Coral is a beautiful reddish-orange hue that evokes images of the sea and summer. With its warm, vibrant energy, coral has become an increasingly popular color choice in fashion, home decor, and beyond. But is coral officially considered a boho color? Let’s take a closer look.
Defining the boho aesthetic
Boho, short for “bohemian,” describes a casual, earthy style inspired by the free-spirited vibe of artistic communities. Key elements of the boho look include:
| Vibrant colors | Flowy silhouettes |
| Natural materials | Handcrafted details |
| Texture mixing | Global influences |
Overall, the boho aesthetic embraces a relaxed, eclectic mood with a bit of wanderlust spirit.
Coral color history
The vibrant coral hue gets its name from the marine invertebrates that live in symbiotic colonies of tiny sea anemone-like polyps. True coral ranges in color from pale pink to deep red.
The first recorded use of “coral” as a color name in English was in 1513. It was mostly used at that time to describe the pinkish-orange color of red coral jewelry.
In the 1860s, the development of aniline dyes allowed coral fabric colors to emerge and grow in popularity. Coral became a fashionable Victorian color for women’s clothing and interior design accents.
Coral in fashion
In fashion, coral has maintained an enduring presence through the eras. Here’s a look at some key moments:
| 1920s | Coral day dresses and jewelry |
| 1940s | Coral lipstick |
| 1950s | Coral prom dresses |
| 1980s | Coral pumps and blazers |
| 2000s | Coral handbags |
| 2010s | Coral jeans, swimsuits, nails |
Today, coral remains a popular spring/summer color choice for dresses, tops, pants, swimwear, accessories, and more. The shade flatters multiple skin tones and its warmth and vibrancy embody the carefree vibe of the season.
Coral as a boho color
So how does coral fit with the boho aesthetic? Here are some key reasons why coral can absolutely be considered a boho color:
– Vibrant energy – Coral packs a bright pop that aligns perfectly with the playful boho spirit.
– Nature inspired – Coral’s organic seashell tones connect back to natural inspiration.
– Flowy pairing – Coral looks gorgeous when paired with breezy boho silhouettes.
– Warmth – Coral’s cozy reddish tone is inviting and full of boho charm.
– Free spirit – Coral embodies the lively, cheerful mood of bohemian style.
Coral in boho decor
Coral is also right at home in boho interior decorating and can add a free-spirited energy to living spaces. Here are some winning ways to use coral in a boho decor scheme:
– Accent walls or front doors in coral tones
– Coral bedding, pillows, rugs and curtains
– Vibrant coral furniture like chairs, ottomans and side tables
– Coral kitchenware for an eclectic dining space
– Coral vases, trays, baskets and other accessories
– Coral artwork, textiles and lighting fixtures
– Outdoorsy coral patio furniture and umbrellas
Combining coral with other boho colors
One great way to accent coral’s boho flair is by pairing it with other colors that complement the bohemian palette. Some top color pairings include:
| Coral + Turquoise | Vibrant, beachy |
| Coral + Yellow | Sunny and playful |
| Coral + Green | Earthy with pop |
| Coral + Blue | Breezy and relaxed |
| Coral + Pink | Soft and feminine |
| Coral + White | Ethereal and airy |
Mixing and matching coral with turquoise jewelry, sunny yellow pillows, emerald green plants, sky blue wall hangings, blush pink linens, crisp white furniture and more can create a beautiful bohemian style.
Coral in different cultures
Coral’s association with boho style also connects back to the color’s significance in cultures around the world. In many regions, coral symbolizes life, passion, creativity, protection, and more:
– In China, red coral symbolizes prosperity and fortune.
– In India, coral represents life force and strength.
– In Italy, coral is worn to protect against the evil eye.
– In the Mediterranean, coral adorns good luck charms.
– Among Native Hawaiians, coral denotes spiritual essence.
So in addition to beauty, coral carries deep cultural meaning – another boho-aligned aspect.
Conclusion
With its natural inspiration, vibrant energy, cultural connections, and ability to perfectly accent the carefree bohemian lifestyle, coral is undeniably a signature boho color. Whether it’s incorporated into clothing, decor, jewelry, or makeup, coral’s warmth and spirit make it a quintessential choice for boho self-expression. Embrace the coral life and let this fiery ocean hue ignite your free-spirited side.