Ramadan star candle set at Crate and Barrel
Ramadan star candle set at Crate and Barrel
Ramadan star candle set at Crate and Barrel
Ramadan star candle set at Crate and Barrel

Ramadan home decor tips — earthy and minimalism lead trends this year


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Minimalism appears to be a major interior design trend for Ramadan this year, and there are plenty of options to bring the concept to life as people start decorating their homes for the occasion.

Keeping a space muted and quiet has allowed people to find “comfort and tranquillity” in their homes, Crate & Barrel Middle East's senior visual merchandiser, Rhena Ahmadie, tells The National.

Ahmadie says people have been “eliminating as much 'noise' around them as they can, so they can have their own mini sanctuary while at home.” It is in line with what the holy month represents, she adds.

This could take many forms, from incorporating lanterns and table-top decor with muted, earthy and neutral colours, to the prominent of use of white coupled with silver, gold or rose metallic accents.

Ramadan decor trends for 2023 — in pictures

  • Malakiun five-arm candle holder by Pan Emirates; Dh249; Photo: Pan Emirates
    Malakiun five-arm candle holder by Pan Emirates; Dh249; Photo: Pan Emirates
  • Kashida Design's Metamorphosis dallah at Crate & Barrel; Dh295. Photo: Crate & Barrel
    Kashida Design's Metamorphosis dallah at Crate & Barrel; Dh295. Photo: Crate & Barrel
  • Ramadan star candle set by Crate & Barrel; Dh250; Photo: Crate & Barrel
    Ramadan star candle set by Crate & Barrel; Dh250; Photo: Crate & Barrel
  • Macuera accent chair by Pan Emirates; Dh795. Photo: Pan Emirates
    Macuera accent chair by Pan Emirates; Dh795. Photo: Pan Emirates
  • Lenox vine vase by Pan Emirates; Dh129. Photo: Pan Emirates
    Lenox vine vase by Pan Emirates; Dh129. Photo: Pan Emirates
  • Rias Morrocan blue wool hand-knotted rug by Crate & Barrel; Dh5,840.00. Photo: Crate & Barrel
    Rias Morrocan blue wool hand-knotted rug by Crate & Barrel; Dh5,840.00. Photo: Crate & Barrel
  • Regas natural terracotta bowl set by Ace Hardware; Dh99 for six pieces. Photo: Ace Hardware
    Regas natural terracotta bowl set by Ace Hardware; Dh99 for six pieces. Photo: Ace Hardware
  • Rattan lantern by Ace Hardware; Dh39; Photo: Ace Hardware
    Rattan lantern by Ace Hardware; Dh39; Photo: Ace Hardware
  • Silsal Joud teapot by Crate & Barrel; Dh299.00. Photo: Crate & Barrel
    Silsal Joud teapot by Crate & Barrel; Dh299.00. Photo: Crate & Barrel
  • Kross eight-seater dining table by Royal Furniture; Dh1,680; Photo: Royal Furniture
    Kross eight-seater dining table by Royal Furniture; Dh1,680; Photo: Royal Furniture
  • A beige Arbetta corner sofa from Pan Emirates; Dh4,950; Photo: Pan Emirates
    A beige Arbetta corner sofa from Pan Emirates; Dh4,950; Photo: Pan Emirates

Psychological appeal

“Seasonal decor can provide a refreshing and novel touch to our surroundings and home,” says a representative for Al-Futtaim ACE, “which can have a positive impact on our mood and mental well-being”.

More than its mental and emotional benefits, decorating for Ramadan also helps people better connect with their culture and traditions by creating a celebratory atmosphere at home.

“This feeling of belonging can be quite comforting and reassuring,” says Adriana Kostic, head of marketing at Pan Emirates. “Decorating for Ramadan can bring about a sense of excitement and freshness. It can boost your mood and create a feeling of anticipation for the coming celebrations, giving you something to look forward to.”

Ramadan decor trends this year

Keeping design choices minimal is key to adding an “understated sophistication” to a home. This could mean using furniture and decor “with a focus on natural elements like greenery, natural textures and tones, and neutral colours”, according to Kostic.

Muted hues of blue, pink and green are also featured in various Ramadan home collections in the UAE this year.

“Taking one colour motif, and distributing it in different tones across the household is common, all while tying it together with a foundation piece,” Ahmadie says.

Silsal Joud teapot by Crate & Barrel; Dh299.00. Photo: Crate & Barrel
Silsal Joud teapot by Crate & Barrel; Dh299.00. Photo: Crate & Barrel

Handcrafted products made with natural materials such as wood, ceramics and rattan add texture to a space. Al-Futtaim ACE, for instance, is currently selling basket-like lanterns, and the colour palette features seasonally familiar earthy and muted tones.

The goal, according to Al-Futtaim ACE, is to create a more “laid-back and casual” look and feel, taking inspiration from nature.

Although pastel colours seem to dominate Ramadan catalogues this year, there are still numerous classic white products, often embellished with metallic tones.

