If you want to give your bathroom something bold and interesting, what can you do without going over the top? Have you given thought to including some animal prints in your home? Instead of putting animal prints only in fashion or living spaces, use them in your bathroom to liven up a dull room. From wallpaper to fixtures, we’ll explore creative ways to make these bold patterns work beautifully in any size bathroom.
In this guide, I’ll introduce things such as zebra print wallpaper, leopard print towels and giraffe patterns, all of which can revive your bathroom, adding texture and a fresh look. In each section, you’ll discover practical tips, genuine design tips and expert opinions on making these prints elegant, simple and everlasting.
Go Wild With Zebra Print Wallpaper
Choosing zebra print wallpaper is an exciting solution to inject excitement into a bathroom. I prefer to use one strong design in powder rooms or guest bathrooms, as it stands out by itself. Adding zebra prints adds energy and rhythm to a decor and blends effortlessly with a single-color space or when accompanied by vibrant accents of emerald green or navy colors.
This room works well with matte black-and-white wallpaper, so it doesn’t feel too bright or overdone. I like to keep the room simple by avoiding heavy fixtures and using something like a floating white vanity, a frame-less glass shower and simple chrome fittings. It helps us keep the visual flow and avoids making the project too busy. Stripes will look great with abstract art in a frame and black sconces.
I find that zebra print is perfect for adding a little safari feeling, without being too rustic. Elle Decor says that using one bold animal decoration can give a touch of luxury to even the most modest spaces. I think it’s a strong and stylish look that stays in fashion forever.
For extra effect, try a textured ceiling and add lights that shine softly on it or you could install small lights framing the mirrors behind the zebra. A small green item, for example a faux fern, won’t distract from the macaron pattern.
Leopard Print Towels To Add Instant Glam
If you’re not ready for full-wall commitment, leopard print towels are an easy and effective way to incorporate animal patterns into the bathroom. I’ve popped them into ordinary bathrooms to give them a luxurious look right away. They’re also simple to modify, clean or update during different seasons.
Towels that are threaded together to form a high count provide both softness and appear nicer than others. Soft tan or caramel towels with ordinary black or dark brown leopard spots catch my eye the most. Use brass towel bars or amazing gold-framed mirrors to increase the glamour in the room. Matching your vanity in cream or taupe with LED lights will blend together nicely.
Mixing matching hand towels, a leopard towel and a leopard bath mat makes an area look coordinated. I frequently advise clients who want an affordable new look. Architectural Digest recommends adding animal print accessories to transitional designs and I also believe they do this well without making the space too busy.
Try placing a coordinating tissue box cover or a soft-patterned soap dispenser to colorfully finish the room.
Bring The Jungle In With Giraffe Patterns
To me, giraffe prints are rarely used in bathroom designs, but appear very stylish when done well. Because they have irregular edges, cushions come across as warm and strong, but never rough or dominating. Having a giraffe print wallpaper or tiled wall can make your space look as cozy as a luxury eco-resort.
This Halloween, please choose backgrounds that are beige or light caramel, with dark brown spots that look like a giraffe’s. Wallpaper that you can apply without paste would suit behind your tub or you could select some custom-made mosaic tiles. You can achieve the best effect by using floating wood shelves, a vessel sink and matte gold faucets alongside this design.
My opinion? Nothing says “sanctuary” like a set of giraffe prints on your wall. It says in House Beautiful that animal patterns and natural shapes are now important features in interiors aimed at wellness. I use giraffe designs in spa-style bathrooms to wonderful results.
For a better look, include some indoor-safe bamboo items or a ladder shelf made of wood to display your towels. It’ll stick to the nature-based idea and still be practical.
Cheetah Print Accents For A Fierce Finish
A striking look is possible in your bathroom by adding cheetah print touches. Most of the time, I propose this print to clients who prefer glamorous, fashionable or eclectic style choices. It looks perfect when teamed with other prints and it also makes a nice, bold accent in spaces that are mainly neutral.
Cheetahs can be seen in your bathroom through decorative items like shower curtains, baskets, artwork and furniture. I usually pick dark cheetah colors—warm golds and black—and put them with black vanity units, black flooring and gold taps.
