Lebanese Decoration Ideas

Lebanese houses are airy and bright.

Lebanese decor calls for elements with bright vivid colors that blend with more subtle hues that mimic Lebanon's natural geographic features. Whether your style is classic or contemporary, make it authentically Lebanese with a fusion of decor accents from the cultural surroundings that Lebanese people have traditionally adopted from European countries.

Arabian Elements

Feature a colorful area rug with a bold but simple design.

As Arabic is the predominant language spoken in Lebanon, it makes sense that the decor choices often follow Arabic tastes. Earthen or clay pottery is an ideal accent for homes decorated with Lebanese influence. Opt for handled jugs in muted colors such as brown or beige.

Wood mosaic and inlay furniture add strong influences of Arabian design to your decor. For darker interiors, choose lighter wood tones such as gray or light brown. Contrast lighter interiors with darker wood. Use end tables near couches and incorporate a Moroccan area rug in a central location such as a foyer or great room.

American Lebanese Fusion

Moroccan lanterns are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

For a successful union between American and Lebanese decor, blend bright colors such as yellow on a textured wall as a backdrop for a rustic wooden table in the kitchen. Couches in Lebanese decor are typically placed against a wall. Opt for a couch in distressed leather for American appeal. Place two red inlay or patterned end tables in painted wood on either side of the couch for Lebanese flair.

Look for Moroccan hanging lanterns or pendant lights in a variety of colors and hang one in each room of your house over a table or sitting area. These lanterns cast multidimensional light against walls for a decidedly Moroccan "lamp," which is popular for lighting Lebanese homes.

Mediterranean

Look for old church window mullions to use as wall grilles.

The Mediterranean Sea borders Lebanon on the west and many Lebanese decor elements are taken straight from Mediterranean themes. Feature bold colors for fabrics such as a brocade couch or substantial side chair. Hang a colorful landscape painting depicting the Mediterranean Sea. Choose minimal window coverings such as a single cotton panel in white or beige with a beaded fringe.

On walls, add a bold artistic statement with a decorative iron wall grille. Add matching wall sconces on either side and use natural candles to illuminate the sconces. Accessorize with Mediterranean glass decanters in vivid colors such as blue and green. Bring in a variety of houseplants, especially herbs, and set them in large terracotta or stone pots near filtered sunlight.

French Lebanese

Opt for natural wood shades for affordable Lebanese influence on windows.

French tapestries are often the top choices for wall-hangings in Lebanese homes. French is the second most widely spoken language in Lebanon, so many homes have followed suit with French decor. Use French pottery and rustic furniture pieces, such as distressed-wood beds and nightstands. Use large potted palms for an airy ambiance in great rooms.

Add French-inspired backdrops such as neutral walls and fabrics. White or ecru cotton drapes with cutout patterns make ideal window treatments for permitting natural light to offset darker interiors. Opt for bold orange or red patterned drapery for large open rooms with plenty of space.

References

• Every Culture: Culture of Lebanon
• Almimariya: The Lebanese House
• Coolshire: Moroccan Home Decorating Ideas

Resources

• Lebanon Atlas: Tourism, Lebanon At a Glance