Would you like to give your outdoor space a warm and original feel by adding touches of color, texture and meaning? If that’s you, then maybe it’s time to try out a bohemian balcony decor style. This carefree design style mixes natural elements, colorful textiles, and vintage furniture to create a balcony that’s both relaxing and expressive.
I’ll walk you through the process of building a boho balcony that’s comfortable, unique and still useful for everyday needs. We’ll cover ways to make a comfortable and attractive spot on your balcony, no matter how much space you have.
Embracing The Bohemian Spirit In Your Balcony
I generally begin a bohemian balcony remodel by figuring out the atmosphere I want to set. The boho style is based on creative thinking, different world cultures and a natural ease. For this reason, I prefer to allow for individuality rather than try to make everything look identical. A good bohemian balcony is designed to look collected, without everything matching perfectly.
Usually, I begin my designs by combining vintage pieces, age-old materials and accessories from all over the world. As an example, a wooden bench with handmade cushions, a used side table decorated with mosaics and a hanging chair of rattan add variety and interest to the room. Although some pieces are helpful, what’s most important is how each one shares a piece of you and adds something meaningful to the design.
I feel that each balcony, small or large, can take on a boho look. A lot of the most interesting designs I’ve seen are in very small city settings, each space filled with care and purpose. Justina Blakeney, interior designer, always says that your home should match your soul’s glow. That quote helps me when styling my boho balcony.
You can make the vibe greater by putting in layered lighting, some ethnic designs or spiritual things including mandalas and amulets. If you want, you could make the experience better with incense or candles.
Layered Textiles For A Warm And Whimsical Look
Having textiles in different materials and shapes is an important bohemian decor technique I always recommend for adding warmth. Let draped throws, unusual rugs and fancy pillow covers create the look. A balcony benefits from terracotta containers and potted plants which shape a seating area and provide interesting sights.
I cover the seating with a Moroccan rug and put floor cushions with patchwork designs on top. Want to add color and movement to a space? Hang tapestries over a chair or door on a railing. They not only make your home beautiful, but they will hold up well if they are properly cared for.
Textiles have regularly proved to be the element that unifies different parts of a space. I once created a very comfortable tearoom using Indian saris, Turkish kilims and linen drapes—it’s now everyone’s favorite room in the apartment. It’s the texture that gives a balcony its cozy atmosphere.
Another way to improve this is to include tie-dye decorations, colorful batiks from other countries or use up scarves and blankets around the home. Make your clothing stand out by including tassels or fringe.
Colorful Floor Cushions For Cozy Seating
When there’s not much floor area, I focus on using space above the ground and colorful floor cushions are great for that. They’re low-maintenance, lightweight, and make any balcony feel like a cozy retreat. Plus, they’re a key component in creating an authentic bohemian vibe.
My cushions are often large and in colors such as deep turquoise, burnt orange and raspberry pink. By decorating your covers with embroidery and mirrors or beads, you get a charming, handmade effect. I place everything near a low wood-topped table, so it becomes a place to sit comfortably, enjoy tea or admire the stars.
What makes floor cushions special for me is how easily you can move them around. I tried them on my little balcony because regular chairs wouldn’t fit and my guests were always comfortable sitting on them. As Apartment Therapy notes, floor cushions add comfort and flexibility in tight areas, a fact I always find to be the case in projects I build.
If you’d like to improve this look, try layering round and square cushions, adding some boho poufs and including an outdoor-friendly throw.
Dreamy Canopies And Draped Fabrics
You won’t find anything more dreamy than a softly-moving gauzy canopy, so I always add one to any boho balcony style. Sharing your space with a pergola brings softness, creates privacy and does so in a lovely and relaxing way.
To decorate my pergolas or attach curtains from the ceiling hooks, I drape sheer curtains, gauze or even scarves I have lying around. Using soft white and beige tones, the dining room becomes very dreamy and installing jewel-toned panels adds a touch of drama. When you have free corners or corners tied closed, you have more styling options.
