How to Decorate an Indian Theme Room

Modern and traditional Indian-style homes have an array of colors.

India is a country steeped in a rich array of colors, textures and distinctive styles, from the epic Taj Mahal to the lush reds, greens and oranges of the landscape. Regardless if you plan on decorating your home in traditional or contemporary Indian decor, your home will benefit from the lush palette of colors and the luxurious textures. Create an Indian-themed room by decorating strategically to make the space seem appropriately exotic, lush and colorful.

Things You'll Need

• Ceramic or porcelain tiles
• Carved wooden furniture
• Indian-style accent pieces and accessories
• Gauzy curtains
• Colorful window treatments
• Handmade or reproduced Indian rug

Instructions

1. Install ceramic or porcelain tiles in a light color over the floor. Indian homes often have tiled floors in light shades to keep spaces cool.

2. Position a handmade carved piece of dark wood furniture in the center of the room. Ideally the furniture should be made in India, with distinctively ornate carvings of popular Indian designs such as images of the sun, Indian deities and concentric circles, as well as straight and wavy lines. If decorating a bedroom, use a low, carved wooden bed. If decorating a living room, use a low, wood-framed couch.

3. Cover the main piece of furniture in a bright silk. Add five or six throw pillows in bright colors and different fabrics. Hang a large piece of fabric from hooks on the ceiling to act as a canopy and add a splash of color to the ceiling.

4. Add ornately carved wooden tables around the room. Use tables with common Indian carvings and decorative golden pots and brightly painted pieces of pottery and statues, such as cows, birds, snakes, lotus flowers, mythological creatures and other figures. Layer bright indigo or red window treatments on top of light gauzy drapes or curtains.

5. Position a handmade or reproduced Indian-style tapestry rug on the floor to complete the look.

Tips & Warnings

• Popular colors in Indian-style homes are red, orange, indigo, yellow, green, purple and blue.

References

• "India Style"; Alexandra Bonfante-Warren; 2001
• Luxury Decorating Ideas: Indian-Style Interior

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish