Leopard Spots Are Over — Here's Why Tiger Print Is the Next Big Trend in Design
Tiger print prowls back onto the scene with an edge similar to that of its leopard-print predecessor — only this time, richer, sharper, and dare we say more decadent.


Have we become numb to leopard print? Possibly. It’s sprawled across the floors of too many see-and-be-seen restaurants, and thanks to last year's “Mob Wife” TikTok aesthetic, every influencer (and every impeccably cool great aunt who bought it new in the 60s) has a cheetah-print coat on standby. Fawn had its chance but never quite hit — too soft, too subtle — perhaps a little too nice.
But tiger — the latest feline on the fray — is bringing more bite, more swagger, and just enough danger to make decorating with animal prints feel subversive again.
It’s bolder, sharper, and carries a defiant glamour that makes leopard look almost... polite. “Tiger print brings a boldness that feels fresh and a little more rebellious,” says interior designer Annie Downing. “It has a strong sense of movement, a graphic punch, and a certain regality that wants attention.” Scalamandré’s now-iconic tiger print, for instance, has been a favorite of both stately homes and rule-breaking boutique hotels alike.
Tiger print's warmth anchors a space, creating a counterpoint to eclectic elements — like the riot of colorful book spines stacked on this living room shelf.
As is and was the case for the leopard revival before it, the tiger trend is far from new. Your favorite 1970s rockstar probably had a tiger-striped rug in their sunken living room. “Leopard has decades — if not centuries — of credibility, but tiger print isn’t exactly new either,” says Annie. “It has deep historical roots, from antique carpets to French textiles, so while it might feel like a ‘moment’ right now, it’s hardly a passing trend.”
The key, of course, is execution. Instead of an over-the-top, literal approach, 100% of the time, designers are taking toward tiger print with modern nuance. Studio Shamshiri and Christopher Farr have both reinterpreted the motif with graphic, lightning bolt-like effects — more suggestion than stripe.
A little goes a long way. One well-placed tiger print piece can electrify a space, adding movement, depth, and a healthy dose of attitude.
Annie says that getting it right hinges on two things: “restraint and context.” Consider Tigre, the recently opened NYC hotspot inspired by the same tiger craze fueling this revival. The space offsets energetic patterns with warm, moody lighting and richly textured solids — mohair, velvet, and aged leather are all fair game.
Not all of us have a bar to furnish, but Annie suggests starting small: an ottoman, a statement pillow. That said, she’s not against a full-fledged tiger print wallpaper moment, either.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what’s shaping interiors now - and what’s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.
Tiger print carries a strong legacy, but today remains anything but tame. Shop 2025's boldest look — decidedly not declawed.
Ahead, six ways to walk on the wild side.
Chances are, you’ve seen this patterned rug before — likely on Instagram. Originally designed for Tase Gallery, it merges bold, art-forward energy with a sense of refinement. Go for the rich, rust-based version (pictured), or opt for a softer beige tiger stripe for something more understated.
Some prints come and go, but tiger has legs — just ask this Art Deco lampshade by Tinker & Tallulah. Inspired by the coat of an Indian tiger and finished with playful tassels, it proves that detail is everything.
You could, of course, go for an actual tiger — trinket tray, that is. Jonathan Adler’s sculptural take is both a wild resting place for your jewelry and keys and an instant shortcut to an effortlessly collected-looking tabletop.
For those who find traditional tiger print a little too bold, this modern, lightened-up version — reimagined as a lumbar cushion — strikes a balance between statement and subtlety. A pop of cobalt piping seals the deal.
Scalamandré’s tiger print is the gold standard — arguably the most recognizable version of the motif. Here, it’s reinterpreted as a bench with antique-inspired feet, a plush seat, and even hidden storage — proof that wild sensibilities and everyday wear can coexist.
Given the sheer volume of animal prints making their way into interiors, we had to ask: animal prints on animal prints — zebra print on tiger print, yes or no?
“For me, it’s a no,” admits Annie. “I love a bold moment, but mixing multiple animal prints feels overwhelming — too much.”
That said, if you must mix, she has one rule: “Keep one print dominant and let the other be an accent in a more subtle, small-scale application. Otherwise, I say let the tiger (or leopard) have its moment without competition.” Duly noted.

Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.
-
What Is Biophilic Interior Design? I'm an Actual Biophilic Designer, and This Is How to Apply It to Your Home
A biophilic designer explains the core principles of this practice, and the easy ways you can apply it to your home's design
By Marianna Popejoy
-
5 Kitchen Stone Trends We’ll See in 2025 — Experts Highlight the Show-Stopping Finishes Taking Center Stage
Let’s be honest: there’s nothing more lasting and versatile for kitchen surfaces than stone. These are the timeless choices you should make in 2025
By Aditi Sharma
-
NYC's New Rules Forced Me to Find a Chic Compost Bin — Here's 7 Options Significantly Cheaper Than the $300 Fine
Composting is now mandatory in NYC. Here’s how to do it stylishly
By Julia Demer
-
Jeremiah Brent Captures the Grit and Glamour of NYC in His New Loloi Collaboration
The TV-famous interior designer looked out of his own window — and hit the pavement — for a collection that turns city spirit into tactile design
By Julia Demer
-
Pleated Lampshades Are the Silhouette of the Season — I've Found 9 For Well Under $100 (You'll Never Guess Where)
Leave it to Walmart to bless us with a collection of stunning pleated lampshades — proving this old-fashioned feature can look fresh and modern
By Devin Toolen
-
I Found the "Healthiest” Bedding for Earth Month — Why Ettitude Is the Sustainable Sleep Label to Know
Softer than silk and smarter than cotton, Ettitude’s innovative take on bedding delivers luxury with a conscience
By Julia Demer
-
This Bistro-Style Detail Is the Most Charming Way to Elevate Your Dining Table, and Hosting Game, This Season
Get your dinner party plans ready, embroidered tablecloths are bringing personality back to your tablescape, and here's where to shop the look
By Olivia Wolfe
-
These Are the Flower Crowns I’m Wearing This Spring (Spoiler: They’re Actually for My Door)
Coachella confirmed the comeback of flower crowns. At home, they just go by another name: the spring wreath
By Julia Demer
-
Turns Out, Sustainable Design Can Be Chic, and Net-a-Porter's 'Net Sustain' Curation Is Proof — Here's What I'm Shopping
From the Net Sustain collection, Mud Australia's homeware is not only design-oriented, but eco-focused, too
By Devin Toolen
-
Iridescence Is Chrome’s More Playful, Hard-to-Define Cousin — And You're About to See It Everywhere
This kinetic finish signals a broader shift toward surfaces that move, shimmer, and surprise. Here's where to find it now
By Julia Demer