To make one of my favorite little spaces, I suspended an old mosquito net over a daybed on the balcony and it turned into the coziest spot in the house. Domino Magazine notes that “layered drapes can instantly turn a dull balcony into a dreamy boho den.” I couldn’t agree more.
You can put up curtain tiebacks that feature tassels or beads to make the curtain look magical or simply include a few fairy lights with or through the curtains they will create a nice magical atmosphere.
Mixing Global-Inspired Patterns And Prints
A bohemian balcony is made special by including a variety of international-inspired patterns. These prints—from African, Indian and Persian designs—offer a colorful and unique sense of culture in any space.
I enjoy using paisleys, mandalas and ikat prints on cushions, blankets and wall hangings. The key is contrast—don’t worry about matching! You can easily see how using multiple colors and backgrounds adds energy to this style. These types of furnishings look best together because of their boho aesthetic.
While creating my sister’s balcony, I paired the indigo pillows from West Africa with Indian dhurrie rugs. There was a lot going on, but it all felt easy and at ease. Elle Decor often suggests mixing patterns from all over the world to make your space resemble one that has been all around the globe which I like to achieve in my own boho-style designs.
You can complete the design by adding printed table runners, colorful printed parasols or even fun wall stickers.
Incorporating Macramé Wall Art And Accents
I think macramé goes hand in hand with bohemian styles and using it makes my balcony wall look really special. Neither cold nor warm, it has a texture that makes it a great match for other design elements.
I make wall hangings, place my pots on macramé plant holders and have fun weaving macramé hammocks. They are useful as well as attractive. A macramé curtain gives you privacy but also lets you see outside. Including coasters and key holders brings all the details of your decor together.
A large macramé wallpiece placed behind a bench changed everything about one of my client’s rooms. I believe macramé fits beautifully in any boho setup and Architectural Digest has made the same point, saying it helps soften outdoor areas without making them look crowded.
You can give your outfit a unique touch by adding pastel, earth tone or dyed clothing and include beads or feathers as accessories.
Creating A Boho Oasis With Potted Plants
If there’s one non-negotiable in bohemian balcony design, it’s greenery. A small space can still be filled with energy, texture and some life by adding potted plants. I like to begin any boho balcony arrangement with plants.
I like to place succulents, hanging ivy, ferns and tiny citrus trees together in my container. Charm is given to your space by terracotta, ceramic and hand-painted pots and wooden crates or vintage tins increase height and interest. Appearance isn’t the only benefit—plants help to clean the air and encourage relaxation.
My personal preference is to have tall leafy plants in each corner, vines hanging from above and some small pots spread out around the floor or handrail. I personally endorse Better Homes & Gardens’ method for starting your own tiny gardens.
In some climates, small herb planters, scented plants like lavender or cacti would make a boho desert feel to your design.
Hanging Planters For Vertical Garden Magic
A bohemian balcony works well if you hang plants on walls instead of laying them out on tables. In the case of small balconies, I lean on these elements to draw attention up, so the space looks more alive and interesting, without using much space. They add lots of decorations to achieve the illusion of having a lot of things, a main feature of boho design.
Using both macramé hanging containers, ceramic pots with leather ties and old-fashioned tin cans puts a fun twist on my plant arrangement. Spider plants, pothos, ferns and string of pearls are great for hanging around the home. Lining them at various heights won’t block the view, makes the area seem roomier and brings plenty of sunlight inside.
For me, having a vertical garden helps turn a boho-style balcony into a mini jungle. Hanging a trio of planters at different levels near a bamboo screen wall instantly created a pleasant and private area for me. Following Veranda Magazine’s advice, hanging different kinds of greenery helps me move the feeling of the outdoors into the indoors when I design.
A ladder that looks weathered can be stood up to create a vertical shelf or you can attach a tension rod to hold several planters at the same time. Putting solar string lights on hangers gives you both a fun and useful touch.
