Picture this: you walk into a friend's living room in Riyadh, and your eyes are immediately drawn to a burst of color on the wall—a vibrant painting of an elephant, its skin painted in swirls of turquoise and gold, set against a sunset of impossible reds and purples. "Where did you get that?" you ask. The answer surprises you: Tanzania, handmade by an artist whose family has been painting this style for generations.
This is the magic of African art in Saudi homes. It's not just decoration—it's a conversation, a connection, a window into another culture that somehow feels right at home in yours.
If you've been searching for unique wall art that goes beyond the ordinary, that tells a story and reflects your personal taste, African paintings—specifically the bold, joyful style known as Tinga Tinga—might be exactly what your space needs.
Saudi Arabia's interior design landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. A young, globally connected population is reshaping what Saudi homes look like, moving away from mass-produced décor toward pieces that reflect individual identity and worldly sophistication.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have opened windows to global design trends, and Saudi homeowners are embracing them with enthusiasm. The result? A beautiful fusion of traditional Saudi warmth and contemporary international flair. Modern Saudi interiors now celebrate bold color, cultural diversity, and the artisan's touch—all qualities that African paintings deliver in abundance.
What we're seeing is a shift from "filling spaces" to "curating spaces." You're not just buying something to cover a wall anymore. You're choosing pieces that spark joy, start conversations, and reflect your values. This is where handmade African paintings shine.
Tinga Tinga paintings don't whisper—they sing. These works feature rich, saturated colors: deep blues reminiscent of the Indian Ocean, golden yellows like the African savanna at sunset, vibrant reds, and lush greens. This isn't timid art. It's art that transforms a room the moment you hang it.
Here's why this matters for your Saudi home: these bold colors work whether your style leans modern and minimalist or traditional and ornate. Against crisp white walls, a colorful African painting becomes an instant focal point. In a room with rich fabrics and traditional furnishings, these same colors harmonize beautifully, adding an unexpected layer of global sophistication.
One customer in Jeddah told us she hung a vibrant wildlife painting in her all-white dining room. "Everyone who visits asks about it first," she shared. "It completely changed the energy of the space."
Color psychology tells us that vibrant hues boost mood and energy—something particularly valuable in living rooms and family spaces where you gather with loved ones. The Tinga Tinga palette delivers this energizing effect naturally.
When you purchase mass-produced wall art, you get decoration. When you bring home an African painting from our studio in Dar es Salaam, you get a story.
Each piece is handmade to order by Tanzanian artists who've been practicing this craft—some for decades. The Tinga Tinga style itself has a fascinating history. It emerged in the 1960s when Edward Said Tingatinga began painting on masonite boards using bicycle paint, creating a distinctive style that celebrated East African wildlife and daily life. His nephew, we're told, continued the tradition, and today, multiple generations of artists keep this heritage alive.
Our studio was established in 1968, and we've been connecting these artists with the world ever since. When guests notice the painting in your home and ask about it, you're not just describing artwork—you're sharing a piece of Tanzanian cultural heritage, talking about the artist who created it, and perhaps even mentioning the community this purchase supports.
That's the kind of conversation starter you simply can't get from a factory-printed canvas.
Tinga Tinga art is famous for its depictions of African wildlife: elephants with their trunks raised in greeting, graceful giraffes stretching toward acacia trees, lions surveying their domain, playful monkeys, and brilliantly colored birds. These aren't photorealistic renderings—they're stylized, almost whimsical interpretations that capture the spirit and character of each animal.
This focus on nature and wildlife taps into a growing global trend called biophilic design—bringing elements of the natural world into our indoor spaces. Research shows that nature-inspired art reduces stress and improves wellbeing, making these paintings perfect for homes where you want to create a calming yet engaging atmosphere.
Wildlife themes also have universal, family-friendly appeal. An elephant painting works beautifully in a child's bedroom, a teenager's study space, or a sophisticated adult living room. The symbolism is rich too: elephants represent wisdom and family bonds, lions embody strength and courage, birds suggest freedom and aspiration.
