Travel souvenirs are more than just mementos of your adventures—they tell your story, bring a personal touch to your space, and add a sense of wanderlust to your home. Incorporating these treasures into your bohemian décor is a beautiful way to celebrate your travels while creating a space that feels uniquely yours.
I remember unpacking a woven basket I brought home from a market in Morocco. Instead of tucking it away in a closet, I decided to hang it as wall décor, and it instantly elevated my living room. From there, I started curating my souvenirs with intention, weaving them into my boho aesthetic in ways that felt meaningful and cohesive.
In this guide, we’ll explore creative ways to display your travel souvenirs and integrate them seamlessly into your bohemian décor.
Why Travel Souvenirs Are Perfect for Boho Style
1. They Add a Personal Touch
Bohemian spaces are all about self-expression, and travel souvenirs reflect your unique experiences and memories.
2. They Celebrate Global Influences
Boho design often draws inspiration from cultures around the world, making travel souvenirs a natural fit.
3. They Create Visual Interest
Unique pieces like textiles, pottery, or artifacts add texture, color, and character to your space.
1. Create a Gallery Wall of Travel Art and Photos
Turn your walls into a visual journey of your travels.
- Art Prints: Frame local artwork or postcards from places you’ve visited.
- Travel Photos: Print and frame your favorite travel snapshots to add a personal touch.
- Mix and Match: Combine framed art, mirrors, and small souvenirs like woven fans for an eclectic boho look.
Pro Tip: Use mismatched frames or vintage-inspired ones to keep the display casual and bohemian.
2. Display Textiles as Wall Décor
Textiles from your travels can make stunning boho-inspired wall hangings.
- What to Use: Think tapestries, woven rugs, or embroidered fabrics from places like Mexico, Morocco, or India.
- How to Hang: Use a curtain rod, wooden dowel, or simply tack them to the wall for a relaxed, layered look.
- Why It Works: Textiles add texture and global flair while showcasing your adventures.
Pro Tip: Layer smaller textiles over a neutral tapestry for added depth and dimension.
3. Incorporate Souvenirs into Your Shelves
Shelves are the perfect place to display small travel treasures.
- Grouping: Arrange items like pottery, small sculptures, or decorative bowls in clusters for a curated look.
- Books as Base: Use travel guidebooks or novels as pedestals for smaller souvenirs.
- Plants and Souvenirs: Pair souvenirs with trailing plants for an earthy, boho vibe.
Why It Works: Shelves allow you to mix your travel finds with other boho elements like books, candles, and greenery.
4. Use Travel-Inspired Rugs and Throws
Textiles from your travels can add warmth and color to your room.
- Rugs: Lay down a Persian rug or a handwoven kilim from your journey to anchor the space.
- Throws: Drape a Mexican blanket or a Turkish throw over your sofa or bed for a cozy, boho touch.
- Why It Works: These pieces blend functionality with a global aesthetic, grounding your boho design.
5. Turn Pottery and Ceramics into Functional Décor
Pottery and ceramics from your travels can be both beautiful and practical.
- Vases: Use handmade vases for flowers, dried grasses, or as standalone pieces.
- Bowls: Display bowls as table centerpieces or use them to hold keys, jewelry, or small trinkets.
- Planters: Repurpose ceramics into planters for your greenery collection.
Pro Tip: Group ceramics of similar tones or styles for a cohesive look that ties into your bohemian palette.
6. Showcase Jewelry and Accessories
Travel jewelry and accessories can double as décor.
- Necklaces: Hang statement necklaces or beaded strands on a decorative stand or wall hook.
- Hats: Display straw hats or wide-brimmed hats on the wall for a functional and stylish look.
- Why It Works: These pieces add a personal, wearable element to your boho design.
7. Transform Souvenirs into Functional Pieces
Think outside the box and use your travel finds in practical ways.
- Trays: A hand-carved tray can hold candles or serve as a coffee table centerpiece.
- Baskets: Use woven baskets for storing blankets, plants, or magazines.
- Why It Works: Functional décor allows you to enjoy your souvenirs daily while keeping your space organized.
8. Use Maps and Globes as Décor
Celebrate your wanderlust with map-inspired décor.
- Framed Maps: Frame maps of the cities or countries you’ve visited for a stylish, personal touch.
- Globes: Display a vintage globe on a shelf or console table for a classic travel-inspired look.
- Why It Works: Maps and globes are timeless and tie into the global influence of boho design.
9. Create a Travel Memory Tray
A memory tray is a great way to keep small souvenirs organized and on display.
- What to Include: Add ticket stubs, coins, small trinkets, or shells from your travels.
- Where to Place It: Use a tray on your coffee table, dresser, or nightstand.
- Why It Works: It creates a dedicated space for your memories while keeping your décor cohesive.
10. Integrate Larger Pieces into Your Furniture
Larger travel finds can serve as focal points in your boho space.
- Furniture: A hand-carved bench or a painted cabinet from your travels can anchor the room.
- Lighting: Moroccan lanterns or beaded chandeliers add both function and beauty.
- Why It Works: These standout pieces showcase your adventures while tying into your bohemian aesthetic.
Picture Gallery
Tips for Curating Travel Souvenirs
1. Be Selective
Choose souvenirs that resonate with you and fit naturally into your décor.
2. Stick to a Color Palette
Pick items in similar tones or complementary colors to maintain a cohesive look.
3. Rotate Displays
Refresh your space by rotating souvenirs seasonally or when you return from a new trip.
4. Mix Old and New
Pair your travel finds with vintage pieces or modern boho décor for a layered, eclectic look.
Conclusion
Incorporating travel souvenirs into bohemian décor is all about celebrating your journey while adding a personal, meaningful touch to your space. From textiles and pottery to art and maps, these treasures bring the spirit of wanderlust into your home and make your boho design truly unique.
Take your time curating and displaying your travel finds, letting your space evolve with each new adventure. Whether it’s a handwoven basket from Africa or a ceramic vase from Italy, these pieces will remind you of the places you’ve been while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home.
FAQs
1. How can I display travel souvenirs without creating clutter?
Group items together on shelves or in trays, and rotate displays to keep your space feeling fresh and uncluttered.
2. What are the best types of souvenirs for boho décor?
Handmade textiles, pottery, woven baskets, and artwork are great choices for adding texture and global flair to your boho space.
3. Can I mix travel souvenirs from different cultures in one room?
Absolutely! Bohemian design thrives on mixing influences from around the world, so feel free to combine pieces from different places.
4. How do I style a small room with travel souvenirs?
Focus on vertical space with wall décor like textiles, maps, or photo galleries, and use small shelves to display compact items.
5. How do I make my travel finds fit into my boho color palette?
Choose souvenirs in earthy or muted tones, or incorporate complementary colors to tie them into your existing décor.
About the Author
M.Arch. Julio Arco is an architect, interior designer, and urban planner with degrees from ITESM, McGill University, and a certificate in Architecture in Urban Context from LDM. Julio has designed interiors for over 1,200 clients and also teaches architecture at ITESM.
His go-to sites for inspiration include Houzz, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Architectural Digest, and The Spruce.