Bohemian Interior Design
Eclectic, colourful, and free-spirited
What is Bohemian Design?
Bohemian design embraces a free-spirited, unconventional aesthetic inspired by artistic, nomadic, and global influences. Rooted in 1960s-70s counterculture and global travel, boho interiors are relaxed, layered, and rich with pattern, texture, and personal expression. The style celebrates handcrafted items, natural materials, and an "anything goes" attitude.
Core Characteristics
The defining features of this style
Relaxed & Unstructured: No rigid rules; organic flow
Global Influence: Moroccan, Indian, Mexican, African textiles and patterns
Layered Textiles: Rugs on rugs, throws, cushions, tapestries
Abundant Plants: Greenery is essential (sometimes jungle-like)
Handcrafted & Artisan: Macrame, woven baskets, hand-dyed fabrics
Low, Grounded Furniture: Floor seating, low tables, cushions
Bohemian in Practice
Colour Palette
The colours that define this aesthetic
Primary Colours
- Earth Tones: terracotta, rust, burnt orange, clay
- Warm Neutrals: cream, beige, tan, camel
- Natural Browns: walnut, chocolate, caramel
Accent Colours
- Jewel Tones: emerald, sapphire, amethyst, ruby
- Vibrant Pops: fuchsia, turquoise, mustard, coral
- Deep Rich Hues: burgundy, teal, ochre, burnt sienna
Colour Application
Materials & Textures
The building blocks of this style
Primary Materials
- Rattan and wicker chairs, baskets, headboards, light fixtures
- Macrame wall hangings, plant hangers, curtains
- Jute and sisal rugs, poufs, baskets
- Kilim and global textiles: Turkish rugs, Moroccan poufs, Indian block prints
- Natural, carved, or painted wood
- Moroccan leather poufs, vintage chairs, floor cushions
- Cotton and linen in natural, hand-dyed, or embroidered forms
- Brass and copper lanterns, trays, decorative objects
Texture Strategy
- Maximum texture layering: 6-8 different textures per room
- Combine rough jute with soft velvet
- Layer woven textiles, fringe, tassels
- Include shaggy rugs or sheepskin throws
- Add embroidered, beaded, or hand-dyed fabrics
Flooring Options
- Hardwood or natural floors
- Layered rugs (jute base + vintage kilim on top)
- Moroccan or Persian rugs
- Floor cushions and poufs replace some traditional seating
Furniture Selection
Choosing the right pieces for this style
Key Furniture Pieces
Low sofas with abundant cushions; rattan chairs; floor cushions and poufs
Low coffee tables (Moroccan, carved wood); nesting tables; trunks as tables
Woven baskets; vintage trunks; open shelving with displayed textiles
Low platform beds; canopy beds with flowing fabric; rattan or carved wood headboards
Furniture Characteristics
- Low to the ground: floor seating, low tables
- Natural materials: rattan, carved wood, painted vintage
- Global influences: Moroccan poufs, Indian daybeds, Turkish stools
- Comfortable and inviting; encourages lounging
- Vintage or handmade; mass-produced pieces rare
Recommended Brands & Retailers
Lighting Design
Illuminate your space the right way
Lighting Approach
- Warm, ambient lighting (avoid bright overhead lights)
- Multiple light sources at various heights
- Decorative, artisan fixtures
- Candles and lanterns for mood
Recommended Fixtures
Rattan, woven, or Moroccan metal lanterns
Tripod lamps, Moroccan-style, or paper lanterns
Draped or woven into canopies
Ceramic bases with patterned or fringed shades
In brass holders, lanterns, or clusters
Room by Room Application
How to apply this style throughout your home
Living Room
- Low sofa with 8-10 patterned cushions (mix patterns freely)
- Layered rugs (jute base + kilim on top)
- Moroccan pouf or floor cushions for additional seating
- Low wooden or brass coffee table
- Multiple plants (hanging macrame planters, floor plants)
- Macrame or woven wall hanging
- String lights or Moroccan lanterns
- Gallery wall with global art, woven pieces, mirrors
Bedroom
- Low platform bed or canopy bed with flowing fabric
- Rattan or carved wood headboard
- Layered bedding: patterned duvet + mix of cushions and throws
- Vintage or rattan nightstands
- Macrame plant hangers
- Patterned rug beside bed
