The Best Hanging Decor Ideas for Boho Spaces

Introduction

Bohemian spaces are all about creativity, individuality, and a layered mix of textures and materials. Hanging decor plays a crucial role in achieving this aesthetic, transforming walls and ceilings into stunning focal points that add depth, movement, and personality to your space. From woven macramé pieces to cascading greenery and artisan-made dreamcatchers, hanging decor captures the free-spirited, eclectic charm that defines boho interiors.

I first discovered the magic of hanging decor while experimenting with ways to bring life to an empty wall in my living room. A large macramé wall hanging caught my eye, and after adding it alongside a cluster of hanging plants and a rattan mirror, the space felt instantly transformed. What was once a bland, flat wall became a vibrant, dynamic display that reflected my personal style and love for natural textures. Hanging decor has since become a staple in every room of my home, offering endless possibilities for creativity and customization.

This guide explores the best hanging decor ideas for boho spaces, offering inspiration and practical tips to help you elevate your walls and ceilings with unique, statement-making pieces.

About The Author and Hogarly

The Perfect Design for You

Hanging decor is perfect for anyone who loves the layered, artistic appeal of boho design and wants to bring dimension and personality to their space. Whether you’re decorating a cozy apartment, a spacious loft, or even an outdoor patio, hanging decor allows you to make the most of vertical space while adding movement and visual interest.

Imagine a bedroom with a cascading canopy of string lights, a living room adorned with macramé wall art and hanging planters, or a dining area with a statement pendant light and woven baskets arranged as wall decor. Hanging decor is versatile and adaptable, making it ideal for creating a boho-inspired space that feels uniquely yours.

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Why These Key Elements Work So Well Together

Hanging decor in boho spaces combines textures, natural materials, and artistic craftsmanship to create a harmonious, layered look. Here’s why these elements complement each other so beautifully:

1. Dynamic Movement:

Hanging decor adds flow and movement to a room, breaking up flat surfaces and creating visual interest.

2. Natural Textures:

Materials like macramé, wicker, and driftwood bring an earthy, organic feel that grounds the eclectic energy of boho design.

3. Vertical Dimension:

By drawing the eye upward, hanging decor enhances the sense of height and openness in a space.

4. Personal Expression:

Each piece of hanging decor reflects your style, whether it’s a handmade dreamcatcher or a curated gallery of woven baskets.

5. Layered Aesthetic:

Boho design thrives on layering, and hanging decor allows you to layer art, plants, and lighting in creative, unexpected ways.

The Best Hanging Decor Ideas for Boho Spaces

1. Macramé Wall Hangings

  • What Makes Them Special: These intricately knotted pieces add texture, warmth, and artisanal charm to your walls.
  • How to Style Them: Hang a large macramé piece above a bed or sofa for a statement look, or arrange smaller ones in a gallery-style cluster.
  • Why They Work: Macramé’s natural fibers and handmade appeal perfectly complement the organic, free-spirited vibe of boho design.

2. Hanging Plants and Greenery

  • What Makes Them Special: Trailing plants like pothos, string of pearls, and ivy bring life and movement to your space.
  • How to Style Them: Use macramé plant hangers, wall-mounted planters, or tiered hanging baskets to display greenery at different heights.
  • Why They Work: Greenery softens the space and adds a natural, grounding element that enhances the boho aesthetic.

3. Woven Basket Wall Art

  • What Makes Them Special: Arranging baskets of different sizes and patterns creates a dynamic, textured wall display.
  • How to Style Them: Use a mix of colors and designs, and layer baskets at varying depths for a 3D effect.
  • Why They Work: The artisanal quality of woven baskets reflects the eclectic, global influences central to boho design.

4. String Lights and Fairy Lights

  • What Makes Them Special: These lights add a soft, magical glow that creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
  • How to Style Them: Drape string lights along walls, hang them from a canopy bed, or frame a mirror or gallery wall for added ambiance.
  • Why They Work: String lights enhance the layered, whimsical charm of boho spaces, especially when paired with natural textures.

5. Dreamcatchers and Feathers

  • What Makes Them Special: Dreamcatchers and feather hangings bring a touch of spirituality and artistry to your decor.
  • How to Style Them: Display a large dreamcatcher as a focal point, or layer multiple smaller ones in a cluster for a more dynamic look.
  • Why They Work: Their intricate designs and natural materials embody the boho ethos of creativity and connection to nature.

