Many people dream of having an island getaway or vacation. It’s because staying on an island or a beautiful beach resort can help us forget about our worries and have some relaxation time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and workplace. However, if you have a tight schedule and can’t find time to have some vacation on an island, you can still recreate the vibes in your home.
Imagine coming home after work to a peaceful, exotic retreat. Island or tropical themes are inspired by natural beauty, bringing nature indoors by using organic colors, textures, and forms. Aside from that, island-style furnishings and décor can also inspire a casual, relaxing atmospherewhile giving you a resort-style feel. Therefore, even if you are not living on an island, you can recreate the look of it in your home. If you want some ideas, read on as we are giving you 5 island-themed decorating ideas for your home.
1. Change the color scheme of your home into neutral colors
If you want an island-themed home, neutral colors are a good base. You can begin with different shades of brown, ivory, beige, khaki, and mocha. These colors are usually found in many tropical hardwoods that you may choose for furnishings and décor. Aside from that, you can also choose various shades of green, such as sage, olive, and pine. You can also mix lighter shades of blue, turquoise, or aqua. Then, when you accessorize, you can choose bright pops of color in violet, red, coral, or fuchsia.
Aside from painting your walls with these colors, you can also find wallpapers that are island-themed, which are perfect for bedrooms and recreational rooms in your home. Here are some examples you can check out:
2. Pick furniture pieces that are made from tropical hardwoods
It’s perfect for an island-themed home to have furniture pieces made using sustainably grown tropical hardwoods, such as bamboo, rattan, mango, balsa, and teak.Among these, rattan furniture is durable, and it can be used indoors and outdoors. The furniture finishes can also range from light to dark. Bamboo poles, vines, and woven wicker, on the other hand, can provide exotic appearance and unique textures.
Here are some of the best island-themed or tropical furniture you can include in your home:
- Safavieh Gianni Brown Rattan Tropical Woven Arm Chair
- Home Styles Marco Island Cinnamon Night Stand
- Adesso Maui Arc Lamp
- Rattan Wicker Furniture Pelangi Coffee Table
3. Choose tropical-style lighting for your home

Tropical-style lights are perfect for an island-themed home. These include lights with earthy, neutral colors and rich, natural textures. You can choose lampshades that feature parchment paper, wicker, twigs, or seagrass weaves. You can also install ceiling fans with rattan or palm leaf-shaped blades. Pick floor and table lamps, chandeliers, and hanging pendant lights that are made from tropical materials, such as rattan, vines, bamboo, and abaca.
Here are some tropical-style lights for your island-themed home:
- Rattan Shade Pendant Light
- Solar Rattan Lantern Table Lamp
- Pacific Coast Lighting Kathy Ireland Tropical Parrot Table Lamp
- LITFAD Rattan Weaving Natural Wooden Ceiling Light
- Gulf Coast Fans Venetian Tropical Ceiling Fan with Light
4. Decorate your home with tropical plants and motifs

An island-themed home is not complete without the greenery of lush tropical plants. There are many species of tropical plants that are perfect as house plants. These can include ferns, rubber plants, banana plants, bamboo, palm plants, and umbrella plants. Aside from these green plants, you can also add some vivid color with flowering plants, like a bird of paradise, orchids, and bromeliads.
Besides plants and flowers, you can also dominate the decorating style by using floral and botanical motifs on beddings, pillows, curtains, and rugs,that feature palm trees, beach scenes, fish, birds, and more. Here are some examples:
- Bekith Home Decorative Throw Pillow Case – Tropical Flower Leaves Pattern
- LEIOH Mediterranean Style Mermaid Décor Pillow Case
- Great Bay Home Bedspread with Seascape Images
- Safavieh Barbados Collection Tropical Area Rug
- UHUSE Beach Shower Curtain
5. Accessorize your home with island-themed items

You can accessorize your home with tropical-style wall art that features beautiful beach scenes, ocean views, palm trees, and exotic tropical flowers and birds. You can also fill your home with items that are handmade and created using materials that come from the beach or ocean. You can look for accessories that have natural, organic textures, like bamboo rugs, blinds, and curtains. You can also find island-inspired décor like carved wood tiki masks, tiki totems, and other accessories made from seashells and coconut shells.
You can also add into your home the soothing sound of running water with a stone or indoorbamboo fountain. Then, infuse your home with tropical scents by using oil burners, incense, or reed diffusers.
These are some of the best island-themed decorating ideas for your home that we can recommend. These can surely turn your home into an island paradise, which is peaceful and relaxing. We hope these will help you in creating your own island-themed home.