Decorating With Ethnic Rugs And Rattan Mats
No bohemian look is complete on a balcony without a rug or mat, so ethnic rugs and rattan ones are the perfect fit. They do more than look nice—they divide the space, add comfort and attract the eye. The floor of the balcony is always the first thing I think of when coming up with a design.
I regularly combine Persian rugs with mats made from natural jute or bamboo. Embroidery gives fabric an eye-catching look with plenty of colors and patterns, while stitching makes the fabric thicker and stronger. If you put a circular rug below a hammock chair or a rectangular rug by a coffee table, you’re creating a calm, comfortable space.
What appeals to me most in vintage kilims and dhurries is their history and character. I discovered a faded tribal rug at a flea market and made it the centerpiece of my balcony setup and it aged beautifully without ever being out of style. Looking at outdoor boho design from HGTV, it’s easy to see how these rugs combine soft and hard elements perfectly.
If you like, switch out seasonal rugs, cover concrete floors with piled blankets or textiles or even line a section of the room with tiles that resemble old rugs.
Soft Lighting With Fairy Lights And Lanterns
Lighting creates a certain atmosphere in any place, but it’s almost enchanting on a bohemian balcony. Fairy lights and lanterns are what I turn to for making pleasant, cozy light that adds magic to every evening. To get a beautiful effect, you should combine different light sources.
Putting fairy lights across the top of railings, around pergolas or up through hanging materials is my favorite way. I also add Moroccan lanterns, mason jar solar lights and wood candle holders to make the room warm and cozy.
A project I loved involved placing lanterns on the floor, stringing fairy lights across the ceiling and putting a floor lamp near one corner. Everything about the setting felt cozy and unlike anything else I’d ever seen. Dwell points out that outdoor light can help transform your garden into part of your home, a view I strongly support.
To build on this, I’d recommend mixing lantern styles (metal, glass, and bamboo), using dimmable fairy light options, or installing small LED spotlights under planters to illuminate greenery from below.
Adding Bohemian Charm With Wind Chimes
Most people don’t think much about sound in design, but I find that it can radically improve a boho-style balcony. That’s why I like to add wind chimes to lend the garden a more peaceful sound. They create a look that’s both charming, fun and peaceful.
I try to use chimes made from bamboo, capiz shells or antique metal when that’s what I’m looking for. Bamboo gives a soft, earthy sound, metal chimes sound clearer and shell chimes make a gentle, clattering sound. I place some next to chairs or hanging from plant stands to help keep the room calm.
We once built a reading corner on an apartment balcony and the client thought the soft sound of a nearby shell chime gave it a beach ambiance. The Spruce suggests using different sounds in small rooms to keep them feeling lively.
If you’re looking to enhance this element further, consider making your own DIY chimes with driftwood and vintage keys, or hang multiple chimes at different lengths to create a soundscape of varying notes.
Crafting DIY Boho Decor From Natural Materials
Since bohemian interior design supports being unique and making art by hand, I try to use one DIY item from nature. It adds a real and inspiring feel to the room. On balconies, these handmade pieces look lovely next to plants and textiles.
Some of the pieces I’ve created include artwork from driftwood, handmade beaded garlands and clay planters. When decorating, woven dreamcatchers, feather mobiles or macramé candle holders will look especially nice with other boho decor. Wood, jute, cotton and clay add both warmth and texture to the space naturally.
Recently, I made a hanging art piece with used wood, aged beads and brass bells; everyone on the balcony couldn’t help but notice it. Martha Stewart Living has lauded how DIY ideas can take inspiration from balconies and turn them into pleasant spaces for rest and enjoyment.
For a more eco-friendly approach, hunt for materials in nature or find there are many upcycled touches, including old jewelry, pieces of used wood or flowers made permanent under glass.
Eclectic Mix Of Wicker, Wood, And Metal
A key aspect of bohemian style comes out in the way furniture is mixed together. I always combine wicker, wood and metal pieces when I decorate my balcony, since their different colors and textures stand out against each other. It all comes together in a way that’s both genuine and stuffed with character.