Whether you're drawn to the majestic or the playful, our collections offer something that will resonate with your household.
Here's something that might surprise you: African art and traditional Saudi design actually share important common ground.
Both traditions celebrate meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Both use bold, confident colors rather than muted palettes. Both honor the hand of the maker—whether it's the geometric precision of Islamic art or the expressive brushstrokes of Tinga Tinga painting.
When you place an African painting in a Saudi home, you're creating an interesting visual dialogue. The organic, flowing patterns of African art provide beautiful contrast to the structured geometry of Islamic design elements. Yet they complement each other because both come from traditions that value artistry, beauty, and the transmission of cultural knowledge through craft.
This cultural bridge extends beyond aesthetics. Both Tanzania and Saudi Arabia are places where community matters deeply, where craftsmanship is respected, and where art serves purposes beyond mere decoration. When you choose African art for your home, you're honoring those shared values.
Let's talk about something that increasingly matters to Saudi consumers: where your purchases come from and what impact they have.
When you order from our studio, you're not supporting a faceless corporation. You're directly partnering with Tanzanian artists and their families. We work with local artisans, many of whom face significant employment challenges in their communities. By creating a global market for their work, we help them earn fair compensation while preserving their cultural heritage.
Our model is deliberately designed to remove middlemen, ensuring that more of what you pay goes directly to the artists. We source materials locally in Tanzania, use eco-friendly packaging, and operate with transparency about our supply chain.
This isn't charity—it's fair trade in its truest form. You receive an exceptional piece of art; the artist receives dignified work and fair pay. Our commitment extends to supporting education, healthcare, and financial inclusion in the communities where our artists live.
For many Saudi buyers, this ethical dimension adds meaning to the purchase. You're not just decorating your home; you're making a choice that aligns with values of fairness, sustainability, and community empowerment.
One of the practical beauties of African paintings is their remarkable versatility. Let's walk through your home:
Living Rooms: This is where large statement pieces truly shine. A 100cm x 80cm canvas or even our largest 140cm x 110cm paintings create the dramatic focal point that modern Saudi living rooms deserve. Hang above a sofa or on a feature wall, and watch it anchor the entire room's aesthetic.
Bedrooms: For more intimate spaces, medium-sized pieces (60cm x 60cm or 70cm x 50cm) work beautifully. Choose calming subjects—perhaps serene landscapes or gentle animals—to create a restful atmosphere. The vibrant colors still make an impact without overwhelming a sleeping space.
Children's Rooms: The playful, whimsical quality of Tinga Tinga art makes it perfect for younger family members. Bright, colorful animal paintings spark imagination and joy. Parents often tell us their children name the animals in their paintings and create stories about them.
Home Offices: Need inspiration while you work? Wildlife paintings—especially pieces featuring powerful animals like lions or elegant ones like giraffes—can provide that motivational backdrop. An 80cm x 60cm painting works perfectly in most office spaces.
Dining Areas: Botanical themes and colorful bird paintings create wonderful energy in dining spaces where families gather. The conversation-starting quality of these pieces makes them natural fits for entertaining areas.
The key is matching the size and subject to the room's function and your family's personality.
There's a difference between trendy décor that you'll tire of in two years and timeless pieces that become part of your home's story.
African paintings fall firmly in the second category. These are original, handmade works—not mass-produced prints. Each one is created specifically for you when you order, using premium oil and acrylic paints on durable canvas that's built to last generations.
The Tinga Tinga style itself has endured for over 60 years without losing its appeal. Why? Because it doesn't chase fleeting trends. It celebrates fundamental things—nature, color, craftsmanship, joy—that never go out of style.
Think of these paintings as pieces you'll pass down to your children. That elephant painting that graced your living room in 2025 could be hanging in your grandchild's home in 2075, carrying with it the story of your taste, your values, and your connection to global artistry.
This longevity makes the purchase feel more meaningful. You're not just buying something for now; you're curating something for your family's future.
