Hey there! Welcome to my blog. I’m glad to have you here . And today is going to be all about rustic boho living room ideas for every home. The topic of rustic plus boho comes to mind the image of a house that is maximalist and filled with random things like floral wallpaper, a lot of wooden furniture and some macrame items hanging on the wall.
But that’s not it, a rustic plus boho space can also be minimalist and still be sensed as a boho style place. You just need to be specific about the accessories. And I also learned that according to a 2023 pinterest report, searches for “rustic boho living room” increased by 78% last year. Well crazy right, showing just how popular this cozy yet free-spirited style has become. And I wanted to share some of the ideas with you.
And in this blog the topic of discussion is going to be as to how a boho space can be created while still using less items and still being able to make it look more boho plus rustic style living room. So let’s jump into some amazing rustic boho ideas that can work in any living room, no matter your budget or space constraints!
30 Best Rustic Boho Living Room Ideas
Before we dive into specific ideas, let’s talk about what can be helpful to create a rustic boho style. Well It’s all about blending natural elements, adding warm textures through patterns and colors, some eclectic touches to create a space that feels lived-in and curated over time. Like some vintage furniture can help to, a little bit of pottery. And many more which you can discover in the rest of the blog.
The beauty of this style is that it’s super flexible. You can go full on maximalist with layers of accessories. To keep it simple with minimalist style by adding some statement pieces.
Mexican Style Boho Living Room
My trip to Mexico two years ago completely changed my thought on how good a blend of boho plus rustic and Mexican style can be.
Well to get a mix of both you should Start with whitewashed walls as your canvas. Then carry on adding pops of colors.then add some hand-painted ceramic pots, colorful woven blankets, and carved wooden accents.
I found the most gorgeous hand-embroidered pillows at a local market that instantly brought that Mexican flair to our couch. The trick is balancing the bright colors with enough neutral space so your room doesn’t feel like a rainbow exploded!
Choose Earthy Color Palette in Boho Living Room
The beginning of any rustic boho space needs to start with the right choice of colors. Think of the tones that could be a help to build a boho space like the tones that you’d find on a desert hike: Sandy beiges, terracotta, Sage green And warm browns.
Like my living room walls are painted “Desert Sand” which creates the perfect background for all my little treasures. And according to color psychology studies, these earth tones can really be effective to reduce stress levels by up to 15% compared to brighter, more stimulating colors.
When picking your palette, aim for 3-5 colors that work together. In my space, I used terracotta, Cream, olive green, and touches of rust. These colors appear throughout the room in different portions, creating a matching feel without being messy.
Add Macrame Wall Hangings
Note that there is nothing that says boho quite like macrame! These knotted beauties add instant texture to the room and that handcrafted feel that’s essential to boho style.
I started with a simple DIY macrame project from YouTube, and my first attempt looked like my cat had helped make it, I eventually had to get the hang of it. Now I have a statement piece above our couch that everyone asks about!
If DIY isn’t your thing, Etsy has thousands of artisans creating beautiful macrame pieces. Look for ones with unbleached cotton rope for that natural vibe. I like to mix different sizes and hang them at varying heights for visual interest.
Add Layer Textiles and Rugs
Layering is the secret sauce of rustic boho spaces. Think about the floor as your canvas where you can just overlap different types of rugs and textures to mix and match.
In the living room, I layered a larger jute rug underneath a vintage Persian rug I found at a local market. And the blend of both of these is just the perfect imprint of boho rustic style.
Don’t stop at rugs though! Layer some blankets on your couch, mix different pillows of various sizes and textures and you can just play with some colors at the same time , and don’t worry about everything matching perfectly. That slightly mismatched look is actually what gives boho its charm.
A designer friend once told me the “rule of threes” for textures: combine something smooth, something rough, and something shiny in each area for the perfect balance.
Add Natural Wood Elements
Wood brings that rustic warmth that’s essential to this style. I’m talking about exposed beams, driftwood accents, and furniture with visible grain and knots.
