Look, I get it. You just got back from the beach, you’re scrolling through your vacation photos, and suddenly your living room feels like a beige prison. Been there, done that, bought the overpriced seashell from the gift shop. 🙂
Here’s the thing about coastal decorating—it’s not about dumping a bucket of sand in your hallway or hanging fishing nets like you’re auditioning for a nautical theme park (please don’t). It’s about capturing that breezy, laid-back feeling you get when you’re near the ocean. You know, that moment when you kick off your shoes, breathe in the salt air, and think, “Why don’t I feel this relaxed at home?”
Well, grab your metaphorical surfboard because I’m about to show you 18 coastal decorating ideas that’ll transform your space into a beach house retreat—no matter how far you live from the nearest coastline.
Start With a Coastal Color Palette
Ever noticed how beach houses just feel different the second you walk in? That’s no accident. The color scheme does most of the heavy lifting.
White, cream, and gentle sandy hues should make up your base. Instead of stark hospital white, picture weathered driftwood. The basis of coastal style can be achieved by layering blues, ranging from light aqua to deep navy. I’m referring to hues that evoke the perfect sky just before sunset, sea glass, and morning fog.
Pro tip: Paint your walls in a warm white with subtle gray undertones. It mimics overcast beach days and makes every other color pop without fighting for attention.
Don’t go crazy with color everywhere though. The beauty of coastal design is its restraint. Use your blues and greens as accents, not as the entire room’s personality. A navy throw pillow here, a seafoam vase there—that’s the sweet spot.
Embrace Natural Textures
Okay, real talk: if your coastal room doesn’t have texture, it’s just a blue room. And nobody wants that.
Coastal decorating thrives on natural, tactile materials that make you want to reach out and touch everything. We’re talking:
- Jute and sisal rugs that feel like walking on a sandy beach (minus the grit in your toes)
- Linen curtains that billow in the breeze like you’re in a Pottery Barn catalog
- Rattan furniture that screams “I’m effortlessly cool”
- Seagrass baskets for storage that’s both practical and pretty
I replaced my synthetic rug with a chunky jute one last summer, and honestly? Game changer. It adds warmth and that organic, beachy feel without screaming “I’M COASTAL THEMED” at everyone who enters.
Combine various textures in one area. Roughly woven baskets go well with smooth painted wood. Mix nubby cotton throws with plush linen cushions. Variety keeps things from appearing overly similar and adds visual interest.
Bring in Driftwood Accents
Here’s where things get fun. Driftwood is like the Swiss Army knife of coastal décor—versatile, naturally beautiful, and way cooler than it has any right to be.
You can use driftwood for mirrors, shelving, picture frames, or even as standalone art. I’ve seen driftwood pieces that cost more than my monthly grocery bill (wild, IMO), but you can also collect your own on beach walks or find affordable pieces at craft stores.
Table: Driftwood Décor Ideas
| Item | Best Location | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror frame | Entryway/bathroom | Easy |
| Wall art sculpture | Living room | Medium |
| Candle holders | Coffee table | Easy |
| Curtain rod | Bedroom | Medium |
Mount a large piece of driftwood horizontally on your wall and hang art from it using twine. Instant coastal gallery wall that costs almost nothing but looks like you hired a designer.
Layer White and Neutral Linens
If coastal decorating had a uniform, it would be crisp white linens. Everywhere. All the time.
Your couch? Slipcovers in white. Your mattress? Throw blankets with textures and a white duvet. Your dining chairs? White cushions, you guessed it. Just so you know, the goal is to create that airy, fresh foundation that highlights everything else, not to be boring.
I know what you’re thinking: “But white shows every stain!” Yeah, it does. That’s why you choose washable fabrics and embrace the lived-in look. Coastal style isn’t about perfection—it’s about comfort. A slightly rumpled linen pillow isn’t messy; it’s authentic.
Layer different shades of white and cream to add depth. Pair a bright white cotton duvet with an off-white chunky knit throw and some cream linen pillows. The subtle variations create dimension without adding color chaos.
Add Nautical Stripes (But Keep It Classy)
Stripes are coastal decorating’s best friend, but there’s a fine line between “chic beach house” and “I live in a lighthouse gift shop.”
Navy and white stripes are your safest bet. Use them on throw pillows, area rugs, or even an accent chair. The key is restraint—one or two striped pieces per room, max. Nobody needs a striped rug, striped curtains, striped pillows, AND striped artwork. That’s not decorating; that’s visual assault.
Horizontal stripes are used to widen the space (ideal in a small room) whereas vertical stripes make the eye go up the ceiling and ceiling to be higher. Take advantage of it using your room requirements.
Want to get creative? Try mixing stripe widths—pair thin pinstripes with bold, chunky stripes. It adds visual interest while keeping the coastal vibe intact.
Incorporate Sea Glass Colors
Sea glass is basically the ocean’s gift to interior decorators. Those soft, frosted blues and greens are ridiculously versatile and instantly calming.
Use sea glass colors in unexpected places: a pale aqua accent wall, seafoam green cabinet doors, or frosted blue glass vases clustered on a shelf. These colors work because they’re muted and weathered-looking, not bright and artificial.
