Boho Living Room Makeover: 20 Design Changes That Make a Huge Impact

Are you thinking about doing a boho living room makeover? You might be suprised to know you don’t need a full renovation. With a few intentional design changes, you can transform your space into a cozy, bohemian retreat.

A lot of times when people think boho, they tend to envision a more alternative style that can be pretty full and busy. But a boho living room doesn’t have to be dramatic or overhwelming. It can be simple, natural, and fun. Whether you make small updates or go for a full makeover, these design changes will help transform your space into the boho retreat of your dreams.

If you’re thinking about turning your living room into a cozy, creative space, we’ll explore how to create your own boho style in your living room. Are you ready to make your living room boho? Here are 20 easy updates that will completely change the vibe!

20 Tips To Create A Boho Living Room

1. Let’s Talk Rugs

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

Look for rugs with patterns to add character to your space. If you want a boho style with a pop of color, go for deep, earthy tones like rich navy blue, burgundy, forest green, or mustard yellow. But if you prefer something more versatile (which is my personal favorite), choose a neutral patterned rug. It’s a timeless option that never goes out of style and works with almost anything. A patterned rug will make a statement on its own, bringing texture and interest to your home without feeling overwhelming.

LAYERING RUGS

Layering rugs is a signature boho living room trick. Start with a large, neutral base rug, then layer a smaller, patterned rug on top. This adds texture, defines spaces, and creates an interesting contrast. Mix different materials like jute, wool, or vintage Persian rugs to achieve the ultimate boho look.  Layering rugs adds comfort as well. A big rug with a smaller, patterned one on top can create a really unique look.

2. Use Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are an easy way to introduce color and comfort. Choose a mix of sizes, textures, and bohemian prints to bring warmth and personality to your boho living room. Opt for earthy tones, Moroccan-inspired designs, or macramé styles for an eclectic touch. Colorful throw pillows brighten up your sofa or armchair. They’re easy on the wallet too. Colorful, textured throw pillows and richly patterned tapestries add a tactile touch.

3. Add Boho-Style Drapes

Light, airy curtains help create a dreamy boho vibe and a soft flowy aesthetic. Opt for sheer or gauzy fabrics in neutral tones to let natural light filter through. For a bold look, choose patterned or embroidered curtains that add an artistic element to your boho living room. 

4. Choose an Earthy Boho Living Room Color Scheme

A boho living room color palette should balance earthy neutrals with bold warm accents. These should stand out against the neutral colors and help create a feeling of balance so that the eye is drawn to one particular design choice and doesn’t inspire sensory-overload with too many clashing designs fighting for our attention. Think about:

• Soft browns, beige, and cream for a warm neutral foundation.
• Terracotta, sage green, or muted greens to bring the outdoors inside.
• Pops of magenta, mustard yellow, or burnt orange to add vibrance or personality.
• Woody accents like walnut or mahogany add richness and match well with natural materials like rattan or wicker.
• Deep blues or burnt oranges can be a subtle addition that makes you feel like you’re walking on the beach at sunset.

In a boho living room, you’ll want to mix neutral tones with earthy colors for a balanced space. But if you want to go all out, decide if you want your bohemian-style living room to be more minimal and relaxing or more lively and exciting. 

5. Incorporate Natural Materials for an Organic Feel

A key element of boho decor is using natural materials like rattan, bamboo, and wood. Wicker furniture, jute rugs, and wooden coffee tables create an organic, earthy feel that enhances the relaxed boho living room atmosphere.

6. Display Vintage and Thrifted Finds

Boho style thrives on character and history. Incorporate thrifted or vintage furniture and decor items, such as antique mirrors, old trunks, or secondhand wooden bookshelves. Mixing new and old pieces adds charm and uniqueness to your boho living room and makes it feel like it’s been lived in.

7. Maximize Natural Light

Natural light makes your boho space feel open. Use light airy curtains to let more sun in. Maximize natural light by placing mirrors to reflect light back into the room. This makes every corner feel welcoming, especially if the mirrors are placed near windows. Natural light makes a boho living room feel airy and open, which is exactly what we want.

Avoid heavy window treatments that block sunlight and instead opt for sheer curtains or woven blinds.

8. Install String Lights

String lights are an affordable way to add warmth and ambiance. Hang them along walls, drape them over bookshelves, or wrap them around indoor plants for a whimsical touch.

String lights are a big part of the boho look. They make your room feel like a fairy tale. Hanging them will really enhance the feeling in your space. I can already imagine curling up with a good book as we speak.

9. Invest in Character Lamps

Lighting does more than just light up a room. It changes the whole feel when you’re trying to brighten a boho living room. The right lights make your space feel warm, as if you could sink into it. Try to find lamps with unique shapes, textures, and warm lighting to elevate your boho living room. Look for rattan pendant lights, Moroccan lanterns, or ceramic table lamps with woven shades.

To go for a boho-chic look, consider adding some industrial elements, like black metal or go for fixtures with gold tones. When it gets dark, lamps that have some character can become pieces of art. Look for lamps with vintage or handmade touches. 

10. Add some plants

We’ve all heard that being outside is good for our health and our mental health. When you incorporate greenery into your space it very easily starts feeling more and more like a boho living room. You feel like you can breathe deeply and relax your shoulders. The setting suddenly feels a bit more refreshing. Your room will look better and the air will be cleaner. If you’re concerned you don’t have a green thumb, choosing low-maintenance plants is easy. 

You can go for low-maintenance plants like:

• Snake Plant: Requires little water and thrives in low light.
• Pothos: Great for hanging baskets with its trailing vines.
• ZZ Plant: It’s thick leaves can tolerate a little neglect. Super easy to care for.