- Tapestry or textile wall hanging
- String lights or Moroccan pendant
Dining Room
- Low or standard dining table in natural wood
- Mismatched chairs (mix rattan, carved wood, upholstered)
- Layered table styling: runner + candles + plants
- Hanging plants above table
- Woven pendant light
- Open shelving with displayed ceramics and global treasures
How to Implement
A step-by-step guide to achieving this look
Choose Your Boho Direction
- Desert boho: Earth tones, cacti, natural fibres
- Jewel boho: Rich colours, luxe textiles, metallics
- Natural boho: Neutrals, plants, handmade items
- Global boho: Mix of cultural influences and colours
Start with Textiles
- Layer 2-3 rugs (jute base + patterned rug on top)
- Add 8-12 cushions in varied patterns (mix freely)
- Include throws in textured fabrics (macrame, fringe, tassels)
- Hang tapestry or woven wall piece
Add Plants Abundantly
- Start with 5-10 plants per room
- Vary heights: floor plants, hanging, tabletop
- Use macrame plant hangers
- Choose natural pots: terracotta, woven baskets, ceramic
- Include trailing plants (pothos, string of pearls)
Incorporate Rattan & Woven Elements
- Rattan chair or headboard
- Woven baskets for storage
- Jute rug or pouf
- Rattan light fixture or mirror frame
Create Low, Relaxed Seating
- Add floor cushions or Moroccan poufs
- Lower coffee table
- Create cosy corner with cushions and low seating
- Encourage lounging and comfort
Layer Global & Handmade Objects
- Macrame wall hangings
- Moroccan lanterns or brass trays
- Vintage global textiles
- Handmade ceramics and pottery
- Travel souvenirs displayed openly
Add Mood Lighting
- String lights
- Moroccan lanterns
- Candles in clusters
- Avoid harsh overhead lighting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pitfalls that can derail your design
Too Cluttered: Boho is layered, not messy; maintain cleanliness and organisation
Mass-Produced "Boho": Authentic boho uses handmade/vintage; avoid cheap mass-produced "boho" decor
Matchy-Matchy: Don't buy boho "sets"; mix and collect over time
Neglecting Plants: Plants are essential; without them, boho feels incomplete
Wrong Colour Balance: Too many bright colours without earth tones feels chaotic
Budget Considerations
Achieve this look at any price point
High-End Approach
- Authentic vintage kilim and Turkish rugs
- Handmade macrame from artisans
- High-quality rattan furniture (Serena & Lily)
- Original global textiles and artifacts
- Real Moroccan poufs and lanterns
Mid-Range Approach
- Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie textiles
- Affordable rattan (World Market, Target)
- Etsy for handmade macrame and textiles
- Vintage shops for global finds
- Medium-quality plants from nurseries
Budget-Friendly
- DIY macrame wall hangings (YouTube tutorials)
- Thrifted textiles and cushion covers
- Affordable plants from supermarkets or propagate your own
- IKEA jute rugs and natural baskets
- Make your own floor cushions from fabric scraps
- Collect items slowly from flea markets
Lifestyle & Maintenance
Is this style right for you?
Daily Habits
- Water and care for abundant plants regularly
- Fluff and arrange cushions and throws
- Dust woven items and plants
- Maintain cleanliness despite layered abundance
Potential Challenges
- Plants require regular care and watering
- Layered textiles collect dust; vacuum and wash regularly
- Woven items can be difficult to clean
- Risk of looking cluttered if not maintained
Best For
- Free-spirited individuals who love colour and pattern
- Plant lovers who enjoy caring for greenery
- Travellers who collect global items
- Those who value handmade and artisan goods
- Anyone seeking relaxed, cosy, creative spaces
Styles That Pair Well with Bohemian
Eclectic
Boho provides the global, layered element
Scandinavian
"Scandi-boho" combines minimalism with boho warmth
Maximalist
Increase colour saturation and pattern density
Modern Farmhouse
"Boho farmhouse" adds natural, relaxed elements
Discover Your Perfect Style
Not sure if Bohemian is right for you? Take our style quiz to find your perfect match.
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