If you work from home, a boho patio might be a great spot for some inspiration. Or perhaps for your after-work relaxation. The boho style embraces comfort, colors, and textures, along with an abundance of plants. The end result is an atmosphere that is incredibly comforting. And when it’s in the outdoors, you get the added bonus of watching the beautiful skies, the grass—all that Mother Nature—which adds to the experience. If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for the 23 best boho patio ideas to transform your space 🤍
1. An Outdoor Rug
Let’s start with the base. Starting with an outdoor rug really sets the tone. It also helps define the space so the furniture doesn’t feel like it’s “floating” (the rules are similar to the indoors, you see).
You can choose a black-and-white printed rug—think: Moroccan-inspired motifs—for a boho effect. Or you can go for natural materials, like sisal and jute, to add a relaxed vibe. For an authentic look, you can layer rugs of different textures and patterns.
2. Hammocks
We’d like to say, it’s all about the hammock. Hammocks are the KEY to a boho vibe on your outdoor patio. And remember: it’s all in the details. A hammock with a fringe, tassels, macrame, embroidery, etc. will go a long way in setting the right ambiance. We love a neutral-hued one, but if your personality allows, you can also choose a piece with an Aztec print. Hammocks are also great additions to the patio because in addition to enhancing the style of the space, they give you some extra (and super cozy) room to curl up with a book. (That’s a small boho patio idea right there!).
3. Cozy Lighting
When it comes to a cozy vibe, the right lighting makes a world of difference. That’s why we’re all about layering lighting in a boho-style patio.
You can go for boho chic lamps (the ones with macrame details). Clustering mismatched pendant lights is another bohemian-friendly lighting idea. Don’t forget to hang fairy lights and/or lanterns for a magical ambiance. If you keep the lighting temperature warm—3000K is a warm white—you can create an inviting ambiance that’s perfect for the boho vibe.
4. Boho Style Furniture
Next up is the outdoor furniture. For a boho aesthetic, go for low and cushioned seating. Oversized poufs and bean bags are good ideas. Pair these with a low coffee table made from reclaimed wood. For the sofa set, a distressed finish will add a bohemian vibe.
Macrame furniture—like hanging chairs—also look amazing. Add textured ottomans; in the setting above, we see a jute ottoman adding extra seating while staying true to the boho style.
5. Cohesive Color Palette
Choosing a base color can help tie your space together. Something neutral—like beige, off-white, etc.—can help tie all the patterns (upcoming section on these) together. But you can also go for unique shades, like mustard or olive green.
Within this unifying color, you can add an accent color (or two). For example, teal, magenta, rust, etc. These make sure the space remains visually engaging.
6. Mixing Patterns
In addition to accent colors, patterns are the secret to adding visual interest. You can mix and match:
- Bold, large-scale patterns (think: oversized florals, geometric prints)
- Small, intricate patterns (think: polka dots, fine stripes)
- Geometric designs (think: chevrons, diamonds)
An example usage: A large mandala print rug and cushions with smaller tribal patterns.
If patterns aren’t your thing, you can omit them. Instead, let the textures—a super important part of boho patio design—act as textures. Throughout this post, we’ll be talking about features that help add these textures. Starting from the tree stump idea below…
7. Tree Stump Side Tables
If you’re looking to go the extra mile, don’t skimp on this one! Use a raw tree stump as a holder for your drinks and books. If it’s big in size, you can use it as a side table between two sofas. Smaller stumps can work as stools. You can find some polished options on Wayfair. But if you have some rolled-up sleeves and an aptitude for DIY, you can create your very own tree stump side table, too.
8. Plants, Plants, and Plants
A boho patio may look like you’re adding…well, everything, at first glance. But that should be far from the truth. We recommend choosing intentional, cozy details that are meaningful. For example, you can consider a plant (or 20) in every space! An herb garden with oregano, basil, lavender, and parsley in baskets and planters will look stunning.
Some statement plants you can choose from are:
- Monstera Deliciosa (with dramatic and holey leaves)
- Bird of Paradise (large bold leaves and dramatic flowers)
- String of Pearls (cascading succulent)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig (with large glossy leaves)
- Bougainvillea (a vibrant climber)
9. A Macrame Wall Hanging
Similar to how a macrame wall hanging is integral to a boho interior—such a piece can make a great addition on your patio, too. This is especially useful if you’re decorating a small patio (with some available wall space in the background, of course), because a wall hanging is one element that can make a BIG difference.
You can go for artwork in jute or rattan, too. Pairing such pieces with a few plants will create an authentic bohemian vibe.
10. Throw Pillows and Blankets
This one may come across as obvious, but we’d like to give it a special mention. Throw pillows and blankets are a foolproof way to instantly add texture to your patio. You can add them in beige and other neutral hues. Or use them as an excuse to add some color and patterns 😉
A tip here is to choose hues you’re seeing in the surroundings. For example, pick the beige from your rug; the green from the leaves; the magenta of bougainvillea—and more!
