How to Decorate in Coastal Style: The Ultimate Guide to Coastal Decor Basics and Interior Ideas
While Nautical Decor captures the adventurous spirit of the sea, coastal decor is all about embracing the serenity of the shore and simplicity of beach living. This guide walks you through the Coastal Style Essentials, from Design Basics to 7 Coastal Interior Decor Ideas, to help you create a home that feels like a relaxing beach escape.
What is Coastal Style?
A coastal space typically features:
-Light, breezy rooms bathed in whites and natural light.
-A palette of ocean blues, seafoam greens, sandy neutrals.
-Natural textures like jute, rattan, driftwood, and linen.
Popular Coastal Styles:
By Look:
Beach Cottage, Tropical, Bohemian, Nautical, Modern Coastal, Farmhouse Coastal, Vintage, Americana.
By Region:
Hamptons, Florida, Key West, Palm Beach, New England, Nantucket, Mediterranean, Greek Islands.
No more wasting time & money!
4 Coastal Decor Foundations
1. Use a Relaxing Coastal Color Palette Stick with soft neutrals and coastal tones:
-Base Colors:
White, sandy beige, seafoam green, driftwood gray.
-Accent Colors:
Dune grass green, sunrise yellow, coral, beach glass blue
Let nature guide your palette -think of seashells, ocean water, and beach grass.
2. Prioritize Space Over Things
Beach style is all about open, uncluttered spaces. Keep your layout airy and furniture minimal. Use lightweight window treatments and let natural light flood in.
"Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
3. Embrace Relaxed Simplicity
The beach lifestyle is casual and easygoing. Coastal interiors should feel comfortable and livable -weathered woods, slipcovered sofas, and laid-back materials like cotton or outdoor fabrics work beautifully.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." — Leonardo da Vinci
4. Incorporate Natural Fibers & Textures
Use tactile, natural elements that evoke the shore:
Jute or sisal rugs, linen or cotton curtains and slipcovers, driftwood like furnishing, woven baskets and seagrass accents.
7 Coastal Design Elements
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1. Create an Ocean View with Coastal Wall Art
You don’t need a seaside window to enjoy ocean views. Hang coastal-themed art, from large beach landscapes and sunsets over the sea, to rustic wood-mounted beach scenes. Place it art where it draws the eye -above a sofa, bed, or fireplace.
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2. Add Ocean-Inspired Sparkle
Bring shimmer that mimics sunlight on water. Hang mirrors to reflect light and views. Choose glass top tables, metallic accents, perhaps even mirrored furniture. Think about light-catching tiles, and glimmering vases and decor accents.
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3. Accessorize with Meaning
Choose coastal accessories that reflect your personal coastal experiences. For example. Figurines of sea animals or coral, driftwood sculptures, vases with dune grasses, decorative baskets for texture and function.
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." -William Morris
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4. Introduce Coastal Motifs and Patterns
Celebrate beach themes subtly or boldly with patterned pillows and throws, nautical stripes, or coastal theme bedding.
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5. Design a Coastal Accent Wall
Make a statement with a feature wall such as shiplap or wood paneling, coastal wallpaper, gallery wall of coastal art or found objects , even a single painted wall in a sea-inspired hue can change the room.
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6. Display Your Beach Finds with Style
Turn your collected treasures into framed art, display shells in glass jars or cloches, use fillable lamps to showcase beach finds, frame sea glass pieces or driftwood. Keep it organized and intentional to avoid clutter.
"Coastal style is at its best when it sets a mood rather than hitting people over the head with its beachiness."
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7. Channel a Favorite Coastal Destination
Give your space a sense of place by drawing on regional decor:
Nantucket: weathered wood, navy accents, simple lines
Florida: palm prints, colorful accents, art deco flair
Greek Isles: crisp white and blue, arched shapes, stucco textures
Bring in local styles through art, textiles, and furniture choices.
Explore More Styles
Coastal Decor Inspiration & Shopping Ideas
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