43 Seashell Collection Display Ideas | Shell Decor

Whether your seashell collection is large or small to give it a dedicated space will make it stand out.

seashell collection display in bowl
A hand picked seashell collection celebrates the sea and tells a story -it deserves a dedicated space! These seashell display ideas will give you plenty of ideas to get you started.


How to Display a Seashell Collection
In order to create a cohesive and striking seashell display, there's one thing you want to keep in mind, and that is focus. If your seashell collection is randomly displayed, it can easily loose its importance, and might even come off as clutter. To quote Dorothy Draper, "Notice how groups of small objects, when they are well arranged, become important and effective." Well arranged can mean anything from sorting your sea shell collection by type, size, color, or even location. So here are some great seashell collection decorating and display ideas to inspire your own. 


How to Decorate with Seashell Collections
Showcase shells in a decorative bowl with a coastal theme, such as a Starfish Bowl or Pineapple bowl. Images via Facebook.

Sea Turtle Dish Aqua Blue
Any coastal theme dish with a rim can be used to showcase a shell collection. Like an Aqua Sea Turtle Dish (Walmart). Also note the candle in the center! To shop coastal dishes and serveware, browse the Entertaining Category.

Unique Candle Holders Vessels for Candle Display Large Giant Clam Shell Idea Decorating with Candles
Giant Clam Shell Bowls make great vessels for a seashell collection display. And why not add some candles -It's going to look so lovely at night!  Seen at Alfresco Emporium on Instagram.



Seashell Display Idea in Trays Shell Collection in Tray
Trays are another great vessel for your seashell collection and any other beach finds. Check out these Basket Trays that have natural dune grass vibe.  

seashell collection tray
A three tier tray that is usually used for food items, now works great as a portable display. Found here.

seashells in wire basket
A seashell collection featured on Decorating with Wire Baskets.

seashell display box
Even a tool box can be used to hold a seashell collection! Via I Love Shelling.

seashell collection shelf
A hand full of shells are lined up on a small wall shelf. Source no longer available.

display seashell collection in bathroom
Look for unlikely spaces. The seashell display on the shower stall ledge adds to the beachy feel of this bathroom by Jane Coslick, featured on Upholstering a Chair Coastal Style.

shell display in fireplace
Here a non-functional fireplace is filled with seashells. Via Apartment Therapy.

Shell Display on Mantel
A collection of rustic shells are stacked up on a mantel in a Florida Beach Cottage.

seashell collection displayed on table
A small table is chosen to organize a grouping of beach finds. Seen in Martha Stewart's Seal Harbor Home.

Shells on Coffee Table Shelf
If your Coffee Table has a shelf, use it to display a seashell collection. Via Vicky's Home.

seashell collection on stands
An elegant display of a group of large seashells by Mary McDonald Design. To create different heights, some shells sit on Display Stands.

seashell collection in glass box
A seashell collection in a Display Box. And this is not your ordinary box. It's an aquarium.

seashells in antique awuarium
An antique aquarium. For fashion stylist Linda Rodin it was worth the hunt. Follow the link to view her extensive seashell collection, spread throughout her NYC apartment.

shell collection shadow box
A Shadow Box frame filled with a seashells is elevated with an ornate picture holder.

Shell Collection in Shadow Box Idea
Shadow Box with Seashell Collection as wall decor. Image a few of these frames hung as a Collection!

lamp filled with seashells
Fillable Lamps provide a great space for a seashell collection. Via Ideezine.

How to Decorate with Collections Ways to Display any Collection
Display your seashells in decorative glass jars. For an elegant classic look, consider Apothecary glass jars as featured on How to Organize & Display Shells in Glass Jars.





decorative glass jars with seashells
A great grouping of glass jars filled with different types of seashells. Original source unknown.

Seashells in Glass Jar on Christmas Evergreens
A single large glass jars with lid might just be the way to display your beautiful seashell collection. This shell display is enhanced with evergreens for the Christmas Season. You can learn more about it at Simple & Easy Coastal Christmas Decorations.

seashells in mason jar
Darling Hanging Mason Jars, featured on Pottery Barn Knock Offs can hold a small shell collection. Hang a whole bunch of them for a greater effect!

Seashells in Soap Jar Dispenser
A functional twist for a shell mason jar -seashells in a Mason Jar Soap Dispenser. Seen at Creatorvox. The shells look beautiful and shiny, bathed in clear liquid soap.

seashells in vases
Any type of glass vase that's large enough for your shells works! And as you can see, repetition is really effective. Via Mondocherry.

Glass Fish Figurine Vase
A coastal theme glass vase makes for a fun table centerpiece. See other Cool Coastal Vessels for Collected Shells. Shop Glass Fish Figurines on Wayfair.

To create a beachscape, simply arrange a seashell collection on top of beach sand, then add decorative grasses. By Cleverly Inspired, featured on Beach Style Summer Mantel Decor.

Glass Cloche with Shells
And not to forget cloches. They're charming. Via Simplicity in the South.

seashell display for wall decor
Seashell display ideas to decorate your walls. An ordinary woven basket is upcycled into a wall tray that showcases a seashell collection in a very unique way. Shells are glued to the basket. Via Hometalk.

seashell net wall hanging
Drill Shells and hang them within a net. Original source unknown.

Hang Shells on Wall
Hang your shell collection on the wall. Seen at One Kings Lane. If you like this idea, also see this Shell Wall above the Fireplace.

beach shell memory boxes
Take a scientific approach. To see and learn more about this great seashell display, read Beach and Sea Memories in Frames.

seashell collection in tray
View a few Stunning Shadow Display Boxes, from antique printer trays to drawers, they're all great option to spotlight a beautiful seashell collection.

gallery wall with seashell art
Make Shell Art with your treasures. Follow the link for ideas how to frame shells and create a wall gallery. Via Traditional Home.

Shell Collection Display Ideas in Glass Cabinets
Shells are organized in a variety of vessels that are placed in a Glass Display Cabinet by Heather Krout


How to Display Showcase Seashell Collection
A beautiful and cohesive display idea with a collection of seashells in the same color tone arranged in a hutch. Original source unknown. 



Conch Shell Collection Cabinet Display Idea
Same types of shells displayed neatly in a cabinet at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club, featured on Instagram.


shell display bookcase
If you are lucky and have a collection of large shells, devote an entire bookcase or glass cabinet to your treasures. From a dining room makeover seen at House Beautiful.

shell collection in glass cabinet
To see more amazing examples like this, visit Organizing Sea Collections in Glass Cabinets. Via Wisteria.

shell table
An antique printer tray turned into a Display Coffee Table. Source no longer available.



coastal porch
Take your seashell collection outside. In this Coastal Home on the Jersey Shore a shell collection greets you by the entry door.

seashell pot
Or top off a pot with seashells. Via Edenmakers, featured on Seashell Garden Ideas.

And how about writing the date on your special sea shell finds! "One thing I love to do, whenever I find a particularly special treasure…is to write the date on the shell." Says interior stylist Heather Krout


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