Bohemian living room décor could possibly be described as Victorian style in Technicolor with a touch of modern thrown in for good measure. While it’s true that anything goes when designing a boho living room, the secret to avoiding it from becoming too busy or ending up simply just not working is fairly straightforward. It’s a matter of balance: for every antique or reproduction piece in the room, pair it with something contemporary or retro. The result will be totally unique, no one room resembling any other. It is for this reason that bohemian style has become so popular in recent years – it is the ideal interior design vehicle to perfectly express one’s individuality.
Wall colors (shown here from Benjamin Moore) for a bohemian living room are strictly Victorian. Choose vivid fruit tones such as berry reds or burnt oranges, mustard yellows and jewel shades including ruby and emerald. If you prefer wallpaper, keep to the same color palettes, but select patterns that are ornately rendered and have floral or scroll motifs and damask and elaborate diamond designs.
Lighting plays a very important role in bohemian interior design. It must be romantic and a little over-the-top. It must be soft yet shed enough light to be useful. Lamp shades for the table lamps in the room should most definitely be Victorian or vintage, perhaps tiffany (stained glass) style.
Again, rugs and window treatments will have a Victorian or vintage look. Start with a Persian area rug or something more organic like sisal. Use rich fabrics like velvets and brocades for the curtains. Add a valance and tie-backs made of gold fabric or braided cords with tassels. The same goes for picture frames and prints; ornate gilt frames with sepia photographs or prints of pastoral scenes.
For your boho living room, choose a sofa that is traditional yet comfortable. The sofa shown in the picture displays classic Victorian design like the rolled arms, cabriole feet and brass nailhead trim.
Begin adding in more contemporary looking furnishings like a coffee table, two end tables and a console table. When accessorizing the room, dress them up bohemian style with vintage ornaments, old leather-bound books, a cut crystal decanter on a tray or candlesticks made of brass, silver or wood.
While a bohemian style living room should look eclectic, it shouldn’t look cramped, crowded or cluttered. Even though this look is bold and dramatic, ultimately all elements – walls, furniture and accessories – should be balanced to make your interior design individualistic yet warm and comfortable.
