Look, I get it. You scroll through Pinterest at 2 AM, dreaming about transforming your space into a breezy coastal retreat, and then you wake up to beige walls that scream “boring apartment complex.” Been there, done that, bought the overpriced throw pillow.
Here’s the thing: coastal decorating isn’t just about slapping some seashells on a shelf and calling it a day. It’s about creating that effortless, relaxed vibe that makes you feel like you’re on permanent vacation—even when you’re just binge-watching Netflix in your pajamas. I’ve spent way too much time (and money, let’s be honest) perfecting this aesthetic, and I’m about to share everything that actually works.
Embrace Natural Textures
You know what screams “beach house chic”? Natural textures. I’m talking jute, rattan, driftwood—basically anything that looks like it could’ve washed up on shore.
I recently swapped out my generic coffee table for a chunky driftwood piece, and wow, the difference is incredible. It instantly adds character without trying too hard. Pair it with some woven baskets for storage, and you’ve got yourself a Pinterest-worthy setup that’s actually functional.
Rattan furniture is having a major moment right now, and honestly? It deserves the hype. A rattan chair or headboard brings that organic, beachy feel without making your space look like a tiki bar. The key is balance—mix these natural elements with softer fabrics to avoid going full castaway.
Play With Coastal Color Palettes
Here’s where people mess up: they think coastal means drowning everything in navy blue and white stripes. Sure, that’s classic, but it’s not your only option.
I love working with soft, weathered hues that mimic the beach at different times of day. Think sandy beiges, driftwood grays, seafoam greens, and those pale blues that remind you of shallow water. These colors create a serene backdrop that doesn’t assault your eyeballs every morning.
Do you want to add some drama? Add accents of coral or deeper ocean blues. Believe me, a neutral couch with a burnt orange throw pillow? A kiss from the chef. It’s similar to bringing a sunset inside.
Color Combination Ideas:
| Base Color | Accent 1 | Accent 2 | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft White | Sky Blue | Natural Jute | Classic Coastal |
| Warm Sand | Coral | Teal | Tropical Beach |
| Pale Gray | Navy | Cream | Modern Nautical |
| Seafoam Green | White | Driftwood | Serene Escape |
Incorporate Shiplap or Board-and-Batten
Yeah, yeah, I know—shiplap got overdone thanks to a certain home improvement show. But here’s the truth: when done right, it still looks amazing.
Please don’t shiplap every wall in your home; you don’t have to. Let one accent wall take center stage. This gives my bedroom a lot of visual interest without being overpowering. It is also kept airy by painting it a light blue or soft white.
If shiplap feels too trendy for you, try board-and-batten. It’s got that classic coastal cottage feel with a bit more sophistication. FYI, you can totally DIY this on a budget with some MDF boards and patience.
Bring the Outdoors In With Plants
Ever notice how beach houses always have a casual collection of greenery? That’s no accident.
Potted palms, fiddle leaf figs, and trailing pothos instantly add life and that coveted coastal vibe. I keep a couple of snake plants in woven baskets near my windows, and they require basically zero effort—perfect for those of us who kill every plant we touch.
The trick is choosing planters that complement your coastal theme. Wicker baskets, ceramic pots in ocean hues, or even repurposed vintage tins work beautifully. Your plants become part of the decor, not just an afterthought.
Layer in Linen and Light Fabrics
If your couch is covered in heavy velvet, we need to talk.
Coastal decorating thrives on lightweight, breathable fabrics that look effortlessly tossed together. Linen curtains, cotton slipcovers, gauzy throws—these pieces create that breezy, lived-in feel that makes coastal spaces so inviting.
Last year, I made the switch to linen bedding, and to be honest? revolutionary. It has a carefree elegance that screams beach house, wrinkles like crazy (which somehow looks better), and remains cool. It also comes in all the colors of the coast that you could possibly want.
Layer different textures and weights to add depth. A chunky knit throw over linen cushions? Perfection. Just avoid anything too stiff or formal—this isn’t a hotel lobby.
Hang Oversized Coastal Artwork
Nothing says “I tried” quite like those generic starfish prints from the discount store. Sorry, not sorry.