Cheetah print, to my mind, should be used in small doses. According to Domino Magazine, Leopard Print is the most striking of animal prints and it can easily be too dominant. Balancing the design calls for adding black and white layers here and there.
Finish your tabletop set with a soap tray or candleholder in black and gold. They make the different styles fit together well, avoiding chaos.
Animal Pattern Tiles For The Bold At Heart
Choosing animal pattern tiles in your bathroom design takes courage but has great benefits. We’ve done projects where we put in tiled mosaics for the style of zebra or leopard and the outcome was always striking and unforgettable.
Quality is the most important thing in this case. Smooth-textured high-gloss ceramic or porcelain tiles are a good choice. You may use them on the floor, in your shower niche or form a colorful tile mural. Many times, I place animal tiles next to just a few walls that are either light beige or charcoal gray so the pattern shows well without making the floor confusing.
I appreciate that these tiles will last and are also simple to clean. Better Homes & Gardens points out that patterned tile reflects the best current trend, as it enhances smaller bathrooms and I think that’s a great idea.
What else could someone include? Don’t hesitate to repeat the tiles on the vanity backsplash or on a bench for a consistent theme across the room.
Monochrome Zebra Motifs For Modern Bathrooms
Monochrome zebra designs are great for modern bathrooms that want some visual interest. I choose this theme whenever the design is Scandinavian or minimalist in bathrooms. It looks pristine, has a bit of movement and feels refreshing to experience.
Zebra patterns can be found on tiles with a printed design, etched glass or by using frost on your shower doors. My option is to match matte patterned flooring with glossy black cabinets, white marble in the kitchen and brushed nickel on everything. These floors would look perfect with black hex tiles.
My personal thoughts are. It’s an excellent solution for clients who care about design. Real Simple considers monochrome décor a lasting favorite in current design and I too think it is thoughtful and evergreen.
Instead of turning off your lights, I suggest using small LED lights beneath the kitchen cabinets to accentuate the background and add a cozy feel to the area.
Subtle Safari: Soft Neutrals With Animal Vibes
It’s possible to have bathroom animal prints that aren’t too bold. A understated safari theme with calm neutral colors can both remind of nature and keep the space calm and chic. Using these light colors with delicately cutout animals is my favorite style for this sort of design.
I suggest neutral leopard spot paper on the walls, an oak vanity, smooth stone sinks and ivory ceramic floor tiles. End the look by hanging soft linen shower curtains and sticking beige towels with animal motifs somewhere. The space looks unobtrusive, spa-style and restful.
Using this style is best when you want to avoid bright colors in bathrooms that are not large. I’ve used this same approach that Southern Living outlines—including textured neutrals to deepen a space without creating a cluttered look.
You could make this space better by putting in handmade baskets for storage and including items like light wood or bamboo to match the natural look.
Bold Statement Walls With Animal Print Murals
If you’re looking for a high-impact visual element, animal print murals on statement walls can take your bathroom to the next level. I suggest this design to clients who want their bathroom to feel specially put together, much like an art gallery. A large picture covering the whole wall with big zebra stripes, a fierce tiger or a creative safari scene makes any space interesting.
I often set the mural opposite the vanity or at the back of a freestanding tub, so it stands out. The remaining area should be kept simple—plain tiles, simple vanities and low-key lighting support the popped-out mural. Having shower glass enclosures and matte or chrome fixtures helps the space appear trendy and spacious.
Animal murals, in my opinion, look great in bathrooms or powder rooms that aren’t tiny and let you experiment. Mural walls are a popular choice, HGTV designers say, especially when matched with striking lighting and unusual textures. I also think it’s an important element in interior design as long as it is chosen with care.
Another way to improve the impact is to light up the mural with side lighting or a frame that lights it up attractively.
Incorporate Faux Fur Rugs For Wild Texture
Should we actually put faux fur rugs in the bathroom? Absolutely! To make a room with mostly hard surfaces feel cozier and more tactile, I’ve relied on this trick. A faux fur rug beside your vanity or under your soaking tub will make everything feel more cozy and add a touch of wildness.
