Styles in furniture - Bohemian or Boho

The Bohemian or Boho style - bohemian, as we call it in Romanian - is as the name suggests: unconventional, creative, free, light, carefree. It's the style of those who want a lively, colorful, nonconformist home, with mixed objects, a lot of natural and uncomplicated. The pieces of furniture are free of the weight and fuss of classic styles, natural wood is combined with rattan or braided branches or leaves, styles are mixed by taking what is most pleasing and accessible from each. It is more of an interior design style that mixes textures, prints, knits, colors, woods, metals, and wood, building the whole ambience. It is the style of those who want a simple and colorful life, the style of artists and nomads.

When boho style started

The first signs of this free, unfettered style appeared as early as 19th-century Paris. The French capital was then the favorite haunt of artists from all over Europe. Very little or no income and a refusal to accept existing rules and regulations meant that these original bohemians lived a free, improvised, utilitarian lifestyle. Classical standards of beauty were abandoned, beauty rediscovered in simple, unconventional things.

There are, however, voices that say that this eclectic, non-normative style was imposed by Bloomsbury group of artists, writers and intellectualsin London in the early 20th century. Bloomsbury was an influential group with big names like Virginia Wolf and her sister Vanessa Bell. The members came from wealthy backgrounds, which gave them social advantages and self-confidence. Despite their status, they were dissatisfied with their parents' conventional and false lifestyles, which they rejected as restrictive and double-standard. What they wanted was the freedom to develop their own ideas and a way of life without restrictions.

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

Handcrafted objects, hand-woven objects, knitted objects and souvenirs from your travels create the bohemian-style decor

Being a free style, there are no rules. However, not all mixtures of textures, colors and patterns are considered boho. Bohemian means bold colors or simple, natural tones, handmade objects, vintage furniture, mixes of styles, braids, with an emphasis on utility and personal touch.

A lot of white and warm earthy colors, metallic tones and vibrant gemstone colors are used. The colors are combined, layered to create a warm, pleasant, inviting environment. Vibrant color prints or traditional fabrics add charm and personality.

Being an artist's style, in a bohemian decor we often find handcrafted objects, weavings and crochet, paintings and sculptures. It's 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, objects of worship are often found in such spaces.

Another characteristic of the style is the presence of rich green plants. It is not a discreet presence but large ferns or hanging green plants are favored, putting their obvious mark on the place. Their green color is invigorating and emphasizes the style's followers' love for nature and naturalness.

The Bohemian style is not a discreet 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 the fear of breaking the rules, keeping things that have only sentimental value.

Bohemian style furniture

Although Bohemian-style furniture pieces can be found almost anywhere, there are no factories that make boho-style furniture collections. The furniture is vintage, second-hand or bought from local artisans or carpenters. It's simple and comfortable, or special pieces found at flea markets.

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

In "bohemian" decors we often find rattan and braids, exotic woods of little value, natural colors, knits. Baskets are often used for storage, and chests can take the place of coffee tables or dressers. A feature of the style are 'special', collectable pieces. These are generally small pieces of furniture, vintage or even classic style, with material or memorial value. They stand out precisely because they contrast with the rest of the furniture and do not clutter up the space. The old-meets-new combination is felt everywhere and is specific to the style.

Materials, lights, accessories

The Bohemian style mixes 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, macramé, and braids used for everything from storage to bedspreads, decorative chair cushions, and paintings. The slightly worn, unglamorous look is preferred, in the Shabby chic, but not that damaged. Colorful prints or traditional patterns come in and add personality to the space.

Ambient, discreet lighting will complement the room and give it a calm and welcoming feel. Lanterns, candles and lamps, on the floor or table, take the place of chandeliers and classic sconces on the ceiling. Handmade lampshades made from natural materials or with brightly colored stones are preferred.

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

The Bohemian style is about freedom, looseness, no rules and emphasizing everyone's personality. Bohemian spaces are only as similar as their owners. It's about staying in a space that you like and that represents you, with furniture that you like even if the pieces don't follow the same style and don't match.