African Bogolan Fabric In Decoration: Decryption And Inspiration

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:49

Very trendy for years, the ethnic decoration never ceases to seduce lovers of prints, colors and authenticity from other cultures and distant places. This might make you think of the bohemian chic style, but, lately, another trend is tending to democratize: the African decoration and more particularly the African bogolan fabric. Decryption of the famous printed fabric in the following paragraphs.

The wax decor and colorful African bogolan fabrics: decryption

Some time ago, the wax print completely took hold of our outfits, making us forget the monochrome looks. African craftsmanship, with its plethora of patterns and colors has revived our wardrobes and transported our hearts to the African continent. Today, the wax decoration is inviting in our interiors to warm them, bringing energy and sunshine. She seizes the furniture, textiles, decorations and even crockery. In addition to highlighting natural materials (jute, rattan, raw wood, etc.), the Africa decoration also makes us fall under the spell of printed African fabrics.

To make the difference, it was wax, with its graphic patterns in flamboyant colors that invaded the world of fashion. Now, it is the turn of another African fabric to conquer our interior decoration. It is the African bogolan fabric in question. In Mali, this type of fabric is called Bogolanfini: Bogo, meaning "earth" or "mud", - lan, meaning "with" and - finished, meaning "fabric". Hence the translation currently used “mud cloth”. Bogolan is actually a textile printing technique on woven cotton. Unlike wax, bogolan is decorated with geometric and ethnic patterns, available in sober colors. This fabric mixes black, white, ocher and all kinds of brown and is easier to adopt in decoration.

African mud fabric and the symbols of its prints

Through symbols and prints, African fabrics tell stories of births, marriages and deaths or refer to animals and historical events, religion and tribal mythologies. It is also believed that the patterns and symbols are imbued with Nyama which represents vitality, strength and energy.

All our advice for adopting the African decor: we adopt the furnishing fabrics

Wax or bogolan upholstery fabrics are an excellent idea to dress your furniture (chairs, armchairs, stools and sofas) while infusing African graphics and authenticity to the interior decoration. You can even use it to make an ethnic wall tapestry in the bedroom.

African bogolan fabric in the contemporary interior: multiply the cushions

Decorative cushions are always a great way to liven up spaces. With this in mind, transforming a piece of wax or bogolan fabric into cushion covers is a superb idea to infuse an ethnic touch into the interior decoration. Whether it's a single cushion on the armchair or a stack of cushions on the sofa or on the floor, the effect is guaranteed!

African-inspired throws and throws

Besides the wonderful decorative effect that bogolan fabrics bring to your interior, you will really appreciate having throws and throws made of mud fabrics nearby. When the cold weather sets in you might like to snuggle up in these textiles because the cotton is soft and nice but thick enough that you won't get cold. Another great idea is to sew an African print bedspread that will fit wonderfully into an eclectic or even contemporary bedroom.

Mudcloth mud cloth takes over the walls

African mud fabric is ideal as a wall hanging. Saving space and originality, this decor to hang on the headboard wall radically changes the atmosphere in the bedroom. In order to take advantage of this type of ethnic wall decoration, simply hang a piece of African fabric directly on the wall or frame it in a suitable frame. For the frame version, you have the freedom to show it off in the bedroom as well as in the hallway or living room. Do not hesitate to associate it with a plaid or a few cushions with similar prints or colors.

Other original ideas to integrate wax and bogolan decor at home

Source: saxhomehawaii.com

The wax and bogolan decor finds many ways to fit into the interior design. Colorful and graphic patterns can, for example, become an integral part of the table decoration. A pretty tablecloth or some trivets will breathe African charm into your dining area. For those of you who love DIY, DIY African fabric flowerpot covers would be a snap. African print fabrics are also great for sewing curtains. These, depending on the patterns and colors, can complete an eclectic ensemble or boost a more sober and monochrome decor.

The bogolan print cushions are perfect for infusing an African touch to the decor

Feel free to decorate the dining room with a superb Mud Cloth rug

Decorate a cozy reading corner with bogolan cushions

Refresh the white kitchen with a few bogolan chair covers in indigo blue

Pretty African prints are perfect for the contemporary interior

A cozy ethnic living room thanks to African fabrics Mud Cloth