Bohemian decor, known for its organic materials, fanciful wall art, and hippie-approved textiles, is as free-spirited and easy as it comes. Although it always looks fantastic in large-scale rooms brimming with houseplants and exposed brick walls, we think it looks pretty amazing in small spaces, too.
Even in your apartment, you can dress up nooks and crannies in boho goodness as you create a relaxed atmosphere. And a bonus? You can keep things renter-friendly with temporary pieces that won't result in losing your deposit.
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Whether you live in a tiny home, a diminutive apartment, or even a dorm room, we have 10 boho apartment decor ideas that are larger than life.
1. Create a cohesive color palette.
Even though an anything-goes philosophy can definitely apply to bohemian apartment decor, you should consider a light color palette to avoid overwhelming your space with too many hues. And to keep things visually-streamlined, consider a combo of navy blue, beige, and brown, shades that Jen of Miss Lifestyler wove together in her living room.
2. Include thoughtful storage.
Regardless of whether you live in a giant home or a tiny studio, we all have to put our stuff somewhere. We just have to get a bit more creative when it comes to apartment living, turning to furniture pieces like a sleek sideboard that tucks neatly against the wall and hides things away. This gorgeous wood cabinet, punctuated by vibrant green plants, is boho perfection in an apartment belonging to Hilton Carter.
Get the look: Barchov Sideboard, $1,159.99
3. Opt for minimal pieces.
Bohemian decor is known for lots of layers and antiques galore, but in a small space, you may need to scale things back a tad. For instance, in this apartment belonging to Lea, the kitchen is distinctively boho with a collection of houseplants and natural wood finishes, but it doesn't go over the top. A few hanging pendant lights and a decorative mobile showcasing the planets in a window add just enough personality without going overboard.
Get the look: IKEA Användbar Hanging Plant Holder, $12.99
4. Let a wall tapestry do the talking.
If you're being super careful with those rental walls, look no further than a graphic tapestry, something that we think is a staple when it comes to boho apartment decor (no nails required). Instead, use Velcro to avoid creating unsightly holes. We're loving Nora's bedroom, which showcases a large scale tapestry with a colorful, abstract design.
Get the look: IKEA Sinnerlig Pendant Lamp, $69.99 and Laurie Mann Arthur Throw, $230
5. Get creative with nooks and crannies.
That random wall next to your bedroom? The awkward corner at the end of a hallway? Why, yes — you can turn those into useful and beautiful spaces. In an apartment, you likely want to maximize every square inch with bohemian decor, so take a page from this setup by Viktoria Dahlberg and add a rattan chair, shoe organizer, and reading nook to those overlooked spots.
Get the look: CB2 Abel Round Mirror 34", $359
6. Don’t be afraid to layer.
If minimalism isn't for you and you're drawn to layered, heavily-textured spaces, then boho apartment decor is right up your alley. In this living room belonging to Sara of Black & Blooms, the eye has a lot of gorgeousness to take in between the faux fur rugs, plants, and incredibly cool artwork.
Get the look: Barbara Dziadosz Lucky Five Art Print, $19 - $259
7. A galley kitchen can have a lot of personality.
In a rental, there's a good chance that you have a galley kitchen. And that's OK. You can still make it look lovely with boho apartment decor by bringing in some plants and organic finishes. Or, you can ask your landlord for permission to redo the kitchen with the help of boho-inspired tile and updated cabinets, which is what Mallory of Reserve Home did in this bright cook space.
Get the look: Semihandmade Cabinet Fronts, price upon request
8. Poufs and cushions are ideal seating options.
So, you may not have enough seating for all of your friends who stop by. In this case, we recommend starting with a sofa and a lounge chair, and then add in a few woven poufs or cushions. They're pretty much a bohemian apartment decor must for any space, but they work especially well in a small living room, like this one belonging to Justine Celina.
Get the look: Article Sven Sofa, $1,799
9. Echo old-school details.
Let's say that your apartment came with decades-old wood moldings and maybe even a fireplace. Lucky you! Those storied details will pair beautifully with bohemian apartment decor. For example, in Naomi from Love Taza's living room, an ornate gold mirror emulates the detailing seen in the window frame. Throw in a Persian rug, tasseled throw, and an assortment of patterned pillows to complete the eclectic look.
Get the look: Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror, $498 – $1,548
10. Use a screen to separate small spaces.
Since you're renting, you probably won't be adding extra walls to your apartment anytime soon. If you're dealing with a small space that could use some separation (i.e. a studio apartment), consider this brilliant piece of bohemian decor: a rattan screen. In this Los Angeles apartment, the screen artfully separates the living room from the bedroom.
Get the look: Vintage Rohé Noordwolde Rattan Room Divider, $535.66