Creating A Bohemian Bedroom: Gypsy Style And Comfort

Creating a gypsy or bohemian-style bedroom is all about embracing freedom from convention and celebrating individuality. This style combines elements from various influences, including bohemian, Moroccan, Indian, hippie, vintage, and beatnik, resulting in a bold, colourful, and free-spirited look. While there are no fixed rules, here are some essential tips to achieve this unique and creative space:

- Choose a cohesive colour scheme to avoid a rainbow effect. You can opt for an all-white room or select a neutral colour with an accent colour and various shades.

- Layer different fabrics and textures throughout the space. Start with the bed, choosing bohemian-style bedding and a duvet with an intricate pattern or decorative design. Add a throw blanket and consider a simple canopy.

- Include a variety of lighting options, such as flickering candles, lantern-style lamps, and string lights to create a diffused, warm glow.

- Bring in some greenery with houseplants like cat palms, climbing vines, or flowering plants.

- Pay attention to details and leave no surface bare. Decorate with beads, feathers, dried plants, or anything that speaks to your unique style.

- Mix and match patterns to create a sense of movement and layers.

- Create a comfortable sitting area with colourful bohemian floor pillows, rugs, or even a swing chair or hammock.

- Incorporate wooden elements, whether it's a nightstand, a rough pallet bed, or the floor itself.

- Hang curtains to let in natural light and embrace the bohemian style's connection to nature.

- Display your treasures and sentimental items instead of hiding them away. Curate your bedside table with candles, lamps, boho-inspired glass jars, and carefully arranged books.

- Add statement pieces to your bedroom, such as a sophisticated velvet armchair, a weathered antique dresser, or a bench at the end of the bed.

Choose a colour scheme

Colour is integral to creating a gypsy/boho bedroom. While there are no fixed rules, it's important to choose a cohesive colour scheme to avoid a rainbow effect. You can opt for an all-white room, especially if your bedroom gets a lot of natural light, or pick a neutral colour with an accent colour and several shades of it. Alternatively, you can take risks with colour and forget about paint colour forecasts. There's no such thing as the wrong colour in a gypsy/boho bedroom.

If you want a modern gypsy/boho look, white walls can be a beautiful backdrop for wood, textiles and patterned rugs and pillows. Choose a pure white or a white with warm undertones, especially if you plan on incorporating wood accents. Top designer-recommended shades include Super White, Simply White, Dune White, and White Dove by Benjamin Moore.

If you're averse to white walls, consider a warm colour that pairs well with wood tones or try a removable wallpaper in a lush tropical print. You can also opt for muted tones, which are key to creating a calming gypsy/boho oasis. Neutral bedding and quilts provide a platform for pops of colour with decorative accessories like throw pillows, cozy blankets, woven cushions, and wall art.

Layer fabrics

Layering fabrics is an essential part of creating a gypsy or bohemian-style bedroom. This style is all about mixing and matching different textures, patterns, and colours to create a cosy and inviting space. Here are some tips to help you layer fabrics like a pro:

Choose a Variety of Fabrics

Select a range of fabrics in different materials such as linen, cotton, silk, velvet, and knit. For example, instead of cotton everything, try a shaggy rug with linen pillows and a knitted comforter. The variety will make your bedroom look well-rounded. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures to add interest and depth to the room.

Start with the Bed

The bed is a great place to begin layering fabrics. Choose bohemian-style bedding with an intricate pattern or decorative design. Layer a throw blanket over the bed, and add some extra pillows and cushions in different sizes, shapes, and materials. You can also drape a quilt or throw across the bed width-wise, letting it hang over the edges effortlessly.

Hang Tapestries and Curtains

Tapestries and curtains are a must-have for a gypsy or bohemian bedroom. Look for flowing fabrics and interesting details like tassels or pom-poms. Hang them over windows, or use them as wall hangings to add colour, pattern, and texture to the room.

Layer Rugs

Rugs are another essential element in a gypsy or bohemian bedroom. Start with a large rug under the bed, following standard interior design rules for rug sizing and placement. Then, layer smaller rugs on top, such as runners along the sides of the bed. Just make sure the colours of the different rugs complement each other.

Don't Forget the Lighting

The right lighting can enhance the layered look of your gypsy bedroom. Opt for soft, warm lighting such as lanterns, fairy lights, candles, and antique or vintage lampshades that diffuse the light. Hang string lights above the headboard, drape them around plants, or wrap them around a mirror for a magical touch.

Add lighting

To create a gypsy bedroom, also known as a bohemian bedroom, you'll want to pay attention to the lighting. Here are some tips to achieve the right lighting for this style:

First, lighting is an essential aspect of any room's decor, and there are numerous ways to illuminate your gypsy bedroom and make it stand out. Bohemian decor calls for intricate lighting fixtures that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider using candles of various sizes placed throughout the room to provide a soft, flickering glow.