Many times, I display a teak bench together with a wicker side table and an old wrought-iron plant stand. Wood delivers comfort, wicker makes things light and metal keeps the furniture sturdy. Choosing a combination of distressed, polished and matte finishes makes your look unique and interesting. Aim to let your imperfections appear, because they show your personality.
I set up my balcony by putting a metal stool next to a hanging rattan chair and a slatted wood plant wall. It didn’t exactly fit, but it worked well. The architects at Better Homes & Gardens say, “For Boho design, mixing time periods, textures and materials is just part of the fun.”
Looking to make this better? Whenever possible, use furniture that already exists or alter some of your current pieces by giving them a new coat of paint or changing their upholstery. Having chairs or side tables that don’t the same creates a nicely chaotic look.
Boho-Inspired Balcony Furniture Ideas
The right furniture on your bohemian balcony helps you enjoy both style and comfort. For me, it’s best to have seating that’s low and comfy, tables that are handy and pieces that look good and are useful. The furniture here is meant to make people lounge, rather than just sit.
I suggest choosing a woven hammock chair, a primary wood folding table and a bench built using old pallets. Add some variety to your home by placing a ceramic stool or hand-carved ottoman in the seating area. You should choose furniture in colors like honey, rust, olive and off-white, because these go well with boho textures.
For the client’s rooftop balcony, we decided to add a pair of hanging egg chairs with neutral cushions and layered throws. They were just as beautiful as they were comfortable. As suggested by House Beautiful, bringing in furniture with lots of fabric helps soften outdoor areas, something I definitely support.
A good way to fill in the rest of the space is by including a trunk that works as a coffee table or using modular poufs that can expand or be used separately. This design follows the main rules of functionality and flow.
Layering Throw Blankets For Comfort And Color
The easiest approach to making your balcony inviting and interesting is by using layering. Most often, I work with textiles and my designs almost always begin with a throw blanket. If you add full or oversized throws wherever you sit—over a chair, on the ground or on a railing—you can easily turn your balcony into a cozy spot. You should mix different colors, designs and fabrics, but keep it from seeming like every detail is planned.
In my boho-chic spaces, you’ll often see cotton throws, knitted patterns, faux fur elements and designs lined with fringe. Each one adds more than softness; they also add a little personality. Paint your room using complementary shades of rust, mustard, ochre and faded pinks to style your room after a relaxed sunset atmosphere.
Personally, I’ve found that this technique can produce great results despite the weather. I once decorated an urban balcony by laying out five themed throws and that spot quickly turned into my family’s favorite spot. Nate Berkus told Architectural Digest that layering fabric can make a space seem warmer and more meaningful and I’ve found this to be very accurate.
A great way to improve this area is to place poufs or a little patterned rug under the throws. These accessories hold the design together and can double as tables or extra places for your guests to set food or drink down.
Personalizing With Vintage Finds And Treasures
Since bohemian style loves the unexpected, including vintage pieces makes it perfect for a boho balcony. It’s fun for me to find things like old lanterns, carved stools or ancient wall paintings that can personalize and tell a story in a space. Most of the time, these treasures offer a stronger link to history and who people are than generic mass-produced products.
Each balcony I work on has a bit of history included. I really like making planters out of distressed crates, filling retro metal watering cans, using mid-century ashtrays as catchalls and displaying tealights in my old ceramic mugs from the 1970s. The most important thing is that these objects should seem to have been picked up bit by bit, rather than all bought together as a set.
I’ve found that flea markets, estate sales, and online vintage shops are gold mines for such decor. I used an older iron sewing machine base as a plant stand once and it made the balcony feel special. Emily Henderson insists that layering old pieces is vital for a style that feels comfortable and that’s true in my experience as well.
Handmade accessories such as beaded trays or woven baskets by local artisans are a nice way to soften the room and back local craft artists.
Cozy Hammocks And Swing Chairs For Relaxation
You can’t finish a bohemian balcony without a spot to relax and for me, it has to be a hammock or a swing chair. They are easy on the eye and add height, along with a feeling of calmness to any place. Whether your balcony is large or compact, there’s a way to incorporate these relaxing pieces effectively.
