A boho chic style combines the free-spirited, eclectic essence of bohemian decor with a hint of contemporary sophistication. It combines patterns, textures, and colors to create a relaxed yet sophisticated style. It is one of the few design styles that truly transforms a bedroom into a personal sanctuary.
What are the Differences Between Boho and Boho Chic
Both styles originated from the bohemian movement, but that is where the similarities end. Each style has its own set of design characteristics for people to follow.
What is Boho?
Boho or bohemian is an unconventional and free-spirited design style. One that is typically associated with the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. This style has been greatly impacted by artistic expression, international travel, and a complete disregard for modern design principles. Typical boho decor includes brilliant colors, mismatched furniture, culture-inspired designs, and an abundance of plants. Boho embraces a more is better mentality, to where it is almost chaotic in terms of creativeness and freedom.
What is Boho Chic?
Boho chic, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated version of the bohemian style. Like boho, boho chic is all about creative freedom, but it adds balance and sophistication. Boho chic uses neutral color choices, sleeker furniture, and carefully selected accessories to provide a touch of elegance. As it is more versatile it is often used by those who love the bohemian influence but prefer a more subdued and modern look.
How to Design a Boho Chic Bedroom
Combine bohemian decor with the more subtle elements of modern design to create a boho chic bedroom.
1. Use the Right Color Palette
Boho chic uses muted colors instead of bright ones. Blend colors like beige, ivory, and taupe with earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and burnt orange. This color combination creates a calm and inviting atmosphere, but also allows for brighter colored accents.Using different shades of the same color adds interest to the room. For example, a space dominated by beige might have throw cushions in deeper browns, a rug in soft cream, and rust or burnt sienna accessories. This keeps that bohemian style, while creating a harmonious and elegant space.
2. Use Textures to Create Interest
Textures are an important design element in boho chic. They are responsible for making a room more interesting to look at. To get the cozy, lived-in look that boho chic is known for, you need to layer different textures together. Not sure how to layer textures to create that perfect boho chic look? Take a look at our example below.To create layers begin by using natural fabrics, like cotton or wool, for your bed linens and curtains. Natural fabrics bring an organic touch to the room, but they also look nice and are comfortable to touch. Throw pillows with patterns, chunky knit blankets, and weaving wall hangings will help you add layers. If you want to give the room a more sophisticated feel, think about adding silk pillows or a soft rug.
No boho chic room is complete without macrame. It is often used to make wall hangings, plant holders, and even furniture decorations. The complex knots and weaves of macramé give the room a handcrafted, homemade look adding to the bohemian charm.
3. Furniture Mattress
For a true boho chic design, furniture must be stylish and functional. You want to find pieces that strike a balance between contemporary and vintage.One way to create that balance is with wood furniture. However, you only want furniture with a natural wood finish. To ensure it’s a natural finish, look for pieces made from reclaimed wood or those featuring a weathered, rustic appearance. Then add some contemporary furniture with sleek designs and simple accents.
Rattan and wicker furniture are also common furniture choices for boho chic bedrooms. For instance, a rattan headboard can effortlessly become the centerpiece of your room, while a wicker chair or storage basket adds texture while being fully functional.
All bedrooms need seating options. To keep that boho chic vibe, you can add a vintage armchair to one side of the room. You can also add an upholstered bench to the foot of the bed. Both options add some sophistication without taking away from the bohemian style.
4. Lighting Sets the Mood
Lighting sets the overall mood of the bedroom. Choosing the wrong style of lighting can ruin the look you are trying to achieve. The objective is to produce a gentle, soothing radiance that elevates the room’s comfortable and welcoming ambiance.Combine different types of lighting sources, such as overhead fixtures, floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights, to create a layered and well-balanced lighting scheme. A chandelier with a bohemian touch, like those crafted from beads or natural fibers, can make for a captivating focal point. If you prefer a more subtle look, consider pendant lights or a sleek, sophisticated ceiling fixture.
The addition of table lamps with textured bases, such as ceramic or wood, brings an artisanal feel to your space. Similarly, floor lamps with woven shades or intricate patterns can enhance the boho aesthetic. The addition of string lights, whether draped across the headboard or along the walls, brings a touch of whimsy and a subtle softness to the room’s aesthetic.
Candles are a must-have in a boho chic bedroom. The gentle, flickering glow adds to the room’s laid-back atmosphere. Try placing candles of different sizes on nightstands, shelves, or windowsills to create a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
5. Accessories Give Your Room a Personal Touch
Accessories allow you to personalize your bedroom with your unique style. However, when you choose accessories, you must be careful, as you want to pick items that show who you are while still remaining true to the boho chic style.To add a feeling of wanderlust and adventure, use Moroccan lanterns, Indian carpets, and African masks. These artifacts tell a story and offer visual appeal, which goes a long way in giving some meaning to your room.
Plants are another boho chic bedroom requirement. Plants add a touch of nature to your bedroom, but they also make the room feel bright and alive. When incorporating plants into your design, don’t limit yourself to potted plants. Consider adding hanging plants, and a statement tree like a fiddle leaf fig or palm. Build on that boho chic vibe by using accessories like macramé plant hangers and woven baskets.
Wall art also adds a personal touch. For example, you can create a gallery wall using framed artworks, woven baskets, and macramé hangings. Mirrors with intricate frames or sunburst designs add light to the room but also make the small space feel larger.
Don’t forget to include functional accessories, such as baskets, trays, and beautiful bowls. These pieces provide texture and interest while organizing your space. To maintain a boho chic vibe, choose natural materials like wicker, rattan, or wood.
One Last Thought
A boho chic bedroom is all about creating a space that is comfortable, inviting, and distinctly your own. By combining the laid-back, creative vibe of boho with the sleek and minimalist elements of modern design, you can design a bedroom that exudes both fashion and tranquility.
Don’t forget to keep your color scheme consistent, mix and match different textures, find furniture that combines old and new elements, and add unique touches that showcase your own style and personality. Once you’ve got all these things set up, your boho chic bedroom will transform into a gorgeous sanctuary that you’ll absolutely adore coming back to each day.