How to Style a Afro-Boho Living Room With Vintage & Thrifted Items

I’m taking you on a tour of my home, which includes my Afro-boho living room. You'll learn ways to incorporate high-end, vintage, thrifted, and used items into your custom home decor to create Afro-boho decor.

Using my “custom on a budget” philosophy, I’ll show you how I mixed new purchases with thrifted and repurposed furnishings and decor. Let’s go!

1. Entry

When you come into my 1925 bungalow, there is no foyer. I do have this beautiful original wood door. My home is designed with an Afro-bohemian eclectic aesthetic and a little on the maximalist side.

2. Art

I have a rare piece by Charles Bibbs, who is an African-American artist.

3. Reading nook

My reading nook is so comfortable, particularly with this footstool.

4. Fireplace

On the windows on the side of my fireplace are windows that I have some masking with this translucent material that gives it a little texture. I didn’t want any curtains or shades here.

The fireplace is repainted in a bold smokey black color for a spectacular moment in this room. It’s a real wood-burning fireplace. In the warm weather, I put another stool in front of it.

The cowhide stool is from Room & Board. In the cold weather I use my fireplace frequently–please remember to clean your fireplace between seasons!

5. Sofa

This sofa came from Room & Board and is so, so comfortable. The pillows are a mix of animal prints, which I love in rooms. I made the ikat patterned pillow and I love it because it has an elephant on it.

6. Art behind the sofa

This is another spectacular and dynamic moment in this room. This original piece of art is called “Life Will Always Bend Your Way,” done by me! It’s acrylic paint on mud cloth. It’s an entire piece of cloth cut into four pieces and framed individually. Oversized pieces like this can bring your space to life.

7. Coffee table

This walnut table with metal legs from Room & Board has such clean lines. The tablescape on top is simple. I used two thrifted flat teak trays to hold a candle, an Italian bowl with loose rocks, and my favorite books.

8. End table

I have a black granite top table with brass legs. It holds more coffee table books. I have a basket with a light blanket for those cool nights.

9. Etagere

This piece creates another stellar moment in this room. This is a gorgeous Tommy Bahama etagere from Facebook Marketplace for a steal. It’s stunning–it has great quality and craftsmanship. It would have retailed for around $3,000 but I got it for around $375!

It holds my collection of vintage records and 8-track tapes. This lovely thrifted vase holds greenery from the thrift store, too. There are numerous thrifted decor pieces on this piece.

Next to the etagere is more art. There’s a self-portrait of myself in high school. I added a beautiful bold red giclee print (specialized high-resolution print).

I also framed a Ray Charles album and album cover. It’s so cool because the album is clear. Below, I have a vintage wire basket to hold more vintage albums and a vintage plant stand to hold a plant.

On the other side is a sweet little thrifted trash can that fits so well in the space next to the etagere. I used the space under the etagere for baskets that hold CDs and DVDs. I still do play those!

10. Rug

I purchased this Safavieh rug from Overstock. I love the subtle pattern and a wonderful backdrop for all the layered patterns in the space.

Afro-boho living room

Let me know what you think of my Afro-boho living room! What’s your favorite piece in the space? Leave me a comment below on what you love most about Afro-boho chic design and decor.