Bohemian style is artistic and unconventional. It is strongly related to hippie fashion, featuring hip and chic characteristics to create spaces for enjoyment. It lacks structure, giving bedrooms a wilder, more free-spirited vibe.
Although Bohemian bedroom style is synonymous with the artistic lifestyle, anyone can create personal and relaxed spaces.
Bohemian style origins
The word bohemian comes from the French word bohémien, the French label for ‘Romani, Gypsy’ in the mid-19th century. The French believed the Romani came from Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, so it makes perfect sense.
The term bohemianism describes the bohemian lifestyle, which is unconventional, involving music, art, literature, and spiritual pursuits. Bohemianism rejects frivolous luxury, instead opting for a cleaner, more spartan existence.
What are the main elements of the Bohemian style?
Pictured: Bohemian Style Bedroom with Macrame Wall Art.
Plants (real ones), Macramé (knotted textiles), thick textures, wild patterns, string lights, and rugs that contrast the room are crucial elements of Bohemian style.
Bohemian styles lack structure, so décor, furnishings, and upholsteries are carefree layers chosen for function over form. However, bohemian style always has an anchor colour that pulls a space together and creates a vibe.
For example, a Bohemian bedroom with a pastel green feature wall and a pastel green Chaise, creating a minimalist colour scheme. The rest of the bedroom might make use of different colours, which should be neutral shades.
Bohemian colours
The beauty of bohemian style is anything goes; bohemian spaces are personal spaces designed for relaxation. Yellow, browns, white, green, blue, grey, and red are all options, although a single primary accent colour is essential.
Start with an off-white base and choose an accent colour for your feature wall and a piece of furniture or bedding. You can then pepper in other colours, which can contrast and pop against your core colour scheme.
Just as important as colours are textures. Various textures should be used, and no surface should lack consistency. From wood-clad walls to textured wallpaper, the surfaces around you need to give off a sense of depth and character.
Divan Bed
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Cool Memory Foam Divan Bed, Available Online from Bedstar
Bohemian bedrooms use simplistic furniture because they have so many elements competing for space. Divan beds are your best bet because it has no protruding frame to eat into floorspace, and you can select a headboard that suits you.
Plants
Bohemian bedrooms are connected to nature, and there’s no more refined way to do this than with plants. You can get houseplants in all shapes and sizes - our favourites are the lady palm, pothos, jade plant, Chinese money plant, and asparagus fern.
Bonsais
Bohemian spaces are taken to another level with the art of bonsai. Houseplants are beautiful, but bonsai trees are unique. You can’t go wrong with a Ficus Ginseng or Chinese Elm, with these species living for decades.
Macramé
Macramé is a knotted textile used in décor and wall art, bringing texture and warmth to spaces. Bohemianism styles use Macramé liberally, and there are some stunning pieces out there, from simple wall hangings to large displays.
Pictured: Macrame Wall Art
Blankets, throws, and pillows
The bohemian style includes lots of patterns and layers of texture, creating unstructured spaces that are highly individual. Throws have different textures and patterns to cushions, with additional elements boasting their aura.
String lights
Affordable and chic, string lights can hang from ceilings and walls to softly light bedrooms and deliver the finishing bohemian touch. String lights are minimalist and simple but also artistic and playful, making them ideal for bedrooms.
Rugs
Pictured: Bohemian Bedroom and Patterned Rug. (Source Pinterest)
Bohemian rugs are patterned rugs that deliberately contrast flooring, providing a thicker, homelier texture. Indian rugs are a popular choice. If you prefer simple rugs, a rattan or wicker rug will give you a bohemian vibe.
Art and literature
The bohemian style connects you to the physical world, so art and literature are key themes. For example, a TV on the wall could be replaced by a painting or a shelf with books. Look for art that resonates with you - Etsy is a great place to start.