Whenever we go shopping, often there seems to be at least one item of clothing or accessory that catches our attention which gives off a certain “hippie” or “gipsy” vibe. Be it a sling bag with tassels, or big chunky earrings.  Further, there are certain occasions like music festivals or outdoor barbeque parties where the entire atmosphere of the event exudes certain bohemian vibes. People seem to be going gaga after it and why won’t they!!

Bohemian fashion is young, it is free, it is fun, and it doesn’t abide by rules. If bohemian fashion doesn’t scream revel spirit, then nothing does. But as much as there is an entire fan base dedicated to bohemian fashion, there is a lack of understanding of what this fashion is, where does it come from and what is its story.



Bohemian fashion is not just about  tie and dye skirts, or colourful head scarfs. This fashion trend, in fact, has a story to tell which encompasses various parts of the world. The term “Bohemian” includes people who live unconventional, usually artistic, lives. The original "Bohemians" were travellers or refugees from central Europe and in French the word “bohemian” means gipsy.

Since the concept is so vast, it doesn’t have a single root. Its beauty lies in its diversity, it has meant different things at different times and in different places. The bohemian culture often got reflected in the lifestyle and sense of clothing of mostly women and even men to certain extents. They did not dress in accordance to the diktats of the society which may have included extremely fitted, covered and modest dresses.



Instead, their dresses were long, loose and colourful. The bohemian culture also became a means for the emancipation of women, and it influenced other sections of fashion as well including hairstyles. The Bohemian theme is not just limited to clothing and accessories alone, it has also entered the domain of interior design and home decorations. The classical styles will always remain timeless, but people also look for something different, something that will add a certain wow factor to their house and that is.

Be it for clothing or decorating your house, there are certain trademark qualities or rather features in the bohemian theme, which make it stand out from other interior themes, some which are:

● Usage of natural fabrics like cotton, linen, velvet, silk over synthetic ones

● Bohemian culture is all about being close to nature and hence it generally incorporates earthy shades like beige, brown, earthy red, white, orange and dark green




● As mentioned, bohemian fashion is all about staying rooted and connected to nature and hence the embroidery also includes floral embroidery and other nature-inspired motifs

● The bohemian style sense is all about being unconventional hence it widely uses printed fabrics wherein tie and dye, batik and ikat prints are all very popular.

Why should you try Bohemian interiors?

While reading up on bohemian fashion or bohemian theme in general, few of the questions that may have come to your mind are, is the bohemian theme for me? Why should I opt for a bohemian theme, will a bohemian interior do justice to my house or my personality?

Now, the answer to these questions lies in understanding what exactly are you looking for or how you perceive your own self. Are you looking for something that stands out a little? Are you looking for something that is soothing to the eyes but also gives off a relaxed and unconventional vibe? If the answer to these questions, is yes, then bohemian interiors is for you.

3 Tips to get you started on Bohemian Interiors

Here are some of the tips that you might want to consider while giving a boho vibe to your interior:

1. Less is NOT More

Minimalism is quite in vogue right now as it exudes sophistication and elegance. But the bohemian theme is not at all about that. It is about being a tad bit extra. Bring out that wooden wall hanging that you thought was a misfit in your room, put up that beautiful mirror on your wall that you got from the trade fair.

And the best part about bohemian fashion is these things don’t even have to be brand new. In fact, if your furniture or your accessories look a little-used and have a certain old-world charm about them, then it will add to the authenticity of the theme.

2. Use fabrics

This theme allows a lot of scope for using fabrics in your interior decoration. Use a lot of floor rugs, elaborate curtains, table covers, cushion covers, wall hanging and other stuff as well. Also while choosing fabrics, make sure to look for a lot of interesting colours and unique patterns and textiles.

Tie and Dye, Ikat are some of the staple bohemian prints and fabrics. Don’t be afraid of being a little over the top and experimenting with elaborate prints motifs, mirrorwork, tassels-they form the heart of the bohemian vibe. After all we all have one life, what’s wrong in being a little extra.

3. Experiment with Colours

This is another arena where there is a lot of scope for exploration when it comes to the bohemian theme. Bohemian theme is mostly reflected by earthy colours like brown or green. But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore much. Fiery orange, yellow or even purple go well with this theme.

However, if you feel these colours, especially the latter ones can be a little too over the top for you, you can always go for mix and match. The colour scheme that you should abide by is the one your heart really wants.




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Now, it is true that bohemian fashion has increasingly become a part of the mainstream. So why just go out and get ready made stuff, instead try to make certain stuff which will not only be a fulfilling experience but would definitely be something that is not found in every nook corner.

Head out to Fabriclore and pick some fabrics that exude the bohemian vibe and then do your DIY project by making a table cover, or even a cloth wall hanging if you are feeling creative enough. Remember the only rule that you have to follow, is not to follow any rule.