Wallpaper - Animals of Africa I

Our Animals of Africa I wallpaper brings a classic natural history illustration into modern living spaces. The design captures two hippopotamuses with remarkable draughtsmanship: one standing prominently on a grassy riverbank while a second wades gently in the background among tall reeds and water. Created in an archival etching style with delicate linework and vintage scientific lettering, the motif balances detailed charcoal grey tones against earthy beige, muted greens, and a clean off-white background. Our made-to-measure wallpapers are printed on PVC-free paper with a subtle surface structure, bringing refined illustrative detail to any interior.

In the room

We love this design on a main feature wall where the full composition and fine etching details can be appreciated at eye level. In a home study, library, or dedicated home office, it creates an atmosphere of quiet study and timeless character. It also works beautifully in a living room behind a low sofa or along a dining wall, where the generous negative space above the riverbank keeps the room feeling open and balanced. For a bedroom or teenage room, the calm subject matter and grounded earthy palette add visual interest without overwhelming the rest of the space.

Styling it

To complement the vintage naturalist style of this mural wallpaper, we suggest pairing it with traditional or mid-century furniture forms that share its sense of craft. Warm timber furniture, such as antique walnut or mid-toned oak, echoes the organic, heritage feel of the illustration. We would keep surrounding textiles simple and textured, choosing natural linens, wool throws, or woven jute to ground the room. Simple brass, bronze, or aged metal accents on lighting and hardware mirror the fine draughtsmanship of the print without competing with the central illustration.

Colour combinations

The artwork centres on rich charcoal grey, soft river greens, and warm sand tones set against an off-white backdrop. When choosing paint for adjacent walls and woodwork, we recommend pulling out the warmer neutral undertones with soft oatmeal, biscuit, or warm linen shades. If you prefer a richer contrast, deep forest green, olive, or a dark charcoal trim can frame the mural beautifully while highlighting the shadows in the etching.

About our wallpaper

At Wallism, all our wallpapers and wall murals are made-to-measure based on your exact wall dimensions, which helps reduce unnecessary excess paper. We produce our wall murals on durable, PVC-free paper featuring a subtle physical structure that feels refined on the wall. Designed to be straightforward to hang, our wallpapers offer an easy way to transform your home with distinctive, high-quality design.