A bohemian lifestyle is one of artistic expression, with a free-spirited, unconventional style. Bohemian style bedding is rich in color and intricate patterns and will add an artistic flair to your bedroom décor.
Where to Find Bohemian Bedding
Many retailers offer colorful bedding with intricate patterns that they label as a "bohemian style." However, if you want bedding that is made in a truly unconventional manner by real artisans and craftsmen, you need to look for specialty stores or boutiques that carry this type of décor, such as the following resources:
Saffron Marigold
Saffron Marigold offers unique, handmade bedding and textiles from India. The colorful, intricate patterns on the bedspreads and duvet covers they sell were produced by a method called block printing. The skilled artisans who make these textiles actually carve the patterns into a small slice of shesham wood, which then serves as a stamp for the pattern. Patterns that have multiple colors require a different wood stamp for each color in the design. It is a fascinating process and Saffron Marigold has a picture gallery that shows the block printing technique from start to finish.
You can shop for bedspreads which start at $59 for a twin, $69 for a queen, $79 for a king or $149 for a quilted bedspread. Twin duvet covers start at $139 and go up to $179 for a king. You can also buy pillow covers and shams that start at $17 and go up to $39.
Some of the beautiful patterns you will find in this handmade bedding from India include:
- Floral
- Geometric
- Peacock
- Paisley
- Vines
- Butterflies
- Medallions
The bedspreads and duvet covers are made from cotton material and would be considered a lightweight bed covering, making them perfect for summer. If you plan to use one year round, you may need additional blankets in the winter.
Attiser
Attiser was founded by a woman textile designer and entrepreneur who grew up near Rajasthan, India. Her vision was to bring the unique art of hand block printed textiles to the American market.
Here you can find bedspreads starting at $59 for a twin, $69 for a queen and $79-$89 for a king. If you want something a little heavier, you can get a quilt starting at $144.99. You can also find cushion covers and pillow covers starting at $15.99
The hand printed patterns on Attiser's linens are similar to the prints you can find at Saffron Marigold, however, each design is uniquely different. This is the beauty of handmade prints. Each print is like a work of art.
Other textiles you can find at Attiser include shower curtains, sheer curtains and table linens.
Etsy
A keyword search for "Bohemian bedding" on Etsy will result in a collection of vintage and handmade bedding items such as:
- Pillow covers
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Afghans
- Quilts
- Bedspreads
- Blankets
You'll find a bigger variety of fabrics on Etsy, including silk, velvet, wool and crocheted items made from yarn. Many items have vintage designs that were popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Other designs include:
- Floral
- Paisley
- Geometric
- Stripes
- Abstract
You will also find a wide range of prices on Etsy, starting at $10 for a handmade Afghan to over $300 for a made to order, king-size quilt. The inventory will change often, so be sure to check back periodically to see what's new.
Decorating Tips
An unconventional, free-spirited, bohemian decorating style in your bedroom would be similar to an eclectic decorating style. You should feel free to express your creativity and artistic nature.
Add layers to your bed with lots of colorful, decorative pillows in different sizes and shapes. Add a colorful throw at the foot of the bed. You may even be able to create a canopy effect with a lightweight bedspread, sheet or throw.
If you happen to be an artist yourself, why not create your own wall art? Pick out two or three of the predominant colors in your bedding and use those colors in your creations. If you don't draw or paint well, you can still create your own custom wall art. Visit a fabric or wallpaper store and pick out patterns, colors and designs that appeal to you. Remember to try to pick up some of the colors in your bedding. Mat and frame pieces of fabric or wallpaper to create your own unique wall display.
Look for handmade or vintage décor at yard sales, thrift stores and specialty boutiques. You don't have to spend a lot of money on your décor. The point is to make it unique and interesting. For example, you could cover an old nightstand with a beautiful tapestry or throw.
Wall tapestries are perfect for this decorating style. Retro designs from the "hippie" culture of the 1960s and 1970s would work, as would abstract and cultural style tapestries. You can find tapestries like this at places such as:
A decorative throw draped over a chair would make a nice accent. Create a conversation area with large floor cushions covered in a bohemian style fabric. Hang a beaded curtain in the doorway of a walk-in closet or master bathroom. Burn Nag Champa incense for a fragrant aroma.
Finding the Artistry in Imperfection
Try to keep the look casual in a bohemian style bedroom. Don't be surprised if your bedding and other handmade textiles have small imperfections. The imperfections add uniqueness and character, which is exactly what you want with a bohemian theme.
