There's something about the Swiss appreciation for quality craftsmanship that makes African paintings a natural fit for Swiss homes. Whether you live in a modern Zurich apartment with clean minimalist lines, a traditional Alpine chalet in Grindelwald, or a lakeside villa in Geneva, authentic handmade African art brings warmth, color, and cultural richness to interiors that value both aesthetics and substance.
Swiss design sensibilities—precision, quality materials, timeless appeal—align remarkably well with authentic African paintings created using traditional techniques by skilled artists. But finding genuine handmade pieces with reliable international shipping, fair pricing, and verifiable authenticity isn't straightforward, especially when you're purchasing remotely.
This guide addresses the practical questions Swiss buyers ask: Which African art styles complement Swiss interiors? What sizes work in typical Swiss living spaces? How do you coordinate bold African colors with understated Swiss design? And where do you find authentic pieces that ship reliably to Switzerland without complications?
Let's explore how African paintings transform Swiss homes from Bern to Basel, from mountain chalets to city apartments.
Before diving into specific styles and buying guidance, let's address why this pairing makes intuitive sense. The connection between Swiss design values and authentic African art runs deeper than you might expect.
Switzerland is renowned for watchmaking, precision engineering, and artisanal excellence. Swiss consumers understand quality—they recognize the difference between mass-produced items and pieces created with skill, time, and traditional techniques.
Authentic African paintings embody these same principles. When our Tanzanian artists in Dar es Salaam create paintings, they're using methods passed down through generations. They hand-mix paints to achieve specific tones, layer colors to create depth, and spend days or weeks on individual pieces. The visible brushwork, color variations, and textural depth reflect human skill—not factory production.
This resonates with Swiss buyers who value craftsmanship over convenience, who prefer owning fewer high-quality pieces rather than numerous disposable items. A handmade African painting aligns with the Swiss philosophy of buying well and buying once.
Swiss interiors often embrace restraint—neutral palettes, natural materials, clean lines, and minimal clutter. This creates beautiful, calm spaces. But minimalism without focal points risks feeling cold rather than serene.
African paintings provide the perfect counterbalance. In rooms dominated by whites, grays, and natural woods, a vibrant African canvas becomes the warm accent that makes the space feel complete. The bold colors don't clash with Swiss minimalism—they enhance it, providing the visual interest and emotional warmth that pure minimalism sometimes lacks.
Think of it like Swiss chocolate: the quality lies in the careful balance of ingredients. Swiss interiors are the refined base; African art is the bold element that makes the combination memorable.
Switzerland's position at the crossroads of Europe, its multilingual population, and its role hosting international organizations have created a culture that values global perspectives. Many Swiss have traveled extensively, lived abroad, or have international connections.
African paintings appeal to this cosmopolitan sensibility. They're not just decoration—they're windows into different cultural perspectives, artistic traditions, and ways of seeing the world. For Swiss buyers who value cultural depth over trends, authentic African art provides substance that mass-produced décor cannot match.
Swiss consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable, ethically-produced goods. The questions "Who made this?" and "Under what conditions?" matter.
Our Tanzanian studio's direct artist partnerships align naturally with these values. Artists receive fair compensation. Materials are chosen for quality and longevity, not cost-cutting. Made-to-order production eliminates waste from unsold inventory. Eco-friendly packaging protects paintings during shipping without excessive plastic.
When Swiss buyers choose our African paintings, they're supporting sustainable practices and fair labor—values that resonate deeply with Swiss ethical consumption standards.
Not all African art suits all Swiss interiors. Let's break down which styles harmonize with specific Swiss design approaches.
Swiss urban apartments often feature contemporary minimalism: white or light gray walls, sleek furniture, limited accessories, excellent natural light from large windows, and efficient use of space.
Best African art choices:
Bold geometric abstracts with restrained color palettes: African paintings featuring strong shapes and two or three primary colors work beautifully. Look for pieces with angular compositions that echo modern architectural lines while introducing organic warmth through handmade texture.
Single-subject wildlife compositions: A lone elephant against minimal background, a giraffe's graceful form with empty sky, a single bird with clean negative space—these embrace the minimalist principle of "less is more" while providing compelling focal points.
