Learn How To Decorate Bohemian Style (2024)

Bohemian interior design is best suited for you if you want to fill your home with furniture, accessories, and colors that bring to life your personal experiences, love of travel, and passion for diverse cultures. This aesthetic differs from modern sensibilities and embraces creative, carefree, and unconventional decor. Bohemian-style rooms are always eclectic and share similar elements, though no two rooms are alike. Learn more about bohemian interior design and how to incorporate it into your home.

What Is Bohemian Style?

Bohemian style, or boho style, is derived from the word "bohemian," defined as a person living an unconventional lifestyle. Boho design reflects the definition with an eclectic aesthetic that looks the opposite of minimal, modern, and sleek decor. The key to a boho-designed room is to mix and match varied decorative materials soaked in color throughout the space, whether it's a living room, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen.

Layer Bohemian Design Colors

While boho-style decorating doesn't have rules, combining and layering warm earthy colors, metallics, and jewel tones makes this style unique. Think deep browns, greens, and grays for base colors, and then accessorize with deep purple, fiery orange, and electric blue.

Feel free to mix patterns and textures that would not necessarily go together conventionally. Use dyed textiles and patterns from around the world—like tie-dyed ikat fabrics from Cambodia or embroidered suzani from central Asia—to make the space playful and varied. Layer throws on top of furniture and hang tapestries and area rugs on the walls alongside galleries of photos and artwork.

Combine Different Textures

Natural, basic materials like burlap and sisal can be combined with silk and chenille in a boho-style room. The materials may have a slightly worn look—not damaged, but not shiny and new, either. Fringe, crochet, and macramé abound—pillows, curtains,and throw rugs combine to make a cozy, globally-inspired hangout. Canopies over beds and living areas can be another signature boho design embellishment.

Collect Bohemian Furniture

Boho-style rooms have a "sit and stay awhile" vibe so opt for relaxed pieces like chaise longues, daybeds, butterfly chairs, and plush seating in saturated colors. Avoid uncomfortable streamlined or straight-backed seating. Throw rugs or overstuffed floor pillows will create a welcoming floor-seating atmosphere.

Fill your boho space with furniture collected over time. Secondhand and vintage items are right at home here. Each piece of furniture should be special and tell a story. Have fun exploring your local vintage shops and choose each piece individually. If you love it, it will fit right in.

Diversify the Lighting

Ambient, understated lighting will unify your boho-style room and complete the calm and welcoming feel. Rather than overhead fixtures, decorate with multiple lanterns, candles, and floor and table lamps. Today’s global design markets make it easy to find a variety of shapes and colors—perfect for the mix-and-match look.

Accessorize With Plants

Embracing the natural world is central to this aesthetic, so bring your room to life with ferns and hanging plants as accessories. Not only do they lend vibrancy to a room, but plants also improve air quality, so the more the merrier. Philodendrons and peace lilies are very forgiving and withstand a variety of light and temperature levels. Or consider succulents—widely available in a range of colors and textures—which are great for people with a less-than-green thumb. These eye-catching plants need little more than a sunny spot and occasional watering.

Add a Global Element

Bohemian design often pulls from different cultures, drawing influence from around the globe. This could be represented in artwork, sculptures, or decorative items. If you've traveled abroad, put your souvenirs on display to create a space that's inspired by exotic, faraway locations. You can also find pieces that tie in different cultures at flea markets or local thrift stores.

Make It Personal

Finally, pull together boho decor with family heirlooms, handmade items, and objects from your travels. Accessories should be personal, so feature what you love: tapestries, vintage bottles, maps, or mismatched china. While this style tends to be eclectic, it can still be chic, and glamorous, and these personal touches can be created on a budget. For example, why not thrift an ornate chandelier or chunky gold-framed mirror, or display a simple memento in an elaborately carved picture frame? The only rule is that every item in the room should share something about you.