Dec 15, 2021

Bohemian Furniture: What's Your Style?

Throwing all of the rules and conventions out the window, the Bohemian style imposes no limitations on what is possible. Mixing different kinds of materials, patterns, textiles, and colors, it tips the hat to maximalism as it focuses on producing a lively space that reflects life, culture, and art.

But, is Bohemian style the right style for your space?

Do you like to be free to make design decisions without a guidebook?
Do you love to be surrounded by art, music, and nature?
Do you prefer to lead a laid-back, simple lifestyle that reflects your carefree and fun mentality?

If you found yourself nodding your head yes to any of those questions, then Bohemian might just be the right style for you.

The Origin of Bohemian Design and Furniture - How Did it All Begin?

"Bohemian" was the name originally given to the Romani people upon their arrival in Paris in the 1800s. The term Bohémiens, at the time was considered a derogatory term created by the French.

By the mid 19th century, French authors and artists embraced the term, and the word "Bohemian" became synonymous with the free, wandering artist lifestyle that prioritized art, self-expression, and freedom.

This counterculture, originating from the impoverished life of artists in post-revolution France, evolved to the lively style of colors, textures, and eclectic design patterns and styles we know today.

The Defining Features of Bohemian Furniture

Bohemian furniture complements notions of freedom and makes a space feel comfortably unstructured yet cohesive on its own.

Although this style rids itself of any rules, here are some of the common elements found in Bohemian furniture:

Low-lying aesthetics

Mixed colors, textiles, and patterns

Eclectic details

Natural materials like wood and bamboo

Layered patterns

Vintage pieces

The Elements of Bohemian Furniture

Form

Low-lying furniture adds to the laid-back, relaxed feel that is essential to a Bohemian room. Floor seating with large cushions and patterned rugs with unique designs and textures are also quite common.

The functionality of Bohemian furniture comes down to whether your space works for you. Boho style celebrates individuality, and this remains true even when it comes to function. Boho rooms are welcoming and cozy, and comfortable furniture adds greatly to that feeling.

Texture

Throughout our "What's Your Style" series, we have taken a look at how other popular styles, such as Mid Century Modern, depend on texture to add complexity to a space. These specific design options count on elements with subtle texture, to ensure that a room is not "flat."

Boho design and furniture can be found on the opposite side of that spectrum. Texture is welcome wherever it feels right and adds an inviting touch. Layering different textures on each other, such as pillows or throw blankets on chairs and couches, is a popular and fun alternative to adding eclectic, textured furniture to a room.

Materials

Rattan, natural woods, or bamboo, these materials are likely to come to mind when you think of Bohemian furniture. Boho pieces are often used as a reflection of art, music, and culture that not only function as furniture, but also as serve as form of self-expression.

Materials with various textiles and patterns to create one-of-a-kind, beautiful Boho pieces. Paisley designs are popular options for couch and chair cushions, as well as pillows. Patterns are often mismatched with other fun and expressive patterns.

Other materials, like glass, are often implemented with a Boho twist. Stained glass, for one, is a great alternative to add variety through the material while still keeping the Bohohemian feel.

Color

Bohemian design is largely known for its explosion of colors and patterns. Though this is certainly often true, the furniture of the style comes in many different variations. Pieces can contribute to the bright colors through interesting, patterned upholstery, or can stick to neutral tones and let the colors thrive elsewhere.

Neutral tones are often found in Bohemian furniture--this greatly helps balance the saturation of color, keeping it lively while still maintaining an organic and unrefined feel to a space.

Our 5 Tips for designing a Bohemian styled space:

1. Look to your own experiences for inspiration

It may seem counterintuitive, but Bohemian design and furniture is all about promoting self-expression, and putting an emphasis on what matters to you.

Turn to your travels or most important moments and see how they can be manifested into your space. Maybe that is through souvenirs you have collected in your travels, or special mementos you have been gifted by your family and friends.

2. Vintage furniture & accessories

Vintage pieces can spruce up any room while complementing its respective design. This couldn't be more true for Bohemian style spaces! Adding vintage accessories from your favorite destinations or your local flea market can do wonders for decorating your space.

3. Plants, plants, plants

Plants are always welcome, but it is hard to name a style that calls for botanicals more than Bohemian.

Whether they are in a corner, hanging from the ceiling, or adorning your favorite pieces of furniture, plants can only improve the overall feel of your Boho home.

4. Lighting

Modern and contemporary light fixtures can stand out if they don't match the Boho vibe. Try incorporating eclectic lighting that is more subtle and adds to the style of the space.

Lantern-like fixtures or pendant lights are great for adding the cozy, unique feel of Bohemian design.

Check out our Boho Glass Prism Hanging Pendant light for the perfect look.

5.Final Touches

So, you have gone through all of your keepsakes for your space but still feel your space is missing the final touches. Here are some details that are perfect if you are looking for some extra elements: