Are you taking on a furniture makeover or upholstery project and need some fabric ideas and inspiration? Here are my top 12 boho fabric finds for an eclectic look!
I am a beginner in sewing and upholstery, but I’ve learned a lot in the past few years. Seeing a high back or rocking chair transform from dingy and decrepit to chic and stylish is extremely rewarding. The most satisfying part? Choosing the fabric!
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CHOOSE THE HEAVINESS OF YOUR BOHO FABRIC
Before you even consider a color scheme or pattern, it is essential that you consider what type of fabric would best suit your project. Why? Because lightweight fabrics are constructed for decorative use (like pillows). Medium and heavy-use fabrics are used more for heavy-traffic items, like couches and chairs. Commercial-grade fabrics are a little too heavy-duty for furniture– unless you have an army of rough-and-tough kiddos that may attempt to use your upholstered piece as a trampoline, pirate ship, war fort, or another imaginary-play setting! You can tell I have boys, right?
Fabric’s durability is measured in double rubs, and most experts recommend you use fabric with 15,000-30,000 double-rubs for residential furniture. Side note – I’ve never needed commercial-grade fabric in my home. Regular upholstery fabric works great, and I can get away with lightweight for napkins, pillow slipcovers, etc.
You definitely don’t want to put in the work to reupholster your piece of furniture and achieve that one-of-a-kind custom look you’ve been envisioning just to see the fabric wear down in a couple of months! On the flip side, if you’re making dinner napkins, a thick, heavy-duty fabric is probably not the best choice.
So, do your research!
BOHO FABRIC & A NOTE ON BOHEMIAN STYLE
The upholstery fabric of your chair, couch, or headboard can dictate the piece’s style and how it will look in your home. “Boho style” is all about blending art, culture, and life to create a unique and carefree decor style.
Boho is eclectic and the individual elements are primarily dependent on the person’s taste. Themes can be mixed and matched to create a blended look – there really aren’t a lot of “style rules” to boho design.
A room, piece of furniture, or home decor that is “boho” can take on tribal elements.
Or a dark-and-moody, Victorian-esk theme.
Or a loud and in-your-face statement pattern (check out the #2 Frida Kahlo pick below)!
So many choices! Let me help you with some inspiration with these 10 eclectic boho fabrics below…
TOP BOHO FABRIC CHOICES
1. TRIBAL MUD CLOTH FABRIC WITH ARROW PRINT
Original African mud cloth is called so because of the use of fermented clay in the dying process. Now, you can find an array of tribal patterns on practically any fabric material. This short pile velvet is perfect for upholstery pieces, but since it is through Spoonflower, you can choose one of nine fabrics to best suit your project. They even give a description of each fabric and what it can be used for.
I chose a similar mud cloth-inspired crib sheet for my son’s Safari Themed Nursery.
2. FRIDA KAHLO STATEMENT FABRIC
Okay, this is such a fun pattern! The design is great for a table runner or throw pillow for summer outdoor furniture. The possibilities are endless, especially if you love bright colors!
3. BLUE GEOMETRIC KILIM FABRIC
Kilim is so unique! It’s a fabric originating in Turkey, made using a flat weaving process, giving things like rugs a low pile. I used a rich red, gold, and navy kilim fabric in this Antique Chair Makeover but am considering a blue pattern like this one for my next upholstery project.
4. FOREST GREEN VELVET
Jewel tones and velvet combine to give a room or furniture piece a sense of luxury. This forest green velvet is versatile enough to look just as great on an antique fainting sofa as it would on a minimalist chair – both of which could be used in an eclectic boho space.
5. TURKISH PINK TULIP PATTERN
Organic shapes from around the world is a common Bohemian style theme, and this Turkish tulip pattern encompasses that theme. The bright colors definitely make a statement!
6. VEGAN LEATHER
I’m a fan of vegan leather and this fabric comes in a ton of shades so you can coordinate it to your room or furniture perfectly.
7. SWEDISH DALA HORSE FABRIC
These red horses are mimicked after the small, red-painted wooden horses made in Sweden. The pattern is whimsical and the microfiber fabric would work for pillow covers or other sewing crafts.
8. DARK AND MOODY FOREST PRINT
Dark forest botanicals are the best! I can’t get enough of the fern, mushrooms, and moths. Take note that this is a polyester blend and may not be heavy-duty enough for chairs or sofa upholstery.
9. NEUTRAL STRIPE LINEN BLEND
With all of the bold patterns and bright colors on this list, I had to include a few neutral options. This linen blend has a natural feel that could easily be paired with other patterns or textures for a boho look.
10. VICTORIAN DARK DAMASK PATTERN
Dark and moody, this damask pattern would give any upholstery project a dramatic effect! This is another one of Spoonflower’s fabrics that can be ordered in nine different fabrics, so you can choose the best option for your project.
11. CLASSIC OTTOMAN ROYAL LINES PATTERN
Next is another Turkish design and is a medium-weight fabric that is indoor/outdoor. I love the botanical design!
12. VIBRANT BOHO MANDALA FABRIC
Hippie-chic is the word that comes to mind with this mandala print! Note that it’s a polyester blend and although it isn’t recommended for chair upholstery. However, it’s suitable for accent pillows, curtains, or ottomans or other sewing projects.
These are my top choices for boho fabrics and hope you get some inspiration from the fun patterns and eclectic vibes that is so great about boho style. If you’d like to see some of my upholstery projects, check out this Antique Chair Makeover or this Rocking Chair Upholstery Project!
