The bohemian style of home décor has always been popular. But what causes many people headaches is not knowing what type of furniture to choose for this style of space. While bohemian style encourages mixing and matching, it's important to maintain a sense of balance to avoid cluttering your space. In this post we'll guide you through the process of choosing the right furniture to make your bohemian style a reality.
What is bohemian decorating?
Bohemian decorating style is a style of interior design that emphasizes freedom, individuality and artistic expression. It originated in the Bohemian region of the 19th century (today's Czech Republic, Slovakia, etc.) and was influenced by gypsies, artists and intellectuals. Bohemian style decor usually features rich colors, textures, and patterns, a variety of mix and match in furniture and decor, and the use of layered fabrics and textiles to create a casual, eclectic yet warm and personal atmosphere.
Now that we understand the bohemian style of decoration, then we can pick the right furniture according to this style. Below we have listed some points and directions for your reference when selecting furniture.
Prefer natural materials
One of the key elements of bohemian decor is a deep appreciation of nature. If this is to be reflected in the furniture, we should prioritize furniture made of natural materials like wood, rattan, wicker and linen. This not only creates a warm and cozy feeling, but also helps to establish a connection between home and nature, which is one of the core elements of bohemian style.
Wooden furniture
Furniture like coffee tables, computer desks, and dining tables can be made from reclaimed or weathered wood; the texture and rustic feel of wooden furniture is perfect for a bohemian home. And dark, worn wood or light-colored wood (like oak or pine) can make your space welcoming.
Rattan and wicker
You can include some rattan or wicker items in your living room as appropriate, such as wicker armchairs, rattan coffee tables or woven storage baskets. This will give the space a more relaxed, beach-like vibe and these items add some texture and natural elegance.
These materials fit in well with the airy, relaxed and natural atmosphere typical of bohemian interiors.
Leather and fabrics
Leather sofas, especially those in brown with a vintage or aged look, are perfect for adding a touch of ruggedness to a space. If you're not a fan of leather sofas, you can also try fabric sofas and pair them with cushions and pillows made of richly textured, tactile fabrics such as velvet, linen or cotton.
Mix and match patterns and textures
Another focus of bohemian decor is the layering and dynamic visual experience. That's why when we choose furniture, we should be careful to mix different textures and patterns, but don't forget to maintain a sense of harmony.
I think some bright, eclectic patterns like florals, paisley or ethnic prints are perfect for this. Consider some sofas with brightly patterned fabrics while incorporating a variety of patterns in your choice of cushions and seat cushions, which will make the space look livelier. A few other fun pairings are pairing floral patterns with stripes, geometric patterns with animal prints, or bright colors with more neutral tones. Don't use too many dark colors like black, brown, or purple in your color scheme, as this can make the overall décor look dark and depressing.
Choose comfortable, relaxing furniture
Bohemian spaces are meant to be lived in and enjoyed, not just admired. When choosing furniture, it's important to prioritize comfort and functionality over being formal or stereotypical. As we said earlier coziness and comfort are key.
Generally when it comes to seating options, you should favor the use of low seats to create a relaxing atmosphere. Look for low sofas or floor cushions for lounging and casual gatherings. Bean bags, oversized cushions or floor pillows are great additions to create a casual yet cozy atmosphere for guests.
Select vintage and antique pieces
Another great feature of bohemian interior design is the mix of old and new. You can try adding vintage or antique furniture to add some character and tell a story, which is highly prized in bohemian design. Of course not everyone is a fan of vintage furniture, so just mix and match to your liking.
Look for those unique home décor items at flea markets, antique stores or online marketplaces. For example, old wooden crates, antique armchairs or vintage bar carts. These items help create a residential atmosphere and add charm to the space.
Use of plain, rich colors
Even though the bohemian style encourages a rich mix of colors, its dominant colors are still warm. So when it comes to choosing furniture, things like log, terracotta, mustard yellow, burnt orange, dark brown and olive green are good choices. These rustic colors create a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.
So large pieces of furniture like rugs and sofas are better in plain colors. But some small pieces of furniture like side tables, coat racks, corner shelves, you can choose some rich and bright colors. This can make the color of the space look warm and lively.
Pay attention to some details.
If you have a small amount of available space, consider choosing furniture that is versatile. This can can help you maximize the room without sacrificing style. Examples include footstools with hidden compartments and coffee tables with storage drawers. Wicker basket weave bins can also be used to store blankets, magazines or other items.
Take care to add some layering through fabric, and best practice in this regard is to layer rugs, blankets and cushions. A Moroccan-inspired rug under a low coffee table and a vintage Persian rug under an armchair can make all the difference. Natural fabrics or blankets with fringe details can add softness and warmth to your space.
Wrap up
Remember, there are no strict rules for bohemian design. The more you embrace unexpected furniture combinations and focus on comfort and individuality, the more your bohemian space and the furniture you choose will blend together. Just choose furniture that fits the overall tone and makes you comfortable.