Monochromatic or limited palette pieces: Contemporary African artists create stunning work in blues and whites, earth tones only, or dramatic black-and-white compositions. These provide sophistication without overwhelming restrained interiors.
Size consideration for urban apartments: Swiss apartments typically range from 80-120 square meters for family units. Living room walls benefit from substantial pieces (100-120cm width) that command attention in open-plan spaces without competing with the clean aesthetic.
Traditional Swiss chalets feature warm wood throughout—walls, ceilings, floors—creating cozy, rustic atmospheres. Modern chalets often blend traditional materials with contemporary design.
Best African art choices:
Warm-toned wildlife paintings: African savannah scenes with golden grasses, sunset colors, and earth tones complement wood beautifully. Look for paintings using ochres, burnt siennas, warm browns, and soft oranges that echo the warmth of wooden interiors.
Cultural scene paintings: Traditional African village scenes, market gatherings, or ceremonial celebrations add storytelling depth to chalet spaces designed for gathering and hospitality. These pieces create conversation starters in homes built for entertaining guests after skiing or hiking.
Landscape paintings with natural themes: African landscapes—particularly those featuring dramatic mountains, open plains, or sunset vistas—create thematic connections with Alpine settings while introducing exotic perspectives on natural beauty.
Size consideration for chalets: Chalet living rooms often feature high ceilings and substantial wall space between wood features. You can go larger here (120-140cm width) to match the scale of the architecture. The generous proportions of chalet interiors accommodate bold art statements.
Swiss lakeside homes often feature sophisticated, established interiors with quality furniture, water views, and light-filled spaces that balance elegance with comfort.
Best African art choices:
Cool-toned abstracts and contemporary pieces: Paintings incorporating blues, teals, and aquatic greens create subtle connections to lakeside settings while maintaining sophisticated appeal. These work particularly well in homes with views of Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, or Lake Zurich.
Refined wildlife realism: Detailed, realistic paintings of African animals rendered with skill and nuance complement the established, quality-focused aesthetic of lakeside villas. These pieces appeal to collectors who appreciate technical excellence and timeless subjects.
Cultural heritage paintings with sophisticated execution: Well-composed scenes depicting African traditions, ceremonies, or daily life work beautifully in homes that value cultural depth and artistic merit over trendy décor.
Size consideration for villas: Larger Swiss homes (150+ square meters) with formal living and dining areas can accommodate multiple substantial pieces. Consider creating curated collections rather than single focal points—perhaps a large living room piece (120-140cm) with complementary medium pieces (70-80cm) in adjacent spaces.
Many Swiss homes reflect the owners' international experiences—perhaps time living in other countries, extensive travel, or simply an appreciation for global design that transcends Swiss traditionalism.
Best African art choices:
Diverse styles that reflect eclecticism: Mix bold Tingatinga-inspired pieces with sophisticated abstracts, realistic wildlife with contemporary cultural scenes. The variety reflects the homeowners' broad perspectives and creates dynamic, engaging interiors.
Large statement pieces: Homes designed around international influences can handle dramatic art—think 140cm wide canvases with complex compositions, vibrant color schemes, and bold subjects that make immediate impact.
Gallery wall compositions: Multiple medium-sized pieces (60-80cm) arranged in thoughtful groupings create museum-like presentations that suit homeowners who view their walls as curated exhibitions rather than simple décor.
Size consideration: These homes vary widely, but the key is confidence. Choose art that makes deliberate statements rather than cautious gestures. When your interior already embraces bold design choices, your art should match that energy.
Swiss homes have specific spatial characteristics—let's get precise about dimensions and placement strategies.
Typical Zurich 3.5-room apartment (80-100 square meters):
Typical Geneva 4.5-room apartment (100-120 square meters):
Alpine chalet living areas (variable sizes):
Swiss design philosophy favors quality over quantity. Apply this to art selection:
Instead of: Multiple small pieces (30-40cm) scattered across walls, which can feel cluttered and indecisive.
Choose: One or two substantial pieces (100-140cm) that make confident statements and anchor the room with authority.
This approach aligns with Swiss aesthetic values: deliberate choices, quality over quantity, confidence over hesitation.