Instead, invest in large-scale coastal artwork that actually makes a statement. I’m talking abstract ocean paintings, oversized botanical prints, or dramatic black-and-white beach photography. These pieces become focal points and instantly elevate your space.
Additionally, you don’t have to spend a fortune. On Etsy, I’ve discovered amazing coastal artwork, and to be honest, some of my favorite pieces are handmade. Make your own abstract painting of the ocean, frame old nautical maps, or blow up a personal beach photo. In coastal spaces, small gallery walls can appear cluttered, so it’s important to go big.
Add Vintage Nautical Accents (But Don’t Go Overboard)
Here’s where things get tricky. Nautical decor can quickly veer into theme park territory if you’re not careful.
I love a good vintage compass or ship’s lantern, but restraint is everything. Pick one or two statement nautical pieces and call it a day. A beautiful antique oar mounted on the wall? Gorgeous. Five anchors, three ship wheels, and netting everywhere? You’ve created a seafood restaurant.
The best nautical items, in my opinion, are practical, such as a functional rope-wrapped mirror or an antique brass telescope. They add personality without shouting, “I bought out the nautical section at HomeGoods.”
Create a Window Seat With Ocean Views (Real or Imagined)
Okay, so not everyone has actual ocean views (if you do, I’m jealous :/ ). But you can still create that cozy reading nook vibe.
I built a simple window seat using IKEA cabinets as the base, added a custom cushion, and piled on the pillows. Now it’s my favorite spot in the entire house. Even though my view is just the neighbor’s fence, the coastal-styled nook transports me somewhere better.
Use light, coastal fabrics for your cushions and pillows. Add some textured throws, maybe a small side table with a lantern, and boom—you’ve got your personal beach retreat. Pro tip: sheer curtains that let in maximum light make this space feel even more open and airy.
Style With Driftwood and Natural Elements
Remember when I said driftwood was essential? I meant it.
Driftwood pieces add instant coastal charm, and the best part? You can find them for free if you live near a beach. I’ve created centerpieces, wall art, and even a DIY mirror frame using driftwood I collected during vacations.
Sea glass in bowls or vases, smooth stones, dried sea fans, and coral (faux, please—let’s save our reefs) are other natural elements that look great. Place them haphazardly on mantels, coffee tables, or shelves. The organic shapes and imperfections are what make them beautiful.
Choose Furniture With Weathered Finishes
Shiny, perfect furniture? That’s not the coastal way.
I’m obsessed with distressed wood furniture that looks like it’s been kissed by salt air for decades. A whitewashed dresser, a coffee table with a weathered gray finish, or dining chairs with chippy paint—these pieces tell a story and add tons of character.
Furniture that already exists can be refinished to achieve this style. I’ve whitewashed and sanded down a lot of items, and it’s really therapeutic (and far less expensive than purchasing new). Don’t worry about making it flawless; the worn, imperfect finish is part of its charm.
Install Open Shelving in the Kitchen
Closed cabinets are fine, but open shelving brings that casual, beach house feel to your kitchen.
I replaced my upper cabinets with simple wooden shelves, and it completely transformed the space. Now I display my favorite white dishes, glass jars filled with pasta, and a few coastal accessories like vintage glass floats.
The key is keeping it somewhat organized but not too precious. You want it to look lived-in and accessible, not like a museum display. Mix practical items with decorative pieces—some cookbooks, a potted herb, maybe a small piece of coral. It’s functional and beautiful.
Layer Rugs for Added Texture
Single rug? That’s beginner level.
Layering rugs adds dimension and that collected-over-time vibe that makes coastal spaces feel authentic. I put a large jute rug down first as my base (they’re inexpensive and perfect for high-traffic areas), then layered a smaller, patterned rug on top.
This method is particularly effective in bedrooms and living rooms. The top rug adds color and character, while the natural jute grounds the room. Additionally, you won’t be replacing your entire floor if you spill something on the top rug.
Just make sure your rugs have some visual connection—either through color or style—so they look intentional rather than random.
Incorporate Rope Details
Rope accents are the subtle touch that ties everything together (pun intended).
