Bring a relaxed, artistic vibe to your home with bohemian-style curtains. These eclectic, free-spirited window treatments are the perfect way to add a global, cultured look to your space. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to choose the right boho curtains and decorate like a pro.
What Are Bohemian Curtain Styles?
Bohemian decor reflects the styles and aesthetics of the artistic, socially unconventional bohemian culture. Bohemian curtain styles capture the free, creative spirit of this culture with:
- Vibrant colors, vivid patterns, and bold prints – Think tropical floral prints, paisley designs, ikat patterns, medallion motifs, and more. Bohemian curtains feature lively colors and prints.
- Natural and recycled fabrics – Boho curtains often use natural materials like cotton, linen, jute and recycled fabrics like burlap. These textures reinforce the earthy vibe.
- Eclectic embellishments – Tassels, pompoms, crochet accents, pom poms, macrame, fringe and embroidery are common boho embellishments.
- A relaxed, casual look – Flowy, loose silhouettes and soft draping creates a laidback vibe. Bohemian curtains have an artfully untidy look.
Bohemian style combines a global mix of patterns, textures and cultural designs for a carefree, artistic feel that makes a statement.
Why Choose Bohemian-Inspired Curtains?
Bohemian curtains offer many decorating advantages:
Inexpensive way to transform a room – With their vibrant colors, bold prints and textured fabrics, boho curtains provide an instant style update without a big expense. Just switch out your window treatments for an instant room makeover.
Bring warmth and character – Boho curtains add cozy textures, global patterns and an artistically casual vibe that creates warmth and character.
Let in natural light – Many bohemian curtains use lightweight, natural fabrics that allow sunlight to filter into the room beautifully. Illuminate your space beautifully.
Offer privacy – While allowing light in, the casual draping and free-flowing silhouettes of bohemian curtains also provide privacy when you want it.
Fun and expressive – Bohemian inspired curtains let you decorate with your bold, creative side. Make a statement and showcase your unique personality.
Complements boho decor – Boho curtains seamlessly complement other elements of bohemian decor like tapestries, poufs, macrame hangings and rattan furniture. Effortlessly pull together a cohesive look.
Bohemian curtains enable affordable, artsy decor that lifts your mood and brings out your inner free spirit. Time to unleash your creativity!
Bohemian Curtain Styles and How to Use Them
Now let’s explore some of the most popular bohemian curtain styles and how to incorporate them into your home:
Boho Printed Cotton Curtains
- Description – These boho curtains feature vibrant allover prints on lightweight 100% cotton. Choose colorful designs like tie dye, batik, floral, paisley and more.
- How to Use – Boho printed cottons curtains pair perfectly with casual decor. Use them in bedrooms, living rooms, dorms, kids rooms and more. Hang them high and wide for an airy feel.
- Design Tips – Combine different printed cottons for an eclectic mismatched look. Layer them with solid cotton curtains in a complementary color. Add wooden rings or macrame hanging ties.
Ikat Print Curtains
- Description – Ikat prints have a signature blurry, bleedy pattern that adds boho flair. Look for ikat theme curtains in colorful bohemian-inspired shades.
- How to Use – Make a global style statement by using ikat curtains in living rooms or bedrooms. They’re easy to pair with other textures and prints.
- Design Tips – Choose ikat curtains in shades that complement your rug and furniture tones. Add boho tassel or pom pom tiebacks for extra flair.
Boho Embroidered Cotton Curtains
- Description – Intricately embroidered cotton curtain panels feature colorful hand-stitched designs for artisanal texture. Tassels and pointelle details are common.
- How to Use – Use embroidered cottons to make a vibrant folk-art statement in any room. The intricate textures pair especially well in bedrooms.
- Design Tips – Hang embroidered panels high to really show off the embroidery workmanship. Layer sheer embroidered curtains over blackout curtains.
Boho Macrame Curtains
- Description – Earthy handmade macrame woven from yarn or cotton makes an excellent light-filtering bohemian window treatment.