Macrame hanging chairs are perfect for small and tight rooms. For balconies that are especially large, I think it’s best to use a full hammock tied between wooden beams or a support frame. I tend to leave rope finishes neutral, but I like adding a touch of color by dying it in earthy tones, while pillows and a few throws offer some extra softness. Outdoor wicker or rattan swing chairs are beautiful and can weather the elements.
At one point, I set up a white woven swing chair next to a small teak table for a client and she soon started using it as her favorite place to read. Swing seating, as Apartment Therapy points out, adds a sense of seclusion to any setting which I find is nearly always true for my work. It’s all about getting outside, breathing fresh air and relaxing.
What’s not happening here? For my morning tea, books or small plants, I’d place a hanging shelf just above where I sit—so I can get to it and not have to stretch.
Incorporating Beads, Tassels, And Fringes
For me, beads, tassels and fringe are the parts of any outfit that scream boho the loudest. These textural elements can be incorporated in small or large doses, depending on the look you’re after. I enjoy decorating a balcony using them, either on pillows, blankets or hung from planters and lanterns.
Tassel-lined throws leave room for bold cushions that are trimmed with the fringe, especially when those cushions are a bright coral or teal. They are perfect for softly separating areas or putting them creatively across a door. If you like a personal and moving look, a macrame item with plenty of fringe is a winner.
I put a string of wooden beads around a wall sconce on my balcony and it gave the space that unique boho touch I was after. As Domino Magazine experts say, using these textures can help make any patio feel more personal and designed.
I’d like to fix a hanging fringe lantern or a boho garland on the railing which would make the space more attractive at eye level.
Earthy Tones And Sunset-Inspired Hues
I think that a bohemian vibe is achieved with color most of all and using earthy tones with sunset inspired tones creates the perfect balance of warmth and uniqueness. Choose your colors from terracotta, ochre, burnt sienna, deep coral and clay which all echo nature and the evening sky. They strive to build a cohesive environment that is also filled with individual character.
I rely on these colors to help me choose cushions, textiles and wall art. Adding a terra cotta floor rug together with mustard yellow cushions and rust-colored throws will blend the space nicely. I think it’s helpful to add beige or gray pieces so these colors catch the eye.
Whenever I go for a palette, I look at what is found in the Californian deserts and Joshua Tree in particular, as a helpful model. At Elle Decor, the team believes using colors pulled from nature is an important part of true bohemian style. I have worked with this philosophy ever since.
If something’s missing, try adding terracotta planters or hung items that look faded by sunlight to match the sunset style.
Balancing Chaos With Boho Minimalism
There is a reason why boho minimalism is part of my design philosophy for balconies—because boho style can become cluttered. You need to be careful not to add too much, keep items spread out and avoid surrounding yourself with too much stuff. Preserving this peace, mainly crucial in outdoor areas, takes care of serenity.
I start my design by including a basic bench, some cushions and at least two decorative items. I use fabrics of the same shade, real wood and items with soft patterns in my designs. The space you leave open should influence your layout as much as the things you include. Less really is better here.
Despite just having a chair, a lantern and a jute rug in one space, I found it to be complete. As the famous method of Marie Kondo goes, just let go of what doesn’t spark joy, an idea that goes nicely with minimalist boho fashion.
What’s missing? A vertical garden or a single art piece would make the space more interesting, but won’t create a crowded look.
DIY Painted Terra Cotta Pots With Boho Patterns
Using terracotta pots that you paint adds both charm and color to your balcony. These DIY creations add character, give you choices for decorating and are perfect for plant homes. I like using this trick to get a bohemian look on a budget.
Natural terra cotta pots are what I usually use; I decorate them using geometric, tribal or astrological designs created with acrylic paint. White tattoos with tribal markings and golden touches are trending now. putting groupings together of different sized pots is a great way to achieve an organized, planned look. I often advise people to seal wood products with a waterproof varnish so they will last outside longer.