If I’m buying a rug, I always choose something in ivory, soft gray or brown faux fur. They work perfectly well with animal print designs, seen in towels, wallpaper and more. The rug stands out nicely from the main prints and keeps the design in line with the theme. Stick to bathroom-specified rugs, because they are both slip-proof and keep moisture away.
I feel that faux fur gives the whole ambiance a spa vibe. According to Apartment Therapy, adding comfortable textiles to bathrooms is a great way to make them feel cozier, mainly when it’s colder. This has helped me with winter-themed projects, as clients have given me great feedback.
Complete the room by placing faux fur covers on existing stools or buying a cushioned bench. Placing candles or bath oils on a gold tray helps the textures look connected in the room.
Gold Fixtures With Animal Prints For A Luxe Look
Bringing together gold and animal print mixes gives every room a fancy and elegant ambiance. I tend to lean on these pieces when I want my space to have a luxurious modern look. Gold-decorated pieces make a room cozy and elegant and prints from zebra, cheetah or giraffe give a dynamic and colorful twist.
Brushed or matte gold is the style I choose for faucets, showerheads, towel racks and drawer pulls. These are nicely combined with monochrome or neutral animal prints. For instance, featuring a backsplash in zebra print and a matte gold sink made cool and balanced. Make sure the walls, counters and cabinets all have a creamy look and add frosted glass to tie them together.
A lot of my clients are impressed at how well the duo works in their bathrooms. Gold is making a comeback in modern bathrooms and it looks best against bold animal prints, according to Architectural Digest. For me, it’s a simple method to add style without being too much.
Or, you might consider flooring the room with tiles or a floor mat in a gold shade. They give the look of animal print a sense of order instead of making it seem random.
Mixing Animal Prints With Marble For Elegance
Using marble with animal prints is an easy way to make your bathroom look more elegant. In many of the projects I’ve done, including ones with stylish linear patterns, a light touch of cheetah-print or zebra pattern made everything feel more unique and inviting. Organic patterns and natural stone blend well and add a stylish surprise to the room.
Choose marble to make your countertops, flooring or surrounds for your showers. Set a neutral foundation with either white or gray marble and insert animal print items throughout your bathroom, like towels, wall art, a rug or drawers to keep things neat. I usually use brushed nickel or soft gold hardware to maintain an elegant feel in my designs.
To be honest, I’ve noticed that the difference between wild and polished elements makes the bathroom look like something from a magazine. Lately, House & Home has shown how this combination merges modern simple design with each owner’s own style in luxury renovations.
In this regard, you can add dimmable lighting to nicely highlight all the details without letting either the marble or print steal the show.
Black And White Animal Prints For Classic Chic
Black and white animal prints are always the right choice for a classy and lasting bathroom. I suggest this way of designing to clients who seek a striking website that they can tweak or redesign down the road. It looks good in every color and has remained stylish through many years.
Prints can be added to any room with wallpaper, bath mats, decorative trays or collections of towels. I choose zebra stripes, Dalmatian spots or clean leopard looks in black and white. Create a unified look by blending matte black fixtures, glossy subway tiles or a black stone vanity with these.
My opinion? If you aren’t sure about bright shades, this is an easy introduction to animal print. Domino Magazine says that the contrast of black and white animal print gives any home a strong modern feel. I completely agree—it’s simple to put together and seems personally selected.
You might want to place one black framed mirror and a simple white wall sconce to stay in tune with the theme and not make the room look crowded.
Wood And Wildlife: Pairing Animal Prints With Natural Materials
Combining wood with animal prints in your bathroom gives it an elegant and grounded look. I use this principle often in work focused on natural designs for inviting spa environments. The soft tones of wood are a great match for the interesting appeal of animal-inspired patterns without taking over.
Once, I put a teak vanity with a granite basin in place and left out some neutral leopard-patterned hand towels. The wood gave us a sense of comfort and the animal print lent the space character and style. Using wood-look tiles or bamboo blinds in these colors fits well into this decor.
