Turning your dining room into a colorful boho decor is a simple task if you stick to a few rules and avoid traditional cliches that can make it look like a furniture showroom. Personalization is the key to making it unique, so this is where your personal taste and style come in to blend into the boho fashion.
What Makes a Dining Room Colorful Boho
A colorful boho dining room uses all the big elements in it to achieve the required style, not just the walls; therefore, the table is just as important. It’s one of the main elements for colors, so make sure the linen, table design and textures on chairs (if any pillows) match the whole decor.
The table is so important because it covers more space than anything else in the dining room, apart from the walls. It takes less wall space, but more surface space instead. While it’s the main element, it’s not the only one, since surrounding colors and patterns must match it harmoniously across floor rugs, wall hangings, and ambient accents.
Pick a Color Anchor for the Table
Like most other rooms, there’s a quick way to turn the place into a colorful boho dining room. Start with the color palette. Focus on one jewel tone, such as a vibrant color associated with this style. You can also use a neutral or earthy tone as the anchor.
The table linens carry the color throughout the entire room. It’s the focal point in the dining room, after all. Here are a few common palettes to consider or start with:
- Terracotta rust or earthy olive green as the main color, supported by mustard yellow and deep ochre.
- Sapphire blue or emerald green as the main color, supported by amethyst purple and magenta for an exotic, jewel-toned depth.
- Dusty rose or deep navy blue as the main color, supported by muted mint and metallic gold accents for a touch of warmth.
Dress the Table First
The table as a piece of furniture itself won’t make a massive difference, but the table runner, dishware, napkins and centerpiece, so that’s where your primary focus should be. In terms of boho dining room ideas, small pieces should retain the same theme, pattern or texture.
For instance, the runner and napkins should retain the same pattern, if any. The centerpiece could be a set of useful elements, such as candleholders, but you can also maintain the color palette through dried flowers, bunny tails, or pampas grass in an artisanal terracotta vase.
Mismatched Seating, On Purpose
Mismatched elements are also among the most common boho dining room ideas. From mismatched dishware to mismatched seating, anything will do. You can mix different vintage chairs, as well as painted pieces or even raw wood, like bentwood, rattan, and mid-century cane seats.
Despite being mismatched, these things work well together if you manage to maintain the color palette and theme. Therefore, pay attention to the patterns and textures as well. What you can match is the general size standard for all seats.
Lighting Over the Table
Ambient room lighting is an excellent idea for boho styles, but this concept becomes history when it comes to the lighting over the table. A single lantern or pendant above the boho dining room table will do much more for your boho dining room light than ambient lighting.
Here’s why. The dining area requires light. You need to see what you do and what you eat. Ambient lighting can provide light, but it won’t be above the table. Since it comes from different directions, it’s not practical at all, as the table will be covered in shade..
Make sure it’s warm light though. As for the pendant or lantern, opt for the Moroccan style or at least go for materials like rattan or woven elements, bamboo, or perforated metal.
Layer Patterns the Way You Would in the Living Room
Mix patterns in your dining room the same way you would in your living room. One print should dominate the entire style, then feel free to add two or three supporting ones. Of course, everything should be in the same color palette.
While similar in style, there are differences in where you apply these rules. Your colorful boho living room could do with this kind of decor if you apply these rules to the central rug and some throw pillows. For a colorful boho dining room, you’ll need to apply them to the runner or tablecloth, as well as the chair cushions.
A Focal Point on the Wall
Most dining rooms have an empty wall, whether close to the table (if not central) or by a door. Either way, unless everything is covered, you can implement a gallery wall (keep the frames in the right colors) or even a large piece of art, like an abstract botanical print or a vintage market poster.
If you have a more traditional or rustic home, a woven tapestry will also do well in the dining room. The dining room light can also be used to put an accent on the central piece of art, which inevitably complements the style.
Plants at the Table
Plants tend to complement any style, and the colorful boho style makes no exception either. A trailing vine or even a potted plant will do well on the table. If you want to place it close to the table, make sure that the pot is large and less likely to be an obstacle. The idea adds both texture and color.
What kind of plants go on or near the dining room table depends on a mix of your preferences, colors and patterns. Because yes, even plants have patterns in their leaves, colors and shapes like from the dramatic splits of a Monstera to the variegated patterns of a Calathea or trailing Pothos.
Small Space and Rental-Friendly Version
A colorful boho dining room can work in any space, both large or small, and rented or owned places. Since linens, rugs and lights make the difference to your boho dining room table, such things are replaceable and can be taken away if you rent the place.
For example, you can just get a tablecloth instead of purchasing a new table. And if the table is in a different style, just make sure the tablecloth goes close to the floor and covers everything.
Also, you’re wrong if you think getting a boho dining room light is difficult because of the wiring. Just opt for battery-operated or plug-in pendants.
FAQs
Earthy base tones could be the perfect choice, like warm white, cream, sand, beige, soft brown or clay. Saturated boho accents can include terracotta rust, mustard yellow, sage, emerald green, magenta or teal. All colors you use must match the same palette, so choose based on your preferences, but with this main rule in mind.
What’s the difference between boho and boho chic?
Boho is rustic and raw. It’s free-spirited. The colorful option brings in some extra color, but that’s it. Boho chic is more polished and organized. It also brings in a modern touch due to its refined attention to small details.
What are common boho decor mistakes to avoid?
Your colorful boho dining room could become an issue if you overcrowd everything with decorations and accessories. Another mistake involves buying new matching furniture instead of matching eras and styles, not to mention leaving some open negative space. It’s a must for your eye to rest.
Can this work in a small or more traditional dining room?
Colorful boho can work anywhere, regardless of the size. It brings life to neutral spaces, but it also fits small places by mixing new and old.
Closing
Bottom line, achieving the colorful boho fashion in your dining room is mainly about working on the main element (such as the table) and enhancing small bits (such as linens, runners or cushions) with the right colors and patterns. Follow the basic rules, implement your style, and you’ll achieve the perfect scenario.