Beach house interior design is often defined by open, airy spaces filled with laid-back comfort and organic texture. Bring the familiar feel of the seaside into your space with our beach house design ideas. Keep reading below to learn about elements of beach house interior design and how to incorporate them into your own coastal home.

Beach House Interior Design Basics

Beach house interior design draws inspiration from coastal landscapes with a combination of relaxed textures, seaside-inspired colors, and calming aesthetics. Large windows and white walls help create a bright, comfortable ambience lit with plenty of natural light.

Beach House Color Palette

For a serene coastal color palette, start with a base of soft neutral tones that look amazing in natural light. We love using light colors, such as a sandy beige or a crisp white, as the foundation for a room and adding in accent colors. Opt for subtle shades of blue – ranging from sailor navy to pale aqua – to reflect the soothing colors of the water.

Beach House Textures

For beach house design ideas, choose lightweight, breezy materials made for lived-in comfort. We suggest picking materials that are soft and airy, such as linen or cotton. Both fabrics are long-lasting and durable enough for everyday use. Incorporate warmth with natural materials, such as jute, rattan, or a white-washed wood finish.

Pro Tip:

Want to learn more about coastal design? Read Your Guide to Coastal Style & Decor for more information on elements of coastal style, such as furniture and decor.

Beach House Design Ideas

With relaxed silhouettes and a palette of calming colors, we've put together eight beach house decorating ideas to make your beach house interior design come together with ease.

1. Create a Living Room Oasis

Relax in the living room while looking at the water outside of your window. Choose comfortable seating with plenty of space to sprawl out. Go for a clean and classic option, like a spacious white sectional with plush cushions and rolled arms. Pick a sectional with long-lasting qualities, such as a solid wood frame or down-filled cushions that provide the right amount of support. Add washed-out indigo throw pillows and a warm blanket for extra comfort after a long day at the beach.

2. Decorate With Beachy Accents

Bring in natural accents for subtle beach house decor. Choose decorative pieces like shells, driftwood, or coral to decorate open spaces. Add color with a glass lamp in a sea-glass-inspired hue, such as aqua, faded green, or pale blue. Incorporate beachy textures with woven rattan baskets or rope details on a wall mirror.

Pro Tip:

Want more coastal decorating inspiration? Browse our guide 12 Breezy Coastal Decorating Ideas.

3. Relax in a Screened Porch

One of our favorite beach house design ideas is creating an airy seating area in a sunroom or screened porch with an outdoor sofa set and a view of the beach. We recommend choosing a wicker set with comfortable cushions for a breezy, casual look. Outdoor wicker furniture is easy to clean and the steel frame is rust-resistant, making it a great choice for a space near sand and salt water. Use an outdoor ottoman for an extra seat or place a tray on top for a convenient coffee table.

4. Make Space for Creating

Carve out a quiet space that can be used as a home office or a creative corner. Place a desk near a window for plenty of natural light and an afternoon breeze. Go for a beachy look with a whitewashed desk and a comfortable rattan chair. Or choose a light-colored oak desk and a matching task chair for a more traditional workspace. Pick a desk with drawers to store art supplies or keep a few wicker baskets nearby for easy access. Just add a few blank canvases for landscape paintings of the beach.

5. Layer Coastal-Style Rugs

Rugs are a quick way to make beach house design ideas more cozy. Low-pile polypropylene rugs are a great option for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas, such as living rooms, patios, or kitchens. Polypropylene rugs are low-maintenance and naturally stain-resistant. The low-pile doesn't collect dust or dirt, making sand easy to clean with a vacuum. Natural flatweave rugs add a bit of organic texture and match any type of beach house decor. Try a jute or sisal area rug for a touch of laid-back ambience.

6. Sleep in a Serene Bedroom

Keep the bedroom simple with a classic combination of clean lines and striped bedding. Opt for a bed with a sturdy wood frame for a familiar coastal feel or a wicker rattan headboard to add natural texture. We suggest choosing a breezy cotton bedding set to stay cool all night. While shopping for comforters or duvets, look for options that are reversible or machine-washable to make laundry day easy.

7. Add Depth With Wallpaper

Blue is an ideal color for a bedroom because it creates a calming ambience. For a simple beach house bedroom, wallpaper is a great way to bring color and pattern to the space. Opt for a wallpaper with a grasscloth-inspired finish for a more pared-down design or choose a striped wallpaper for a nautical look. Layer framed prints or photos over the wallpaper to make the frames stand out and add dimension.

8. Make Space to Gather Around

With warm evenings and the soothing sound of the waves, make your dining table the ideal spot to gather. Lay down a striped coastal table runner and set the table with simple plates and bowls. We love using simple dinnerware that can be used for casual weeknight dinners or dressed up for celebrations. Arrange bright florals and a bit of greenery for the final touch. Just add the sweet corn and fresh-caught seafood.

Pro Tip:

Need help choosing dinnerware for your summer tablescape? Read our guide Dinnerware Materials 101: What Are Stoneware & Earthenware? for tips.

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