To me, the boho decor style represents beautiful art and a born wanderlust who creates a home by curating and collecting items. It is for this reason that boho decorating on a budget can be achieved so quickly – how could you not fall in love with this decor style?
The boho style is one of my favorites since it’s SO universal and can be adapted to include the owner’s personality.
Further, it’s also easy to create amazing feminine spaces. So girls, let’s see how we can create the atmosphere of a well-traveled person, and embrace that free-spirit that inspires the boho vibe!
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Define Boho Decor
The word Bohemian is defined as an unconventional person, especially an artistic one. So you could expect a very imaginative, creative, and eclectic style. Therefore, this decorating style is the opposite of a clean, simple, and minimalistic style.
Here is a word of caution:
This can be a tricky style to accomplish as people often add in one too many large scale patterns, which can become distracting to the eye. In other words, you need to know where to add your vibrant designs and prints, and when to STOP!
How To Properly Incorporate Bohemian Furniture Or Decor
Keeping your base color palettes such as your walls or large furniture pieces neutral will allow you to achieve this look with less complexity.
Since the boho style is rich in patterns and prints, your best bet is to use your accents to layer this look into your décor.
To illustrate, when you are cold, you will naturally add a layer or two to be comfortable. A sweater may be all that is needed; however, what if you were to continue to add a coat, gloves, and a scarf? Overlaying your clothing will cause you to become uncomfortably hot.
If you add in too many patterns and prints, you will create chaos. It needs to be just right for the space to feel well designed.
My advice here would be when adding a vibrant print or a bohemian furniture piece, give yourself time to adjust to the new piece before adding to the room.
Remember Balance When Boho Decorating On A Budget
Since the Boho decor style is very eclectic, you should feel free to experiment with color.
The key to making it look cohesive which is the secret to any good interior design is to keep your accent color all in the same tone. For example, a range of yellows, or a rainbow of blues.
Also, if you would like to incorporate a few colors into the room follow these two rules:
- Choose colors and tones that compliment each other.
- Don’t rush the process.
Trust me, I understand how exciting a decor project can be in the beginning, but after a few hours, days, or months the frustration kicks in. Yep, that excitement turns into – I JUST WANT IT DONE!
NOTE TO SELF: Take a break because it is at this point your project will go south. For clarity, your decor will end up looking like a hot mess on a very humid summer day.
Therefore, if you must experiment with the wall color, dedicate a small room such as a bathroom or limit the number of patterns used in the design.
Why Plants Are Your Best Friend when Boho Decorating On A Budget
Since the Boho lifestyle is all about the love of feeling free, it embraces nature as it grows without boundaries.
Living plants will add texture and life to your home and will so don’t be afraid to place them freely around your bohemian furniture.
For those of you who may not want to care for plants, you may find my post on How To Style Plants | Plant Styling helpful.
A great DIY trick is to purchase large wicker baskets and add tassels, as shown in the picture. You can even add tassels to the corners of your pillows to tie the design together.
Boho Bamboo Stands And Plant Containers | Top Amazon Finds
Images and links below are clickable.
Think Lighting When Searching For Bohemian Furniture
The boho decor style is known for its romantic ambient lighting. Most designers transform spaces by incorporating fairy lights, pendant lighting, and adding a few lanterns.
When trying to stick to a tight budget, you can count on hitting a home run in the lighting department if you take your time. If you’re willing to spend an afternoon or two hitting up some Thrift shops or Estate sales, you’ll probably score big and add a lot of character into your design.
I’ve picked out some examples that would work for a boho-inspired look for your reference.
Create Your Own Art Work
Find at least one wall in your home to incorporate a few pieces of art and photos from your travels.
A few inexpensive ways would be to purchase vibrant fabric to create your own tapestry or even framing a few pieces of fabric. You can use the remaining materials to make your own pillows.
Next, add in some photos of your travels. I’ve written a detailed post of how to find your best travel photos and how best to displayed them on How To Create a Family Gallery Wall and Vacation Ideas For Every Traveler.
Boho Dorm Room Ideas
Because dorm students are on a super tight budget, you could find tons of students checking out second-hand shops and thrift shops to fill up their dorms.
Poufs are the greatest, especially for those late studying nights. For extra seating, toss around a few poufs or large flat floor pillows around your room. This will help soften your space, and provide extra seating when you feel like entertaining. Plus, they’re super inviting and comfortable.
Instead of splurging on a headboard, consider using a Tapestry instead. It’s a thrifty way to add a wow factor to any wall.
If you are able to score a lightweight Tapestry, you’ll be able to hang it up with Command Strips instead of nails! This way, you won’t have issues with leaving behind large holes from hanging heavy artwork.
Wicker baskets and hampers will keep your pad looking neat without all the fuss. Check our post Decorating On A Dime | Home Styling for some DIY Boho ideas using wood crates.
In Conclusion
The boho decor style is one that is soothing, chic, and free-spirited. Plus, boho decorating on a budget can definitely be achieved with great success! The more effort you put into planning your design, the happier you will be with the end result.
Also, don’t forget to check out your local listings for some used bohemian furniture styles. You can go boho-chic or vintaged.
Hopefully, you are now feeling inspired and have some direction when shopping for your future home decor ideas. For more home styling tips and tricks drop by anytime. Hey, we’re always up for company.