To my mind, using timber and nature brings the atmosphere of a luxury eco-resort to the interior. Better Homes & Gardens points out that using organic items along with unique, daring patterns adds depth and texture to your interior. It’s particularly clear to me when the bathroom has natural light.
Put a few soft towels or candles on some open wooden shelves and consider putting a reclaimed wood mirror in the bathroom for another touch of rustic style.
Glamorous Jungle-Inspired Mirror Frames
One quick and fashionable way to recognize animal prints in the bathroom is with jungle-inspired frames on your mirrors. Printed or carved animal frames allow me to give a sense of my style without needing big changes.
A minimalist light above these frames really enhances their beauty above a vanity area. Using gold leaf, faux animal print or wooden frames featuring carved leopard or zebra designs adds style to your furniture without affecting how it’s used. Having cabinet handles, towel rings or even a vanity stool in the same style helps everything look the same visually.
This is how I see it: it’s a fantastic low-risk way to include a safari theme. Elle Decor believes a powerful mirror decision in the bathroom sets the tone and look for the entire space. A mirror frame truly functions like decorative jewelry for a bathroom.
You could finish off the room with a near-wall elephant-shaped hook or a light fixture featuring real or faux leaves from the tropics.
Wildlife-Themed Shower Curtains That Wow
A bathroom can feel much more striking when you simply install a shower curtain. Choosing a shower curtain with a wildlife theme can be the main eye-catcher in your bathroom. I choose curtains with clear animal images such as zebras, tigers or giraffes, in case my bathroom is simple and quite Japanese-inspired, as it becomes warmer that way. Using animal prints isn’t only about decoration—it can completely change how your room is received.
I prefer curtains that are thick, washable, hang nicely and do not fade. I usually pick tiles that match the colors and design in the rest of the room when the walls or trim are white or neutral. The hooks you receive for these curtains might be either brass or matte black and I’d go for these since they are both solid and attractive. They give your home a smooth and stylish look that goes with multicultural themes.
For me, the bathroom ought to be an enjoyable space, not only a place you automate. A spur-of-moment tiger or panther design can quickly cheer up any morning routine. According to Architectural Digest, animal-printed shower curtains are becoming popular in small spaces that don’t have wall art, but still want something attention-grabbing.
A nice way to upgrade this section is by using a bath rug or towel set with an understated version of the animal print. It makes the design unified, but not too much for the space.
Animal Print Wallpaper For Powder Room Drama
As soon as I enter a powder room with animal print wallpaper, it stands out. You can take more design risks in small spaces than you could in larger places. I’ve used both leopard print and zebra stripes in half-bath design to give them both character and depth. The most important part is selecting a modern wallpaper—try one that looks like it’s matte, simple and perhaps large in size.
These brands such as Schumacher and York Wallcoverings, are my top choices for quality and resistance to moisture. Since wallpaper in a small bathroom won’t be affected by excessive steam, it’s the perfect spot to choose easy-to-stain designs. A great way to use these wallpapers is with brushed gold or matte black mirrors and add dim sconce lighting to enhance the room. Natural wood or black in the vanity furniture gives stability to the bright and colorful pattern.
Wallpaper can bring art into your space the same way a painting can. It’s your opportunity to surprise and intrigue guests. For me, one of the best looks was a single-color zebra wallpaper paired with vintage-style gold fixtures. Interior design pros like Kelly Wearstler often talk about how powder rooms are ideal “jewel boxes,” and I couldn’t agree more.
A strong piece of art or an eye-catching tray for perfume could improve the high-class appearance of the place.
Accent Walls With Fierce Feline Energy
You can use accent walls to help you control where you add animal prints. In many bathrooms with clients who want a big effect but aren’t looking for it to dominate the room, I use these bold features. Using a cheetah or leopard print wall behind your vanity can give the space both style and energy. The strategy carefully fits into bathrooms that are mainly decorated with white, beige or taupe.
I find that tile and waterproof wallpaper work best for making these accent walls. For design, matte or textured finishing makes things look more appealing to the eye. I chose backlit lighting, marble counters and current sinks to improve the style. Coming together animal print and fine materials creates a beautiful mix that feels both carefully designed and above nature.
