Elephants are loved for their gentle and wise nature, respected by cultures all over the world – popular symbolism often represents elephants as an embodiment of strength, stamina, patience, memory, family, and so much more. Thanks to these qualities, elephant-themed decor is filled with hidden inner meaning and makes a great gift idea for a friend who shares any of the traits that make these fascinating animals so iconic. This list has something for every style ranging from minimalist modern to art deco and beyond. Don’t forget to check out our list of bird figurines if elephants aren’t your thing!
Do you recognize this famous design? Charles and Ray Eames created this toy elephant in 1945 but never put the concept into mass production. Now, the iconic plywood design has been translated to kid-friendly plastic and serves as a fun seat any young child is sure to love. The Eames Elephant is appropriate for use indoors or out.
Those looking for something a little smaller and more nostalgic might be interested in the miniature version, realized in the original plywood style. The ultimate gift for mid-century design enthusiasts!
Rosendahl figurines are highly collectible and known for their exceptional quality – and this wooden elephant has played a role in continuing that beloved tradition since its design by Kay Bojesen in 1951.
This puzzle isn’t difficult because of the number of components, but because of the creative problem-solving required to fit the seven simple pieces together in just the right way. The Wodibow Mastodont Olaf is a winner of both the European Red Dot and A’Design Awards, crafted in Spain from 100% natural products.
Kumiki is the Japanese term for wooden craft – or in this case, a gorgeous wooden brain teaser puzzle. This piece would make a wonderful gift for puzzle enthusiasts with a taste for simple design.
Pose this gorgeous elephant according to your mood! David Weeks Studio created Hattie the Elephant to spark creativity and imagination through interactive design. Hattie is crafted from sustainably harvested beech wood joined together by elastic bands for flexibility.
Designed by Gunnar Flørning and Harry Vedøe, this adorable elephant looks just as charming and modern as it did when originally released in 1961.
Mother and calf intertwine their trunks in a sweet embrace, too tender for words. This design is made from durable cast resin with a detailed and realistic wood finish.
It’s hard to match the beauty of a hand-carved figurine. This wooden elephant was crafted from kadam wood by talented artisans in Rajasthan, India – so no two are exactly the same, much like the majestic animal it represents.
Dozens of Swarovski crystals give this elephant a dazzling aesthetic, a fabulous and exciting collectible by Thomas Kinkade. Each one is meticulously crafted and painted by hand right down to the very last sculpted pearl. Like most Kinkade collectibles, these elephants are hand-numbered and come with a certificate of authenticity.
These elephant figurines from the Hamilton Collection feel bright and cheerful with a creative design inspired by stained glass windows, its finish richly detailed and textural.
Ancient manufacturing techniques give this metal elephant statue a strong backstory, transforming a centerpiece into a great conversation starter. Dhokra is a type of non-ferrous metal casting that uses the “lost wax” method, named after the Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal. This elegant sculpture was handmade by traditional artisans living in the Bastar region of India using the same 4000-year-old technique.
Here’s an elephant figurine for anyone with an industrial decor theme, formed from bands of iron with a copper finish.
Gorgeous as a decoration, this black Thai resin elephant could also double up to work as a ring holder.
Hand-cast resin and hand-painted finish gives this ornamental elephant a special appeal. The detail is impressive, with scrollwork inspired by the Jali style of lattice art used in Indian architecture.
A set of three compact elephant sculptures with the most pleasantly adorable expressions imaginable – this set would make a great addition to any elephant figure collection, and would look great in any modern interior.
What a delightful interpretive design! The Baccarat minimalist glass elephant pares the pachyderm down to its most basic elements and the result is charming and unforgettable.
This elephant offers a stimulating, abstract, and engaging visual experience in dimensional hand-blown glass. Imagine the possibilities, blending equally well into any interior design ranging from shabby chic to hardcore modernist.
Tiffany glass lends these stylized elephants an ethereal gem-toned brilliance.
Nesting porcelain elephants, parent and child – very cute!
Jonathan Adler’s ceramic elephants all feature very distinctive personalities. These are from the Menagerie collection, and seem to take a daring and inquisitive stance.
Check out this confident and charismatic elephant figurine with an unforgettable stride and elegant trumpeting posture.