When we moved in, our living room had these awful laminate built-ins. Instead of replacing them completely, we used reclaimed barn wood to create floating shelves. They cost about $200 total compared to the $2,000 quote we got for new built-ins!
Look for wood with character. That coffee table with a crack filled with resin? Perfect! The slightly wobbly stool made from a tree stump? Absolutely! These imperfections tell a story and add soul to your space.
Incorporate Vintage Furniture
One of my favourite weekend activities is hunting for vintage treasures at thrift stores and yard sales. Vintage pieces bring that collected-over-time feel that’s essential to authentic boho style.
My pride and joy is a 1970s rattan peacock chair I scored for $50 at an estate sale. After a good cleaning and some minor repairs, it became the focal point of our living room corner.
Don’t feel like everything needs to be vintage though. Mix old and new for a space that feels current rather than like a time capsule. I paired my vintage chair with a brand new linen sofa, and they complement each other beautifully.
Display Artisan Pottery Accents
Handmade pottery accents add the perfect touch to rustic boho spaces. And I love collecting them from the local market at a reasonable price.
My coffee table would always feature a large handmade bowl filled with either dried flowers, pinecones, or whatever natural elements I’ve collected on walks.
What I love about artisan pottery is that no two pieces are exactly alike. That uniqueness is what gives your space its own personality. Like you can just start with a few key pieces like a statement vase or decorative bowls, and watch how they transform your room.
Incorporate Succulent and Plant Displays
If there’s one thing that defines boho style, it’s plants! Lots and lots of plants. They bring literal life to your space while purifying the air.
Fun fact: NASA research suggests having just 3-5 houseplants can reduce indoor air pollutants by up to 25%! Plus, they’re just gorgeous to look at.
I started with easy-care varieties like snake plants and pothos because, let’s be honest, my first few plants didn’t survive my learning curve. Now I have about 15 plants in my living room alone, from tiny succulents on shelves to a massive fiddle leaf fig in the corner.
Mix different heights, textures, and pot styles for that collected look. Hanging planters are perfect for adding greenery without taking up floor space.
Install Rustic Lighting Fixtures
Lighting can make or break the mood in a rustic boho space. Swap out those cookie-cutter fixtures for pieces that actually say something.
When we first moved in, we had the most boring ceiling fan you can imagine. Replacing it with a woven pendant light instantly transformed the feel of our living room. The shadows it casts on the walls at night create this magical pattern that seems like an additional design element.
Look for fixtures that are made from natural materials like rope, rattan or weathered metal. Even just swapping out your lampshades for ones with more texture can make a huge difference without costing much.
Install String Bohemian Fairy Lights
Who says twinkle lights are just for Christmas? String lights add that magical, dreamy quality that makes rustic boho spaces feel so cozy.
You can just use wrapped copper wire fairy lights around your large indoor olive tree if there is any or just use them in the living room, as they provide the perfect ambient lighting for movie nights. And they barely use any electricity, and the warm glow they create feels so much more inviting than harsh overhead lights.
You can drape them along shelves, weave them through macrame hangings, or create a canopy effect across your ceiling. Most strands cost under $15, making this one of the most affordable ways to transform your space.
Add a Rustic Fireplace as a Focal Point
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, make it the life of your rustic living room! Our 1960s brick fireplace was painted with an awful glossy white which we removed.
We stripped it back to the original brick, which was a messy three-day project that had me questioning my life choices. Then we whitewashed it lightly so the natural variation in the brick could show through. Now it’s the perfect backdrop for displaying candles, plants, and found objects.
No fireplace? Fine then a focal point with a large piece of driftwood, or even a collection of baskets arranged on the wall can be created easily.
Create Eclectic Style Boho Living Room
Eclectic boho is all about mixing different influences while maintaining a put together feel. This might sound the opposite, but it’s actually super achievable!
The secret is to have a consistent color palette that ties everything together. In my space, I mix Moroccan poufs, Indonesian batik pillows, and Native American-inspired textiles, but as they all share the same earthy color family they look perfect in the same room.
