Boho Kids’ Room Decor: A Designer’s Guide to Getting It Right

If the recent runways are any indication, it’s time to reach into your closet and break out the fringed jackets, stacks of bangles, and floppy hats—because the boho renaissance is here. And because fashion and interiors go hand-in-hand, weaving that same relaxed, tactile vibe into your child’s bedroom or playroom can help create a space that is just as free-spirited as your little one.

But add a little too many tassels or macramé and you easily overwhelm the area or sacrifice its function—after all, a little fringe goes a long way. To give us some pointers on how to seamlessly incorporate the trend into your child’s room, we chatted with San Francisco-based interior designer Laurel Podoll who offered her pro tips on embracing the boho resurgence. “I would interpret this renaissance as a commitment to natural materials, soft tones, and handmade accessories,” shares Podoll. “Incorporating a range of textures can make it read boho—so I select rugs, baskets, indoor plants, and textiles that personalize a room and give it that organic quality.”

“Picking heirloom quality furniture pieces as the foundation gives you the opportunity to accessorize with more animated items that may need to be replaced as children grow and trends change,” Podoll shares.

She recommends looking for well-crafted furnishings that can grow with your children and then adding texture and color through soft goods such as pillows, blankets, and decor. “The space will inevitably become playful and childlike with toys, picture books, collections, and art work, so I find that classic furnishings ground the room and provide a neutral backdrop for layering,” she shares.

Her pick? She recommends starting with the Our House Kids Bed in walnut for a “streamlined, scaled-down version of an antique canopy bed,” making for a sweet focal point in a child’s room. “I could see adding string lights, custom curtains, or bunting to the canopy to personalize it and augment the bohemian potential,” she adds.

Podoll suggests opting for natural materials whenever you can—selecting rugs made of cotton or wool. And one hallmark of the boho trend? Artful layering. Podoll recommends layering the Valley Washable Rug over the Vista Rug in a kid’s bedroom, lending texture and softness to the space. “The fringe on the Valley is a nod to boho design and the dimensional nature is very inviting to babies or children who gravitate toward playing on the floor. Luckily, it’s also machine washable.”

One way to fuse function and design in a children’s room is to lean into their bookshelf as a focal point—especially when it's filled with vibrant and illustrated cover art. Not only does this layer color and print in through everyday items, but it also keeps things practical. If you want the bookshelf to read even more boho, opt for a Cove Montessori Bookshelf.

“I enjoy highlighting those colorful covers on face-out shelving,” shares Podoll. “This Rattan Bookshelf is child-height so kids can easily access their stories and the caning details offer another natural texture to the room.”

Another signature of the boho trend is draped, romantic-feeling fabric—think soft ruffles and tiered textures. Incorporating this element by creating a relaxation or reading zone in the room adds both charm and purpose to the space. The Storybook Canopy is a darling, dreamy accent for a child’s bohemian room,” Podoll shares. “I imagine it installed in a cozy corner of the room to provide a spot for kids to snuggle, read or make a little fort.”

With the right mix of thoughtful furniture and playful layers, a boho-inspired kid’s room can strike the perfect balance between stylish, playful, and timeless.