I think combining black and gold with a vivid accent wall creates a beautiful look. You’ll notice the strong contrast in colors right away and it looks good in homes of any style. Elle Decor’s interior designers regularly recommend accent walls in small spaces because they provide a lot of impact for little work.
You could finish the design well by covering the back of the wall in slim dark or black cabinets or shelves.
Exotic Bath Mats To Complete The Look
A good bath mat might not seem very important, but I find it makes adding animal prints easy, without filling up the room. When I design a simple bathroom, I rely on them for a small, surprising element. Choose clothing that has zebra-like patterns in only one color or shades of faux leopard fur.
If you’re looking for something comfortable and long-lasting, pick a high-pile microfiber mat. It’s best to choose non-slip rugs and those that can be washed in a machine. They create a lovely match with either stone floors, white tiles or wood planks. They look good in any bathroom style, serving as an attractive piece and a comfortable accessory.
Once, I designed a modern bathroom with a white scheme and putting a striped rug into the area really enhanced the ambiance in the room. This is such a little thing that really matters a lot. House Beautiful’s experts often stress that texture matters in bathrooms and I think a nice bath mat keeps things practical and attractive.
A touch of animal-print hand towels or a similar basket would finish the look nicely.
Tropical Plants And Prints: A Wild Combo
I love designing with animal prints and tropical plants together. It’s practically making a bathroom that reminds you of both a spa and the rainforest. Using this method, I add green plants and wild prints to areas with lots of natural light. It allows you to team up prints to make the bolder ones feel, just, a bit less bold.
On the print side, I find myself drawn to accessories like curtains, towels or fabric framed prints. Since humidity works well for them, I recommend monstera, snake plants and bamboo for houseplants. Ceramic or woven baskets decorated with animals often go well with the theme I’m using. Because of these elements, the bathroom becomes both luxurious and natural.
I find that having this food sweetens the whole mood. Pairing greenery with animal prints creates a design that somehow makes us dream of adventure while making us feel at ease. Experts at Apartment Therapy regularly bring up how houseplants can make a room both more enjoyable and healthier to spend time in.
You could also pick out some bamboo or teak furniture to make your decor look more natural and evenly spaced out with the animal prints.
Vintage Meets Safari In Eclectic Bathrooms
Mixing natural materials, vintage designs and wild style makes the bathroom charming and interesting. Using a clawfoot tub and an old vanity as a base, I finish the look with animal print curtains or rugs. Putting together old and wild features makes the place feel interesting and fun.
Since I love the look of vintage objects, I am always on the lookout for genuine brass fixtures, pocket stools made out of wood and simple freestanding mirrors with a nice patina. They offer genuine and loving feelings to their audience. After that, I think about using strong leopard or giraffe prints in pillows, blankets or even wall stickers. Wearing a white or tan color as a base makes all of the pieces appear to go well together.
This is one of my favorite methods when a client asks for something unique. Following the advice from designers in Domino Magazine, mixing different decorations makes your space warm and personal, not unnecessary formal. This is what makes an eclectic bathroom perfect.
To accent the appearance further, placing some rattan or bamboo accessories around and hanging a pendant light with tribal-themed images throughout the room would do the trick.
Animal Prints With Metallic Accents For Drama
Get a strong style by matching animal prints with metal accessories. I apply this style in glam bathrooms that need to reflect luxury. Have fun with the classic combination of zebra striped walls and gold frame mirrors or create a modern look with snakeskin tile and chrome features. There is a strong contrast between the strong patterns and simple metal, making things interesting to see.
I make sure to balance out bold patters by including mirrors, brass faucets or rose gold lamps in the room. I often choose animal print wallpaper with polished nickel towel bars or shiney chandeliers when the tub is freestanding. Joining the two types of furniture keeps the place elegant and sophisticated, yet without any endless decorations.
I love the look I got from matching brushed brass on my vanity with cheetah print wallpaper. Yet, it was as dramatic as we had hoped for, yet it remained any classy. Interior expert Emily Henderson notes that metallics give a space glamour plus extra light which makes them great for teaming up with patterned items.
