A bohemian garden feels like a holiday spot you've put together yourself: woven furniture, cushions in all kinds of patterns, terracotta pots full of greenery, and warm, low light in the evening. There are no strict rules, and that's what makes the style so appealing. Still, a boho garden without a plan can quickly turn into a messy collection of stuff. In this article you'll read what defines the style, which colours and materials to choose, which furniture suits it, and how to create a cosy boho corner in six steps. With examples from our range and a short style quiz.
In short: choose a calm base in sand or natural tones and add warm accents in moss green, terracotta and ochre. Use woven materials: wicker in a rattan look, rope and wood. Create one comfortable lounge spot, then gradually build up the atmosphere with an outdoor rug, cushions, plants and warm light. Not sure about the style? Take the style quiz.
What makes a garden bohemian?
Bohemian, often shortened to boho, is a style that brings together influences from different cultures and travels. Think Moroccan lanterns, woven baskets, hand-knotted macramé and cushions with ethnic motifs. In the garden, this translates into a relaxed place where you like to linger. These are the defining features:
- Woven and natural materials: rattan or wicker, rope, wood, jute and terracotta.
- Warm, earthy colours: sand and natural tones as the base, with accents in green, terracotta and ochre.
- Layers of textiles: an outdoor rug, plenty of cushions and a throw for cool evenings.
- Lots of greenery: plants in pots at different heights, from hanging pots to large tubs.
- Low and relaxed seating: lounge chairs, a low bench, a footstool or a hanging chair.
- Warm lighting: string lights, lanterns and candles instead of harsh white light.
The difference with the related Ibiza garden lies mainly in the colour. Ibiza is light and calm with lots of white and beige; bohemian is fuller, more colourful and can be a bit busier. You'll find an overview of all styles on the page bohemian garden style.
The bohemian colour palette
A boho garden is colourful, but not random. The trick is a calm base with warm accents. Choose the large pieces, such as the lounge set and the rug, in a neutral shade. The colour comes from the small things that are easy to swap out.
- Base: sand, natural, taupe, off-white.
- Green accent: moss green, olive, sage.
- Warm accent: terracotta, rust, ochre, mustard yellow.
- Depth: a touch of deep blue, aubergine or burgundy in a cushion or pot.
Stick to roughly three accent colours and repeat them in several places: in a cushion, a pot and a rug. That way the whole thing feels like one story, however free the mix.
Materials compared
Texture is just as important as colour. Preferably combine three or four materials. Do keep in mind what can stay outside and what can't.
| Material | Boho effect | Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Natural rattan | Warm, handcrafted | Only under a canopy |
| Wicker (rattan look) | Same woven look | Can stay outside |
| Rope | Soft and woven | Outdoors, keep cushions dry |
| Macramé | Hand-knotted, airy | Hang in a sheltered spot |
| Colourful textiles | Colour and pattern | Store dry |
| Terracotta | Earthy and warm | Overwinter frost-free |
| Acacia wood | Natural, sturdy | Oil annually |
Wicker is a synthetic weave that resembles rattan, but it can handle rain and sun better. For most gardens, that makes it the practical choice. You can read about the difference in what is the difference between wicker and rattan and what is rattan. Torn between rope and wicker? Then read rope or wicker lounge set.
Terracotta and frost
Terracotta is baked clay and absorbs water. If that water freezes, the pot can crack. Store ordinary terracotta pots dry or indoors in winter, or choose pots that are sold as frost-resistant.
Suitable furniture from our range
Start with one spot where you really want to sit for a long time. A low lounge set, a few deep lounge chairs or a lounge dining set form the basis. Woven wicker and rope instantly give that boho look. Below are four examples; you can see the current prices on the cards.
Bahama: wicker lounge dining set for the whole family
The Bahama is a corner sofa measuring 251 x 205 cm with an aluminium frame, wrapped in hand-woven wicker in the colour vintage willow. That brown weave colour fits the boho style perfectly. Two stools measuring 40 x 40 cm are included, along with a dining table measuring 150 x 80 cm with a light teak Vironwood top. With a seat height of 50 cm, you can both lounge and dine here. You get 15 cushions included.
Bahama 5-piece lounge dining set left
Tip: the included cushions are dark. Add cushions in mustard, green and natural tones on top and the set instantly feels boho. The Bahama is also available in a right-facing version.
