The boho or bohemian decoration is a flexible and extremely relaxed style. Boho decor combines new and old elements, strong and unpleasant colors, plants, antiques, wallpaper, and wood and wicker elements. And sometimes all of this can be seen in the same room. This style is meant to grab the attention of your guests and bring them to the edge of their seats. This decorating style is warm, colorful and comfortable, but it can also be eccentric. Of course, you can also have a much more subtle boho decoration with neutral colors and simply incorporating some boho accents.
For some people, boho decor allows them to create a space full of life, culture, and interesting items. While for most people they prefer the more calm decoration, with a romantic and creative spirit. It’s certainly a bright, multicultural mix, with notable layers and elements. It is a rich space full of visual interest and a relaxed spirit. We will break down the basic elements of the different movements of this decoration style for you to consider in the decoration of your home.
Characteristics of boho decoration
Bohemian colors
If you want to try this style of decoration you can start by creating a solid base. Start with a simple base color for every bohemian-style room. The warm, earthy tones make the perfect canvas, and opting for a neutral base also allows you to accumulate colors and patterns for a proper blend without being noisy. If you go for a bright base shade, you may get bored very quickly during the decorating process. So when it comes to longevity, a neutral color palette is always the best option. Warm earth tones are common.
Deep browns, greens, and grays are considered for base colors, which could be complemented with saturated purple, fiery orange, and electric blue if you prefer an eye-catching décor. Of course, combining and superimposing colors is what makes the boho style unique. Feel free to mix up patterns and textures. Don’t be afraid to use styles that usually wouldn’t go together in a conventional way. Use dyed fabrics and patterns from anywhere in the world to give the space a joyful and exotic feel.
Layer over furniture, and you could even hang tapestries and rugs on the walls. You can keep white as the backdrop for the richer hues though. There are people who may be thinking of the color black as part of the boho decoration. Actually this color usually does not make a presence in boho interiors. Although you could use it, but making sure to do it very sparingly. If you want darker shades, you could consider the darker shades of neutral colors. Warm gray, navy blue, even deep purple are not as harsh as solid black.
Bohemian decorative materials
Boho decoration adopts the philosophy of “more is more”. The key to using decorative materials in a boho décor is to mix and match. Natural staple materials like burlap and sisal can be combined with silk and chenille. Of course, the materials should look slightly worn, but not damaged. Fringes, crochet and macramé abound in this style. Where pillows, curtains and rugs are combined to create a cozy space.
Reproduce Patterns and Layers
Overlaying similar patterns is also one of the easiest methods of mastering the boho style. From contrasting patterned rugs to colorful throw pillows and blankets, the key will always be to add a variety of patterns. So you can have a lot of fun and distraction mixing and contrasting different patterns, shapes, scales and styles to create a boho atmosphere. Preferably select tones that you can return to and can keep present with all the elements.
Whether it’s through rugs, cushions, or blankets, boho style is all about layering. You can place one, two, or even three rugs in different styles and patterns for an eye-catching statement. Without a doubt, the layers of cushions and blankets will also adequately set the relaxed atmosphere of the boho style. Even layers are also a good way to hide furniture that may not be in the best condition, since you can cover it with layers in a smart and elegant way while adding a unique visual impact.
Bohemian Furniture
Bohemian furniture generally cannot be found in a store that sells modern items. Boho spaces tend to be full of collected furniture. That is, vintage furniture or items, so you could find them in second-hand stores. Each piece of furniture must be special and must also contain history. So, you can browse local vintage stores and choose each piece individually. Without a doubt, you can have a boho atmosphere with luxurious chairs and sofas in saturated colors.
In the same way, small rugs or soft floor cushions will also help you a lot to create a cozy and informal atmosphere. Choose comfortable and relaxed pieces like loungers or butterfly chairs. Streamlined or straight-backed furniture won’t fit much in a boho decor. The closer the furniture is to the ground, the closer you will be to creating an authentic boho space. So consider low-back sofas, with lots of comfortable cushions, with adjoining poufs or chaise lounges for extra seating.
