Bohemian Outsider and Self Taught Art

Defying design conventions and embracing all tastes, Bohemian style, or Boho style, is eclectic, bold and, above all, individual. Vintage Bohemian-style furniture and decor feature bright colors, natural materials and a global spirit, ranging from statement pieces such as peacock chairs constructed with wicker and handmade art-glass vases to jewel-toned plush seating like turquoise sofas.

Although Bohemian furniture is not rooted in a specific time and can include Victorian lamps alongside Space Age chairs, its name dates back to the 19th century. Its exact origins are unclear, with some sources linking it to a counterculture formed in the wake of the French Revolution and others to a pejorative for the Romani people in France who were erroneously believed to be from Bohemia, which was part of what is now the Czech Republic.

By the 1850s, “bohemian” was used to describe someone who led an itinerant life, usually an artist, actor or author. This helped shift the term from disparaging to something romantic and evoking creativity, culture and travel. In the 20th century, to be a bohemian was fashionable, and the celebration of free expression in the 1960s gave the Bohemian style a hippie flair. It has remained popular over the years, especially with younger generations seeking to express their personality and individual perspective through furniture, folk art, antiques and other collectibles.

A Bohemian interior exuberantly mixes textures and patterns, particularly through textiles from around the world in tapestries, rugs and upholstery. Bohemian decor can include Japanese shibori, Indonesian ikat and Kazakhstani suzani prints mingling with Moroccan lanterns, Turkish carpets and wall hangings from India. Saturated earthy colors like burnt orange and marigold yellow are common to bring together the mix of vintage, modern and global design.

Find a collection of vintage Bohemian tables, mirrors, rugs and carpets, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.