Exotic animal prints have captured our design imagination for centuries. From Cleopatra in ancient Rome to Napoleon in 19th-century France, royals draped themselves in luxurious furs and incorporated precious animal skins into their interiors to demonstrate wealth, status, and power. 🐆
But today, animal lovers and design enthusiasts will be happy to know that you don't need access to the royal coffers to get your hands on these prints! Modern animal prints are widely available, and with so many affordable options and varieties, anyone can easily incorporate them into their home decor or clothing.
But what's the difference between leopard spots , jaguar spots , snow leopard spots , and cheetah spots ? It can be helpful to know the difference between the prints of our favorite big cats. That's why we've analyzed the differences between the two most versatile patterns, leopard and cheetah, below to help you choose the one that best suits your style and needs. 😊
Know Your Leopard Print
Many people mistakenly refer to all animal prints as "leopard," but there is, of course, a difference between all these fabulous felines. The main difference between leopards and cheetahs is their characteristic spots. The background of a leopard's coat is usually a warm golden tan, and what we call "spots" on a leopard are actually black rosettes with light brown spots in the center.
It seems like leopard print is appearing on everything these days, from leopard handbags to dog collars—and for good reason. Leopard has long been the most used animal print in the world of fashion and decor. It's a favorite of fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Dolce and Gabbana, and it never goes out of style. Interior designers have used this animal as a go-to on every surface, epitomized by this iconic interior by the great Madeleine Castaing.
The secret to leopard print's versatility is its color and scale. Its tawny blend of caramel, black, and brown makes a big visual statement, while the dense pattern fools the eye into appearing neutral. That's why it works just as well on a carpet as it does on a small tablescape. Leopard prints strike a unique balance that's both bold and playful, yet timelessly chic. 🕶
With a modern twist, many top print designers have developed new colorways for the traditional leopard print, such as Schumacher's iconic leopard. You may never see a sky blue or pink leopard in the jungle, but such a pattern is a fantastic way to add a pop of color with minimal effort.
Know the Cheetah Print
If you love animal prints as much as we do but prefer something a little more understated, cheetah print is the perfect choice for you. It exudes a quiet, sleek elegance that you can almost hear purring!
The main difference between leopards and cheetahs lies in the coloration and arrangement of their spots. The cheetah's coat is tawny—usually a few shades cooler than the leopard's—with a constellation of uniform black spots . The leopard's spots, as you now know, are black with a brown center, while the cheetah's are solid black. The cheetah, therefore, has the more minimal of the two patterns.
Like leopard, cheetah print is versatile and works just about anywhere. Josephine Baker had a pet cheetah named Chiquita, with whom she often matched her wardrobe. The great American interior designer Tony Duquette favored the cheetah as the animal for his designs, from chairs to accent pillows.
Tips for using Animal Prints
At My Leopard, we are absolute leopard print fans and specialists! Here are some ideas for bringing these wild and wonderful patterns into your home:
- Opt for a fierce interior. With an element like a leopard throw, it will energize your living room without overwhelming it.
- Choose a cheetah bedding set for unparalleled charm in your bedroom.
- Nothing is cozier than a faux leopard or cheetah fur pillow. It's almost like you're cuddling the animal!
- Make a small space roar. Create a unique bathroom by covering one wall with printed wallpaper. 😵
Now let's talk fashion! Leopard print clothing and accessories are a must-have in your wardrobe... Here are a few examples:
- Make a statement with accessories. Even the smallest touch of animal print in a piece gives it a slightly bolder elegance. Bags, sunglasses, scrunchies... anything goes!
- For sportswomen, it's time for a new style! No more boring all-black leggings for hitting the gym. Discover our leopard-print leggings for exceptional comfort and style.
There's nothing more glamorous than a well-worn leopard print dress! Discover our selection of the most beautiful by clicking on the image below.