Including matte black or wooden accents will stop the room from feeling either overly glitzy or chilly.
Using Animal Prints In Small Bathrooms
In smaller bathrooms, each change in design must be well thought out. To me, using animal prints carefully can make small spaces feel much more interesting and appealing. Unique wall designs, bold framed mirrors and colorful towels add some style to the space but avoid making the area seem cluttered. You really only need to use one animal print standout for the design to have focus.
The starting point for me is usually creamy or white walls, plain fixtures and light wood colors. At this point, I’ll put in a tile border with a snake-skin pattern or add a leopard-print shower curtain. Dark-colored matte vanities help to outline the bathroom’s style. You can add interest to a room by choosing mirrors with delicate animal detailing.
I had a client with a little bathroom that was missed up until we put in a cheetah print rug and matching towel set. The room became instantly more attractive and warm-feeling. Bold prints in small areas, as explained by Better Homes & Gardens, expand the look and shape the room to make it seem bigger and more designed.
I suggest placing a basket or drawer liner with a pattern in the bathroom—it’s not a big change, but adds to the theme subtly.
Textured Animal Print Tiles For Depth
Working with textured tiles is great as it gives any area both a visual lift and a trace of tactile experience. Adding animal prints to your tiles can really improve the overall style of your bathroom. Subway tile can be used in shower enclosures as well as behind the sink on a backsplash.
My personal favorite tiles are matte or semi-gloss medium-colored stones. Textured patterns made from crocodile, snake or zebra material look interesting but won’t take over the room. To not pull the eye away from the tiles, I typically let the walls and fixtures have a neutral look. Putting animal print tiles in the wall niche of your shower can create a special feature.
In my opinion, these tiles attract homeowners who want a luxurious atmosphere, but with something unique as well. The blend of refreshing modernism and bold character from this style is why Elle Decor has featured it. Also, adding texture gives an all-tile space more variety and makes it look unique.
I think combining the tiles with matte black or brushed bronze fixtures, along with a reclaimed wood vanity, will give your bathroom an earthy contrast.
Layering Leopard With Luxe Textiles
Working leopard print items into an expensive style brings coziness and warmth to the room. It’s also great for large bathrooms where you have space to use different fabrics—bathrobes, plush towels, upholstered benches and window treatments too.
I make it a point to choose a soft, lovely leopard-patterned set of towels, normally in beige and black or just one color. They go well with white, gray or neutral stone tiles or with light gray walls. Using a cushion for the velvet bench in the same style helps the room feel united and thick throws with faux fur add another layer of texture. I also find linen curtains with lightly done animal prints to be both soft and graceful.
From Nate Berkus and others I’ve learned that what makes a home seem luxurious is careful use of different materials, not price alone. When combined with rich fabric, animal prints seem classic and stylish instead of tacky. I especially appreciated designing a combination with a leopard bath mat, some Turkish cotton towels and a cashmere robe arranged on display.
By adding scented, animal print candles and placing a tufted ottoman by the freestanding tub, you could elevate the whole look.
Playful Prints For Family-Friendly Bathrooms
When I design a family bathroom, often for homes with small children, my favorite way to add fun is by using playful animal prints. Adding in natural elements makes the area look cheerful instead of dull. I choose animals or nature-themed illustrations, particular monkeys or flamingos, to add playfulness to a room.
I’ve tried using vinyl decals, bath mats in the form of lions and colorful shower curtains with animal designs. The materials are replaceable when your children get older. I also make sure to include shelves that are open for toys or small bath bottles and use quartz countertops with durable wallpaper that won’t absorb water.
The wallpaper, towels and mirror highlighted by bamboo were one of the best projects I recall. It made bath time seem magical, so we both enjoyed it. Many HGTV experts encourage adding removable wall stickers and themed items to bathrooms designed for kids so they can be easily changed.
I’d like to go a step further by hanging animal illustrations above the towel hooks, along with either themed ladders or step stools they can use to reach the sink.
