Step into a room where patterns clash playfully, plants cascade from shelves or tables, and handmade treasures fill every corner.
That space?
It’s brimming with personality, and it’s thanks to the perfect choice of accessories.
Whether you’re aiming for the free-spirited charm of boho or the curated chaos of eclectic style, the right accessories will take your home from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, what are the best accessories to achieve these looks?
Let’s find out.
When it comes to both boho and eclectic styles, accessories aren’t just decorative; they’re a statement.
They define the room’s personality and give it that final layer of warmth, charm, and individuality.
This article will walk you through the best types of accessories for both styles, how to blend them successfully, and what makes each style unique.
Understanding the difference: Boho vs. Eclectic styles
While boho and eclectic styles share a love for individuality and creativity, they achieve these qualities in different ways.
Boho style is all about a relaxed, global-inspired aesthetic, with a focus on natural materials and a slightly “thrown together” vibe.
It’s the kind of style where you feel like you could throw a colorful blanket on the floor, add some plants, and it would look effortlessly cool.
Eclectic style, on the other hand, is more about contrast.
It’s a curated mix of various styles, time periods, and textures, blending the modern with the vintage, or the sleek with the rustic.
Eclectic homes tend to feel more intentional, as though each piece was carefully chosen to stand out and work within the larger design.
Accessories that work for both styles
When it comes to accessories, there are a few common elements that work across both boho and eclectic styles, even if they’re used in slightly different ways:
- Textiles: One of the easiest ways to add character to a room is through textiles. Think woven rugs, patterned throws, and embroidered cushions. For boho spaces, these textiles often come in earthy tones and global patterns—Moroccan, tribal, or Indian-inspired prints. Eclectic homes might opt for bolder, more varied colors, using textiles to create contrast.
- Plants: If there’s one thing both styles love, it’s plants. Greenery instantly adds life and texture to a room. In boho spaces, plants are everywhere—dangling from the ceiling, perched on bookshelves, and clustered in corners. Eclectic homes also embrace plants, but they may be arranged more strategically, often as a statement piece.
- Mirrors and artwork: Accessories like mirrors, paintings, and prints are key in both styles. A vintage mirror with a distressed frame feels right at home in a boho space, while an eclectic room might feature a mix of art—modern prints beside vintage posters or abstract pieces next to landscapes.
Boho accessories: What works best
In a boho space, accessories should feel relaxed and organic, as though they’ve been gathered over time from markets and far-off places.
To achieve that laid-back, well-traveled vibe, here’s what works best:
- Macramé and woven items: Whether it’s a hanging planter or a wall tapestry, woven accessories are a boho staple. They bring a tactile quality to the space and are perfect for adding a natural, handmade feel.
- Vintage or handmade pieces: Boho style loves items with history. Hunt for vintage finds—old wooden chests, pottery with character, or anything that looks like it’s seen some travel. Handmade pieces, like hand-painted ceramics or artisan textiles, add an intimate, personal touch.
- Natural materials: Think wood, rattan, wicker, and ceramics. These materials root the boho style in nature, giving the space an earthy, grounded vibe. A wooden bench with a woven basket filled with blankets beside it? Pure boho charm.
Eclectic accessories: What works best
Eclectic style thrives on the unexpected.
When accessorizing, don’t be afraid to mix high and low, old and new, sleek and rustic.
Here’s what works best in an eclectic home:
- Statement pieces from different eras: A sleek, modern sofa paired with a baroque-style mirror creates instant eclectic charm. The goal is to mix pieces that don’t conventionally “belong” together but still look cohesive. Whether it’s an antique lamp beside a futuristic chair or a mid-century modern coffee table with an art deco rug, the contrasts make eclectic style pop.
- Bold, unexpected decor: Eclectic rooms are where you can get playful with your accessories. Try bold vases in unusual shapes, sculptural lamps, or quirky side tables. The trick is to choose pieces that make people look twice, wondering how it all fits together—but somehow, it just works.
- Unusual artwork and sculptures: Forget the matching frames and perfectly aligned gallery walls. Eclectic spaces invite you to throw in art from different periods and styles. Hang a vintage oil painting next to a contemporary abstract print, or place a modern sculpture beside an antique vase.
How to combine accessories successfully
Now that you know what types of accessories work best, it’s important to figure out how to combine them without overwhelming the space.
A common mistake is to pile on too many pieces at once, making the room feel cluttered instead of curated.
Start with a few key items — like a patterned rug and a statement mirror — and build from there.
Trust your instincts, but always step back to evaluate.
Does it feel balanced?
Does each accessory contribute to the overall vibe, or is something out of place?
Remember, both boho and eclectic styles thrive on personal expression, so there’s no “wrong” way to do it — just find what feels right to you.
What’s one accessory you’ve added to your space that completely changed its vibe?
Do you lean more toward the free-spirited nature of boho or the boldness of eclectic?
Accessories are the soul of both boho and eclectic styles.
Whether you’re layering handmade textiles, hanging a statement mirror, or mixing furniture from different eras, the key is to let your personality shine through.
So go ahead — experiment, play with contrast, and turn your home into a true reflection of you.
What’s your favorite accessory for styling a space?
Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you’ve transformed your home!
