Every home decorating enthusiast knows the thrill of finding that perfect piece for their home – that ideal item that completes a room and pulls the entire feel of a space together. In minimalist, boho, and monochromatic spaces, you’ve likely noticed a distinctively patterned fabric that does just that. Africanmud cloth is the eye-catching, perfect home decorating item that you’ve probably seen, but may have never heard of.
What is Mali Mud Cloth?
Mali mud cloth is a specific type of textile made by the Bambara people of Mali. It’s both a craftwork tradition and a point of pride for the people of Mali. It’s so important to Malian culturethat the Malian government has recognized it as a crucial symbol of Malian culture and identity since the 1980s.
In recent decades, the mud cloth has made its way into prominence on a world scale. It’s been used in the fashion and decorating world ever since.
The cloth is created through a long, careful process using fermented mud to dye handmade cotton fabric. This is a time-honored, traditional technique. The distinctive patterns may seem random or purely artistic at first glance. But in fact, every symbol has a meaning.
Why is it so Great for Home Décor?
Mali mud cloth has several virtues that make it a popular choice in home decorating.
It’s Sturdy
Mali mud cloth has been used for upholstery since the 1980s throughout the United States, Australia, and Europe. It can hold up to a good amount of use and wear, so it’s practical as well as beautiful and decorative.
It’s Versatile
Mali mud cloth fits in with a lot of other design styles for a few reasons. First, it tends to rely heavily on neutral and monochromatic color schemes. This makes it very easy to match with other décor, so a single piece can be moved from room to room of a home even while redecorating.
The bold lines, circles, and symbols also fit in well stylistically with a long list of design aesthetics. Mali mud cloth is very frequently paired with minimalist, boho, modern, and eclectic design styles.
DIY Enthusiasts Try to Replicate It
Although there’s no substitute for actual Mali mud cloth, the style of bold lines has found traction in the do-it-yourself home decorator space.
Décor with Meaning
With traditional Mali mud cloth, every symbol has a special significance. This means having an authentic mud cloth in your home is a piece of meaning and value. While home decorating enthusiasts tend to prioritize style, owning a piece of décor that’s both beautiful and meaningful enriches a space and adds dimension to a home.
Mali mud cloth is likely to remain popular in the future. It’s been around for a very long time, popular outside Mali for decades, and continues to be a source of inspiration for home decorators, fashion designers, and interior designers alike. It’s a great way to add visual interest to space.