- How to Use – Macrame curtains make great room dividers and add a casual, artistic feel to bedrooms, living rooms, porches, patios and dorms.
- Design Tips – Choose macrame in natural cotton or hemp yarn. Add pom pom or shell trim. Use macrame curtain ties or wooden rings for hanging.
Recycled Fabric Boho Curtains
- Description – Upcycled boho curtains come in fabrics like recycled cotton, vintage saris, burlap coffee bags and salvaged textiles for eco-friendly style.
- How to Use – Recycled fabric curtains pair perfectly with salvaged or vintage furniture. Use them in kitchens, living rooms, porches and patios.
- Design Tips – Layer vintage fabric curtains over hemp linen for an earthy combo. Add patchwork for more texture. Finish with vintage trim and fabric ties.
Boho Tapestry Curtains
- Description – Vintage-inspired tapestry curtains feature exotic mapped or floral designs. Choose tapestries inspired by global textile arts.
- How to Use – Make a bold colorful statement by using tapestry curtains in living rooms or bedrooms. They’re perfect for draping over four poster beds.
- Design Tips – Look for tapestries with fringe trim. Add tassel or pom pom ties for more bohemian flair. Layer them over blackout curtains.
Boho Sheer Linen or Cotton Curtains
- Description: Light and airy linen, cotton voile or cheesecloth curtains provide breezy boho style. Look for lovely lightweight weaves.
- How to Use: Hang boho sheer curtains in bedrooms and living rooms for daytime light filtering and privacy.
- Design Tips: Layer sheer panels over blackout curtains to allow light in while preventing fading. Use wooden curtain rings for hanging.
Get creative, combine different boho fabrics and really express your artistic spirit with dreamy bohemian curtain styles. Now let’s explore exactly how to decorate with them.
Hanging Bohemian Curtains Like a Pro
Follow these professional design tips when decorating with bohemian curtains:
Choose the right length – Boho curtains work well in both long and short lengths. Floor length adds drama while sill length keeps things casual. Pick what works best for the room.
Allow for puddling – Bohemian curtains look best when allowed to casually puddle on the floor. Add a rod that’s 8-12 inches above the window and extend it 6 inches past the window width.
Stack and hang with layers – For maximum boho design impact, stack two rod brackets above each window. Hang sheer curtains on the upper rod and fuller curtains below.
Use textured liners – Add gorgeous texture by pairing printed curtains with embroidered, macrame or burlap liners. This also allows light to filter in beautifully.
Incorporate natural wood elements – Use wooden rings, rods, shutters and valances to reinforce the earthy bohemian vibe. Stained wood looks especially fitting.
Display with creative tiebacks – Showcase boho curtains using tiebacks made from pom poms, tassels, macrame and other artsy accents.
Don’t be afraid of bold colors and patterns – Choose vivid, striking hues and prints. Boho style encourages self-expression.
Mix and match – Combine different boho prints, textures and styles for an eclectic mismatched window treatment display.
Liven up any room with the vibrant, carefree look of bohemian curtains. Now let’s look at specific ways to use them in key areas of your home.
Using Boho Curtains in Every Room
Bohemian inspired curtains beautifully complement the laidback artistic vibe of any space. Here’s how to integrate them into different rooms:
Living Room Boho Curtains
- Draw the eye with vivid ikat print curtains framed by natural wood shutters.
- Make a vibrant statement with multi-colored pom pom fringe tapestry curtains.
- Soften the look with breezy embroidered cotton panels in earthy hues.
Bedroom Boho Curtains
- Romantic look – Soft vintage lace panels framed with macrame hangings.
- Relaxed look – Airy off-white linen panels with pom pom tiebacks.
- Dramatic look – Vivid floral tapestries draping down from the ceiling over the bed.
Kitchen Boho Curtains
- Bright style – Cheerful floral or fruit printed cotton panels.
- Earthy style – Natural jute burlap panels with colorful stitched accents.
- Eclectic style – Upcycled multicolor patchwork fabric curtains with pom pom fringe.