Talara: rope and acacia for a small terrace
The Talara consists of two lounge chairs and a round side table measuring Ø51,5 cm with a white terrazzo top. The frame is made of FSC-certified acacia wood in white wash, and the upholstery is taupe rope. With a seat height of 41 cm and cushions 13 cm thick, you sit low and relaxed. A great choice for a balcony or small terrace.
Talara 3-piece lounge set
Please note: according to the manufacturer, acacia wood should be treated annually with teak oil or a wood care product to preserve its colour.
Veracruz: lounge chair with footstool
A hanging chair is the well-known boho icon, but a deep lounge chair is just as laid-back. The Veracruz has a steplessly adjustable backrest with a gas spring, a seat 59 cm wide and 65 cm deep, and a footstool in the same wicker. The aluminium frame has a powder coating and is wrapped in half-round wicker in vintage willow.
Veracruz lounge chair with footstool
Osborne: adjustable wicker armchair
The Osborne is an adjustable garden chair with an aluminium frame and hand-woven half-round wicker in light brown. You adjust the backrest with a gas spring on the side. The seat height is 48 cm, the seat width 62 cm, and the cushions are sand-coloured. Pair it with the matching Osborne footstool for a complete reading corner.
Osborne adjustable garden chair
Buy the furniture in a calm colour first, then add the cushions, rugs and pots. A neutral set can get a different boho twist every season; a brightly coloured sofa will tie you down for years.
You'll find more choice in our wicker lounge sets, rope lounge sets, low lounge sets and wicker garden chairs. If you prefer to eat at a table, the moss green Dido rope chairs fit well in a boho garden. And if you're after a hanging chair after all, first read buying a hanging chair: what to look out for.
Atmosphere: rugs, cushions and lighting
The furniture is the foundation, but you create the atmosphere with layers. This is where a boho garden really comes to life.
- Outdoor rug: a rug defines your lounge area and makes the tiles or decking feel warmer. Choose a natural rug as a calm base, or a coloured rug if your furniture is neutral.
- Layered cushions: combine plain cushions with patterns and different sizes. Three colours that recur keep things calm.
- Pouf or footstool: a low seat you can move wherever you need it. A wicker footstool does the same job outdoors as a pouf.
- Lanterns and string lights: warm white light at different heights. Hang a string along the fence or above the lounge area and place lanterns on the ground.
- Macramé and baskets: a plant hanger or wall hanging in macramé gives a handmade feel. Hang it under a canopy so it doesn't keep getting wet.
Gisborne natural outdoor rug
View rug →
Delhi green outdoor rug
View rug →
Amora mustard decorative cushion
View cushion →
Osborne wicker footstool
View footstool →
Partylights Filament
View lighting →
Dido moss green rope chairs
View chairs →The Amora decorative cushion has a cover of cotton and polyester with a zip, but it is not water-repellent: store it dry after use. The Partylights Filament is a string of ten bulbs with extra warm white light of 2200 Kelvin for the 12V system from Garden Lights. You'll find more ideas in creating atmosphere with garden lighting, or browse all outdoor rugs, decorative cushions and mood lighting.
Plants for a boho garden
Greenery belongs to the style the way cushions belong on the sofa. Place plants at different heights: hanging pots, pots on a stool or plant table, and a few large tubs on the ground. This creates a lush, almost jungle-like feel.
- Ferns and grasses: soft and lush, lovely among woven furniture.
- Bamboo: adds height and privacy. Choose a non-invasive variety or plant it in a pot.
- Palms in pots: for that holiday feeling. Check per species whether it is hardy.
- Bougainvillea: exuberant colour, but not hardy. Plant it in a pot that you can move to a frost-free place in winter.
- Herbs: rosemary, mint and basil in terracotta, handy and fragrant next to the lounge spot.
- Climbing plants: let them grow along the fence or a pergola for a green backdrop.
Style quiz: is bohemian your style?
Bohemian looks a bit like a few other styles. Answer three questions and see which one suits you best.
Is bohemian your style, or something else?
Which colours would you like to see in your garden?
- Moss green, terracotta and ochre mixed together
- White, beige and sand
- Warm wood with soft green tones
- Black, natural and calm grey
What does your ideal place to sit look like?
- Lots of cushions, a rug and a hanging chair
- A low white lounge set with a parasol
- A large wooden table for the whole family
- A sleek bench with few items
How much decoration do you want?