11. A Boho Garden Party
This one’s for folks who love to entertain. Add accent tables that can help serve your drinks and snacks. (That is, in addition to comfy seating and throws). Be sure to add hanging lights for a cozy ambiance.
If space allows, add a rustic dining table next to your seating area. And pair this with stools using natural materials.
12. The Outdoor Fire Pit
Speaking of entertaining…you want to work on the fire pit, too! If you already have one, surround it with boho-style seating. For example, butterfly chairs, rattan armchairs, floor cushions, etc. These can help draw attention to this feature—and also give you a great spot to gather with loved ones and share stories.
Did you know you can also make your own firepit with a DIY?
13. A Statement Piece
If a fire pit isn’t on your list, you want to choose some other feature to act as the focal point. This can be a sectional sofa. Or, better yet, a rustic, exposed wood coffee table. Top it with potted plants and some decorative features, and it will help set just the right bohemian ambiance.
Be sure to lay down a boho rug in your favorite colors and flank it with some ottomans for the ultimate effect.
14. Boho Moonlight Patio
Those late summer nights ask for a patio that is well-fit for the darker hours. Case in point: A mystical nighttime ambiance that can help you create cherishable memories. Consider glow-in-the-dark stones and moon-shaped lanterns paired with string lights.
Bonus points if you add celestial accents—like moon and star-shaped pillows/lights—and some sheer floating curtains over the pergola.
15. Inviting Balcony
A boho patio doesn’t always have to be…well, a patio. If space is at a premium and a balcony is all you have, you can dress this up with the boho vibe, too. The trick here is decorating with space-savvy elements. A smaller-sized rug, curved sofa, and some hanging lanterns will serve the purpose. If you do have some extra room, consider adding a side table to hold your coffee.
16. Romantic Boho Vibe
Moving in as a newlywed? Enjoy the early years as lovebirds—or keep the spark alive as a married couple—with a romantic boho patio. Add in romantic colors, like burgundy, through the throw pillows. Keep the lighting dim and lovey-dovey. And scatter some dried petals on the floor (or a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table) for a fresh feeling.
If you’re looking for some extra privacy, drape your pergola in flowing white curtains. These also double as textural elements in the space.
17. Drenched in Color
Who says boho patios have to use neutrals? They can be drenched in color—and they’ll still be equally bohemian! You can go for any colors you like, just be sure to add them through plenty of textures and natural materials. One fun idea is hand-painting your terracotta pots with boho-inspired patterns.
Color drenching is especially a good idea if the exterior of your home is painted in a dark color. For example, a navy blue base (through the walls) can be complemented with oranges and pinks in the soft furnishings. We’d vouch for this over blue and beige!
18. Beachy Boho Vibe
One thing we love about the boho style is that it can be mixed with many other styles. And if a beachy/coastal vibe is your thing, you’re in for a treat. A beachy boho patio can be created with driftwood decor—for example, by using it for the coffee table. You can incorporate corals and shells as decor. And stick to a soft blue color palette for the furnishings.
You can add a small sandpit in a corner for the kiddos. Or if you like to have your feet in the sand—literally—perhaps you can use sand as the rug 😉
19. Boho Reading Nook
Readers, rejoice. You can create your very own reading nook on your boho patio. Add a cozy swing chair—or a hanging egg chair—and layer it with cushions and throws. Add a canopy for some shade (a quick fix can be an umbrella).
If you’re an avid reader, you can even install weatherproof bookshelves and display a mini collection. (Not your favorite reads, of course. It can get raining!).
20. Inspired by the Festival
This is another great boho patio decor idea for folks who love to host and listen to music. Begin with a rug. Then set up a boho-style teepee with cushions and fairy lights inside. You can add on a small guitar. And if no one’s playing, a portable speaker for that epic festival vibe.
Also, give a little love to the path that leads up to this space. Line it with small lanterns; these will subtly guide your guests during the dark—and the stylish way.
21. Keep it Minimal
If you’re not in for over-the-top boho decor, keep it simple. A sofa set and coffee table over a rug—with a rattan chandelier overhead—will do the trick. We’re sure you’ll get a view of plants from your nearby garden 😊 And, there you have it. A boho patio that is as stylish as is functional.
22. Jungle Boho Patio
If you’re lucky to have a pool near your patio, you can take the opportunity to create a jungle boho space. Fill the space with oversized plants; install a vertical garden; and use cascading greenery wherever possible. The above space goes over the top with a pebble-topped coffee table!
If you’re hoping to take it the extra mile, you can add some faux lily pads on the water, too.
23. Global Inspired Boho Patio
Our travel fanatic readers, where are you at? You can now reflect your passion in your boho patio! Decorate the space with items you’ve collected from your travels like African baskets and Indian textiles. A vintage map on the wall will single-handedly enhance the ambiance! Talk about a boho patio that sparks conversation 😁
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