Or I guess you could just go for the fake ones, like I have. Absolutely no judgment here.

Place plants on shelves, in woven baskets, or on plant stands to create an indoor oasis.

Tips on how to incorporate plants in your boho living room:

• Group Plants Together: Put different-sized plants together for depth and interest.
• Incorporate Varied Textures: Mix plants with different leaf shapes, like ferns and peace lilies, for a rich feel.
• Use Decorative Pots: Pick pots that match your boho style, like wicker, clay, stone, or bright colors. Pots can subtley add to your boho decor.

11. Mix and Match Boho-Chic Furniture Styles

Boho living rooms embrace an eclectic mix of furniture. Combine modern pieces with vintage finds, rustic wood with plush upholstery, or global-inspired items with minimalist designs.

Boho-chic living room pieces should look good and work well. They should also add to your space’s personality and make a statement. Here’s how to pick furniture that’s both fashionable and charming.

• Find furniture that uses wood, metal, and fabrics together. Go for items with interesting patterns or bold colors. A colorful armchair or a vintage table can brighten up your room.
• Mix used furniture with new furniture pieces. This blend helps make the space feel “lived in” and homey. It can also be an eco-friendly decision.
• For a pronounced boho-chic look, peek around for furniture that has gold accents or metal work to elevate the design.

Be brave and pick pieces that resonate with you most.

12. Choose a Statement Sofa

A boho living room isn’t complete without a cozy, inviting sofa. Opt for a deep-seated, cushioned style in a neutral fabric like linen or velvet. Layer it with textured throws and colorful pillows for added comfort.

Another way to choose a statement sofa is to look for one that has that extra “pop” of texture or color. You can choose a leather sofa, for example, if you’re drawn to those more neutral tones. I’ve also seen plenty of green sofa’s as a design option if you are feeling bold.

13. Handmade Pieces & Accents

Handmade decor adds intruge. It’s usually interesting to look at and interesting to hear the story behind. Look for handwoven baskets, macramé wall hangings, ceramic vases, or embroidered tapestries. These pieces enhance the authenticy of your boho living room vibe.

You can add so many personal touches in your boho living room through your design choices. It can all tell a beautiful story. Use items that remind you of places you’ve been. Things like colorful vases, special fabrics, and pottery can be highlights. They make your room look great and share stories of your travels. Choose art that has a story, like paintings or prints. This art can start conversations and make your room more interesting.

14. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Your boho living room should have a quiet, inviting space for relaxation. Set up a reading nook with a comfy chair, a soft throw blanket, and a floor lamp. Add a woven basket for extra blankets and a small side table for books and tea.

You can even get creative and use books as decor. Showcase your personality by displaying book spines or pages, travel souvenirs, and collected artifacts.

15. Floor Cushions and Poufs

Boho living rooms can really encourage a casual, laid-back seating arrangment. Floor cushions and poufs provide extra seating for guests and contribute to the less-is-more atmosphere. Look for colorful Moroccan poufs, knitted ottomans, or oversized pillows.

16. Use a Gallery Wall to Showcase Art

A gallery wall adds personality to a boho living room. Mix framed art, photographs, macramé, and decorative plates. Keep the layout asymmetrical for a free-spirited, artistic feel.

17. Hang a Tapestry

Tapestries can sometimes be a really obvious design choice that instantly adds a boho characteristic. A large tapestry can be a stunning focal point in a boho living room. Choose one with intricate patterns, rich colors, or mandala designs. Hanging a tapestry behind your sofa can instantly transform the space.

18. Include Woven Baskets for Storage

Woven baskets are both practical and stylish. Use them to store blankets, magazines, toys, or even as plant holders. They add texture and warmth while keeping your boho living room organized.

19. Imperfect Layered Styling

It’s kind of an abstract concept, but when designing your own boho living room. Don’t feel pressured to be symmetical. Don’t think that everything has to go perfectly. The heart of boho design is embracing imperfections and layering different elements. Mix patterns, stack books, drape blankets over chairs, and display sentimental objects. The goal is to make your space feel personal, inviting, and effortlessly curated.

20. Wall Decor Ideas

These items, made from natural materials, help create the vibe you want in your boho living room. Macrame, in particular, brings a handmade beauty that’s calming and pretty. 

What Are Macrame Hangings?

These are made from knots that create beautiful patterns. They really can be the main attraction on your wall. You can have a big piece above your couch or smaller ones on a wall. I’m really only a fan of these when they are in a neutral color.

Here are some other boho wall decor ideas:

• Gallery Wall: A vintage gallery wall can mix different types of art in different shapes and sizes. It can have framed photos or painted canvases.
• Contrast: Look for art pieces that have high contrast: black and white is a super easy contrast option.
• Florals: Go for water-painted floral decor pieces for a subtle, feminine touch
• Woven baskets: Believe it or not, hanging baskets on walls is a very beautiful boho wall decor option! It looks great! It adds the organic elements we talked about AND it adds something especially unique for wall decor: dimension.

You can go for one of these elements alone for a more defined aesthetic or you can mix and match and come up your own unique boho design collection. Try different layouts to find the right balance for your taste.

My thoughts on boho living room ideas focus on how design choices can grow with you. Plants, comfy furniture, and unique art make a cozy space for self-expression. A boho living room makeover is more than just adding cushions or tapestries. It’s about mixing textures, colors, and elements that show your personality and add a little extra charm. Hopefully the 20 ideas I shared here will encourage you to have fun, mix and match, and find your unique brand of boho living. Welcome new things, value what’s real, and keep growing. Your home reflects the amazing person you are. Ready to refresh your living room?