Styled in African Print
Author: Teresa Lubano(KE)
Contributors: Daniel Echessa (KE), Martha Oringo (UG), Anna Okumu Mbogo (KE)
Published: July 31, 2025 (first appeared on Medium, July 29, 2025)
Ever thought about adding some personality to your furniture? I have! It’s always struck me how, in so many East African homes, furniture tends to play it safe — neutral tones, imported styles, little to no print. But what if we shifted that? What if we embraced African prints and let our furniture tell a different story?
Imagine chairs in lush florals, bold stripes, Afrofuturistic pomp or even clean Afro-chic geometrics. It’s not just possible — it’s time. Time for African consumers to embrace print in our living spaces. I have to give a shout-out to Love Artisan for already paving the way with their printed occasional chairs. That’s the energy!
At UndaMeta, we’re taking it even further. With over 300 digital prints available, our creators have unlocked a vibrant world of colour, pattern, and versatility. for you. These designs can be printed on Tiara (a durable 100% cotton canvas) or Sparkle, a luxurious 100% poly-based fabric that’s colourfast and ideal for upholstery. There is also an extended range of beautiful, locally spun and woven textiles available online — perfect for anyone looking for something with a more natural, homegrown feel.
Not ready to go all in with a full sofa? Start small. Try a printed occasional chair. Ottoman. Or refresh an old footstool. Sometimes print can feel intimidating, but when done right, it transforms a space — instantly.
Pair your new printed piece with cushions in matching tones, or play around with colour blocking using accessories like table runners, lampshades, rugs, or curtains. For example, a yellow-patterned fabric on a chair can be beautifully grounded with a deep blue accent lamp. Little things, big style.
We especially love Martha Oringo’s reflection on the evolution of African interior décor:
“Growing up, I associated safari-inspired prints as the default style — paired effortlessly with the Tika furniture you’d find in many homes. These prints were staples for sofas, cushions, and other soft furnishings. But over time, I began to notice a shift. Tribal patterns, Kuba cloth, Kente embroidery, and handwoven African textiles started appearing as decorative accents. Even batiks found their way into our spaces. Today, the possibilities feel endless — especially with the creative freedom digital printing brings.”
What do you think? Could printed African textiles be the bold update your home needs? I’d love to hear your thoughts.