- A lot: lanterns, baskets, macramé
- A few lanterns and plants
- Cosy, with pots and flowers
- As little as possible, peace comes first
Bohemian You love colour, texture and a free-spirited mix. This article is exactly for you.
Ibiza You want the same relaxed atmosphere, but lighter and calmer.
Rural Warm, homely and with plenty of wood.
Japandi You're looking for calm, natural materials and few possessions.
Not sure yet which furniture suits your garden? The selection guide will help you on your way in a few questions.
A bohemian garden in 6 steps
Find a corner where you enjoy sitting: in the evening sun, sheltered from the wind, close to the kitchen. A boho garden revolves around one place where you like to hang out for a long time, not around the whole garden at once.
Choose the large pieces in sand, natural or taupe: the lounge set and the outdoor rug. That way you can play with colour freely later without it becoming too busy.
A low lounge set, deep lounge chairs with a footstool, or a hanging chair. Choose wicker or rope for the woven feel, and look for an aluminium frame if the furniture will stay outside.
Lay down the rug, stack cushions in three accent colours and keep a throw handy. Mix plain fabrics with patterns and different sizes.
Place plants at different heights in terracotta, baskets and hanging pots. Let climbing plants cover the fence for a green backdrop.
Hang a string of lights above the lounge spot, place lanterns on the ground and a few candle lanterns on the table. Choose warm white light and different heights.
You can read more general interior tips in 11 garden design tips.
Checklist
Tick off what you already have; your browser remembers your progress.
- A fixed spot chosen for the lounge area
- Furniture in wicker or rope, in a calm colour
- An outdoor rug under the seating area
- Cushions in three accent colours
- A footstool, pouf or hanging chair as extra seating
- Plants at three heights, in terracotta or baskets
- Warm light: string lights, lanterns or candle lanterns
- A dry place to store cushions and textiles
How to keep your boho garden looking good
- Choose an aluminium frame with wicker or rope if the furniture stays outside
- Store cushions, rugs and macramé dry during rain and in winter
- Clean wicker and rope with lukewarm water and a soft brush
- Move terracotta and non-hardy plants to a frost-free spot in time
Common mistakes
Too many colours at once
Free doesn't mean random. With more than three or four accent colours, it becomes restless. Rather repeat the same colours in several places.
Leaving natural rattan outside
Real rattan is made for indoors or under a canopy. If you want furniture that stays outside, choose wicker with an aluminium frame. You can read about restoring it in restoring weathered rattan garden furniture.
Cushions and textiles in the rain
Many decorative cushions are not water-repellent. Don't leave them outside, but store them dry. Read tips for storing garden cushions.
Only decoration, no comfort
A boho garden where you don't sit comfortably is just a set. Always start with a good place to sit and only then add the decoration.
Changing with the seasons
In autumn, swap the cushions for deeper shades such as rust, burgundy and olive, and keep a throw ready. With the same furniture, you'll have a whole new mood.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a garden bohemian?
A bohemian garden is a free mix of woven furniture, earthy colours, plenty of textiles and lots of greenery. Rattan and wicker-look pieces, rope, terracotta pots, cushions in different patterns and warm lighting all belong. It isn't about perfection but about a space that feels personal and inviting.
Which colours suit a bohemian garden?
Start with a calm base in sand, natural or taupe. Then add warm accents: moss green, olive, terracotta, ochre or mustard yellow, and a touch of deep blue or rust. Preferably keep the furniture neutral, so you can easily change the colour with cushions and rugs.
Can rattan stay outside?
Natural rattan is a natural product and belongs under a canopy or indoors. Wicker is a plastic weave with the same look and can stay outside. The wicker furniture in this article has an aluminium frame; only the cushions need to be stored in a dry place.
Is a bohemian garden suitable for a small terrace or balcony?
Yes. A compact set such as the Talara for 2 people, an outdoor rug, a few decorative cushions, a string of fairy lights and a handful of potted plants is enough. Work with height, such as hanging planters and climbing plants, so the floor stays clear.
Which plants suit the bohemian style?
Lush greenery works best: ferns, grasses, bamboo, potted palms and herbs such as rosemary, mint and basil in terracotta. For colour, you can place bougainvillea in a pot; it is not hardy and must be kept frost-free in winter.
