How To Decorate Your Home With A Bohemian Style
Bohemian style is a hippie-inspired look that boasts lively details with a cohesive and cheerful effect. Per The Spruce, the boho aesthetic promotes a more unconventional lifestyle and a free-spirited flair. From colorful rugs and blankets to patterned throw pillows, there are several accents that work together to create a boho-chic ambiance. That being said, one of the best parts about choosing to decorate your home with a bohemian style is the fact that it allows a ton of creative freedom.
Whether you want to go for a more beachy, minimalistic approach that uses a lot of wicker furniture and neutral coloring, or you prefer intricate tribal patterns and bright colors, bohemian decor can be tweaked to fit your exact vision. The most important thing is to remain open-minded to the wide array of possibilities at your disposal. Without further ado, here is House Digest's guide on how to decorate your home with a bohemian style!
Go crazy with plants (real or faux)
Vibrant greenery, whether it is real or fake, adds a lovely touch to any space. According to Better Homes and Gardens, using real plants in your home has a variety of health benefits such as increased oxygen and cleaner air. They also assist with mental health by alleviating stress and increasing productivity! Basically, using house plants is a fool-proof way of bringing the outdoors in for a more inviting and warm environment.
Even if you are stuck working at your home desk all day, having some plants around your computer can boost your mood and add a pop of color. Since having a bohemian style is centered around living easy and feeling good, plants are an integral part of this design. From succulents on your window sill to banana plants in the corner, there is no shortage of creativity when it comes to adorning your home with foliage (via Pebble Magazine). If you have limited space, try growing an herb garden in the kitchen for fresh flavor and a culinary touch.
Add lots of rattan and wicker furniture
Wicker and rattan furniture have a beachy and laid-back style that makes them perfect for a bohemian home. Are you wondering what the difference is? They're not as synonymous as you might have thought. "The difference is that rattan is a material, whereas wicker is the style and method of weaving," Zoe Garred, Article's Director of Product Development, tells Article. "Wicker can be woven from rattan as well as many other natural or synthetic materials, which is where the confusion often lies."
According to Homes & Gardens, rattan is a very versatile material that can be bent and built into various shapes. For the most part, wicker furniture comes in neutral and basic colors, making it easy to match with various accessories and accents. From pendant shades to chairs, it is possible to fill your entire home with wicker pieces.
Since this style of furniture is typically used outside, adding wicker pieces throughout the interior of your home creates a sense of indoor and outdoor living. Best of all, wicker furniture is typically very light, making it easy to switch things around and make changes at your leisure (per American Country Home Store). The wicker technique of weaving rattan is a real game-changer, and if you use it correctly, you'll have your home looking like a Balinese paradise in no time.
Use lots of earthy tones
From beige to taupe, earthy tones create a transportive atmosphere that allows you to feel at ease. While boho-homes tend to have various pops of color and patterns, earthy tones set a great foundation to build upon. Per House Beautiful, it's important to remember that earthy tones don't have to be warm. In fact, using cooler earthy tones like light gray might fit your bohemian-inspired home even more. However, warm tones are more accessible to decorate with when adding brighter colors or intricate patterns.
Best of all, neutral color palettes are timeless, meaning that even if you switch around certain pieces of furniture or decor, you'll always have a solid base to work around (via MyDomaine). If you want to keep things extra simple, go for a combo such as gold and beige. Use olive and dusty rose or sea blue and oak for a more unique twist.
Remember that vintage furniture is great for creating a bohemian vibe
Vintage furniture can work for a multitude of interior design styles. That being said, vintage furniture can enhance a bohemian space and make it all the cozier. Whether you're looking to add a timeless couch with unusual features or an old-school lamp, vintage furniture graces a space with a special charm that is hard to match. Since most vintage pieces are one-of-a-kind, they are also great for those who prefer a style that is not easily copied by others.
According to Houzz, most professional designers who work with bohemian accents will take vintage furniture and give it a modern twist. From reupholstering seats with contemporary fabrics to mixing antique items with modern pieces in the room, there are several different ways to give your vintage furniture an upgrade. Antiques also have a knack for making a space look more refined and elegant, which is perfect for those who like to have the best of both worlds when it comes to decorating.
Avoid traditional and glitzy chandeliers
Massive and sparkly chandeliers tend to be more associated with a classic or Parisian-inspired style. While a little bit of glitz and glamour is nice every once in a while, true bohemian decor calls for more understated and beachy light fixtures. According to The Spruce, dimmed and yellow lighting is the way to go as opposed to harsh fluorescent lighting. You will want to create a very serene and relaxing environment, so wicker pendants or modern chandeliers that avoid sparkle fit the aesthetic best.
Other cool ideas include pendants hung by rope rather than a chain, or feathered chandeliers that utilize natural materials such as wooden beads or rattan (via Hunker). Bamboo chandeliers are also another unique route to explore. Overall, the lighting in your bohemian-style home is pretty flexible. Simply stay away from too much sparkle and be sure to keep the lights low and dim for the proper ambiance.
Layer rugs so that you can mix and match patterns
Layering rugs can seem intimidating. From not knowing how to compare and contrast patterns to being unsure which way to angle each rug, the task can seem daunting at first. However, layering rugs is definitely doable, even for beginners. While sitting down with Martha Stewart, professional designer Nancy Fire said, "Evoking the coziness that's so important today is not just about pillows and throws, you want to think of it from the floor up."