Minimalist Spaces With A Wild Twist
Sometimes using animal prints in a simple design makes them really stand out. I enjoy the way wild animals look in situations where everything else is calm. A few animal print items in a minimalist bathroom act as a charming centerpiece and give the room color.
A lot of the time, I choose one standout print, for example with zebra or giraffe on a rug or tiles and then keep everything else simple using white porcelain sinks, glass mirrors with no frame and simple cabinetry. You’ll find fixtures in either matte black or brushed steel and the colors are mostly whites, blacks and grays.
It looks modern and quietly sure of itself. I included a zebra runner rug and matte black everywhere else in a bathroom for a bachelor client—the design was confident, macho and spared. At Dwell, designers frequently explain that a single item covered in a pattern stands out more in a sparsely furnished room and I have experienced this myself.
You could also include a fiddle-leaf fig or tall snake plant with sculptural leaves, stacked in a dark planter, to keep the natural look while avoiding extra clutter.
Animal-Inspired Accessories And Decor Details
If you’re not ready to fully incorporate animal print, accessories are the best way to start. You should start with decorative pieces for smaller things, for example, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, tissue boxes and wall hooks. When designed well, they can quickly improve a normal bathroom.
I usually select decor that images or outlines animals such as elephants, panthers or birds. I often like to put these home accents on woven baskets or marble trays. If you put up black-and-white prints of animals or pictures of the savanna, they give art to your bathroom and help make the space feel more complete.
I believe those details turn a space into one that looks carefully created and finished. Not long ago, I set a gold elephant figurine to hold towels and the client loved it so much they made it the centerpiece of their room. Veranda noted in one article that the distinction between amateur and professional design is found in the way the small elements are executed—and this is something I completely agree with.
One more thing I’d suggest is placing an animal-print mirror with a frame and a textured soap dispenser near the accessories for extra harmony.
Earthy Color Palettes With Safari Flair
When you use natural colors and animal prints, the bathroom looks sincere and appealing at the same time. To begin, I use warm neutral colors such as terracotta, sand, camel and olive green and then add animal motifs by including them in my textiles or artwork.
A lot of the time, I use clay tile floors, wooden vanities and fixtures made from bronze or copper to add warmth. A linen shower curtain with leopard print, elephant pulls for your drawers or a cheetah pattern on the wall art helps finish the safari theme. These special touches give the place a bit of variety, while still keeping the area calm and peaceful.
The theme has worked especially well with my clients since it combines rest and narrative. We set up a jute rug, added a bamboo stool and had a black and white giraffe print—all together, everything was a perfect mix of eco and exotic. Recently, Architectural Digest noted that global modern styles are gaining popularity. Safari-flavored organic rooms suit this trend very well.
Lastly, I think adding a rattan or leather pendant light above will help improve the natural feel of the design and soften the ceiling area.
Wild Wallpapered Ceilings For Unexpected Drama
I think most people don’t realize just how much the ceiling in the bathroom can benefit the design. Adding animal prints to the ceiling can give any room an unanticipated touch of sophistication. As soon as you go into a bathroom and notice the zebra or cheetah design on the ceiling, it’s an experience that sticks in your mind. Interestingly, this style works great in powder rooms or tight bathrooms, giving us the chance to focus on displaying tile vertically.
I find that using either vinyl or moisture-resistant wallpaper with big black-and-white zebra or colorful leopard patterns works best on the bathroom’s ceiling. Choose natural colors like black, sand or cream on the wall to maintain balance in your entryway. You should choose simple features, for example a wall-mounted vanity with quartz countertops, a mirror that doesn’t have a frame and soft lighting hanging from the ceiling to draw the view upward without clutter. Choosing LED lighting that highlights the ceiling helps give the print a 3D look.
In one bathroom project, we added a giraffe ceiling print over a wall made with neutral stone tiles. The place felt like a top-class, boutique hotel. Architectural Digest has spoken about how statement ceilings look elegant in small bathrooms and don’t waste any needed floor area and I couldn’t agree more.
I’d like to make this part of the room stand out more by adding small metallic pieces like brushed brass or matte black furniture to spread light up above the print. A floor mat with a pattern or themed soap dispensers will finish the look, but not make it look busy.