You're convinced—African art could be perfect for your space. But how exactly do you incorporate it into your existing décor? Let's explore a few approaches:
If your home features clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered spaces, a single large African painting becomes your statement piece. The minimalist approach lets the art be the hero.
Choose a piece with colors that either complement your existing palette or provide a deliberate pop of contrast. For instance, if your living room is primarily grays and whites, a painting dominated by blues and teals will feel cohesive yet striking. If you want maximum impact, choose a piece with reds, oranges, or yellows that will draw every eye in the room.
Hang it on your largest empty wall, ensuring adequate white space around it. The breathing room amplifies the painting's impact. Keep furniture simple and let the art do the talking.
If your home features rich fabrics, ornate furniture, and traditional elements, you might worry that African art would clash. In fact, the opposite is true—it adds a sophisticated layer of global cosmopolitanism.
Consider creating a gallery wall with multiple smaller pieces. This approach echoes the patterned, layered aesthetic of traditional Saudi interiors while introducing new cultural elements. Mix sizes: perhaps two 60cm x 60cm pieces with one 50cm x 40cm piece arranged in an asymmetrical cluster.
The key is color coordination. Tinga Tinga paintings often feature golds, deep blues, and warm earth tones that harmonize beautifully with traditional Saudi textiles and furnishings. Pull accent colors from the painting into your throw pillows, rugs, or decorative objects to create visual cohesion.
Don't be afraid to place African art near Islamic calligraphy or geometric patterns. The juxtaposition celebrates both traditions and creates a uniquely personal aesthetic that says, "I appreciate beauty from many cultures."
Making your African painting feel integrated into your space is about smart color coordination:
Look at the painting and identify the two or three dominant colors. Then echo one of those colors in at least two other places in the room—perhaps in cushions, a throw blanket, or decorative objects. This creates visual flow and makes the painting feel like an intentional part of the space rather than an afterthought.
Here's a practical guideline for choosing the right size:
A common mistake is going too small. If you're hanging art above a sofa, for instance, the painting should be roughly two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the sofa. Too small, and it looks lost; too large, and it overwhelms. When in doubt, browse our collections to visualize how each option might work in your space.
We should probably introduce ourselves properly. We're not just an online gallery—we're a bridge between worlds.
Our studio was established in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1968. Back then, we were a small operation serving foreign tourists who wanted to bring home a piece of East African artistry. But we always envisioned something larger: introducing Tanzanian craftsmanship to a global audience that would truly value it.
Today, we're proud to say we've built exactly that. We work with skilled local artists who create each painting by hand, to order. No factory production, no cutting corners. When you place an order, an artist in our Dar es Salaam studio begins work on your specific piece, using premium oil and acrylic paints on durable canvas.
This made-to-order approach ensures freshness and quality. It also means we never overproduce, reducing waste and keeping our environmental footprint small. We use locally sourced materials wherever possible and ship with eco-friendly packaging.
The numbers speak to how we've grown: over 140 reviews on Trustpilot with an "Excellent" rating. Customers from Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina have brought our paintings into their homes. We've shipped to every continent, maintained a 100% delivery success rate with trusted partners like DHL and Aramex, and built relationships that go beyond single transactions.
But what we're most proud of isn't the growth—it's the impact. By creating a sustainable market for Tanzanian art, we've helped artists support their families, send children to school, and access healthcare. We've shown that traditional craftsmanship has a place in the modern global economy when you build the right bridges.
We thought you might want to hear from people who've already made this decision. Here's what customers in Saudi Arabia and beyond have told us:
"The customer service is fantastic. They responded quickly to every question, and the painting is even nicer than I had hoped based on the images on the computer screen. I worried about buying online, but highly recommend this website to anyone interested in beautiful art for their home." — Customer in Japan
"This company provided great customer service. They were quick to respond and provided updates throughout the entire process. I ordered from the United States and the painting arrived well packaged and within the expected timeframe. Most importantly, the painting was absolutely beautiful. I will definitely order from this online store again." — Customer in United States
"I was initially worried about ordering from a company I did not know. The service is great and the personal touch is much appreciated. Just tell them what you need. Delivery arrived on time and nicely packaged. Truly beautiful work. I am ordering again for sure." — Customer in Thailand
What these reviews highlight is something we work hard to deliver: a smooth, trustworthy experience from browsing to delivery. We know that ordering art online, especially from another continent, requires trust. We earn that trust through responsive communication, careful packaging, and reliable shipping.