I’m not suggesting you wrap everything in sight with rope, but strategic rope details add that authentic nautical element. Rope-wrapped mirrors, drawer pulls, curtain tiebacks, or even a rope railing for stairs—these small touches make a big impact.
The majority of rope projects are reasonably inexpensive to do yourself. I used hot glue to wrap a thick jute rope around an old mirror frame, and it appears that I paid far more than I actually did. All those other coastal elements are wonderfully complemented by the texture and natural color.
Display Collections in Glass Jars
Those shells you’ve been collecting for years? Time to put them to work.
Glass jars and vessels filled with beach finds create instant coastal decor that’s personal and meaningful. I have different sized jars filled with sand from various beaches, sea glass, small shells, and even pretty pebbles.
For impact, arrange them in a group on a mantel or shelf. Glass’s transparency highlights your treasures and keeps everything feeling light and airy. It’s also much better to have them hidden in a drawer because each time you look at them, you’ll be reminded of that wonderful beach vacation.
Display Ideas by Collection:
- Sand & Shells: Layer different sands in clear vases for an ombré effect
- Sea Glass: Fill hurricane vases and add a candle on top
- Coral Pieces: Display individually on book stacks or shelves
- Driftwood: Stand upright in tall glass cylinders with sand
Create an Indoor-Outdoor Flow
If you have any outdoor space—balcony, patio, whatever—make it feel connected to your indoor coastal vibe.
I use similar colors and materials outside that I have inside. Same throw pillow fabric on my patio chairs, matching planters, coordinating lanterns. This seamless transition makes both spaces feel larger and more cohesive.
Even if your outdoor space is tiny, you can create that resort-like feeling. Add some string lights, comfortable seating with coastal fabrics, maybe a small outdoor rug. The goal is making it feel like an extension of your living room, just with better views and fresh air.
Mix in Metallic Accents (Yes, Really)
Here’s something people don’t expect in coastal decor: metallics.
But hear me out—brushed brass, aged bronze, or even copper adds warmth and sophistication to an otherwise cool color palette. I have brass drawer pulls, bronze picture frames, and a copper pendant light in my kitchen, and they prevent the space from feeling too washed out.
Selecting metals that appear weathered or aged rather than shiny and brand-new is crucial. Instead of looking like you just took off the price tag, you want them to look like they’ve lived in a beach house for generations. Here, antique brass and oil-rubbed bronze are your allies.
Don’t Forget the Lighting
Lighting makes or breaks the whole coastal vibe, and I can’t stress this enough.
Ditch those harsh overhead lights and layer your lighting instead. I use a mix of natural light (obviously), table lamps with linen shades, floor lamps for ambient lighting, and plenty of candles. The goal is creating a soft, warm glow that feels relaxing and inviting.
Pendant lights in natural materials like rattan or woven seagrass look incredible over kitchen islands or dining tables. Lanterns—both electric and candle-powered—scattered throughout the space add that casual, beach house charm. And never underestimate the power of dimmer switches. Being able to adjust your lighting changes everything.
Make It Personal
Look, you can follow every coastal decorating rule in the book, but if your space doesn’t reflect YOU, it’s going to feel like a staged vacation rental.
Mix in personal touches that tell your story. Family photos in weathered frames, souvenirs from beach trips that actually mean something to you, books you love displayed on those open shelves. The best coastal spaces feel collected over time, not bought in one Target run.
I have a vintage surfboard my grandfather gave me leaning against my living room wall. Does it go with everything? Not really. But it’s mine, it has meaning, and it makes the space feel authentic. That’s way more important than perfect Pinterest coordination.
So there you have it—17 coastal decorating ideas that’ll transform your space without requiring a beachfront mortgage. The beauty of coastal style is its flexibility. You can go full Cape Cod cottage or modern California beach house—it’s all about what speaks to you.
Start small if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Maybe swap out your throw pillows, add a jute rug, or hang some coastal artwork. You don’t need to renovate your entire house in one weekend (trust me, I’ve tried, and it’s chaos). Build your coastal oasis gradually, and enjoy the process.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some more driftwood to collect and approximately 47 new Pinterest boards to create. Happy decorating! 🙂