Combining Animal Prints With Modern Fixtures
Today’s modern bathrooms don’t have to forgo clean lines just because animal prints are used. On the other hand, this difference can be good for you, adding a fun balance to your home. Using animal prints on shower curtains, bath mats or window dressings gives you the option to change your style over time while looking modern.
My preference for an even and attractive look is high-gloss white or black walls, a vanity that’s mounted on the walls and slab doors tied together with just one or two pieces of small hardware—in my opinion, matte gold or satin chrome. A shower curtain with a leopard print cotton design and black metal edges makes a big impression. For the theme to continue, find a zebra print rug and hang some abstract prints of animals on the wall near the sink. It’s recommended to wear animal prints in subdued colors so your sleek fixtures look harmonious together.
My experience tells me that successful designs use animal-themed objects while keeping them from being the central feature. A showerhead made of polished chrome, a rimless glass wall and countertops in white quartz go wonderfully with these bold patterns. Elle Décor states that pairing messy patterns with refined surfaces lends a tasteful look without too much disorder and I’ve noticed it again and again.
For an even more interesting look, you could add subtle animal textures such as faux croc or snake, to drawer fronts or panels. Tiny, easily noticeable touches can enhance what users feel and keep the area understated and trendy.
How To Avoid Overwhelming The Space With Prints
Putting animal prints into your bathroom needs skill to prevent it from looking too bright or cluttered. I suggest using them to enhance parts of your room in a smaller way. It’s smart to focus on one or two surfaces and leave the other parts of the room neutral and textured. Using this principle helps to keep the impact visually clear while still being engaging.
A design trick I use is to apply subtle snakeskin wallpaper on the wall in the corner of a bathroom where there’s a mirror or bathtub, with surrounding wall surfaces made of softer stone or concrete plates. Smooth surfaces, lighter colors and open mirrors will help keep your space gentle. A vessel sink, a backlit mirror and a wood or metal ladder for towels are all you need for furnishings. A floral pattern on your hand towel or a tiger print on your wastebasket can liven up your room, but won’t take over the decor.
A small Manhattan bathroom renovation saw me create an accent wall of faux-leopard print behind the vanity and the rest of the room in warm limestone tiles. I interpreted it as an artwork rather than a stunt. Many times I have learned from Better Homes & Gardens that using different textures instead of multiple patterns brings more richness to my decorating efforts.
To better this look, I’d place some woven or natural options such as a bamboo hamper or rattan shelves, alongside the prints to give a softer feel. Adding greenery in a single vase can also help “ground” the space visually.
Designing A Cohesive Animal Print Bathroom Theme
To get the same look in your bathroom, you have to be thoughtful. Each design starts by choosing my main theme, for example cheetah, zebra or python and all other parts follow. It’s most important to maintain a similar appearance throughout the house. Stick with one main color palette, whether it’s black and white, tan and brown or gold and cream and use it in every part of the space. So, the animal prints look planned rather than too random.
In my approach, starting with a zebra tile backsplash for the vanity and adding stylish towels, a soap tray and a hamper for your toiletries is best. A black vanity with gold hardware brings out the stripes, but in a different way. Hang a framed sketch of a giraffe or a similar abstract animal painting and you add a story to your space. Rough porcelain and concrete can be a nice addition to a space, providing balance to the room.
For my bathroom, I’ve chosen both dark wood and discreet cheetah prints on the seats of the bench. It all fit well together, included much detail and was warm, without feeling controlled by any one theme. Veranda advises sticking with one theme for your bathroom and I practice the same rule. The restraint in the film makes the theme more important.
Adding animal print to hardware near the bath helps to softly complete the look. You could also experiment with mood lighting that echoes the pattern’s color palette, enhancing the ambience without overpowering the space.
Appropriate use of animal prints can give your bathroom a deeper look, a personality of its own and a surprise touch. No matter what style you pick for your ceiling or how you use accessories, maintaining balance is key. I’d love to hear how you’ve experimented with animal prints in your own space—share your ideas or ask your questions in the comments below!
