9 Coastal Living Room Ideas
Relax and unwind.
With plenty of natural texture, laid-back comfort, and soothing colors, coastal-style living rooms create the ideal atmosphere to unwind in after a long day. We've put together a list of nine coastal living room ideas that will make your space feel like a relaxing seaside retreat. Continue reading below to find easy ways to add coastal style to your living room.
1. Choose a Sofa in a Soft, Laidback Fabric
A coastal-style living room is all about comfort, and your sofa plays a key part in bringing a relaxing seaside ambience to your space. We suggest choosing a sofa with cotton upholstery for a soft, laidback option that matches the casual feel of coastal style. Go with white upholstery for a clean, airy look, or try deep navy upholstery to make a bold statement that pairs well with the bright coastal color palette. Pick a sofa with high-quality construction, such as a solid-wood frame and a timeless silhouette, to add long-lasting comfort to your space.
Pro Tip:
Not sure which type of upholstery fabric is best for your space? Read our guide How to Choose the Best Sofa Fabrics for simple tips to find the right fit.
2. Make Space to Relax Together
Make sure there's enough seating for everyone with a spacious sectional – plus a slipcover to make maintenance a breeze. Whether you're staying at the beach house or bringing a bit of coastal style home, an L-shaped sectional ensures that everyone has enough room to relax. Go for a white slipcovered sectional to evoke that classic coastal feel, or choose a heathered beige one for a more textured look. Choose a sectional with a washable slipcover for an even easier pet- and family-friendly option that's made to last.
You can add extra coastal charm to your space by incorporating natural textures or a distressed finish to living room essentials like your coffee table. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or a practical spot for added storage, a coastal coffee table is another important element of a well-made living room. For some coastal living room ideas, we suggest opting for a coffee table with a distressed whitewashed finish to evoke the familiar look of weathered driftwood, or choose a woven rattan coffee table for subtle beach texture that complements the clean-lined silhouette of a white slipcovered sofa.
Make the most of a quiet corner with a relaxing reading nook so you can finish your newest novel while listening to the sound of the waves. Start with a comfortable chair or two, then add an end table to hold any reading essentials, such as eyeglasses or a task lamp. Pick a plush armchair with striped upholstery and nailhead trim for a bold nautical look, or choose a slipcovered chaise lounge chair for a bit of extra space to spread out. Top the side table with a table lamp to keep the nook well-lit for late-night reading, or place a floor lamp nearby to leave plenty of space on the end table for a cup of tea.
Create a stylish coastal vignette on top of a console table. Choose a console table with distressed wood or a whitewashed finish that pairs nicely with the rest of your living room furniture. Build the vignette with different pieces of coastal decor, such as weathered ceramic vases, decorative books, and sea-inspired sculptures. For added height, hang a pair of matching prints or lean a tall piece of wall art on top of the console table. Tuck a striped ottoman beneath for extra seating, or use wicker baskets for additional storage in the open space below.
Pro Tip:
For more easy ways to decorate coastal-style spaces, read our guide 12 Breezy Coastal Decorating Ideas.
6. Layer Woven Area Rugs
For a coastal living room, we love using flatweave or jute and sisal area rugs to help define the space, as well as add warmth and visual interest. Flatweave cotton area rugs are soft, reversible, and easy to care for, making them great options for high-traffic areas (and sandy feet). The low-maintenance style matches the casual atmosphere and comes in a variety of sea-inspired shades. Jute and sisal area rugs are ideal for adding laidback, natural texture to your space. Look for area rugs that suit the coastal color palette, such as sandy neutral tones or shades of blue. Choose subtle patterns, such as stripes or color-blocking, to add nautical appeal, or go with woven geometric patterns for a touch of beach-inspired ambience.
Tie the space together with simple wall art that brings a calming seaside ambience to your living room. Opt for a matching set of prints that feature ocean-inspired motifs like coral, or pick landscape paintings of the coastline to incorporate a bit of salt-of-the-earth style. Another coastal decorating idea we love is adding a wall mirror to make the space feel brighter and more open. Choose a wall mirror with nautical details, such a weathered wood frame or rope detailing, to add a classic touch.
Settle in with a comfortable pile of throw pillows.. When shopping for a coastal-style living room, look for pillows with a variety of textures, such as tufted details or a subtle herringbone weave. Match the nature-inspired palette with inviting neutral colors or breezy shades of blue. Pair textured pillows with solid-colored pillows or layer patterned pillows in similar shades to create a cohesive look.
One of the best ways to freshen up a coastal living room is by adding a vase of fresh-cut flowers. We love using bright florals that evoke the familiar feelings of summertime or florals that you can find growing by the sea. Arrange hydrangeas, daylilies, or geraniums in a short vase for a casual arrangement, or choose a taller vase filled with heirloom roses to create an effortlessly elegant look.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a longer-lasting alternative? Opt for faux flowers to achieve a fresh look that lasts all year.
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