Coastal Décor Ideas to Freshen Up Your Space

Whether you live in an apartment in the city or a cottage on the lake, these five coastal décor ideas will give your home the relaxed vibes of summer vacation – no matter the season.

1 | Contrast Organic Textures

Offset tropical colors, bold patterns and heirloom pieces with plenty of reclaimed wood, jute and rattan.

Embrace the beauty of the seaside with statement pieces made with natural materials – such as woven rattan or wicker baskets. Unrefined textures and earthy tones like browns, whites and beiges reminiscent of elements native to the islands contribute to an effortlessly coastal air.

If wood furniture or dark colors are making your space feel a little heavy, try adding jute – a rough plant fiber found by the sea. In coastal lighting or rugs, jute is the perfect way to freshen up a breezy flair.

Nothing drowns out the easy feel of beachy chic quite like a blank, overpowering wall. Luckily, the right arrangement of coastal wall décor can instantly transform even the most foreboding of wall space into relaxed, sea-inspired artistry. Play with different tribal patterns and organic textures for casual seashore elegance.

2 | Borrow from Boho

When you mix tranquil coastal designs with fun boho vibes, you get the ultimate in chill style.

Whether on an area rug or decorative box, one of the easiest ways to incorporate boho chic into coastal décor is through pops of unexpected patterns in subdued hues like off-white or beige.

Mix up a neutral color scheme with a boho-inspired throw pillow. Choose vintage patterns like paisley or damask in a washed-out fabric – and nautical colors – for a statement look that won’t detract from a coastal interior.

At its heart, ‘beach boho’ is all about fun – and what’s more fun than rainbow candleholders? Set a colorful tealight (or two) as the surprise centerpiece of a table made of reclaimed wood or rattan for a coastal twist on eclectic.

3 | Keep it Breezy

Create your island in the sun with light colors and laidback designs.

Get the summer vacay feels all year long with a painting featuring a relaxed beach scene. Coastal wall art can offset a mostly-neutral décor – and charm guests with a carefree ambiance – through splashes of bright, airy hues.

Rein in the weekend beach vibes every day with casual lounging essentials. Sea-inspired poufs, ottomans and benches make it easy for guests to lie back, prop up their feet and enjoy chic comfort at its finest.

When it comes to accent pieces, less is more. Simple, monochrome details in light neutrals and beachy designs will both add character to and keep an effortlessly breezy air in a coastal-styled home.

During hot summer days, a woven aqua throw made of 100% cotton is an effortless way to cool down the warmer tones of a beige or grey sofa – and make for cozy, beachy lounging during cold winter nights.

4 | Embrace Elegance

Nobody says coastal has to be casual, so elevate things to an elegant level. Think Hamptons-worthy designs with graceful lines, tasteful finishes and glamorous details.

To maintain a chill-yet-graceful ambiance, choose a sofa that balances color, texture, and style; white upholstery with black legs, a fabric body with wood detailing and sleek arms with oversized cushions offer smooth contrasts for a look both polished and relaxed.

When woven into a stunning accent chair or side table, rattan blends seamlessly into a coastal glamour – and proves it can bring casual elegance in more ways than just baskets.

Nothing says ‘coastal’ like airy, open spaces – and nothing opens up a room more than a stunning mirror. For high coastal elegance, look for one with natural detailing; a gorgeous pearl finish is ‘seaside’ at its most glamorous.

5 | Get Nautical

Bring the sand, sea and sun home with nautical- and marine-inspired pieces.

In terms of coastal design, the floor is one of the most neglected areas, but it is also one of the easiest ways to balance and energize a room. Effortlessly seal in the nautical seaside air of a beach-styled home with a blue area rug featuring shabby whites and fun patterns – like anchors, stripes or ropes.

Navy blue-and-white vintage finds bring so much coastal elegance into the home, one can almost taste the salty ocean air! Look for nautical essentials like an old-fashioned wall clock – preferably oversized! – to complete the look of any sea-inspired home.

Nautical décor does not have to mean navy blue; elevate the beachy look of plain lamps, chairs, and tables with detailing like nets and ropes for a chic monochrome and totally coastal look.