Swiss homes typically feature lower seating profiles in living areas (modern sofas average 40-45cm seat height). Adjust art hanging accordingly:
Above furniture: Hang art 15-20cm above the furniture top. For a sofa back at 80cm, the painting bottom should start at 95-100cm from floor.
Freestanding walls: Center the painting at 145-150cm from floor to the artwork's center—optimal for viewing from both seated and standing positions.
Dining areas: Hang slightly lower (center at 140cm) so art remains visible when people are seated at the table.
Swiss homes maximize natural light—large windows are standard even in compact apartments. Consider light interaction:
South-facing walls (maximum sun exposure): Can handle darker, more complex paintings. Natural light reveals detail and depth without overwhelming the artwork.
North-facing walls (soft diffused light): Choose paintings with clear compositions and strong color contrast so they remain vibrant even in gentle northern light.
Near Alpine windows with intense mountain light: Avoid hanging paintings where harsh direct sunlight hits for hours daily. UV exposure causes gradual fading despite quality paints. Position art on adjacent walls that receive reflected light rather than direct sun.
Artificial lighting consideration: Swiss homes often use warm LED lighting (2700-3000K). African paintings with warm tones (oranges, yellows, reds) look particularly beautiful under warm artificial light, while cool-toned pieces maintain their impact with proper spotlighting or track lighting.
This is where Swiss buyers often hesitate—how do you integrate vibrant African colors into neutral Swiss palettes without creating chaos?
If your Swiss home follows strict neutral discipline (white walls, gray furniture, natural wood, minimal color), use African art to introduce ONE bold accent that you then echo subtly elsewhere.
Example: Choose a painting featuring vibrant turquoise. Pick up that turquoise in just two or three accessories—a ceramic piece on a shelf, a single throw pillow, perhaps a small vase. This creates intentional connection rather than random collision, maintaining the Swiss preference for order while introducing welcome vibrancy.
Swiss interiors often lean cool (whites, grays, cool-toned woods like ash or pine). African paintings with warm tones (oranges, golds, warm reds) create beautiful temperature contrast that energizes without clashing.
Conversely, if your chalet features warm honey-toned woods throughout, African paintings with cooler elements (blues, purples, teals) provide refreshing balance that prevents the space from feeling monotonous.
Switzerland's design tradition emphasizes natural materials—stone, wood, linen, wool, leather. African paintings in earth tones create seamless connections with these materials.
Look for paintings using:
These colors feel inherently compatible with Swiss natural material aesthetics, making the integration effortless.
Here's an alternative strategy: embrace dramatic contrast. A vibrant, multi-colored African painting against pure white walls in a minimalist Swiss apartment creates striking, intentional impact.
This approach works because Swiss minimalism provides the perfect backdrop for bold art. The clean simplicity doesn't compete—it showcases. Your African painting becomes the room's personality, the element guests remember, the piece that transforms neutral space into personal space.
Don't fear color in Swiss homes. Your design tradition's restraint actually creates ideal conditions for colorful art to shine without overwhelming.
Now for the practical question: where do Swiss buyers actually find authentic, handmade African art with reliable delivery?
While Switzerland has excellent art galleries, finding authentic African paintings locally presents specific challenges:
Limited specialized offerings: Most Swiss galleries focus on European contemporary art, Swiss artists, or international blue-chip names. Galleries specializing in authentic African paintings are rare outside major cities.
Gallery pricing premiums: When you do find African art in Swiss galleries, expect substantial markups reflecting Zurich or Geneva overhead, gallery commissions, and positioning as exclusive imports.
Authentication concerns: Without direct artist connections, verifying that "African art" is genuinely handmade in Africa (versus mass-produced imports) requires expertise most buyers lack.
Delivery and origin transparency: Even legitimate galleries may source through multiple intermediaries, obscuring the actual artists and creation circumstances.
Our Dar es Salaam studio offers Swiss buyers something local galleries cannot: transparent direct connection to the artists creating your painting.
Handmade to order in Tanzania: When you order from our studio, a Tanzanian artist creates your specific painting. It's not warehouse inventory—it's made for you using traditional techniques, premium materials, and individual attention.