I ran a series of DIY workshops based on this concept and they were always popular. You might find painted pots mentioned as one of the main must-haves in boho-style because of their popularity on design blogs like The Spruce. They are both easy to handle and flexible and they brighten up balconies regardless of their size.
Putting these pots on a shelf or ladder rack will highlight their height and create a neat order all along the wall.
Creating A Nomadic Corner With Travel Souvenirs
Making a nomadic style corner on my bohemian balcony helps tell my story and also adds a touch of adventure. They help to recall places we have discovered and the influences those cultures had on us. I often decorate just one area of the balcony as a small gallery, covering it with collected travel items. Using this style in your home adds significance and uniqueness.
Of course, I often place ethnic rugs above my sofas, use African mud cloth throws as blankets, display woven baskets from Southeast Asia and hang colorful Moroccan trays. A set of vintage suitcases works well as a side table and globes, old postcards or figures take up the remaining areas. Because of these elements, the scene is artistic, heartfelt and quickly catches the eye.
For myself, adding a small Balinese carving, a scarf I bought in Istanbul and a Mexican hand-painted dish to my home made everything feel better. According to Travel + Leisure, keeping reminders of your journeys can instantly transport you and that’s just the case with boho balcony styling.
I suggest putting up a narrow bench with a kilim cushion or a shadow box wall shelf which will make it easier to store your smaller souvenirs in a neat and stable way.
Using Boho-Inspired Mirrors To Reflect Light
You can use mirrors outside your home too and they work particularly well in boho balcony styles. I’ve used mirrors to bring more light into a space and help it look bigger. Properly decorated, driftwood adds a dramatic touch to home décor. To maintain the boho look, pick mirrors that feature round sun.
I tend to install one big mirror somewhere where it doesn’t block any windows; it can be hung on a wall or leaned against a stable railing. Both rattan and aged vintage mirrors complete a rustic scene in nice ways. Often, I put a table on the wall holding plants or lanterns opposite the mirror—this fools the eye and gives the decor more depth.
I’ve hung a round sunburst mirror just across from my fiddle-leaf fig and it makes my balcony look much bigger than it is. According to HGTV, mirrors help make your outdoor space feel fuller by doubling your lights and plants and I’ve noticed this works very well.
How could this section be even better? To make the area softer and prettier at night, put small light strings along the mirror border.
Textured Accents For Depth And Interest
Every bohemian interior has texture and this should be carried over to balconies as well. If I want to bring visual interest into a place without crowding it, I opt for accents made of special textures. They include fabrics woven by hand, rattan items, rugs made from natural fibers, chunky knit pillows and surfaces carved from wood or made from hammered metal.
Each time, I first mix cotton, wool, jute and bamboo to make my fiber. So, slip a braided rug under a cane chair, add some cushion pillows and hang a woven wall decor. A little detail such as a beaded tray, adds interest to the room without making things look messy.
A narrow balcony I designed with just three colors and a wide variety of textures truly came to life. According to the editors at Better Homes & Gardens, adding texture in just a bit can make a big difference. I agree completely when planning outdoor nooks.
One or two hanging baskets of trailing plants would help add both movement and greenery to the surroundings.
Layered Lighting: Candles, Lamps, And Fire Bowls
One of the biggest game changers in boho balcony design is often the lighting. With the right layers of lighting, any space can turn into a fairytale after the sun has gone down. I usually put string lights, lanterns, table lamps and a tabletop fire bowl all together to make the space warm and cozy.
I am drawn to lanterns that have designs cut into them, dimmable LED candles and fairy lights strung through my railing or pergola. A fire bowl gives both visual and practical value with warmth and an area for focus. Another good match for this style is a lamp with a natural fiber material such as jute or wicker.
I put in three layers of lighting: an overhead pendant, lamps on the desk and candles on the floor and the atmosphere totally transformed into something impressive. According to The Spruce, using soft, warm lights helps create an instant sense of intimacy which matches my advice too.
To improve things, I would pick lighting systems or smart bulbs so you can manage them both easily and sustainably.
