The best way to make a tropical living room is not to take the "tropical" theme too literally. Try to give the room a tropical feel without smacking guests in the face with a giant palm tree when they walk in the door. A tropical living room look can usually be achieved with furniture in a mixture of earth tones and brightly colored accents; try a combination of woods or rattan furniture, and decor that has tropical themes or images, such as lush plants or exotic animals. Of course, you will also want to keep a budget in mind when decorating any room in the home.
When making a tropical living room, the first consideration is often the paint for the walls. Neutral colors often make the best colors for the walls, because they showcase the rest of the furniture and decor in the room without detracting from it. Ceiling fans with a beachy or tropical look to them, such as those made with light wood, often look great in a living room with this design. The next major consideration is furniture; generally, furniture that is oversized and comfortable is the best choice.
The fabric choices for the furniture in your tropical living room are up to you. Many people select earth tones such as blues, greens, or browns; dark wood furniture is another great choice, though bamboo, wicker, or rattan can look nice as well. A mixture of different fabrics and woods often gives a tropical living room a more comfortable, casual look. Some people choose plain fabrics for the furniture, while others may choose furniture in a tropical leaf pattern, for example.
Decor in a tropical living room depends on the type of tropical look you are going for. Some people want a beach theme, and may choose to decorate with beach or palm tree prints, seashells, or other beach items. Other people want more of a jungle tropical theme, and may decorate with animal prints; elephants and colorful birds are popular, for example. Most tropical living rooms feature accents in bright colors. Throw pillows for the couch, or larger pillows for the floor, a brightly colored rug, or small blankets for the furniture can all add a touch of color without overwhelming the rest of the room.
The most important thing when making a tropical living room is to make it into a place that you and your family will want to be. It should be comfortable, calming, and relaxing. Take time to look for the best pieces and decor in various stores and flea markets, and you will likely be very satisfied with the outcome.