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Coastal Furniture & Decor Ideas
Whether you live seaside year-round or look forward to a beach vacation each summer, the ocean holds a special place in your heart. With fond memories in tow and the perfect nautical accents on hand, bring the coast inside and never again live without a breezy day.
Coastal Design 101
There's something about the salty air and lull of the tide that encompasses the charm of Coastal living. Casual yet crisp, Coastal homes are welcoming to anyone and everyone.
Coastal decor is inspired by the weathered furniture and nautical accents found in traditional coastal homes. It incorporates pale finishes, shades of blue, and maritime elements such as compasses, marine life, anchors, and helms.
Whether you long for a home where the waves break in Malibu or prefer the rugged seascape of a Cape Cod cottage, Coastal design is all about creating a fresh, light escape. When you incorporate a Coastal color palette and nautical decor, you can make every day feel like a day at the beach.
Color Palette
A Coastal color palette is inspired by the colors of the beach: seafoam green, ocean blue, driftwood grey, and sandy brown. Decorating with touches of crimson can help create a tailored, preppy look, while incorporating bursts of coral is a great way to add a pop of color to your soft tones. Add a breath of fresh air to punctuate sea hues, like sails on a horizon, with cream curtains and other linens.
Coastal Design Elements
Wicker
Give your Coastal home a weathered look with the texture and comfort of wicker. Its durability makes it great for indoor seating and patio furniture, plus it stores well.
Glass
Bring the ocean indoors with blue and green transparent glass vases and bowls. Glass accents a room with a subtle glimmer that brightens up your Coastal home and sparkles like sunlight on water.
Driftwood
Scrubbed and shaped by salty seas, driftwood's ghostly silhouette and naturally soft finish gives a wild elegance to your space. Driftwood mirrors and lamps add an earthy feel to the natural fluidity of a Coastal space.
Rope
Natural fibers are right at home in a Coastal living space. Rope-wrapped lampshades and other rope accessories lend a nautical touch that sets this decor apart from Shabby Chic and other Cottage styles.
Coastal Patterns
Stripes
Both thick stripes and pinstripes give structure to your design, adding a gentle balance to the flowy patterns of Coastal decor. Bring in beachside Cabana stripes to remind you of sun-filled days at the pool or beach.
Coral
Coral adds vibrance and interest to your Coastal style. This pattern -- inspired by the brilliant shapes and colors of coral reefs -- adds a bohemian edge to your Coastal decor in pillows and other accessories.
Nautical
Mix all the classic elements of Coastal decor, including sails, compasses, and anchors. These core nautical patterns will give your home a look that will stand the test of time.
Trellis
Trellis patterns are popular for many decor styles, especially Coastal. Incorporate trellis patterns in pillows, rugs, or curtains to add a twist of Moroccan to your design.
Coastal Living Room Ideas
Tips
Try filling a wooden bowl with bits of sea glass to bring a muted version of the ocean to your natural palette.
Your Coastal living room is your retreat by the sea, so make sure it includes all the comforts that keep your heart as light as the clouds. Before you begin your living room design, imagine what you will be using the space for. Coffee with friends, book club discussions, and chit chats with the girls? Soft couches, poufs, and throw pillows invite casual conversation and cozy nights in. Wood furniture and antique trunks provide lots of space to store extra blankets and display collections of decor as well as your personal library.
Your Coastal living room is your retreat by the sea ...
Coastal Living Room Essentials
Striped Rugs
Stripes are a classic complement to any Coastal style. A rug with wide stripes gives the appearance of a larger space and draws attention to furniture. Serpentine and pencil stripe rugs are a great way to incorporate multiple colors and pull a room together.
Hardwood
Whether it's furniture or flooring, hardwood is a great inclusion for your Coastal living room. This organic material will help you feel like your days are spent aboard your own private yacht.
Pouf
The mobility of these miniature ottomans makes for a quaint gathering space where no one is left without a seat. Check out poufs in preppy accent colors such as crimson, coral, or navy blue.
Baskets
Wicker or rope baskets are a great way to keep your Coastal home organized yet inviting. Stuff them full with chunky knit blankets and extra throw pillows to keep your home shipshape but with cozy accessories at your fingertips.
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Coastal Dining Room Ideas
... any meal is made better by this versatile and peaceful setting.
Your Coastal dining room is casual enough for your morning coffee, but lovely enough for dinner and drinks with friends. This is the place where you can enjoy an intimate dinner or host potluck meals on holidays and special occasions. Whether you have a crew to feed or you're enjoying breakfast and a view on your own, any meal is made better by this versatile and peaceful setting.
Coastal Dining Room Essentials
Jute Rug
Natural materials such as jute and sisal punctuate a Coastal design. The rough texture is similar to the feel of sandy beaches and is a structured complement to the billowy fabrics and styles that help define Coastal.
Orb Chandelier
Globe-like and reminiscent of a ship's porthole, orb chandeliers center your dining room with their pendant light structure. Wood and metal bring a touch of vintage to this Coastal space.
Beadboard
Beadboard, wainscoting, and reclaimed wood panels add depth to your dining room without being showy or overwhelming. Keep an eye out for natural wood tones and warm greys.
Nautical Decor
Nautical decor calls for seashells, pieces of coral, and rope. However, you can take your decor to the high seas by including anchors, compasses, and ship wheels. Try creating a nautical-inspired tablescape, or put an empty sideboard to work displaying your favorite decor.
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Coastal Bedroom Ideas
In your Coastal home, your bedroom is an oasis. After a beach BBQ, a day on the water, or dinner with friends, falling into bed may be the best part of your day. Let the sound of the surf and your favorite memories be your inspiration for a cozy retreat. With comfortable and restful sleep, you'll be ready to take on whatever waves come your way.
... falling into bed may be the best part of your day.
Coastal Bedroom Essentials
Sheer Curtains
Sunlight through sheer curtains gives your bedroom a soft glow and relaxing setting. Sheer fabrics blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors, which can open a space and add a breezy feel.
Trunks
Trunks aren't just for pirate's treasures; they can also add charm to your bedroom. Keep a trunk at the foot of your bed to double as blanket storage and an impromptu bench. Find an old wooden trunk or a leather traveling trunk to store your treasures in style.
Gallery Wall
Some of the most beautiful moments are made seaside with the people we love. Preserve those memories with a gallery wall of your favorite photos and hangable keepsakes such as planters, driftwood, and nautical decor. For inspiration, check out our guide and learn how to hang a gallery wall. For inspiration, check out our guide and learn how to hang a gallery wall.
Layers of Bedding
Stacks of Coastal bedding prepare your bedroom for four seasons by the sea. Give your bed an extra layer of love with quilts, duvet covers, and super soft sheets. Incorporating different textures and shades of blue add interest and customized comfort to your bed.
Molly is a Texas native turned Rocky Mountain girl who likes watching DIY shows on TV and pretending she's an interior decorator. A lover of all things striped, she embraces nautical- and coastal-inspired looks in her home and her wardrobe. In her free time, Molly enjoys spending time in the beautiful Utah mountains with her husband and two dogs.