Seasonal Bohemian Decor For Year-Round Appeal
I always recommend bringing in seasonal changes to style your bohemian balcony all year round. You can accomplish this by switching colors, textiles and some small items to match the changing weather and light outside, not the overall design.
I change to loose fabrics, add colorful floral decorations and add more plants to the room during summer. During fall, I add plum, burnt orange and olive colors to my wardrobe along with wool and flannel materials. When it’s winter, add some bright lights and fur throws; in spring, bring in prints of flowers and light-colored trifles.
Because of the weather, the balcony retains a boho feel while changing with the seasons. Once, I helped a client put her seasonal bins under the bench seat and they were each filled with things she’d put up when it was that season. She loved seeing her balcony look different at different times of the year. Replacing common materials with seasonal choices can help make your outdoor spaces stay interesting all year round, as suggested by Real Simple.
Putting up a special hook or rail helps you hang seasonal garlands, wall hangings or wind chimes.
Combining Indo-Boho And Moroccan Influences
It is very appealing to use a mix of Indo-Boho and Moroccan design in a bohemian home. Both styles look for the same features in home decoration: rich patterns, lots of color and skilled craftsmanship. The music I make from them is always unique yet well-balanced.
Indian kantha quilts and Moroccan tea tables, lanterns or zellige tile planters are often a part of my interior design. The use of brass and decorated wood from Indian design goes wonderfully with the distinctive motifs and textures in Moroccan fabrics. Using a mix of these styles makes the design look more attractive and unified because art plays a main role in each one.
My latest design added an ornately carved Indian bed to a corner, along with Moroccan pillows and it seemed to make anyone who entered feel as if they were in a different country. Architectural Digest praises this style for combining ornamentation with peace and serenity, something I’ve noticed myself as well.
Add a few incense burners, some low stools or a woven divider to finish the look and make the space feel more international.
Setting Up A Small Dining Nook With Boho Flair
You don’t need much space to set up a bohemian-style eating area and I really enjoy arranging it to be both useful and pleasing to the eye. Most of the time, I prefer a bistro-sized table and combine it with chairs or stools that do not match. The use of a patterned tablecloth and some special decorations gives the room warmth.
I like to use chairs with rattan or wire frames in this area and soften the seats with cushions or throws. For a quieter space, style these items together: a ceramic vase, some out-of-date plates and finally, an interesting pendant light. Often, I make sure there’s an easy-to-move tray for cookies or cups of coffee or tea.
I created a set by using a small, folding table and adding two stools covered in Moroccan cushions which became the favorite place for meals. House Beautiful points out that the best way to design a boho outdoor dining area is with comfortable pieces and artistic flair and that’s exactly what we see here.
Consider placing a vertical herb garden to the side—it’s useful and gives a ‘natural and earthy’ touch to your corner.
Adding Personality With Handcrafted Details
I have noticed that bohemian balconies really shine thanks to the handcrafted details added. They add comfort, realness and their own unique style to home decor, something you can’t find in most mass-produced items. Any room can be immediately made your own by adding wall hangings, throw pillows or blankets woven in unique ways. Not only are these beautiful—they share stories—and it’s my goal to do the same when designing outdoor rooms meant for two.
I frequently put together a basic setting made of wicker chairs and wooden benches, then add items from around the world with handmade touches. For home décor, you might choose embroidered cushions, a piece of handmade hammock furniture or a table you found at a flea market and gave a new look. This technique is about textiles. I believe that bringing in different textures makes the balcony look more interesting. Adding visual interest to your space can be done with a hanging rattan lantern or a beaded garland.
I’ve noticed from my work that the heart of boho design is meaningful pieces. Based on Architectural Digest, buying pieces from craftspeople from different places is useful, as it maintains the world of art and adds a unique, lasting touch to the room. I’ve bought fabric, ceramics and fun items in Morocco, Mexico and Turkey and now they are displayed on the patios and balconies I have decorated.
