Boho chic is like the sophisticated older sister of regular boho style. It’s got all that relaxed, eclectic vibe we love, but with a little more polish and intentionality. Instead of feeling like you just threw everything together, boho chic looks curated and thoughtful while still being comfortable and personal. It’s that perfect sweet spot between casual bohemian and elevated design – you can have guests over and feel proud of how your space looks, but it’s also somewhere you actually want to relax after a long day.

What really sets boho chic apart is the balance. You’re mixing high and low, vintage and new, natural and refined. Maybe you’ve got a gorgeous velvet sofa paired with a vintage rug, or sleek modern lighting above a rustic coffee table. The colors tend to be a bit more subdued than traditional boho – think muted terracottas, soft blush pinks, sage greens, and lots of neutrals with just the right pops of color. Everything feels intentional rather than random, but it’s not stiff or formal at all. It’s lived-in elegance, if that makes sense.

The textures are still really important in boho chic, just like regular boho, but they’re edited and refined. You’re not piling on every single textile you own – you’re choosing the best ones and layering them thoughtfully. Natural materials like wood, leather, linen, and jute are balanced with more luxe touches like velvet, brass, and maybe some marble. Plants are still everywhere because we’re not giving those up, but they might be in prettier pots with more cohesive styling.

Whether you’re going for full boho chic or just want to elevate your current boho space, these ideas will show you how to get that sophisticated yet relaxed look. We’re talking about investing in key pieces, editing your collections, mixing textures with purpose, and creating a space that feels both pulled-together and completely comfortable. Let’s look at ten ways to nail that boho chic aesthetic in your living room.

1. Velvet Sofa in a Muted Jewel Tone

This is the piece that really elevates boho into boho chic territory. Instead of a neutral linen sofa, go for a velvet one in a sophisticated jewel tone like dusty rose, sage green, or burnt orange. The velvet adds luxury and that touchable texture we love, while the muted color keeps it from feeling too bold or overwhelming. Style it with neutral pillows and throws so the sofa can be the star. It’s that one investment piece that makes your whole living room look more expensive and intentional, while the velvet texture still fits perfectly with boho’s love of rich materials.

2. Curated Gallery Wall with Matching Frames

Instead of the eclectic mix of frames typical in boho style, go for a more cohesive gallery wall with matching or coordinating frames. Use all black frames, all natural wood, or all brass frames to create unity. The art inside can still be varied – mix prints, photographs, botanical drawings, and abstract pieces – but the consistent framing makes it look more refined and intentional. Play with different sizes but keep the spacing even. This approach gives you that collected art-lover vibe but with more sophistication and visual calm than a totally mismatched wall.

3. Statement Brass or Gold Lighting

Lighting is where you can add some real glamour to your boho chic space. Go for a stunning brass chandelier, a sculptural gold floor lamp, or modern brass sconces. The warm metallic finish adds elegance and catches light beautifully throughout the day. Look for pieces with clean lines and interesting shapes rather than overly ornate designs. The brass or gold tones work perfectly with the warm earthy colors of boho style while elevating the whole space. It’s functional lighting that doubles as art and makes your living room feel more sophisticated and finished.

4. Monochromatic Neutral Base

Start with a mostly neutral color palette as your foundation – creams, beiges, tans, soft grays – then add your boho touches through texture and carefully chosen accent colors. This restrained approach feels much more sophisticated than lots of competing colors. Your neutral base might include a cream sofa, beige walls, natural wood furniture, and jute rugs. Then layer in your pops of color through pillows, art, and plants. The neutral background lets each special piece shine and makes the whole room feel calm and cohesive rather than busy and overwhelming.

5. Oversized Vintage or Antique Mirror

A large vintage mirror is the perfect boho chic accent – it adds character and history while also reflecting light and making your space feel bigger. Look for an ornate gold-framed mirror, a weathered wood frame with patina, or even a collection of smaller antique mirrors arranged together. Lean a huge floor mirror against the wall for that effortless look, or hang it as a statement piece above your sofa or console. The aged quality of vintage mirrors adds soul to your space while the reflective surface keeps things feeling bright and open.

6. Sculptural Coffee Table

Instead of a rustic wooden coffee table, choose something more sculptural and artistic that serves as a focal point. Think organic shapes, interesting bases, mixed materials like marble top with brass legs, or a unique vintage find. The coffee table should be a conversation piece that’s beautiful even when nothing’s on it. Keep the styling minimal – maybe just a small plant, a coffee table book, and a decorative object. This approach is more edited and intentional than piling on lots of stuff, which is what makes it boho chic rather than just boho.

7. Textured Linen Curtains

Window treatments make such a difference in elevating a space. Choose long linen curtains in a natural color that puddle slightly on the floor. The texture of linen is casual enough for boho but the full-length style and natural fabric feel more refined. Hang them high and wide to make your windows look bigger and your ceilings higher. Let natural light filter through during the day for that soft, dreamy glow. The flowing fabric adds movement and softness to your room while keeping the look sophisticated and airy rather than heavy or formal.

8. Fiddle Leaf Fig in a Designer Planter

You still need plants in boho chic, but the presentation is more refined. Get a statement plant like a fiddle leaf fig or bird of paradise and put it in a really beautiful planter – maybe a large ceramic pot in a muted color, a textured concrete planter, or a elegant woven basket. The combination of a dramatic plant in a designer pot creates a sophisticated focal point. Place it strategically in a corner with good light or beside your sofa. It’s that same love of greenery but presented in a more intentional, elevated way that fits with the chic aesthetic.

9. Layered Neutral Textiles

Layering is still important in boho chic, but you’re more selective about what you layer. Stick to a neutral palette but vary the textures – a chunky ivory knit throw, smooth linen pillows, a soft leather pillow, maybe a velvet cushion in a muted tone. Everything coordinates without exactly matching. The different textures create interest while the neutral colors keep it sophisticated and calm. Drape that knit throw artfully over your sofa arm, arrange pillows with intention, and make sure each piece looks deliberate. It’s curated comfort rather than just piling everything on.

10. Marble or Stone Accent Pieces

Bring in some cool, smooth materials to balance all the soft textiles and warm wood. A marble side table, stone bookends, a marble tray on your coffee table, or even marble coasters add sophistication and visual interest. The veining in marble or texture in stone brings nature inside in a more refined way than rough wood or woven materials. These pieces feel luxurious and timeless, which is exactly what elevates boho into boho chic. Mix them with your natural wood and textiles for that perfect balance of warm and cool, soft and hard, casual and refined.