Whether your home is steps away from the beach, or your perfect getaway is in your own backyard, nautical style and coastal decorations will turn any space into a seaside escape. From refined lines and sophistication to sea-life motifs, we cover the essentials of nautical decorating with coastal decor, and share some of our coastal decorating ideas.

Coastal Basics

• Sandy neutrals with hints of primary colors (yellow, red, and blue).
• Mixes of pattern and texture that create warmth and dimension.
• White furniture and walls that support an open, airy vibe.
• Organic, nautical decorating materials like rope, rattan, sisal, and driftwood nod to the style's maritime origins.
• Lightweight linen and cotton textiles create a casual, beachy feel.

Coastal Architecture

Exposed beams, cathedral ceilings, built-in shelves, and paneled, white walls are reminiscent of classic seaside cottages. Bonus: They make your space seem larger. Though natural wood is sometimes left exposed, wood furniture and wall paneling is usually painted or stained a light color. Coastal homes feature ample windows and open floor plans that amplify light, airflow, and openness.

Coastal Color Palette

Summon the sea by splashing shades of ocean blue all around your home. Don’t worry about matching your hues, a traditional coastal home is filled with a spectrum of blues – sailor navy, aqua, seaglass green, Mediterranean azure, and bright cerulean all create a coastal home.

Contrast saturated blues with clean white. White walls and large furniture pieces act as large, crisp canvases on which the blue hues pop. Pulled from maritime signal flags, classic coastal accent colors are bold yellow and red. These warm tones stand out on a backdrop of white and blue.

Coastal Patterns

The core pattern of coastal decor is the classic stripe, which can take on many forms. A navy Breton stripe (think French sailor shirts) is an ode to sailing, while thicker cabana stripes feel more beachy. Classic preppy motifs, like plaids and buffalo checks, also feel right at home. For a playful twist, go with sea-life motifs including botanical marine prints.

Nautical symbols – anchors, ropes, life rafts, and compasses – are also coastal go-tos. Find the right balance of patterns for your personal look. Take a minimalist approach with one or two motifs in a room (try a couple marine life pillows or a coral patterned rug), or lean into the style with stripes and motifs galore.

Coastal Fabrics

When it comes to fabrics, go natural with linen and cotton to create a light, beachy feel. Linen is naturally resistant to bacteria, so if you have a beach house, it can handle wet bathing suits and sandy feet. Cotton is an easy-breezy textile that's perfect for casual spaces.

Use cotton for seating slipcovers. The slipcover can be thrown in the washing machine so cleaning up after beach days or messy pets and children is easy. The skirting on slipcovers also adds a laid-back yet sophisticated touch.

Light-colored linen or cotton curtains have a sail-like look to them and give a breezy coastal vibe when gently flowing in the wind.

For rugs, natural, rope-like fibers like jute and sisal evoke a seafaring vibe. They're also durable, making them perfect for high-traffic areas and indoor/outdoor spaces.

Coastal Decor

Bring the outdoors in with shells, coral, starfish, sea glass, driftwood, and other collected treasures. When in doubt, fill a glass vase with sand and prop a few of your favorite seashells inside for a beach-inspired display. Fresh flowers and plants also work to bring the outdoors in.

Maritime pieces like ship steering wheels, anchors, bottles, and ropes also make for perfect statement touches and unifying elements. Large glass balls in dark blues, reds, yellows, and greens wrapped in rope will transform your basic coffee table into a coastal talking piece.

Coastal lighting can take the form of iron, wooden, or rope-wrapped chandeliers; caged, black industrial metal wall sconces; or glass-enclosed lights designed to look like oil lamps.

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