We also offer our unique "Make An Offer" feature, which lets you negotiate pricing on pieces you love. This isn't about aggressive bargaining—it's about making beautiful art accessible and acknowledging that art purchasing is personal. We believe in conversations, not just transactions.
Let's return to where we started: that moment when you walk into a room and a piece of art stops you in your tracks. That's what we're offering—not just decoration, but transformation.
African paintings, particularly in the Tinga Tinga style, bring color, story, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural connection into your home. They work beautifully in Saudi interiors because they share values with Saudi design traditions: bold aesthetics, respect for artisan skill, and celebration of heritage.
But beyond aesthetics, choosing these paintings means choosing to support fair trade, ethical sourcing, and the preservation of cultural traditions. It means bringing something into your home that has meaning beyond its visual appeal.
Whether you're drawn to the vibrant energy of Tinga Tinga paintings, the sophisticated appeal of contemporary African art, the bold expression of abstract pieces, or the rich heritage of cultural artworks, there's a piece waiting to transform your space.
Ready to explore? Browse our full collection and find the painting that speaks to you. Need inspiration? Follow us on Instagram @tingatingaart to see how customers around the world—including right here in Saudi Arabia—are styling African art in their homes.
We offer free shipping via DHL and Aramex, secure online transactions, and a team ready to answer any questions you have. With our 100% delivery success rate, you can order with confidence.
Your walls are waiting for their story. Let's write it together.
How long does shipping to Saudi Arabia typically take?
Most orders to Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and other Saudi cities arrive within 7-14 business days via DHL or Aramex. Because each painting is made to order, allow 3-5 days for creation before shipping begins. We provide tracking information so you can follow your artwork's journey from our Dar es Salaam studio to your door.
Are these original paintings or prints?
These are 100% original, handmade paintings. Each piece is created specifically for you by a Tanzanian artist using oil and acrylic paints on canvas. No two paintings are exactly alike, even when the same artist paints the same subject. You're receiving an original work of art, not a mass-produced print.
What size works best for my living room?
For most living rooms, we recommend starting with our 80cm x 60cm, 100cm x 80cm, or 140cm x 110cm sizes. As a rule of thumb, if you're hanging above a sofa, choose a painting that's roughly two-thirds the width of the sofa. For feature walls with no furniture, you have more flexibility to go larger.
Can I request a custom painting with specific colors or subjects?
Yes! We offer custom commissions. You can specify the subject, colors, and size you'd like. Our artists work with you to create something perfectly suited to your space. Use our "Make An Offer" page to start a conversation about custom work, or contact our customer service team directly.
How should I care for my canvas painting?
African paintings created with oil and acrylic on canvas are quite durable. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading over time. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth when needed. Avoid hanging in bathrooms or areas with high humidity. With basic care, your painting will last for generations—truly an heirloom piece for your family.
|
Centimeters (CM) |
Inches (IN) |
|
50CM x 40CM |
19 11/16 in XÂ 15 3/4 in |
|
50CM x 50CM |
19 11/16 in XÂ 19 11/16 in |
|
60CM x 60CM |
23 5/8 in XÂ 23 5/8 in |
|
70CM x 50CM |
27 9/16 in XÂ 19 11/16 in |
|
80CM x 60CM |
31 1/2 in XÂ 23 5/8 in |
|
100CM x 80CM |
39 3/8 in XÂ 31 1/2 in |
|
140CM x 110CM |
55 1/8 in X 43 5/16 in |