6. Hanging Lanterns and Pendant Lights

  • What Makes Them Special: Lanterns and pendants provide functional lighting while doubling as sculptural decor.
  • How to Style Them: Choose lanterns made from wicker, rattan, or metal, and hang them at varying heights for a dramatic effect.
  • Why They Work: Hanging lights add depth and create a warm, cozy ambiance that enhances the boho aesthetic.

7. Tapestries and Fabric Panels

  • What Makes Them Special: Tapestries bring color, pattern, and texture to your walls while serving as large-scale art.
  • How to Style Them: Hang a tapestry behind a bed as a headboard alternative, or use it to cover an entire wall for a bold statement.
  • Why They Work: Fabric adds softness and movement, balancing the harder textures of wood and metal in boho spaces.

8. Beaded Curtains or Room Dividers

  • What Makes Them Special: Beaded curtains add a playful, retro vibe and can be used as decorative accents or functional dividers.
  • How to Style Them: Use beaded curtains to frame doorways, windows, or separate zones in open-concept spaces.
  • Why They Work: Their light, airy design complements the eclectic, layered look of boho interiors.

9. Driftwood and Hanging Sculptures

  • What Makes Them Special: Driftwood pieces and hanging sculptures bring an organic, natural touch to your decor.
  • How to Style Them: Display driftwood with hanging macramé or pair it with dried flowers for a boho-chic look.
  • Why They Work: These pieces add texture and interest, blending art and nature seamlessly.

10. Gallery Walls With Hanging Frames

  • What Makes Them Special: A gallery wall of hanging frames allows you to showcase art, photos, and meaningful items.
  • How to Style Them: Use mismatched frames in natural tones, and arrange them asymmetrically for a relaxed, boho feel.
  • Why They Work: The mix of personal and curated elements captures the individuality and creativity of boho design.

FAQ Section

Q1: How do I choose the right hanging decor for my space?
A1: Consider your room’s size and style. For smaller spaces, opt for lightweight, airy pieces like macramé or string lights. Larger rooms can handle bolder elements like tapestries or hanging lanterns.

Q2: How can I hang decor without damaging walls?
A2: Use removable adhesive hooks, wall-safe tape, or ceiling-mounted hooks to securely display your decor without causing damage.

Q3: Can I mix different types of hanging decor in one space?
A3: Absolutely! Layering different types of hanging decor, like plants, macramé, and lights, creates a dynamic, eclectic look.

Q4: What’s the best way to incorporate hanging decor into a rental?
A4: Focus on lightweight items like string lights or tapestries that can be hung with temporary hooks or tension rods.

Q5: Can hanging decor work in outdoor spaces?
A5: Yes! Use weather-resistant materials like wicker, metal, or outdoor-safe string lights to create a boho vibe on patios or balconies.

Variations

  • Minimalist Boho: Stick to simple, neutral-toned hanging decor like macramé and woven baskets for a clean, understated look.
  • Maximalist Boho: Layer bold, colorful pieces like patterned tapestries, vibrant plants, and oversized dreamcatchers for a dynamic design.
  • Rustic Boho: Incorporate driftwood, natural fibers, and lanterns to create a grounded, earthy vibe.
  • Modern Boho: Pair sleek pendant lights with geometric hanging art and neutral macramé for a contemporary twist.

How to Showcase It

  • Living Room: Use a large macramé wall hanging as a focal point, and add hanging plants or lanterns to enhance the cozy ambiance.
  • Bedroom: Frame the bed with string lights or a tapestry, and hang dreamcatchers or beaded curtains for a whimsical touch.
  • Dining Area: Highlight the table with a statement pendant light, and use a gallery wall of woven baskets for added texture.
  • Outdoor Spaces: Decorate patios or balconies with hanging planters, weatherproof lanterns, and driftwood sculptures.

Occasions to Feature It

  • Everyday Living: Enjoy the dynamic beauty and personality hanging decor adds to your space daily.
  • Hosting Guests: Impress visitors with a layered, boho-inspired design that feels warm and inviting.
  • Seasonal Updates: Swap out tapestries or add festive string lights to reflect the changing seasons.
  • Photography and Social Media: Use hanging decor as a stunning backdrop for photos or videos that showcase your style.

Conclusion

Hanging decor is a transformative element in boho spaces, offering endless possibilities for creativity and personalization. By incorporating pieces like macramé wall hangings, trailing plants, and statement lighting, you can bring depth, movement, and character to any room.

Whether you’re decorating a cozy bedroom or an expansive living room, hanging decor allows you to make the most of your vertical space while embracing the free-spirited, artistic energy of boho design. Experiment with textures, materials, and arrangements to create a space that feels uniquely yours, and let your walls and ceilings tell a story of style and individuality.

Julio Arco

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.