Leather and rope are the time-tested ingredients of this handmade elephant figure. Choose from brown, saddle tan, black, or natural leather.
An origami-inspired DIY project easy enough for children with an end result worthwhile enough for adults. No scissors required – just the included paper, a little dexterity, and a few dabs of glue. The cool geometric elephant you create is well worth the inexpensive price and invaluable instructions.
Now, let’s take a look at some elephants that serve a lasting purpose outside of decoration. This ceramic elephant mug has a built-in storage compartment for tea bag storage.
Another cute elephant shaped mug! Ultra-glossy finish gives these a more minimalistic appeal.
If you already have a favorite set of teacups, why not spice up your set with this fanciful teapot? If you are interested in cool looking teapots like this, do check out our post:
40 Unique Teapots to Help You Savour The Taste Of Tea
.
This thirsty little elephant doesn’t mind watching over that bottle you’ve been saving for an upcoming dinner, as long as he’s allowed to look super-adorable while taking a swig.
Geometric elephants made of durable plastic make for a great multipurpose contianer, especially with the added drain spout from the trunk! Use this versatile object in the kitchen, bathroom, office, or insert a little barebones pot and transform it into a miniature planter.
This playful apple-shaped elephant holds those extra pens and pencils. While elephants are said to be masters of memory, humans generally appreciate the luxury of notetaking.
Use the trunk to support your phone and hide a few extra styluses or pencils behind! This
desk organizer
could also be used to display a name placard or small notepad.
Here’s another multipurpose elephant container – succulents and air plants don’t need water or drainage so you can always get creative with the pot!
From contemporary designer Jonathan Adler, the Elephant Menorah candleholder is an incredible combination of subtle material and bold style.
Another great Jonathan Adler design! These lovely porcelain salt and pepper shakers arrive in a decorative gift box for a stunning first impression as a gift.
Coordinated salt and pepper shakers in black and white leave no mystery as to the spice each contains – a gorgeous and functional choice. These are from Kate Spade New York.
Flexible plastic and LED lighting combine to create a
child-friendly bedside lamp
that’s hard to break. If you need a gift for a child with a safari- or zoo-themed room, you can’t pass this one up!
Simple and sweet! This ceramic elephant candle holder is an easy way to add character to a modern or classic home.
Stand this enameled steel elephant on your desk or hang it from a convenient wall to make sure you never lose your keys or important mail.
Jørgen Møller and his grandchild designed an elephant bottle opener in 1987 and grew to become a design icon in the years following, sparking a whole line of elephant-shaped accessories for living. This weighty bottle opener feels nice in the hand and looks great on the kitchen countertop or dining table. Love to see more bottle openers? Do check out our post on
unique bottle openers
then!
The MONEYPHANT is one of the newer additions to Jørgen Møller’s beloved collection of elephant inspired accessories – and it’s hard to imagine a more stylish way to store coins or teach children about saving money. Perfect for any Scandinavian interior design!
Who wouldn’t want to share a snack with this sweet and simple elephant? The larger compartment is just the right size for nuts, candy, or small fruits and the trunk offers a convenient place to discard seeds or shells.
Want to infuse your home with a little art deco elegance? This brass elephant box from Jonathan Adler is luxurious and eye-catching. Use the flip-open top to hold jewelry, tiny notes, or other precious things.
At 1.75 inches tall and 3.75 inches wide, this small elephant bowl has the same unmissable style as the previous Jonathan Adler elephant.
Rubberized die cast zinc offers a convenient way to store rings short term without damaging them. Use this easy-to-clean elephant in the kitchen, bedroom, desk, or craft table.
Many people will recognize this mid-century modern toothpick holder – once a household staple, this design is still just as charming as ever.
Pear wood, brass, and lightweight ebonite come together to create a pipe any discerning enthusiast could appreciate. This carved pipe is handmade by Ukrainian masters and would look just as good on a shelf as it feels in the hand.
Elephant behavior studies are filled with wonderful examples of elephants retaining detailed memory at a capacity that rivals any of the animal kingdom – the phrase “elephants never forget” comes to life with Eric the Memo Elephant, a neat little whiteboard to replace those perpetual sticky notes.