A way to make this section better is by adding accessories specific to the café, for example, napkins that show the café’s name and painted plant pots. The little extra finishes create a boho atmosphere and highlight your own personality.
Playing With Shapes: Round Rugs And Organic Forms
Using organic shapes helps you achieve the soothing, natural style well-known in bohemian balcony décor. While modern design is all about straight lines, boho style prefers curves, loose textures and soft outlines. A big round rug is one of my favorite ways to give a space more warmth—it also makes the balcony feel more connected and appealing.
My usual choice is a round jute or sisal rug and then I include circular ottomans or poufs, curvy bamboo chairs and side tables with a round edge. Because of their different shapes, the components of the room work together to create a relaxed atmosphere. Oval mirrors and sculptural planters complement the curves and also give a new look to wall and ceiling space. Textiles, the design of shapes and how you place furniture help any balcony appear intentional.
Many designers such as Justina Blakeney, believe that having rounded lines provides a more pleasant and comfortable look. In her book “The New Bohemians,” she mentions that shapes like circles and waves remind us of nature—perfect for outdoor spaces. I tested this idea on a bunch of balconies and the change is always exciting.
Apart from that, I’d suggest a light curtain or hanging canopy to add interest and give some cover for the shape of the space. This shape makes the room feel more closed in and classier, so curved furnishings feel even soothing.
Upcycling Old Items Into Boho Balcony Decor
I genuinely think that eco-friendly is as important as fashionable in bohemian balcony decor. At the heart of boho is upcycling which honors the unique look of things and gives fresh life to old possessions. I’ve turned vintage crates into plant stands, repurposed an old ladder as a shelving unit for herbs, and used chipped ceramic bowls as holders for candles or succulents. These pieces aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re visually captivating.
Upscaling is quite simple with wooden pallets to sit on, using old window shutters as a wall feature or turning glass bottles into lanterns. Usually, I give them a vintage look by choosing faded colors such as terrazzo, turquoise and mustard and slightly distress them. It’s amazing what kind of use you can put older furniture to by arranging them as plant holders or stands. With layering, these pieces give spaces that heartwarming, bohemian feel.
Using this way of development can save time and money and it is easy to tailor to fit your business. According to Apartment Therapy, boho interior designs are built using what you own, rather than being bought all at once. The article “Bohemian Decorating Ideas from the Pros” highlighted how upcycled furniture often becomes the centerpiece of a space, telling stories that store-bought pieces can’t.
To make this even better, cover the seats or drape your curtains with discarded fabric. Those little bits of leftover fabric can be turned into a lovely boho garland. By getting more creative, your bohemian experience becomes even better.
Final Touches To Complete Your Bohemian Retreat
Adding some final details is essential for any bohemian space to look and feel truly comfortable and personal. To me, that is having ambient lighting, items from my past and a favorite scent. Small or big, your balcony will become much more captivating if you add the different layers described here. Warmth and mood are typically what I get from candles in glass, incense burners and string lights.
A coffee table that has worn a bit with books on it, potted plants and a tray of collected stones or seashells gives the room more stability. I often include things like lightweight throws, fairy lights running through the railing or small hanging planters. They help texture the space and also contribute to a boho atmosphere full of cozy charm. Its purpose is to attract you by creating a space where you really feel comfortable.
In my career, I follow the suggestion from Better Homes & Gardens to layer different accessories to achieve both maxima and harmony in a room. You will often hear that grouping items into threes makes them appear more natural and appealing. I’ve noticed that using this trick makes styling easier.
I suggest enhancing this by using fragrances too. No matter if you choose incense, an essential oil diffuser or scented candles, aromatherapy can make sensory experience better. Go with sandalwood or patchouli because they both suit bohemian decor perfectly.
Layering your balcony with character, coziness and creativity is the essential part of creating a bohemian retreat. Whether you’re repurposing vintage finds, playing with organic shapes, or adding handcrafted touches, each element contributes to a space that feels uniquely yours. I’d love to hear how you bring your own boho flair to outdoor spaces—share your thoughts or favorite ideas in the comments below!