Fair trade verification: You know exactly where your money goes. Artists receive fair compensation reflecting their skill and time. There's no mysterious supply chain—just direct partnership between our studio and the painters who've worked with us for years, sometimes decades.
Quality materials guaranteed: Professional-grade oil and acrylic paints chosen for longevity and color richness. Properly prepared canvas that lasts generations. Traditional techniques ensuring handmade authenticity rather than shortcuts that compromise quality.
Swiss-friendly customer service: While our website is in English, we're experienced working with Swiss buyers who expect clear communication, reliable timelines, and professional service. We understand Swiss expectations for quality and punctuality.
We ship to all Swiss cantons—Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne, Zug, Ticino, and everywhere in between—via trusted carriers DHL and Aramex.
No shipping charges: The price you see is what you pay. We include international shipping because geographic location shouldn't prevent access to authentic Tanzanian art.
Swiss customs considerations: As art, paintings typically enter Switzerland without complications. We handle documentation professionally, ensuring smooth customs clearance.
100% delivery success rate: We've shipped paintings globally for decades without losing a single package. Swiss addresses receive the same careful attention whether you're in central Zurich or a remote GraubĂĽnden village.
Protective packaging: Swiss winters and Alpine conditions demand careful packaging. We wrap paintings securely to protect against cold, moisture, and handling during transit. Your canvas arrives in perfect condition, ready to transform your space.
Typical delivery timeline: Allow 2-3 weeks from order to delivery. This includes creation time (your painting is made specifically for you—typically 7-10 days) plus international shipping (5-7 days to Switzerland). Worth the wait for genuine handmade quality.
Browse our complete collection organized by style: abstract pieces, wildlife paintings, cultural scenes, contemporary works, and Tingatinga-inspired paintings.
Use high-resolution images to evaluate: Zoom in to see brushwork texture and color depth. We photograph paintings to show actual detail—what you see online reflects what arrives.
Consider dimensions carefully: Reference the sizing guidelines earlier in this article. Measure your Swiss wall space accurately. Swiss precision in measurement ensures you order pieces that fit your space properly.
Discuss pricing if needed: Our "Make An Offer" feature allows price discussions. Swiss buyers appreciate transparency and fair dealing—we'd rather work with you to find mutually agreeable pricing than lose a sale to rigid pricing structures.
Provide accurate delivery details: Swiss addresses can be complex (building codes, specific floor indicators). Complete, accurate shipping information ensures smooth delivery. If uncertain about address formatting, contact us—we're experienced with Swiss delivery requirements.
The Swiss climate—cold winters with heating, potential humidity variations between seasons, and intense Alpine sun at elevation—requires specific care considerations.
Swiss homes combat winter cold with central heating that can create very dry indoor air (below 30% humidity). Conversely, summer humidity near lakes or in valleys can increase.
Maintain moderate conditions: Keep paintings in climate-controlled spaces away from heating vents (excessive dryness) and avoid hanging in bathrooms or basements (high humidity or dampness). Swiss living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways typically provide ideal stable environments.
Chalet considerations: If you have a chalet used seasonally, avoid dramatic temperature swings. When closing the chalet for months, store paintings in interior rooms away from exterior walls where cold penetration or condensation might occur.
Mountain locations experience particularly intense UV exposure due to elevation and reflection from snow.
Protective positioning: In chalets above 1,500 meters elevation with south-facing windows, position paintings on walls adjacent to windows rather than directly opposite. They'll receive beautiful natural light without hours of intense direct sun that accelerates fading.
UV-filtering window treatments: Consider UV-filtering films or curtains for windows near valuable art, especially in mountain homes. This protects both paintings and furnishings from excessive sun damage.
Urban apartments: Lower-elevation cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Basel experience less intense sun. Standard precautions (avoiding direct afternoon sun on paintings) suffice.
Dusting: Use soft, dry cloth or feather duster every 2-3 months. Swiss homes are generally clean, but urban apartments accumulate particulate matter from heating systems and city air.
Never use moisture: No water, no cleaning solutions on canvas paintings. If something spills, blot gently with dry cloth. For persistent issues, consult professional art conservators available in major Swiss cities.