Before you can start planning out your layering process, it is first important to take a solid look at the room and decide what will work best. For example, if you have a lot of art or decor on the walls, you might want to consider layering a solid rug with a patterned rug. However, if your walls are more on the minimalistic side, two patterned rugs are the way to go.
Use decorative throw pillows and blankets
Throw pillows and blankets are an absolute must when creating a bohemian oasis, especially if you have a base palette of neutral tones. These unique accessories can transform a space and prevent it from being too boring or mundane. According to MyDomaine, mixing and matching prints when it comes to throw pillows can result in a free-spirited space that boasts style and poise. In addition to keeping one's attention, this combination of patterns can also highlight a home's more refined aspects, such as hardwood floors or clean white walls.
Another fun way to get creative with throw pillows and blankets is to experiment with size. While you may think that the size of your pillows should be aligned with the size of your couch or cushion, having oversized pillows on a small accent chair or a collection of small pillows on an oversized couch can lead to a funky and cool scene.
Fill your space with candles
Nothing sets the mood quite as consistently as candles. Between the dim lighting and the warm energy, candles are the ultimate accessory for those looking to create a relaxing and chill haven in their home. While you need to be cautious when it comes to having an open flame in your home, a collection of candles creates a sea of illumination that is both enticing and inviting. Per Jande Direct, colorful candles provide a unique touch that standard cream or white candles don't have.
From tall blue candles to short pink ones, playing with color and size is definitely encouraged when curating a bohemian-inspired space. However, while one of the main purposes of a candle is to keep your home smelling fresh and scented, you don't want to overdo it with the smells. Too many scents can be very overwhelming and can even lead to headaches or feelings of nausea. Instead, use tea lights or unscented soy candles to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Use low-level seating to set the vibe
Low-level seating screams "boho." From massive pillows to meditation cushions, creating a sitting area that allows guests to get low to the ground creates a relaxed and unique ambiance. While it is unconventional, it can also lead to very intimate and relaxed conversation. Since low-level seating is considered more informal (at least in Western culture), this seating arrangement serves as a more casual option when compared to a traditional dining table. That being said, having both seating options is the smartest option.
According to Apartment Therapy, a low table is key to creating a cohesive and comfy low-level seating area. In addition to giving the area a purpose, it also makes it much easier to gather around some food or coffee for a more intentional experience. Also, while several pillow cushions are beautiful and plush, try to go for low-level chairs with backs. This added support makes all of the difference in comfort and stability.
Create a stunning scene with some unique or colorful wallpaper
Wallpaper is one of the biggest game-changers for renovating or redecorating. Per Chic Home Life, bohemian wallpaper tends to be globally inspired or nature-based. From palm tree leaves to tribal designs, there are several options to explore for prints. Of course, if you already have a lot of competing patterns in the room, you may want to opt for more neutral walls. However, boho decor calls for bold action, especially if you're going to decorate like a professional.
If you live in a rental and cannot change your walls, simply use peel and stick wallpaper for a simple and temporary fix! For a more neutral and basic background, check out this option from Burke Decor. If you're willing to go all out, try this vibrant and bold option from Spoonflower! They are convenient as can be and are as easy to put up as they are to take down.
Don't be afraid to play with patterns
Are you looking to create a hippie-inspired oasis? Be bold when it comes to patterns! While the foundation of your home should be decked out in neutral beiges and taupes, a pop of color goes a long way. From throw pillows to rugs, mixing and matching colorful patterns can create an effortless yet chic style that catches the eye and draws people in. According to The Spruce, getting brave with patterns can result in a professionally designed space, encouraging you to give it a shot and see where it takes you.
While geometric patterns can appear more modern, global-inspired patterns tend to have a more bohemian vibe. That being said, super busy patterns definitely require a more neutral background, so be sure to plan accordingly when mapping everything out. If you're unsure where to start, find a massive, patterned rug that you love and then play off that with the rest of your decor.
Use gold or metallic accents throughout the space
Though bohemian style typically features softer and more neutral colors, gold is better than silver for bohemian hardware and metallics. From kitchen sinks to framed mirrors, adding a pop of gold here and there is an excellent way to spruce up your space and add some dimension. According to Better Homes and Gardens, metallics add a sophisticated and refined touch to a home.
While hardware is one of the more common places to play with metallics, the railing on chairs or bar stools is another fun place to add some gold accents. You can also add subtle finishing touches with mirrors, light fixtures, and lamps. Gold thread or fabric can also make a stylish impact when enhancing a boho style. That being said, too much gold can result in your home looking a bit cheap or tacky, so try to remain as selective and refined as possible.
Complete your home with a hanging chair
Are you looking to add something unique to your pad? A swinging chair is both bohemian and nostalgic, making it a magical addition to your home. According to Finding Sea Turtles, a hanging chair is far more functional than you may think! In addition to being different and fun, a hanging chair can also act as the ideal spot for a reading nook. While you can't go too crazy with the swinging, simply enjoying a gentle rock back and forth is very soothing and comforting.
If you want your swinging chair to look as perfect as possible, it is best to go for a chair that gets drilled into the ceiling. This elongates a room and is a great way to make your ceilings appear taller than they are. However, if you don't feel like dealing with all of the hassles that come with a legitimate hanging chair, you can buy one like this from Wayfair. This chair gives you the same effect and style without the trouble of drilling into your ceiling.