Think of animal prints like Mother Nature’s neutrals.

These stylish rooms are perfect examples of graphic animal prints done right.

Animal Print Rugs

One of the easiest ways to decorate with animal prints iswith an area rug.

Living room with dark gray walls and pink rug

Credit: Annie Schlecther

Patterns inspired by zebras, leopards, and giraffes make high-impact statements as floor coverings.

However, limiting the bold print to the floor helps prevent it from overwhelming a room.

Tiger-Stripe Accents

Animal prints are a natural fit for colorful, eclectic interiors.

farmhouse living room zebra carpet wood beams

Credit: John Gruen

Even in small doses, the bold patterns command attention.

Here, tiger-stripe accent pillows on upholstered armchairs add another layer of pattern and personality.

When mixing patterns, vary the scale for a dynamic look.

living room couch leopard print pillows

Credit: David A Land

Neutral Animal Prints

In the right applications, animal prints can serve as a neutral.

Zebra-Stripe Decor

Directattention to a gallery wallwith a zebra stripe rug.

The directional lines of the print draw the eye toward this unique wall-mounted desk and beautiful framed artwork.

zebra-striped rug under wall-mounted desk

Credit: Michael Partenio

Pairing Animal Prints

Can’t choose a favorite animal print?

Try pairing multiple patterns in the same color palette for a fun yet cohesive look.

Use a contrasting color, such as the teal blanket shown here, to add interest.

living room tiger rug cowhide ottoman zebra pillow

Credit: Robert Brantley

Rustic Animal Print Design

Animal prints can work with a wide variety of decorating styles.

Evena rustic bedroomfeels fresh with a pop of animal print.

Simply throw a cowhide rug on the floor and pair it withgold and yellow accents.

rustic bedroom with cowhide rug

Credit: Greg Scheidemann

A metallic animal figurine on this bedroom’s nightstand completes the nature-inspired look.

Animal-Print Focal Point

In more traditional spaces, a single animal-print accessory creates an instant focal point.

This zebra stripe ottoman immediately draws eyes to the center of the room.

living room soft palette zebra stripe ottoman

Credit: Edmund Barr

The pattern contrasts the soft gray, white, and green palette that anchors the room’s design.

Animal Hide Rugs

Hide rugs add a cozy accent underfoot.

This brown-and-tan zebra-inspired hide layers perfectly on top of anatural fiber rug.

giraffe-printed parsons desk green lamp

Credit: Helen Norman

The addition brings another pop of pattern without overwhelming the room.

Subtle Animal Accents

Animal prints don’t have to be in-your-face to make an impact.

Rustic accessories, including a galvanized metal pendant and antlers on the tabletop, contribute to the organic look.

zebra hide in low traffic sitting area

Credit: Michael Partenio

Colorful Animal Prints

Animal-print fabric isn’t limited to the neutral colors typically found in nature.

Choose patterns in muted shades to blend in with more traditional styles.

Animal-Print Color Schemes

Blend animal prints into your decor with a cohesive color scheme.

cheetah sidetable black and gray porch

Credit: Robert Brinson

It’s an unexpected touch that adds a bit of fun to a formal space.

Traditional-Style Animal Prints

You don’t need wildly modern decor to go wild with animal prints.

Leopard print makes a splash in this traditional space while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.

living room brown zebra rug layered over fiber rug

Credit: Michael Partenio

The room’s wood finishes add formality to the decor, while clean white lines keep the space bright.

These upholstered chairs feature a soft green zebra print that’s accented with brass nailhead trim.

The muted colors tie in with the rest of the room’s mix of green and metallic tones.

ivory hide neutral dining area

Credit: John Granen

sitting room animal prints on chair ottoman

Credit: Adam Albright

living room soft pale zebra stripe accents on furniture

Credit: Michael Luppino

green cheetah chairs living room

Credit: William Geddes

dining chairs zebra stripe seats

Credit: Michael Partenio

traditional office décor leopard print rug

Credit: Greg Scheidemann

formal chairs with green exotic animal prints

Credit: Edmund Barr