Handling during moves: When relocating (Swiss residents move frequently due to rental culture), always handle paintings by edges or frames. Professional art movers in Switzerland understand proper handling, but if moving yourself, protect corners and edges during transport.
Quality African paintings from our studio are built to last generations in Swiss homes:
Archival materials: Professional paints and properly prepared canvas resist deterioration. These aren't experimental materials—they're proven to last decades with basic care.
Swiss climate compatibility: Canvas paintings handle Swiss climate variations better than some art forms. The flexibility of canvas prevents cracking that rigid surfaces might experience with temperature fluctuations.
Professional cleaning: Every 5-10 years, consider professional art cleaning from conservators in Zurich, Geneva, or Basel. They have specialized knowledge for safely cleaning original paintings without damage.
Let's look at specific scenarios showing how African paintings work in different Swiss contexts.
Space: Open living/dining, efficient kitchen, two bedrooms, one bathroom. White walls, light oak floors, modern furniture from Pfister, large windows with city views.
Challenge: The minimalist aesthetic feels cold and impersonal. Needs warmth without cluttering the clean lines. Limited wall space due to efficient layout.
Solution: One large abstract African painting (110cm x 90cm) above the living room sofa in warm golds and deep blues. The gold echoes warmth, the blue complements city sky views visible through windows. Single bold piece maintains minimalist principle while adding essential warmth.
Result: The apartment gains personality and warmth. The handmade texture of the painting provides organic relief from manufactured furniture. Visitors immediately notice the art—it's the apartment's defining feature, the element that makes it memorable.
Space: Three-story chalet with pine wood throughout, stone fireplace, large windows facing Eiger, family gathering spaces designed for après-ski entertaining.
Challenge: Beautiful wood creates warmth but risks monotony. Wants cultural depth that reflects owners' extensive African travels. Multiple large walls need anchoring.
Solution: Three complementary pieces: Large wildlife painting (130cm x 100cm) above fireplace featuring elephants in warm earth tones, medium cultural scene (85cm x 65cm) in dining area showing African village life, smaller landscape piece (70cm x 50cm) in main hallway. All use ochres, siennas, and warm browns complementing pine wood.
Result: The chalet feels collected and personal, reflecting owners' connection to Africa while respecting traditional Alpine architecture. Guests ask about the paintings—they become conversation starters that enhance the chalet's hospitable atmosphere.
Space: Elegant villa with lake views, established interior featuring quality antique and contemporary furniture, sophisticated neutral palette with navy and cream accents, formal entertaining spaces.
Challenge: Maintain sophisticated aesthetic while introducing cultural interest. Avoid anything that feels touristy or cheap. Multiple significant walls need appropriate art.
Solution: Curated collection of three pieces: Sophisticated wildlife realism (120cm x 100cm) in living room featuring giraffes with refined execution, cool-toned abstract piece (90cm x 90cm) with blues and teals in formal dining room echoing lake colors, detailed cultural painting (80cm x 60cm) in library showing traditional ceremony with museum-quality execution.
Result: The villa gains cultural depth without compromising its sophisticated character. The African paintings feel appropriate to the setting—they're clearly quality pieces that belong among the established furnishings. The lakeside setting and African art create unexpected harmony through shared appreciation for natural beauty.
Total timeline is typically 2-3 weeks from order to delivery at your Swiss address. This includes 7-10 days for creation (your painting is made to order by a Tanzanian artist) plus 5-7 days international shipping via DHL or Aramex. We provide tracking information so you can monitor progress from Dar es Salaam to Zurich, Geneva, or wherever you're located in Switzerland.
We ship art with proper documentation. Swiss customs processes art imports according to current regulations. The price you see on our website is for the artwork and shipping—we don't add Swiss taxes or duties. Any applicable Swiss import requirements are handled through standard customs procedures upon arrival.
For standard Swiss urban apartments (80-120 square meters), focus on substantial pieces: 100-120cm width for main living room walls, 60-80cm for secondary spaces like dining areas or hallways. Swiss apartments often have limited wall space due to efficient layouts, so choose fewer, larger pieces rather than many small ones. The "less is more" philosophy applies—one commanding piece creates more impact than scattered small artworks.