I painted my bathroom vanity in a soft sea glass green, and guests constantly ask about it. It’s subtle enough to be sophisticated but distinct enough to make a statement. Win-win.
Collect actual sea glass in clear jars or bowls as décor. It’s free (if you find it yourself), beautiful, and tells a story. Plus, it’s way more interesting than buying fake decorative orbs at HomeGoods (no shade though—I’ve done that too).
Maximize Natural Light
The beach houses are wonderful to stay in partly due to the sunlight that usually invades them. Do it at home and make windows your treasure of a thing.
Ditch heavy drapes for sheer linen curtains or bamboo shades that filter light without blocking it completely. If privacy isn’t an issue, leave windows completely bare. There’s something wonderfully freeing about unobstructed glass.
Install mirrors at strategic points in front of windows to reflect light in the room. A metaphorical way to achieve this is by having a big mirror in a dark place to literally increase the natural light you have. I have a floor-length mirror placed opposite the window on my living room, and the change is beautiful.
Clean your windows regularly (boring but necessary). Dirty windows can block up to 40% of natural light—that’s like voluntarily living in a cave. :/
Use Wicker and Rattan Furniture
Nothing says “coastal chill” quite like wicker and rattan furniture. These materials are lightweight, textural, and effortlessly beachy without trying too hard.
A rattan headboard instantly transforms a bedroom into a coastal retreat. Wicker dining chairs add casual elegance to any eating space. Rattan pendant lights? Chef’s kiss for creating that breezy, tropical vibe.
Mix wicker and rattan with other materials to keep things interesting. Pair a rattan chair with a marble side table, or combine wicker baskets with metal shelving. The contrast between organic and industrial elements creates unexpected sophistication.
Modern rattan furniture comes in so many styles now—from mid-century modern to boho to minimalist. You’re not stuck with grandma’s porch furniture anymore (though honestly, grandma had good taste).
Display Coral and Shells Thoughtfully
Here’s where people usually go wrong: they collect every shell from every beach trip and dump them in a bowl like some kind of aquatic hoarder. Don’t be that person.
The secret to displaying coastal finds is curation and restraint. Choose your favorite pieces—maybe a beautiful conch shell, some interesting coral, a few perfect sand dollars—and display them intentionally.
- Shadow boxes work beautifully for shell collections
- Glass cloches elevate single statement pieces
- Wooden bowls create casual, touchable displays
- Mounted coral becomes instant wall art
I keep my shell collection in a vintage glass apothecary jar on my bookshelf. It looks intentional and sophisticated, not like I’m running a beachside souvenir stand.
Important: Only use ethically sourced coral. Many coral species are protected, and taking live coral damages fragile ecosystems. Stick to pieces specifically sold for decorative purposes or opt for coral-inspired art instead.
Install Shiplap or Board-and-Batten Walls
Want to feel like you’re in a coastal cottage? Shiplap walls are your answer. Yeah, Joanna Gaines made them trendy, but they’ve been a coastal staple for decades.
Shiplap gives it some type of texture as well as visual interest without being heavy or dark. It can be painted white with traditional coastal feels, or painted in a soft blue or grey. The horizontal lines also opens rooms making them wider and more relaxed.
Not into shiplap? Board-and-batten offers a similar effect with more traditional appeal. The vertical panels add height and architectural interest, perfect for rooms with lower ceilings.
You can DIY shiplap for relatively cheap using thin plywood or MDF boards. Just add a small gap between each board, paint everything white, and boom—instant coastal upgrade. I did one accent wall in my bedroom, and it completely changed the room’s personality.
Add Coastal Artwork and Photography
Generic “BEACH” signs from discount stores? Hard pass. Quality coastal artwork that actually speaks to you? That’s the goal.
Look for ocean photography, abstract seascapes, or vintage nautical maps that feel authentic. Black and white beach photography has a timeless quality that works in any coastal space. Watercolor paintings of sea life add soft, dreamy color without overwhelming a room.
Create a gallery wall with mixed coastal pieces: combine framed photography with small shelves holding collected treasures, add a rope-framed mirror, throw in some botanical prints of coastal plants. The mix of elements keeps things interesting and personal.
Support local artists whenever possible. Coastal towns usually have talented photographers and painters who capture authentic beach vibes way better than mass-produced prints. Plus, you’ll have a better story than “I got it at Target.”
Incorporate Rope Details
Rope is coastal decorating’s secret weapon. It’s nautical without being cheesy (when used correctly, anyway).
Tie rope over vases, mirror frames, or lampstands to achieve an immediate seaside look. Rope is a stair railing, which is very serious and bold. Make drawer pulls by tying ropes with holes that have been drilled. Hang curtains using ropes as opposed to bulky rods.
Thick manila rope works best for most projects—it has that authentic nautical look and feels substantial. Avoid thin, white twisted rope that screams “craft project gone wrong.”
I replaced my basic bathroom mirror with one that has a thick rope frame, and it single-handedly elevated the entire space. Sometimes it’s the small details that make the biggest impact.
