How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian Style

If you love the glamour, elegance, and details of the Victorian style but also the collected and eclectic freedom of the bohemian style, then the Victorian Bohemian style might be for you.

Here are a few designer tips and tricks for decorating in the Victorian Bohemian style.

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleVictorian Bohemian Style Defined
Victorian Bohemian style typically has Victorian style architecture paired with bohemian decor.

This is not a firm rule, but it is typical with this style.

You might also decide that all of your furniture should be in the Victorian style or that all of your artwork is in the Victorian style but your other decor is in the bohemian style.

For a cohesive look, try to keep similar items in the same style.

The bohemian accents paired with the Victorian style makes a Victorian home look less formal and stuffy.

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleChoose the Right Color Palette
Victorian Bohemian style colors use a mixture of dark, bold, & rich Victorian colors with bohemian earth tones and pops of color.

• Jewel Tones: Use reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues, and rich purples for Victorian style.

• Earthy Neutrals: Complement your jewel tone colors with earthy neutrals like warm browns and deep grays to add a bohemian element.

• Pops of Color: Add a few pops of color (such as fuchsia, mustard yellow, and turquoise) to add some bohemian fun to your space.

Remember to use these colors strategically. You might use jewel-toned colors on your walls & upholstery while adding bohemian pops of color through accessories, artwork, and textiles.

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleMix Vintage, Antique, Contemporary, and Modern Furniture
Victorian Bohemian style often has an eclectic mix of furniture in both styles, however sometimes just in bohemian style if you choose to have only the architecture be Victorian.

You can mix antique & vintage Victorian pieces with eclectic, collected, and unconventional Bohemian accents.

You might choose to invest in classic antique Victorian furniture like ornate chairs, chaise lounges, and antique tables but layer in Bohemian-inspired accent furniture like colorful poufs, woven hammocks, and smaller wicker furniture.

Another option is to keep all of the furniture in the bohemian style but add in some smaller Victorian accent pieces.

Try to keep all similar items in the same style, such as all end tables either Victorian or bohemian. 

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleEmbrace Textiles and Patterns
Both the Victorian and bohemian styles are known for having an abundance of textiles.

Since your home's architecture is most likely Victorian, your curtains should likely be in the Victorian style also.  Choose heavy and full curtains that add to the color scheme of the room, or you might opt for the bohemian route of being free spirited and not having curtains at all.

To add bohemian style through textiles, add some fun eclectic patterned fabrics with patterned rugs, throw pillows, and tapestries

Don't be afraid to mix patterns like paisley, floral, and geometric designs that add to the bohemian eclectic look.

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleDecorate with Vintage and Eclectic Accessories
Victorian Bohemian style can use both Victorian and bohemian accessories when decorating.  Here are a few decor ideas.

• Antique Mirrors: Vintage mirrors with ornate frames serve as both functional decor and statement pieces.

• Bohemian Art: Hang vibrant, Bohemian-style artwork on your walls to add fun color and personality to your home.

• Mismatched Dining Tableware: Mix and match antique china, glassware, and cutlery for an eclectic and unique dining tablescape.

• Botanicals: Add potted plants, a vase of fresh flowers, and/or hanging greenery for a natural touch and bohemian flair.

• Vintage Clocks and Lighting: Elegant vintage clocks and unique lighting fixtures contribute to the overall aesthetic in both a Victorian and bohemian way.

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleCreate a Cozy and Eclectic Atmosphere
Victorian style tends to be very formal, however bohemian style is much more casual and cozy.

Make sure that your Victorian bohemian home has the cozy elements that most everyone loves. 

• Layer Rugs: Layer multiple rugs in different sizes and patterns to create a cozy, bohemian style.

• Cushions and Throw Pillows: Use a lot of throw pillows and cushions in your seating areas, mixing various textures and colors for an eclectic look.  You can even add pillows to your floor for extra seating.

• Create Cozy Nooks: Design cozy reading corners with comfy armchairs and reading lamps to create a cozy nook.

• Incorporate Vintage Finds: Hunt for unique vintage finds at flea markets and antique shops to add one-of-a-kind character to your space.

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleMaintain a Sense of Balance
While Bohemian Victorian style is all about combining contrasting styles, it's essential to maintain a sense of balance in your decor.

Make sure to regularly edit and rearrange your decor to prevent clutter and chaos. Just because your style is eclectic does not mean that anything goes.

Ensure that your Victorian bohemian home reflects your style and your taste.  Add in items that appeal to you and get rid of items that are just taking up space.

Avoid overcrowding your space with too much stuff. Give your furniture and decor room to breathe so your room does not feel overly messy and disorganized.

How to Decorate in a Victorian Bohemian StyleMake It Cohesive
Bohemian style uses a lot of mismatched stuff, so it is essential to find ways to make your design style look cohesive when paired with Victorian items. 

Here are a few ways to create cohesion in your interior design:

• Color: Repeat your favorite colors multiple times throughout the room to make the color scheme look intentional and not thrown together.  You might want to find one or two items that contain several of the colors in your color scheme.  Consider selecting 3-5 colors in your color scheme and use each of the colors in your room in at least 3 different places.

• Materials: Repeat certain materials throughout your room, such as the same color stained wood on your floors and furniture or using wicker pieces or velvet fabric in several places.

• Prints: Repeat certain types of prints throughout your room to create a cohesive design, such as using similar floral patterns on curtains and pillows.

• Boundaries: You can create Victorian and Bohemian boundaries in your home to create cohesion, such as all architectural elements of the room will be Victorian while all of the furniture and furnishings will be Bohemian.