Lighting in the boho decor
A discreet ambient lighting will complete the feeling of calm in a space with boho decor. Instead of ceiling lighting fixtures, decorate with multiple lanterns, candles, and table and floor lamps. Fortunately, today the market makes it easy to search with a wide variety of shapes and styles that, you will have no problem finding the perfect accessories and adding them to your decoration. Moroccan-designed lanterns and lights will undoubtedly also add an interesting boho-style focal point. Even when hung, they will work the same way to add comfort and visual interest to your boho home decor.
Accessories in boho decoration
It should be noted that the presence of the natural world is essential in boho decoration. So you should consider bringing your space to life with ferns and hanging plants. Plants not only add vitality to a room, but also improve the quality of the air. Philodendron and peace lilies are very tolerant and withstand a variety of light levels and also temperature. However, you could also consider succulents, which are widely available in a variety of colors and textures. These plants are perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time to care for them.
Succulents need little maintenance, just a sunny location and occasional watering. In reality, whatever type of houseplants you choose, they are an affordable and easy way to create a relaxed atmosphere while adding dimension to the room. In the same way, you can place family heirlooms, handmade accessories and even objects that you have bought on your different trips. Of course, each object, whether it be a mat, an old bottle and so on, must be special to you. Of course, for all that we are mentioning, boho decoration may tend to be an eclectic style. But it can also be classy, warm, and glamorous. So don’t be afraid to try an ornate chandelier or gold-framed mirror.
Avoid minimalism
With a boho style decor, more is more. This decorating style is definitely not about empty space or blank surfaces. So your room. It will be decorated and full of accessories. Although, we remind you that boho decoration can also be a little more subtle. The important thing is that your home has a lot of personality with everything that you appreciate and have collected over the years. You could say that this style is like placing treasures and telling stories about each one of them. Even your walls can also place works of art to display and highlight the decoration. But despite all the elements and accessories that you can place, you should know that your home should not be seen as if it were the house of a hoarder. As in other styles of interior decoration, each element and accessory must have its space and its purpose.
Metallic and mirrors
Metallic and mirrored surfaces are generally the hallmarks of boho-style interior decoration. These surfaces can definitely make a modern boho living room appear brighter and a bit larger. In fact, metals, as well as mirrors, also add focal points to any room, adding a glamorous look. Even if you love DIY, you could make your own mirror out of decorative elements yourself. Moroccan patterned lanterns and lights are also sure to add an interesting bohemian style focal point, and when hung, they will also work to add comfort and visual interest to your bohemian home decor.
Natural and Rustic Finishes
Of course, the hippie influence of the 1960s and 1970s ushered in an infusion of accessories using natural raw materials such as hemp, sisal, wood and rattan. So consider that you can also decorate a wall with fabrics. You can place your plants on macrame hangers. Lay a sisal rug, a leather footrest. Keep in mind that with these tips we are not leaving the others aside. Just as you can add natural and rustic finishes, you can also mix them with decorative metal accessories or metal floor lamps.
Boho decoration for living room
Almost anything goes in boho decoration, since it does not have strict rules. However, some colors and textures form a solid base for boho style décor. So preferably you should start with warm earth tones as a base, such as browns, grays, and light or medium greens. Leaving the bright colors for decorative accessories and works of art. A living room is the perfect place to show off your favorite color in a boho style, as this style gives you the freedom to use all those colors in a space if you wish.
In the same way, do not be afraid and feel free to mix fabric patterns and textures, using layers to create the boho atmosphere. Vintage furniture definitely helps a lot to develop the boho vibe in a living room. You can consider colorful mid-century furniture or antiques in vibrant colors. Green plants, macramé tapestries, woven rugs and other natural elements are key to creating a boho-style living room.
Decoration for a boho bedroom
The boho style is also perfect for decorating a bedroom. This is mainly due to the cozy and comfortable atmosphere that can be created. Use different textures in your bedding, like a silky bamboo duvet cover and cover with a thick, hand-woven blanket. You can also mix leather pillows with embroidered pillows. You can replace traditional lighting fixtures with string lights. This will undoubtedly give a magical atmosphere to your bedroom.
Consider adding antique mirrors to make a small bedroom feel bigger. A plush rug or two, Persian or a sisal rug, will add warmth to the space and at the same time can help define areas within the same room. Decorating a boho bedroom can lean a bit more towards a neutral color scheme. Because you can feel a white or neutral boho bedroom more relaxing than one where you use more striking colors.