Styles in furniture - Bohemian or Boho

Bohemian or Boho style - bohemian, as we call it in English - is as the name suggests: unconventional, creative, free, carefree, carefree. It is the style of those who want a lively, colourful, non-conformist home, with mixed objects, with a lot of naturalness and without complications. The furniture pieces are free of the weight and burden of classic styles, natural wood is combined with rattan or braided branches or leaves, styles are mixed taking what is most pleasing and accessible from each. It is more of an interior design style that mixes textures, prints, knits, colours, wood essences, metal building the whole ambience. It is the style of those who want a simple and colourful life, the style of artists and nomads.

When boho style appeared

The first signs of this free, unfettered style appeared as early as the 19th century in Paris. The French capital was at that time the favourite place for artists from all over Europe. Very low incomes, or no income at all, and a refusal to accept existing rules and regulations meant that these original Bohemians lived a free, improvised life with an emphasis on utility. Classical standards of beauty were abandoned and beauty was rediscovered in simple, unconventional things.

There are, however, voices that say that this eclectic and normless style was imposed by Bloomsbury group of artists, writers and intellectualsin London at the beginning of the 20th century. Bloomsbury was an influential group with prominent names such as Virginia Wolf and her sister Vanessa Bell. Members of the group came from wealthy backgrounds, which gave them social advantages and self-confidence. Despite their status, they were unhappy with their parents' conventional and false lifestyle, which they rejected as full of constraints and double standards. What they wanted was the freedom to develop their own ideas and a lifestyle free of constraints.

The Bohemian style has remained popular over the years, especially among young people, and has manifested itself as an ongoing rebellion against norms. Followers of the style try to express their own vision through furniture, folk art, antiques and collectibles.

Handmade objects, braids, souvenirs from travels create the bohemian style decor

Being a free style, the rule is that there are no rules. However, not all mixtures of textures, colours and patterns are considered boho. Bohemian means bold colours or simple, natural tones, handmade items, vintage furniture, mixes of styles, weaves, with an emphasis on utility and personal imprint.

Lots of white and warm earth tones, metallic tones and vibrant gemstone colours are used. Colours are combined, layered, to create a warm, pleasant, welcoming environment. Vibrant colour prints or traditional fabrics add charm and personality.

Being an artist's style, in a bohemian setting we often find handmade objects, weavings and crochet, paintings and sculptures. It is not about very elaborate and precious objects but those that create comfort and ambience in a simple and as natural as possible environment. Disparate objects representing precious memories, souvenirs from travels, cult objects are often found in such spaces.

Another feature of the style is the presence of rich green plants. It is not a discreet presence but large ferns or hanging green plants are preferred, making an obvious mark on the place. Their green colour is refreshing and highlights the style's followers' love of nature and naturalness.

The Bohemian style is not a discreet style but a free style that reflects the personality of the person who adopts it. Nothing is too much, if that's what you want. It's about feeling comfortable and free in your own space, showing your personality, combining styles without fear of breaking the rules, keeping things that only have sentimental value.

Bohemian style furniture

Although Bohemian-style furniture pieces can be found almost everywhere, there are no factories that make boho-style furniture collections. Furniture is vintage, second-hand or bought from local artisans or carpenters. There are simple, comfortable items or special pieces found at flea markets.

Utility and comfort are important features of bohemian furniture, making it often resemble the minimalist or Scandinavian. A simple shelf can be used for books, a bookshelf as a cupboard. Chairs and sofas are soft and comfortable, rocking chairs and loungers are preferred. Stiff, straight-backed chairs are not desired in such spaces, nor are large, heavy cupboards. Instead, small tables that can be pulled alongside a lounger take the place of large, rigid tables.

In the "bohemian" decorations we often find rattan and braids, exotic little wood, natural colours, knits. Baskets are often used for storage, chests can take the place of side tables or dressers. A feature of the style are 'special', collectable pieces. In general, these are small pieces of furniture, vintage or even classic stylewith material value or as a souvenir. They stand out precisely because of the contrast with the rest of the furniture and do not clutter the space. The old-new combination is felt everywhere and is specific to the style.

Materials, lights, accessories

Bohemian style followers mix simple, natural materials such as cotton canvas or hemp and jute fabrics with silk, brocade or other precious materials. What predominates, however, are the natural materials, the macramé, the weaves used for everything from storage, to quilts, to decorative chair cushions, to paintings. The slightly worn, lack-lustre look is preferred, in the style of Shabby chicbut not that damaged. Colourful prints or traditional patterns come in and give personality to the space.

Discreet, ambient lighting will complement the room and make it feel calm and welcoming. Lanterns, candles and lamps, on the floor or table, take the place of the lighting provided by chandeliers and classic ceiling lights. Handmade lampshades made of natural materials or with brightly coloured stones are preferred.

The accessories that bring the room to life say something about the owner. Memories of holidays, small collectibles, illustrations of hobbies, china, mirrors, paintings are integrated into the space and are never too many or outdated.

Bohemian style is about freedom, lightness, no rules and highlighting your personality. Bohemian spaces are similar only to the extent that their owners are similar. It's about being in a space you like and that represents you, with furniture you like even if the pieces don't follow the same style and don't match.