These resin
wall hooks
offer a gorgeous place to hang your hat, towel, jewelry, or anything else! Each hook stands at 5" by 7", and comes in a choice of glossy modernistic hues or rustic classic finishes to suit any interior.
What a nice idea! This lightweight resin garden sprinkler would delight your lawn and offer plenty of summer sprinkler fun for the children. Between uses, it doubles as a unique
garden statue
.
A nice handcrafted wicker hamper with a huge personality. Just look at those eyes!
Let’s have a look at a home that combines the best of modern and naturalistic themes, rich with sculptural furniture and surprising features. Designed by Oleksii Karman and titled Fedir House, this residence combines a variety of influences with each block of space unveiling something new. Every room is different from the one before it – some of the distinctions are immediately breathtaking while others remain subtle and quite clever. Whether you’re looking for ways to divide a large open ground floor layout or want cool inspiration for a creative kid’s bedroom, this home highlights a variety of innovative solutions.
Designer:Oleksii Karman
The main volume is an open floor plan divided by a central staircase that cuts a bright and spacious atrium between the functional spaces, a well-appointed kitchen on the left and a cozy living area lined up against the wall on the right. Notice how different types of wood give each area its own personality: the kitchen features large panels of sleek and sophisticated veneer, the living room offers an intimate atmosphere with slatted wood and integrated lighting, and the walking path remains light and simple.
Closeness seems to be an important feature of the living room, with furniture grouped together for comfortable conversation. The ceiling is slightly lower on this side of the atrium, visually compressed even further by the oversized pendant light hanging over the table. Check out those contemporary and retro-inspired prints on the sofa throw pillows – and how the colors are subtly echoed in the rug.
Look at these incredible stairs! Such an amazingly lightweight build, using ultra-low-profile treads with delicate cantilever design. It’s nice to see a cantilever staircase with handrails, an important feature for a young family like the one this home was designed to accommodate.
Open shelving offers a peek into the kitchen dining area, and allow for the free passage of light. The pendants in the atrium are from the Bell collection by Manuel Vivian.
The kitchen is incredibly distinctive, especially with such an interesting combination of materials!
Classic three leg stools feature stylish t-shaped stretchers and a gravity-defying folded seat in orange, a color that creates a fascinating contrast with the greenish-blue marble countertops and rich wood grain of the walls.
The layout is already quite spacious, but the open shelves and weightless stair treads really allow the open floor plan to spread its wings.
In terms of floor space, this office does not offer the wide open areas of the main living spaces, but creative solutions make it effective and spacious nonetheless. Glossy reflective walls preserve light near the handy floor-to-ceiling shelves on the far wall, and a window-facing desk offers an unbeatable view of the world outside.
Lime green and black make for an energizing color theme appropriate for creative work.
The simple but effective layout offers plenty of room for productivity.
Don’t you just love this classic bedroom design? The rough cross-cut wood block panels give the wall a delightfully rustic feel, and the fireplace full of candles offers a romantic aesthetic.
Without the skylights, the vaulted ceiling may have made the bed area feel a little cramped off in its secluded corner. This solution solves that problem, and allows for dreamy stargazing before drifting off to sleep at night.
A mid century modern dresser offers a delightful pop of color. Its rectilinear influences are cleverly offset by a rounded lamp and a chaotic rug print.
Such an imaginative room for a child!
Decorated with an engaging rug, a wall of plush cats, and its very own luxury sports car – who could resist?
An indoor jungle gym encourages play and fitness in one space-conscious package.
The chalkboard accent wall would prove useful for homework, art, and free expression.
Of the two bathrooms, this one is probably the most surprising and unique.
Bold artwork includes a colorful lion man mural, and a small wire sculpture that combines typography and geometry.
While this home is filled with skylights in innovative places, this type of window is the ultimate luxury feature for a walk-in closet. Imagine knowing how your outfit will look in the daylight rather than guessing from dim closet lighting… truly useful.
A neutral and simple hallway with relaxed lighting.
The mirror makes it feel more spacious.
Complicated girih tile mosaic brightens the floor and shower wall with a kaleidoscope of color. Also note the brilliant combination of textures, from the satin finish cabinets to the distressed black door, and of course the precise yet varied tiles.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