Don’t be afraid to combine different designs. My mid-century modern coffee table lives happily alongside a rustic farmhouse bench and the woven rattan chairs.
Add Wall Tapestries
Wall tapestries are like instant artwork with the added bonus of bringing texture to your walls. They’re also a great solution for renters who can’t paint or make permanent changes.
I found the most gorgeous indigo mudcloth tapestry at a fair trade shop that now hangs behind our sofa. It makes such a statement that we barely needed any other wall decor in that area.
Look for pieces with natural dyes and handmade quality. They don’t have to be expensive either! Many global retailers offer beautiful tapestries for under $100. You can even use vintage scarves or textiles framed or hung with simple wood dowels.
Rattan Boho Living Room
Rattan and wicker bring instant boho vibes to any space. These natural materials add warmth and texture while keeping things light and airy.
When shopping for rattan pieces, check second hand sources first! I found my rattan bookshelf for $40 at a thrift store, while new versions sell for $300+. A little cleaning and oil brought it back to life perfectly.
The great thing about rattan is how it balances out heavier elements. My chunky wooden coffee table feels less imposing paired with delicate rattan chairs. Aim for a mix of materials rather than an all-rattan look, which can feel dated.
Open Plan Boho Living Room
Open concept spaces are perfect for the rustic boho style, which thrives on flow and connection. But defining zones within that openness is key.
In our open plan, I used a large area rug to anchor the living room space. Furniture placement creates natural boundaries without walls. Our sofa backs up to a console table that serves as a subtle divider between the living area and dining space.
Plants make amazing room dividers too! A row of varying height plants creates a natural screen that maintains the open feel while defining separate areas.
Use Fabric Pattern in Living Room
Patterns are the spice of boho design! Mixing patterns might seem intimidating, but there’s a simple formula for success.
Start with a larger scale pattern, like the tribal print on my area rug. Then add a medium scale pattern that shares at least one color with the first pattern, like my striped throw pillows. Finally, incorporate a smaller, more detailed pattern, like the tiny dots on my throw blanket.
Varying the scale of patterns keeps things interesting without becoming overwhelming. I also like to break up patterns with solid colors to give the eye some resting spots.
Get Moroccan Style Boho Living Room
Moroccan influences bring such rich texture and pattern to rustic boho spaces. The key elements are geometric patterns, metallic accents, and colorful textiles.
A genuine Moroccan leather pouf was one of my first “investment” pieces. At $120, it felt like a splurge at the time, but five years later it’s still perfect and has actually developed a beautiful patina with age.
Look for metallic lanterns that cast patterned shadows, embroidered pillows, and distinctive Beni Ourain inspired rugs with their characteristic diamond patterns. These pieces mix beautifully with rustic elements like wood and stone.
Create Artistic Themed Boho Living Room
Art is such a personal expression, and boho spaces embrace that individuality. My walls feature a mix of professional art, my own amateur paintings, my kids’ creations, and found objects that I consider art.Gallery walls are perfect for boho style because they naturally look collected over time.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional art either! Woven wall hangings, carved masks, interesting branches, and even colorful instruments can all become part of your artistic display.
Incorporate Low Slung Sofas
There’s something so inviting about a low profile sofa piled high with pillows. It just begs you to sink in and stay awhile!
We replaced our formal high-backed sofa with a lower, deeper model that completely changed how we use our living room. Now we actually lounge instead of just sitting!
Floor cushions and poufs around the coffee table extend the seating area and create that casual, gathered-around-the-fire feeling that’s so central to rustic boho style. Plus, they’re easy to move when you need more floor space.
Add Indoor Plants in Your Boho Living Room
I know I touched on plants earlier, but they deserve their own dedicated section because they’re that important to boho style!
Try creating a “plant corner” where several varieties cluster together at different heights. My favorite corner features a tall fiddle leaf fig, a trailing pothos on a plant stand, and several smaller plants on a stepped shelf, creating a mini indoor jungle.
Plant care tip: Most boho-friendly plants like indirect light and moderate watering. My snake plants, zz plants, and pothos have survived even my occasional neglect and still look amazing.