“One of the key trends this year is the use of marble and gold elements, due to the touch of sophistication they add to the overall design,” says Richard Snowball, general manager at Royal Furniture.

“These timeless pieces will continue to dominate the regional scene and add a touch of elegance and charm to any space,” he adds.

Kross eight-seater dining table from Royal Furniture; Dh1,680; Photo: Royal Furniture
Kross eight-seater dining table from Royal Furniture; Dh1,680; Photo: Royal Furniture

Aside from the essentials, there are also a number of contemporary accessories available for buyers to choose from. Crescent moon trees are back in stores, and Crate & Barrel is reselling its LED light version. There are also hand-knotted rugs, as well as decorative tableware with floral prints.

Dos and don'ts

Ahmadie summarises this year's trends with some tips to ensure a cosy and inviting atmosphere that could capture the essence of Ramadan.

  • Keep it simple
  • Don't overdo colours and prints and focus on one colour tone or a more neutral colour palette
  • Pick a theme and choose complementary prints and textures
  • Don't mix too many patterns that will make the environment feel heavy
  • Try accents, such as using decor with gold trims or putting a blue chair in a neutral seating area

Scroll through the gallery below for last year's Ramadan decor trends

  • Fill your home with Islamic wall art, decorative lanterns and elaborate serveware this Ramadan. Photo: Pan Emirates
    Fill your home with Islamic wall art, decorative lanterns and elaborate serveware this Ramadan. Photo: Pan Emirates
  • Crescent Tree, Dh400, Crate & Barrel.
    Crescent Tree, Dh400, Crate & Barrel.
  • Majestic Marrakesh cushion, Dh129, Pan Emirates.
    Majestic Marrakesh cushion, Dh129, Pan Emirates.
  • Hembjuden cups, Dh69 for six, Ikea.
    Hembjuden cups, Dh69 for six, Ikea.
  • Heritage fountain, Dh600, Danube Home.
    Heritage fountain, Dh600, Danube Home.
  • Jouda crescent makbhar, Dh230, Silsal at Crate & Barrel.
    Jouda crescent makbhar, Dh230, Silsal at Crate & Barrel.
  • Calligraffitti tissue box, Dh220, Kashida at Crate & Barrel.
    Calligraffitti tissue box, Dh220, Kashida at Crate & Barrel.
  • Al Barakah Islamic wall art, Dh280, Racha Elabbas Studio at Crate & Barrel.
    Al Barakah Islamic wall art, Dh280, Racha Elabbas Studio at Crate & Barrel.
  • Mazz tray in gold and white, Dh129, Pan Emirates.
    Mazz tray in gold and white, Dh129, Pan Emirates.
  • Dinner napkin, Dh81, Racha Elabbas Studio at Crate & Barrel.
    Dinner napkin, Dh81, Racha Elabbas Studio at Crate & Barrel.
  • Stance horse decor accent, Dh199, Pan Emirates.
    Stance horse decor accent, Dh199, Pan Emirates.
  • Hembjuden multicoloured cushion cover, Dh29, Ikea.
    Hembjuden multicoloured cushion cover, Dh29, Ikea.
  • Asra placemat in champagne, Dh7 each, Pan Emirates.
    Asra placemat in champagne, Dh7 each, Pan Emirates.
  • Hembjuden rug, Dh695, Ikea.
    Hembjuden rug, Dh695, Ikea.
  • Nextonix dining chair, Dh495, Pan Emirates.
    Nextonix dining chair, Dh495, Pan Emirates.
  • Hikayat crescent 14-piece majlis set, Dh249, Home Centre.
    Hikayat crescent 14-piece majlis set, Dh249, Home Centre.
  • Hashem table candle lantern in matte gold, Dh199, Home Centre.
    Hashem table candle lantern in matte gold, Dh199, Home Centre.
  • Khatt calligraphy tri-bowl in satin gold, Dh99, Home Centre.
    Khatt calligraphy tri-bowl in satin gold, Dh99, Home Centre.
  • Home decor stores offer both traditional Islamic art as well as pop culture accessories for Ramadan. Photo: Pan Emirates
    Home decor stores offer both traditional Islamic art as well as pop culture accessories for Ramadan. Photo: Pan Emirates
  • Three-piece diffuser candle and room spray set, Dh70, RedTag.
    Three-piece diffuser candle and room spray set, Dh70, RedTag.
  • 12-piece espresso set, Dh75, RedTag.
    12-piece espresso set, Dh75, RedTag.
  • Three-piece pleated Kingsie comforter set, Dh275, RedTag.
    Three-piece pleated Kingsie comforter set, Dh275, RedTag.
  • Crescent moon and star floral arrangement, Dh1,395, flowers.ae.
    Crescent moon and star floral arrangement, Dh1,395, flowers.ae.
  • Crescent moon rose arrangement box, Dh1,295, flowers.ae.
    Crescent moon rose arrangement box, Dh1,295, flowers.ae.
Updated: March 24, 2023, 10:56 AM