Yes. Our "Make An Offer" feature allows you to propose pricing that fits your budget. We're willing to discuss options with serious buyers. This isn't about devaluing artist work—it's recognizing that different collectors have different financial situations. We'd rather find mutually agreeable pricing than lose sales to rigid structures. Swiss buyers appreciate fair dealing and transparency, which this feature provides.
Bold geometric abstracts with limited color palettes (2-3 primary colors) work beautifully in Swiss minimalist interiors. Look for clean compositions with strong shapes rather than busy patterns. Single-subject wildlife paintings (lone animals with minimal backgrounds) also complement minimalism well. The key is choosing pieces that embrace negative space and restrained composition while providing the warmth and texture that minimalist rooms need.
Every painting from our studio is created to order by named Tanzanian artists in our Dar es Salaam studio. You'll see visible brushstroke variations, hand-mixed color depth, and textural evidence of human creation in the images we provide. The 2-3 week timeline itself indicates genuine handmade work—instant availability would suggest pre-made inventory or print production. We're transparent about our artists, their backgrounds, and our process because authenticity is central to our value proposition.
Yes. If you have precise size requirements, color preferences matching your Swiss interior, or specific subjects you want depicted, contact us to discuss custom commissions. Our Tanzanian artists can create pieces tailored exactly to your specifications—matching your chalet's wood tones, fitting your apartment's exact wall dimensions, or incorporating colors that coordinate with your existing palette. Custom work takes slightly longer (3-4 weeks typically) but ensures perfect integration with your Swiss home.
We provide detailed high-resolution images and complete dimension information to help you make informed decisions. Study the colors against your wall paint samples, measure your space precisely (Swiss precision!), and consider the style guidance in this article. If you're uncertain, contact us with photos of your interior—we're happy to provide recommendations based on your specific Swiss home. We want you to receive art you'll treasure for years, so we prefer helping you choose correctly upfront.
The connection between Swiss homes and African paintings isn't about following trends or making random décor choices. It's about recognizing that authentic craftsmanship, cultural depth, and artistic excellence transcend geography—that handmade quality resonates with Swiss values regardless of where the artist lives.
Your Swiss home—whether it's a Zurich apartment valuing minimalist precision, an Alpine chalet celebrating natural materials and gathering spaces, or a lakeside villa embodying sophisticated elegance—deserves art that enhances rather than simply decorates. Art that brings warmth during long winter months, that sparks conversations about culture and creativity, that reflects your appreciation for craftsmanship and ethical production.
When you choose African paintings from our Tanzanian studio, you're acquiring art created specifically for you by skilled hands working in traditions refined over generations, supporting artists who receive fair compensation through transparent direct partnerships, bringing cultural richness into Swiss interiors in ways that feel both exotic and harmonious, and choosing quality that lasts—heirloom pieces rather than disposable trends.
Whether you need one bold focal point for a compact Basel apartment, a curated collection for a spacious Geneva villa, or warm accents for a Grindelwald chalet's wooden interiors, there's African art that transforms your specific Swiss space.
Ready to explore authentic Tanzanian paintings for your Swiss home?
Browse our complete collection to discover diverse styles from vibrant abstracts to cultural scenes, contemporary pieces to Tingatinga-inspired works.
Have questions about sizing for your Swiss interior, colors that complement Alpine wood, or custom pieces tailored to your exact specifications? Contact us for personalized guidance from our team experienced in serving Swiss collectors.
We ship free throughout Switzerland with 100% delivery success. Your authentic African art arrives safely in Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Basel, or anywhere else in Switzerland, ready to transform your home with color, warmth, and cultural depth.
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Centimeters (CM) |
Inches (IN) |
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50CM x 40CM |
19 11/16 in XÂ 15 3/4 in |
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50CM x 50CM |
19 11/16 in XÂ 19 11/16 in |
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60CM x 60CM |
23 5/8 in XÂ 23 5/8 in |
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70CM x 50CM |
27 9/16 in XÂ 19 11/16 in |
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80CM x 60CM |
31 1/2 in XÂ 23 5/8 in |
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100CM x 80CM |
39 3/8 in XÂ 31 1/2 in |
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140CM x 110CM |
55 1/8 in X 43 5/16 in |