Add a Wooden Coffee Table
A rustic wooden coffee table can elevate a boho living room with its organic presence. Look for pieces with history and character.
The coffee table I have is actually an old factory cart with metal wheels that we found at an architectural salvage yard. We added a glass top to make it look more functional while still showcasing the beautiful worn wood underneath.
Coffee tables also provide prime real estate for styling vignettes. I change mine seasonally with different books, collected objects, and fresh or dried flowers depending on what’s available.
Get Hanging Chairs or Hammock
Nothing says “free-spirited boho” quite like a hanging chair or indoor hammock! These playful seating options add such a fun element to living rooms.
If you’re renting or can’t install ceiling hooks, consider a hanging chair with a stand. They provide the same aesthetic without any permanent changes to your space.
Install Boho Chic Chandeliers
Lighting creates atmosphere, and boho spaces call for fixtures with personality and warmth. Forget crystal chandeliers and embrace something more natural and textural.
Lights can be replaced with woven bamboo pendants that cast the most beautiful shadows across the walls at night. It completely transformed the ambiance of the entire open concept space.
Look for fixtures with exposed bulbs, natural materials like rope or wood, or metallic finishes with perforations that create light patterns. Even changing just this one element can dramatically shift the feel of your room.
Create a Rustic Book Nook for Boho Theme
Books and boho go hand in hand! Creating a cozy reading corner embraces that intellectual, traveled vibe that boho style embodies.
transform any awkward corner into a reading nook with a small bookshelf, floor cushions, and a basket of blankets. A wall-mounted reading light and a little side table for tea complete this tiny retreat space.
Add Warmth to Your Boho Living Room
Warmth is both literal and figurative in rustic boho spaces. Think about all five senses when creating warmth in your room.
Soft textures invite touch through pillows, throws, and rugs. Warm-toned light bulbs (look for “soft white” or bulbs around 2700K) create a golden glow rather than harsh blue-white light. Scented candles or essential oil diffusers with earthy scents like sandalwood or cedar bring that sensory warmth.
How to Make Your Living Room More Boho?
Transitioning to boho style doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start with these simple changes that make big impact:
First, declutter but don’t aim for minimalism. Boho spaces should feel collected and curated, not empty.
Add plants! Even just three or four plants of varying sizes will instantly bring boho vibes.
Layer textiles everywhere. Add a throw blanket and several pillows in different textures to your sofa. Put down an area rug, even over carpet.
Bring in natural materials wherever possible. Replace plastic accessories with wood, clay, or woven alternatives.
Create displays of things you love. Group found objects, travel souvenirs, and personal treasures on shelves or your coffee table.
The beauty of boho is that it evolves over time. My space looks completely different than it did three years ago because I’m always finding new treasures and rearranging what I have.
Best Color Suggestions for Rustic Boho Living Room
Warm neutrals with terracotta and sage: This palette feels earthy and grounded while still having enough variety for interest.
White walls with jewel tones: If you love color, try white walls as your canvas with deep emerald, sapphire, and ruby accents through textiles and art.
All neutrals with texture: Beige, ivory, and warm browns create a serene space where textures become the star of the show.
Black and white with natural elements: For a more modern boho look, stark black and white backgrounds make natural wood and plants really pop.
My personal favorite is creamy white walls with layers of rust, olive green, and indigo brought in through textiles and accessories. This combination feels both calming and interesting at the same time.
Conclusion
The beauty of rustic Boho Living Room Ideas is that It’s all about creating a space that feels yours. And provide a sense of calm and relaxation to you.
Go with small changes at first. Maybe just add some plants and pillows to begin with. As you get more comfortable with the style, you can layer in more elements that speak to you.Remember that rustic boho spaces evolve over time. They are not built in a day. Like a plant every style needs time to be built.
I’d love to see how you would be using these ideas into your own spaces! Don’t forget to Tag me in your photos or drop a comment below with your favorite rustic boho element in your home.
Until next time, happy decorating!
