The classic “boho” style is known for its eclectic and nature-inspired installations. But even before that, the term bohemian has always been associated with creativity and freedom.
It’s no wonder that college students connect with boho. After all, it’s contemporary elements and youthful vibe is more or less a microcosm of college life.
If you’re one of the students who are excited to embrace the bohemian concept and lifestyle—particularly in your dorm room—then here’s our cheat sheet of the most creative bohemian room ideas to help get you started.
25 Classic Boho Dorm Room Ideas
1. Tapestry
Tapestry is a hallmark of bohemian style interiors, particularly in dorm rooms.
After all, a single, well-placed fixture is usually enough to decorate an entire wall or to accentuate a designated area. Boho themes often feature tapestries with intricate patterns or mandala.
2. String lights
The eye-catching and mood-setting string lights or fairy lights can be an inexpensive but influential addition to your boho dorm room.
LED lights come in many variants but we recommend those that can be remotely operated, so you can effortlessly dim or turn on the lights at your convenience.
3. Hanging houseplants
Houseplants often look great in boho interiors. In fact, some consider them customary.
Some plants commonly used for boho are pothos, calathea and ivy vines. If you’re a little concerned about maintaining them, there’s no shame in getting faux plants to lighten up your room.
4. Vintage furniture
While they aren’t mandatory, vintage furniture blend in very well in bohemian rooms.
If there’s no budget to spare on secondhand furniture, you can instead go for vintage or rustic fixtures. Boho is closely associated with the hippie culture of yore, so aim for that 60s to 70s look.
5. Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatchers mean different things for different people so it may not be a priority for you as much as it is for others.
But if you adore this charm for a good night’s sleep, then it’s one of the most distinct decor you can add to your bohemian dorm room.
6. Moroccan lanterns
Moroccan boho interiors draw from Moroccan and bohemian influences, and one of its signature installations is the Moroccan lantern.
Moroccan lanterns have distinct looks and intricate patterns, which is why they are often used as a statement piece.
7. Macramé decor
Another classic element favored by boho enthusiast is macramé, originally known as a textile knitting technique in Arab countries.
For decors, macrame refers to handicraft that uses macrame knots including wall fixtures, coasters, lanterns, table runners and more.
8. Layered rugs
Layering can be fun and simple, or a bit more detail-oriented as you mix and match. Regardless, you don’t need to be an expert to layer rugs.
In most cases, neutral rugs are kept as base while more vibrant colors are infused as the top layer. But you can also simply subvert expectations and make good with your own style.
9. Mandala prints
Mandalas are known for their complex patterns and dynamic shades. In Sanskrit, it literally means circle.
For dorm rooms, mandala is an aesthetic statement that can be incorporated in walls decors, bedding and custom prints.
10. Suzani textile
Suzani is a lesser known textile or pattern associated with bohemian themes. The art and practice however are originally from central Asian countries.
Like mandalas, suzanis have distinct patterns and motifs, which you can often find embroided in tapestries, curtains, pillow cases and bedding.
11. Rattan
Rattan as a home decor is seen in many themes including the nature-inspired and culture-rich bohemian.
For boho dorm rooms, rattan baskets and storage units make for an obvious fit. On the other hand, if there’s room to accommodate it, then chair could be a cozy and stylish statement piece.
12. Hammock chair
Hammock is not something you’d initially associate with a dorm room due to space limitations and constraints.
However, this arrangement can be pulled off if you have a loft bed and some underbed space to spare. Ultimately, though, hammock is more of a ‘nice-to-have’ rather than a centerpiece.
13. Earthly color palette
Neutral and earthly colors look great in boho-styled dorm rooms because they elicit that comfy, familiar feeling from home.
They are also easy to pair with other furniture. But more than that, bohemian and earthly accents just have a natural synergy.
14. Repurposed old records
Vinyl records never go out of style both as a collection and room decoration.
As the latter, you can repurpose both the record and album for display; usually on a wall or furniture. However, if you’re feeling a little more creative, you can also paint over the records to make them stand out more.
15. Gallery wall
A gallery wall can take the place of a tapestry or they can work alongside each other to give the room a busier look.
In terms of fit with boho, vintage posters immediately comes to mind. Then, we have Polaroids and digital prints as lovely alternatives.
16. Minimalist neon sign
Bohemian is more maximalist than minimalist but it does benefit from having smaller installations with bigger presence.
If string lights aren’t your thing, but you still want a bit of soft light into the room, then custom neon sign is the way to go.
17. Floral bed sheet
A subtle but reliable way to put forward your bohemian theme is to upgrade your bedding.
Floral print is one of the common designs to go for if you’re starting from scratch, particularly white fabric with colored prints. You’ll find tons of quality options in Etsy or Amazon.
18. Throw blanket
Throw blanket isn’t exclusive to boho, but it definitely looks better on bohemian-themed bedding or furniture.
People use and display throw in various ways, although most would have it draped over a couch or layered into the bed.
But try to not overthink placement since throws often look their best when it’s effortless and imperfect.
19. Vintage or custom mirror
As is with most vintage decors, mirrors add a nice touch to boho interiors—no matter if it’s an upright, desktop or hanging mirror.
In dorm rooms, mirrors can help reflect natural light toward other areas of the room. Thus, it has more practical use than just being an ornament.
20. Pouf or floor pillows
Rugs are fixtures in any bohemian living space and what better way to complement them than a cozy low table or a bunch of pillows?
Even better, why not get some colorful and textured poufs for your place? Pouf is a cushion and versatile accent piece. Unlike ottomans, however, its purpose is purely for alternative seating and aesthetic.
21. Patterned wallpapers
A creative and inexpensive way to style your wall is through adhesive wallpapers. It doesn’t even have to be an entire wall, it can simply be a backsplash to give your room a more distinct look and feel.
For best results, go for patterned wallpapers since they normally capture the eclectic vibe of boho.
22. Clothing rack
A clothing rack is a good pick for boho style dorm rooms because garments add a natural colorful accent to the motif.
Also, some clothes benefit more from being in a free storage where they are not at risk of being crumpled. To maximize space, we recommend racks that have an upper storage and side pockets.
23. Ladder shelf
One of our best options for utilizing vertical space and corners is a ladder shelf.
Aside from its contemporary, space-saving design, a ladder shelf can be conveniently decorated to match a theme. It’s excellent weight distribution also gives you flexibility to store all sorts of personal items and decors.\
24. Himalayan salt lamp
Even without the myths surrounding it, the Himalayan salt lamp’s distinctive look and potential as an alternative dim light source is enough to earn a place in our list.
While there’s no evidence to back up claims that the lamp improves air quality, it definitely helps in setting the ambiance and boosting the mood in a bohemian setup.
25. Wooden furniture set
A wooden furniture set is simply gorgeous in any bohemian-themed room, especially if you pair it with matching wooden installments or tabletop decors.
Aside from a wooden study table and shelves, you can also go for woven fixtures made from rattan, jute or wicker to give the room a more dynamic look and feel.
Get started with your boho style dorm
Decorating your dorm room can lead to one of the most exciting moments in early college, and boho will be an excellent theme should you want cozy and elegant for your place.
We hope this list gave you more ideas and inspiration on how to set up your dream room! Lastly, don’t forget to bookmark Collegeseer for more tips and ideas on how to get the best out of your days in college.
