5 Amazing Coastal Decorating Tips

Last Updated on September 3, 2024

Dining Table | Dining Chairs | Striped Rug | Mirror | Vase (similar) | Faux Eucalyptus

I’ve been obsessed with coastal style and coastal decorating since I was a kid. I have no idea why, because I grew up in Texas nowhere near the ocean! There is just something about those blue hues bouncing off a crisp white background that feels so clean, fresh, and stylish. Plus, I never met a stripe I didn’t like! From my wardrobe to my home, you’ll find breezy coastal style everywhere. That being said, I am super careful not to take it overboard (no pun intended). Because I live in the mountains, a full-on coastal scheme just doesn’t work in my home. However, there are amazingly easy ways to incorporate coastal decorating into your home without hanging anchors and fish nets.

Discover more coastal decorating posts:
→Gorgeous Coastal Living Room
→Beautiful Coastal Dining Room
→A Classic & Chic Navy Basement Renovation

Coastal Decorating Essentials

There are several key elements that really help embrace a coastal style. While you don’t have to showcase all of them, working them into your decorating will help you bring out all the coastal vibes.

Below are the 5 best ways to incorporate coastal style into your home and create a relaxing haven that feels like you’re steps away from the sand!

5 Easy Coastal Decorating Ideas

1. Decorate with Blue

Console Table | Blue Ombre Vase Set | Wood Tray | Coastal Wood Beads | Candle

This is by far the is the easiest way to bring coastal style into your home. Blue is a naturally calming color that evokes feelings of calm and serenity, just like the ocean!

Navy is my dominant color, which I’ll feature in throw blankets, pillows, and art.  I then layer in accent pieces in lighter shades of blue to create visual interest in a monochromatic scheme. If you like a coastal style that’s a little more vibrant, try bringing in yellow or orange accent pieces for a fun pop of color. They complement blue shades extremely well and still embrace a coastal vibe.

2. Incorporate Natural Materials

Natural materials are a huge trend in interior decorating, and they are also a coastal decorating staple. Choose accent furniture pieces in wicker, rattan, and the oh-so-popular cane to bring out all the coastal feels. Natural materials work perfect for side tables, bar carts, and bookshelves. I am obsessed with my Serena and Lily bar cart. I debated buying it for months but finally caved in, and I couldn’t be happier with it!

For decor, look for rugs in natural materials like jute and sisal. I prefer to use these rugs in low traffic areas mainly because they aren’t as soft on your feet as cotton or polypropylene. Incorporating natural material into statement pieces, like a wood-beaded chandelier, is the perfect way create an elevated coastal look. Finishing touches can include driftwood decor accents, wicker baskets, and rope accents.

3. Use Lighter Wood Tones

Coffee Table (similar) | Rug (similar) | Cane Chairs | Throw Pillows (similar)

Coastal style is light and bright by nature, so steer away from dark heavy tones tend that lean more traditional. Beachwood, driftwood, ash, light oak or maple, and whitewash tones compliment that fresh, by the coast vibe you’re striving for. I used a darker laminate in my last house, and I regretted it almost immediately. I think dark wood floors are gorgeous, but it worked against some of the lighter furniture pieces I was incorporating.

4. Play with Stripes

Striped Chair | Pillow (similar) | End Table (similar) | Mantel

Stripes are a must-have print to create the ultimate coastal style.  Try using different widths and colors to give depth and dimension to your space. That being said, I never pair two stripes together. I love stripes so much, but I always try to break them up with solids. Otherwise, it can get a little overwhelming!

I love to feature stripes in throw pillows, bedding, and vases. Stripes have become a great neutral that pair well with just about any other print. Mix in solids, florals, damask, or even ikat to bring in some variation to your coastal decorating scheme.

5. Go White and Bright

White backdrops will help contrast your dreamy blues and are essential in coastal decorating. Coastal style is not moody or heavy, so you want to keep the ambiance as light and airy as possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate a navy wall or a fun wallpaper print but any way you can bring in those pops of white will help the space feel brighter.

White contrast works best when it can be utilized in bigger elements like walls, cabinets, or even furniture pieces. I have installed white plantation shutters in my last two homes to serve as the perfect bright white backdrop. They are a huge investment, but they are worth every penny in my opinion! You can also make simple updates like hanging white sheer curtains or using white or cream throw blankets to help the space feel more light and airy.

Getting Coastal Style Is Easy

With just a few simple updates, you can easily transform your home into a coastal getaway. I love to build mood boards when I’m decorating a new space to help me see how items will coordinate together. Looking at things together can give you a real sense for how they’ll look in your home. This is my favorite digital one. It’s free and super simple to use!

I hope this post was helpful. Happy decorating!

This post is about coastal decorating.