Home Decor Trends that Originated in Africa

African baskets can be found in most countries across Africa. Historically and even today baskets have been used for agricultural purposes such as sifting, collecting crops, and transporting crops. The baskets we love to add to our walls are called Fanner Baskets. Fanner baskets have a wide winnowing shape, that was created to separate grains from husks.

And speaking blankets, the Moroccan pom blanket shows up in many design styles such as modern bohemian, farmhouse, and even modern cottage styles. Most Moroccan pom blankets we use in our homes are a rendition of the traditional Moroccan blanket which was used to protect against freezing temperatures in the high Atlas Mountains of Morocco. They can be used to drape over your bed and seating, used as rugs, and table coverings.

Malawi chairs have become quite popular in the design world, and continues to trend. You can design with them inside your home or use them outside on your patio. These beautifully structured chairs take about 10 days to craft just one. The chair frame is most commonly made from the local blue gum tree, rattan, and strips of bamboo.

Raffia can be found on many textured pillows, rugs and baskets. This woven texture comes from the Raffia palm tree native to Madagascar, Western and Central Africa. In some design elements they have been dyed different colors and woven into beautiful baskets.

Juju Hats have gained so much popularity over the years. They are native to the Bamileke people of Western Cameroon. Traditionally they were used for royal festivals and ceremonies, and once a rare thing reserved for only a select few. They come in many different sizes and colors. I used a Brown Juju Hat I found on homedepot.com in my seating corner and in a bedroom. But you can place Juju Hats anywhere in your home.

Bogolanfini, which is known to many of us as Mud Cloth is one of the most durable, luxurious, unique textiles on the market. Mud Cloth is a handmade fabric made in Mali, traditionally dyed with fermented mud. The mud is collected from riverbeds and fermented up to a year. Each strip of fabric has beautiful patterns that have meaning to the people of Mali. You may commonly see Mud Cloth fabric used on pillows, throws, artwork, and on upholstered furniture.