Choose Light, Airy Furniture
Heavy, dark furniture is coastal decorating’s kryptonite. You want pieces that feel light, open, and breezy—like they could float away if you opened all the windows.
Opt for furniture with:
- Slim legs instead of chunky bases
- Open backs rather than solid panels
- Light wood tones (bleached oak, whitewashed pine)
- Glass or lucite accents that disappear visually
My personal favorite? Slipcovered furniture in light fabrics. It’s practical, comfortable, and embodies that relaxed coastal aesthetic perfectly. Plus, you can toss the covers in the wash when life happens.
Avoid anything too formal or ornate. Coastal style is casual and approachable, not stuffy. Think beach house, not fancy hotel lobby.
Bring the Outdoors In With Plants
Coastal homes aren’t complete without greenery that bridges the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. But we’re not talking about any plants—choose varieties that actually grow near coastlines.
- Palm varieties (areca, parlor, or fan palms)
- Snake plants (practically unkillable, FYI)
- Fiddle leaf figs (trendy for a reason)
- Bird of paradise (dramatic and tropical)
Group plants at different heights for visual interest. Use natural fiber baskets or weathered ceramic pots instead of plastic planters. The containers matter almost as much as the plants themselves.
I do not do well with plants (understatement of the year), and thus I chose easy-care ones that can survive my lack of attention. Snake plants and pothos have been with me years now and are still as beachy and beautiful as ever.
Add Vintage Coastal Finds
Thrift stores and antique shops are goldmines for authentic coastal décor with actual character. Look for:
- Old wooden oars or paddles
- Vintage glass fishing floats
- Antique nautical instruments
- Weathered wooden signs
- Worn buoys and dock cleats
These pieces have history and authenticity that new décor simply can’t replicate. Plus, they’re usually cheaper and more interesting than buying everything new.
I found an incredible vintage wooden lobster trap at a flea market for $20. Now it’s a side table in my living room, and everyone who visits asks about it. That’s the power of unique, authentic pieces.
Mix vintage finds with modern elements to keep your space from looking like a museum. One or two vintage statement pieces per room is usually perfect.
Create a Coastal Reading Nook
Every beach house needs a cozy spot for reading with an ocean view (or at least the feeling of one). Transform a corner into your personal seaside escape.
Start with a comfortable chair—rattan, wicker, or an upholstered piece in light linen. Add a small side table for your coffee (or wine, no judgment). Layer in soft textured pillows and a chunky knit throw. Position it near a window if possible, maximizing that natural light.
Install floating shelves nearby for your book collection. Use bookends made from coral, shells, or driftwood to tie in the coastal theme. Add a small plant, maybe a framed beach photo, and you’ve created the perfect reading retreat.
I read all my Sundays in my reading nook by the beach, and it is no exaggeration that this is the best choice I made in terms of my mental health. You need to have a place of your own sometimes.
Use Blue and White Ceramics
Blue and white pottery is timeless, elegant, and undeniably coastal. Think Chinese ginger jars, Portuguese tiles, or Greek amphoras—all bring that sophisticated seaside vibe.
Display blue and white ceramics on open shelving, use them as vases, or create a collection on a mantel. The pattern works beautifully with other coastal elements without overwhelming the space.
Mix different patterns and sizes for visual interest. Pair delicate painted florals with bold geometric patterns. Combine large statement pieces with smaller accent items. The variation keeps things dynamic.
You don’t need expensive antiques either. HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and even Target carry beautiful blue and white ceramics at reasonable prices. I’ve built my collection slowly over time, adding pieces when I find ones that speak to me.
Layer Lighting for Ambiance
Coastal lighting should feel soft, warm, and layered—like sunset on the beach, not fluorescent office lighting.
Combine multiple light sources:
- Woven pendant lights for overhead illumination
- Ceramic table lamps with linen shades
- Hurricane lanterns with candles for ambiance
- Rope-wrapped floor lamps for reading corners
Dimmer switches are non-negotiable. The ability to adjust lighting throughout the day completely changes a room’s atmosphere. Bright and airy for morning coffee, soft and moody for evening relaxation.
I installed rattan pendant lights over my kitchen island, and they transformed the entire space. The woven texture casts beautiful shadows while providing functional lighting. Form meets function—love to see it.
Final Thoughts
Creating coastal vibes indoors isn’t about following rigid rules or buying everything from a single collection at Pottery Barn. It’s about capturing that relaxed, breezy feeling you get at the beach and translating it into your everyday space.
Begin simple when you are overwhelmed, perhaps change your pillows to linen or and a jute rug. You can create your coastal look step by step, selecting objects that you really like and not cross them off a decorating list. The most appropriate spaces are gathered and close to the heart, not gallery-phase.
Your home should make you feel like you’re on permanent vacation (mentally, anyway—we still have to work, unfortunately). Use these ideas as inspiration, adapt them to your space and style, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, coastal decorating is all about embracing that laid-back, don’t-take-life-too-seriously beach attitude. 🙂
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my coastal reading nook and zero plans to leave it anytime soon.