Quick Ways to Get a Boho Living Room
Many people think the boho style is chaotic or overly cluttered, but that’s a common misconception. In fact, Boho (short for Bohemian) living rooms strike the perfect balance between relaxed, eclectic, and purposeful design. At its core, the boho style encourages self-expression and creativity, blending different textures, colors, and influences from around the world into a harmonious, lived-in space.
Here’s how you can create your own boho-inspired living room—without breaking the bank!
Key Elements of Boho Living Rooms
- Layered Textures
A boho living room thrives on variety. Think cozy woven blankets, soft cushions, textured rugs, and draped curtains. These layers not only provide visual interest but also make the room feel welcoming and personal. - Natural Materials
Wood, rattan, and wicker are must-haves in a boho space. Look for furniture pieces with natural finishes, or accessories like baskets and plant stands that add a rustic touch. - Earthy Color Palettes
Although boho often includes bursts of color, its foundation tends to be rooted in earthy tones. Browns, beiges, and muted greens are commonly used as a base, creating a grounded atmosphere. - Global Influences
The boho style draws inspiration from cultures around the world. Persian rugs, Moroccan lanterns, or Indian poufs help infuse the space with a collected, well-traveled vibe. Think of your living room as a canvas that reflects the world’s diversity. - Personal Touches and Eclectic Finds
Boho is about individuality. Incorporate your own personality through art, vintage pieces, or handcrafted items. A quirky lamp, a worn-out chair with character, or a gallery wall of your favorite memories can make the space uniquely yours. - Plants, Plants, Plants!
No boho living room is complete without plants. They bring the outdoors in and add freshness to the space. Go for easy-to-care-for varieties like succulents or snake plants, or hang a few planters from the ceiling for an added boho touch.
Quick Tips to Achieve the Boho Look in Your Own Home
- Start with Textiles
Swap out your existing cushions or throw blankets for ones with bold patterns or rich textures. This simple change can instantly add a boho feel without a big investment. - Mix and Match Furniture
Avoid the traditional “matching set” mentality. A boho living room should feel collected over time, so don’t be afraid to blend different styles of furniture, especially if you already own some eclectic pieces. - Hit the Thrift Store
Vintage or secondhand furniture is your best friend when going for a boho look. Head to your local thrift shop or browse online marketplaces for quirky finds. That rattan chair or handmade pottery could be just the thing to give your living room boho charm. - DIY Décor
Get crafty! Whether it’s making your own macrame wall hangings or painting a thrifted frame, adding DIY touches is a fun and affordable way to customize your space. It’s also an excellent way to showcase your personality in the room. - Opt for Versatile Rugs
A well-chosen rug can anchor a boho living room. Choose a piece with a bold pattern or ethnic design to serve as a focal point. If you’re on a budget, look for faux vintage rugs, which offer the same aesthetic without the high price tag.
Budget-Friendly Boho Decor Ideas
- Textiles
Hunt for affordable throw pillows with fringe, tassels, or intricate embroidery at discount stores or online marketplaces. - Plants
Propagate plants or buy smaller varieties to cut costs. Plant swaps with friends are another great (and free!) way to grow your collection. - Gallery Wall
Use inexpensive frames and print your own photos or art to create a personalized gallery wall. Mix different frame styles to capture that boho vibe. - Thrifted Accessories
Items like brass candleholders, ceramic vases, or woven baskets can often be found for a steal at thrift stores and add warmth and personality to your space.
Quick Wins to Pull it All Together
- Layer Different Rugs: Combine different rug patterns and textures for a carefree, layered look.
- Mix Lighting Styles: Use both floor lamps and string lights to create a warm, inviting glow.
- Throw in a Pouf or Floor Cushion: These add comfort and an extra seating option while giving the room a cozy, lived-in feel.
1. Layered Textiles
Start with a base of neutral-colored furniture and add layers of richly patterned throws and pillows. Each piece should feel like a discovery from a different corner of the world, showcasing intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The textiles not only add comfort but also serve as visual anchors that draw the eye and spark curiosity.
2. Eclectic Furniture Mix
Combine modern pieces with vintage finds. A mid-century modern coffee table might rest on an ornate Oriental rug, while a vintage ladder repurposed as a bookshelf adds height and interest. The key is in the mix—each piece should look as though it was collected over time, each with its own story.
3. Artistic Decorations
Fill your walls with an assortment of art that reflects your personality. Think of macramé wall hangings, abstract paintings, and framed photographs from your travels. The art should be hung at various heights to create a gallery-like feel, turning your living room into a personal museum of your life’s adventures.
4. Natural Elements
Incorporate elements from nature to bring an organic, grounding effect to the room. Large potted plants like fiddle leaf figs or palms can transform a corner into a mini-oasis, while smaller potted succulents on window sills or coffee tables add greenery without overwhelming the space.
5. Soft Lighting
Avoid harsh lights. Instead, opt for soft, ambient lighting with lamps that cast a warm glow. Lanterns, candles, and even string lights can add a magical quality to the evening, enhancing the room’s cozy, welcoming vibe.
6. Unique Finds
Showcase unique finds from your travels or local flea markets. Whether it’s a hand-painted vase, a stack of old books, or a handwoven basket, each item adds character and tells a part of your unique story.
7. Comfortable Seating
Include various seating options such as a big armchair with a knitted throw, a comfy couch, and a couple of poufs or floor cushions. This variety allows for flexibility and invites guests to find their favorite spot, contributing to a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere.
8. Rustic Touches
Incorporate rustic elements such as wood with visible grain, distressed metal finishes, and handcrafted pottery. These materials add texture and depth, creating a lived-in feel that is both inviting and stylistically coherent.
9. Cultural Accents
Introduce items that reflect a broad spectrum of cultures, such as Moroccan lanterns, Indian tapestries, or African sculptures. These pieces not only decorate the space but also infuse it with a global spirit, making the room a testament to cultural appreciation and artistic expression.
10. Personal Items
Make the space truly yours by displaying personal items that hold sentimental value. This could be anything from a family heirloom to a DIY project that you’re particularly proud of. These personal touches make the space feel authentic and genuinely lived-in.
11. Colorful Rugs
One of the hallmarks of Boho style is the use of colorful, often geometric or patterned rugs that can overlap in a seemingly haphazard fashion. This layering of rugs helps to define different areas within your living room, making it feel larger and more dynamic. Opt for materials that are easy to clean yet visually striking, like cotton or wool, to ensure they are as practical as they are decorative. Each rug can act as a piece of art, injecting color and pattern that complement the other textural elements around the room.
12. Hanging Plants
To enhance the bohemian vibe, incorporate hanging plants in macrame plant holders. These not only utilize vertical space but also add an element of life and movement as they sway gently in the air currents of the room. Choose varieties that thrive indoors, like spider plants or pothos, to bring a touch of vitality and freshness. The natural colors and textures of the plants contrast beautifully against soft-hued walls or wooden accents, making the space feel more intimate and serene.
Quick Boho Style Checklist:
- Layer textiles for warmth and texture
- Embrace natural materials and plants
- Incorporate global influences
- Mix new and old pieces for an eclectic vibe
- Add personal, handmade, or thrifted items to reflect your personality
