??
my leopard print chenille dining chairs score huge points with anyone who sees them... i've just redecorated, but couldn't bear to part with them, so two have migrated to my taupe/champagne/ivory bedroom, and two are now accent chairs in my mostly white living room...
@ozonegal
I wish I had said that. Very funny!
Well now, I've never been wild about animal prints (see what I did there?), but while still in the process of outfitting my new home, I've come around to the belief that you should chose the piece of furniture that you LOVE, even if it's oddball, over the safe one. Contrary to expectation, the stuff I tire of is the practical stuff: the brown leather recliner, the neutral dresser. But my half-moon white couch! My ottoman shaped like a bear! I'm happy every time I enter the rooms they're in.
Although I like animal prints, just now I'm using them only in some of my dogs' microfiber fleece throws. I tend to use animal prints in ephemeral accessories rather than in furniture. There's already a lot of brown wood here, so I don't want to add much more brown in animal prints.
To me, that second pic looks like a squatty fat woman sitting in a not very lady-like position ... I'm just sayin'. But I do love a little animal print. Used to have a leopard print fauteuil.... I still miss that chair.
The first pic was the inspiration room on one of those HGTV makeover shows years ago. I think <I>Design on a Dime or Decorating Cents.
no, no no no(!) sorry...ever after since a very prim galfriend (i respect her LOADS) said "prints are slutty" ive NEVER laid eyes on prints again, without wanting to 'turn away'. I know its impt to have your own p.o.v. but i cant help but to feel.... ok, dont ban me please. just for not using animal prints. =(=/