Bathroom Boho Curtains
- Relaxing look – Unlined embroidered cotton panels in soothing blues.
- Natural look – Macrame hangings with woven textures and shells.
- Tropical look – Vivid tie dye or batik printed curtains.
Kids & Teens Bohemian Curtains
- Whimsical look – Playful pom pom fringe curtains in vibrant colors.
- Artistic look – Tapestry curtains depicting maps, flowers or mandalas.
- DIY look – Help them make their own tie dye printed curtains.
Bohemian inspired window treatments let you take decor in a more creative, expressive direction. Time to unleash your inner artist!
Bohemian Window Treatment Ideas Beyond Curtains
Looking for even more boho window treatment ideas? Boho style isn’t just limited to curtains. Consider these artistic alternatives:
- Macrame wall hangings – Hang an eye-catching macrame tapestry or plant holder adjacent to your window for casual texture.
- Fringe window scarves – Drape beaded or pom pom fringe scarves in vibrant colors over curtain rods or frames.
- Patterned screens – Position an ornately carved room divider screen next to windows for artistic interest.
- Salvaged shutters – Mount recycled wood shutters repurposed as window coverings. Leave them open for character.
- Cafe curtains – Use short ruffled or tiered curtains in lively prints. Great for kitchens.
- Neutral curtains with bright accents – Hang solid colored linen panels and add your pops of color with printed valances, tiebacks and pillows.
- Sheer tulle drapers – Pair dreamy, diaphanous tulle overpanels with casual base curtains. Ethereal and romantic.
With bohemian style, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Mix and match textures, fabrics and accessories for chic depth.
Common Questions About Bohemian Curtains
Still have some questions about choosing and using boho curtains? Here are answers to some commonly asked queries:
Are bohemian curtains in style for 2022?
Yes! The carefree boho aesthetic remains a hot decorating trend going into 2022. With their expressive use of color, texture, and global prints, bohemian curtains add artistic flair that feels fresh and current.
What colors work well with bohemian curtains?
Some top colors that complement bohemian curtain styles include neutral earth tones like ivory, tan, cream and beige. Vibrant jewel tones like ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue also look beautiful. Don’t shy away from bold color choices!
What rooms are best for bohemian curtains?
Bohemian inspired curtains work beautifully in most rooms but are especially suited to bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, dorm rooms, kids rooms, cafes, yoga studios and more. Anywhere you want to create a relaxed, creative vibe.
How do I clean bohemian curtains?
Read the label first. Many boho curtains are machine washable if you use a gentle cycle. Avoid excessive heat. Make sure to test embroidery thread colors for running before washing. You can also spot clean gently by hand for delicate fabrics.
Where can I buy inexpensive bohemian curtains?
Check stores like World Market, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, IKEA, Amazon, and Etsy for a nice selection of boho curtains at affordable prices. Score great deals by shopping clearance sales online and in stores.
Can you make DIY boho curtains?
Absolutely! Add tassels, pom poms and macrame accents to basic curtains. Use fabric paint to create patterns on plain curtains. Sew together recycled fabrics for upcycled patchwork curtain panels. Get creative and unleash your inner artist!
Express your artistic spirit by decorating with the vibrant, global designs of bohemian-inspired curtains. Just add a relaxed vibe and you’re on your way to boho bliss!
Conclusion
Bohemian-style curtains provide a fun, relaxed way to instantly transform any space. With their bold prints, eclectic textures, vivid colors, and casual draping, boho curtains reflect the free-spirited global fusion of the artistic bohemian culture.
Use the bohemian curtain style that fits your room best – try lively ikat or floral prints, cozy embroidered panels, earthy macrame, or vivid patterned tapestries. Layer different fabrics for added dimension. Incorporate natural wood elements and embellish with pom poms or tassels.
Hang boho curtains floor length or allow them to casually puddle for optimal effect. Use them to bring an artistic focal point to bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, dorms, offices, and beyond.
With their affordable creativity, bohemian-inspired curtains let you decorate with inspiring artistic expression. Embrace your inner bohemian spirit!
