How to Give a Room a Tropical Theme

Co-authored by Priscilla Bettencourt

Last Updated: August 9, 2021 References

Taking a trip to a tropical place is expensive! So, why not bring the tropical atmosphere to you? By making the most of natural lighting and using innovative decor, you can transform an ordinary room into a space suited for a seaside getaway. That way, you can wake up in paradise every day and feel relaxed without ever leaving your room.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Brightening the Space

1
Maximize natural lighting. Use windows to your advantage by hanging white or translucent curtains to let as much light in as possible. Light will not only give the space a more natural feel, but will also make the room appear larger.^{[1]
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Research source} Keep everything open and airy.
- Avoid using heavy window treatments that block out all the light in your room. Instead, choose sheer drapes or blinds that will still let in some light. sheer draperies that let light into a room.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Priscilla Bettencourt
  Home Stager & Interior Designer
  Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.}
- Hanging a large mirror in your room can help make the most of your natural light, as well.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Priscilla Bettencourt
  Home Stager & Interior Designer
  Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.}
2
Select nature-inspired wallpaper. Wallpaper that appears to be made of wood or bamboo will remind people who enter the room of palm trees and other plants that are typically found in tropical places. Decorate one or two walls with the wallpaper, and coat the other walls in a solid, neutral color.

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3
Paint the ceiling white. A dark ceiling can make a room feel cramped and tiny, whereas a white ceiling will brighten and open your space. The illusion of high ceilings will help your room feel more like a tropical destination.^{[4]
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4
Use light colors. Light colors and whites reflect natural light better than darker colors. Try to find furnishings in cool colors, such as blues and greens for your bedspreads and sheets. Cool colors are soothing, so they will reflect the relaxed environment of the tropics.^{[5]
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Research source} Dark colors can serve as accents, but refrain from painting an entire wall in a dark shade.
5
Choose patterned fabrics. Light fabrics, such as linen and cotton, can brighten a room. Find fabric with a hibiscus flower pattern to make the environment even more tropical. Use tropical patterns to cover throw pillows and lamp shades. Blankets with floral patterns would also make a cozy addition to your personal paradise.^{[6]
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6
Furnish sparingly. Include only the most necessary furniture to avoid a room with a cluttered appearance. With fewer pieces of furniture, you will have more space to move around. For best results, choose simple furniture with smooth lines and light coloring.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Choosing Decorations

1
Accessorize with bamboo. Border your ceilings with pieces of bamboo, and lay a couple of bamboo throw rugs on the floor. Use bamboo to accent lights, wardrobes, and chairs for an added tropical effect.^{[7]
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2
Hang a net-like canopy over your bed. This will give the room a more tropical feel, as many tropical rooms and resorts use canopies both as mosquito netting and as protection from the hot sun. Canopies also allow for a romantic and playful atmosphere.^{[8]
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3
Use mirrors. In order to make a room seem more spacious, group mirrors together. Mirrors reflect light instead of absorbing it, so hanging them strategically, such as on their side, can trick the eye into making walls appear longer.^{[9]
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4
Decorate with seashells. Place seashells on dresser surfaces and on your bedside table. When you go to the beach, find shells that catch your eye and display them in your room to bring the seashore home. This way, people will instantly think of paradise upon seeing your space.
5
Use plants as decor. Gather tropical plants, place them in flower pots, and scatter them throughout your room. Not only do plants provoke thoughts of paradise, but they will also help your health. Plants ease breathing and increase the humidity in the room, which can help fend off colds, sore throats, and dry skin.^{[10]
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I make my room feel brighter?

Priscilla Bettencourt
Home Stager & Interior Designer
Priscilla Bettencourt is an Home Stager, Interior Designer, and the Founder of Halcyon Home Staging + Design, a home staging business based in San Francisco, California. Halcyon specializes in expansive staging services geared to maximize a property's resale value and transform any home into an inviting environment for potential buyers. Halcyon has received the “Best of Houzz Service” Award in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Priscilla Bettencourt

Home Stager & Interior Designer

Expert Answer

Avoid using heavy window treatments that block out all the light, and hang large mirrors to reflect any natural light that's coming in from the windows.
Question

What is the best option if I am renting a house and can't change the color of the wall?

Community Answer

Maybe you could put up posters and pictures to cover the walls instead of painting. You can use command strips to hang things so you don't damage the wall.
Question

I have a lot of furniture and a single bed in an L-shaped room. I can't put anything in front of the window because of a radiator. What should I do?

Community Answer

You should clean your room and sell the things you don't want to get money to buy whatever you want to put next to your window.
Question

Can I have a small sea-like pool in my room where all my tropical fish will live?

Community Answer

That seems like it would be really difficult to install and then regulate to keep all your fish alive and healthy. It's probably best to just get a large aquarium.