Next, opt for lantern-style lamps to enhance the bohemian vibe. String lights are also a quintessential element of gypsy bedroom lighting. You can drape them over your bed, around plants, or even around a mirror to create a magical feel.

If you're looking for a more eclectic look, hang dangling light bulbs from the ceiling or mount them on the wall. Fairy lights are another must-have for a gypsy bedroom. While you can use simple LED fairy lights, a string of Christmas lights can also create a whimsical effect.

To add more warmth and ambience to your gypsy bedroom, incorporate scented pillar candles in groups around the room. For task lighting, consider smaller table lamps, lanterns, or even a floor lamp if your space allows.

Lastly, a beaded, woven, or rattan pendant light with a warm bulb can be a beautiful addition to your gypsy bedroom. These lights create a soft, diffused glow that complements the free-spirited and creative nature of the gypsy style.

Bring in plants

Plants are a must-have for a gypsy/boho bedroom. They bring life and vibrancy to the space, and are an essential part of creating a free-spirited and whimsical atmosphere. Here are some tips to bring in plants and create a gypsy-inspired botanical retreat:

Choose Hanging Plants

Hanging plants add beauty and vertical interest to your gypsy bedroom. Opt for hanging planters or macrame plant hangers, which are a staple in boho decor. Macrame plant hangers are easy to make and inexpensive to buy. If you're feeling crafty, you can even create your own macrame plant hangers to add a personal touch to your space.

Mix and Match Plant Types

Mix and match different types of plants to create a vibrant and eclectic look. Combine trailing plants, such as philodendron or pothos, with tall plants like cat palms or peace lilies. Add a pop of color with flowering plants, such as peace lilies or phalaenopsis orchids. Don't be afraid to experiment and create a lush indoor jungle.

Utilize Different Display Methods

Place plants at varying heights to add depth and dimension to the room. Place larger plants on the floor or on top of furniture, such as dressers or bedside tables. Hang plants from the ceiling or walls, especially near windows to create a natural and whimsical look. You can also display plants on floating shelves or plant stands to create an indoor botanical garden.

Incorporate Unique Planters

Choose unique and decorative planters to enhance the gypsy vibe. Look for planters with intricate designs, vibrant colors, or interesting textures. Mix and match different styles of planters to create a curated and collected look. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and use items like vintage baskets, colorful pots, or hanging glass terrariums.

Care for Your Plants

Ensure you provide the necessary care for your plants to keep them healthy and thriving. Water them regularly and provide adequate sunlight or choose low-light plants if your bedroom doesn't receive much natural light. Consider using plant care tools like moisture meters and self-watering planters to make plant care easier. You can also opt for easy-care plants like snake plants or choose faux plants if you prefer a more low-maintenance option.

Create a Botanical Sanctuary

Combine your plants with other gypsy/boho decor elements to create a soothing sanctuary. Drape fairy lights among the plants, hang dream catchers, or display colorful tapestries. Layer different textures and patterns to create a cozy and inviting space. Surround yourself with plants and gypsy-inspired decor to create a relaxing retreat that reflects your unique style.

Display art

Displaying art is an essential part of creating a gypsy or bohemian-style bedroom. Here are some tips to help you achieve this look:

Choose Large-Scale Art or Gallery Walls:

Fill large wall spaces with oversized art pieces that make a statement. Alternatively, create a gallery wall by grouping together different images, photographs, mirrors, and even three-dimensional objects like hats and baskets. You can use metallic frames or add wicker-edged mirrors to enhance the eclectic aesthetic.

Hang Tapestries and Macrame:

Vibrant handmade tapestries or intricate macrame wall hangings are perfect for a gypsy bedroom. Ensure these pieces have weight and dimension to avoid looking too thin or mass-produced. You can also use textiles such as rugs, quilts, or raw silk to cover and decorate walls, adding texture and colour.

Incorporate Personal and Unique Art:

Find art pieces that speak to you and reflect your interests and personality. You can even create your own artwork, such as a mural or collage, to truly make the space your own. Don't be afraid to mix different art styles—bohemian decor is all about embracing individuality and a mix of patterns, colours, and textures.

Celebrate the Human Body:

Add a touch of private sensuality to your gypsy bedroom by including art that celebrates the human body. Consider pieces that feature flamboyant nudity or depictions of naked nymphs, adding a touch of bohemian flair and intimate elegance.

Display Your Creations:

If you're artistically inclined, set up a small creative space in your bedroom and display your own artwork, craftwork, embroidery, or fabric creations. This not only adds a personal touch but also keeps your creative juices flowing.

Remember, the gypsy or bohemian style is all about embracing freedom from convention and reflecting your unique personality. So, feel free to break the rules, mix and match, and display art that speaks to you!

Frequently asked questions