How to Make Your Home Look More Coastal

If you’ve ever visited a coastal town or spent a relaxing day by the beach, you know the serene and refreshing feeling that washes over you.

There’s something about the crisp sea air, the gentle sound of waves, and the natural beauty of coastal landscapes that brings a sense of peace and tranquility.

I’ve always been drawn to this vibe, and over the years, I’ve found ways to infuse my home with that same coastal charm, even though I live miles away from the nearest beach.

In this article, I’m excited to share my tips and tricks on how to make your home look more coastal, so you can enjoy that breezy, seaside atmosphere every day.

Embrace a Light and Airy Colour Palette

The first step to achieving a coastal look in your home is to embrace a light and airy colour palette.

Think of the colours you see at the beach—soft whites, sandy beiges, ocean blues, and seafoam greens.

These hues instantly evoke a coastal feel and make your space feel open and inviting.

My Experience with Coastal Colours

When I first decided to give my living room a coastal makeover, I started by painting the walls a soft, sandy beige.

I was a bit nervous about the change, but as soon as the paint dried, the room felt brighter and more spacious.

I complemented the walls with crisp white trim and introduced accents of soft blue through throw pillows, rugs, and artwork.

The transformation was incredible—it felt like I had brought the beach right into my home!

Tips for Choosing Coastal Colours

• Start with a Neutral Base: Choose a soft white, beige, or light grey for your walls. This neutral base will allow you to easily layer in other colours and textures.
• Incorporate Blues and Greens: Add touches of ocean-inspired blues and greens through textiles, artwork, and accessories. These colours will give your space a refreshing coastal vibe.
• Use Natural Materials: Introduce natural textures like jute, linen, and driftwood to enhance the beachy feel.

Bring in Natural Light

Coastal homes are often bathed in natural light, which creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Even if you don’t live near the coast, you can still maximize the natural light in your home.

My Journey to a Brighter Home

I’ve always been a fan of natural light, but my home had heavy drapes that blocked out most of the sunlight.

I decided to swap them out for sheer, white curtains that let the light pour in while still providing some privacy.

The difference was remarkable!

My rooms felt more open, and the natural light brought out the beauty of the coastal colours I had chosen.

How to Maximize Natural Light

• Opt for Sheer Curtains: Replace heavy curtains with sheer or light-filtering ones to allow more sunlight into your space.
• Use Mirrors Strategically: Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and make the room feel larger and brighter.
• Keep Windows Clean: Regularly clean your windows to ensure they let in as much light as possible.

Incorporate Coastal Decor and Accessories

Once you’ve got your colour palette and natural light sorted, it’s time to focus on decor.

Coastal decor is all about creating a relaxed, beachy vibe with natural materials, nautical elements, and ocean-inspired accessories.

My Favourite Coastal Decor Ideas

One of the first pieces of coastal decor I bought was a large piece of driftwood that I found at a local market.

I turned it into a statement piece on my mantel, and it instantly became the focal point of the room.

I’ve also added seashells, starfish, and a few vintage lanterns to my decor collection, which all help to bring that coastal charm into my home.

Essential Coastal Decor Elements

• Natural Materials: Incorporate driftwood, rattan, jute, and wicker for a natural, beachy feel.
• Nautical Touches: Add elements like rope, anchors, and lanterns to give your space a subtle nautical vibe.
• Ocean-Inspired Art: Hang artwork featuring ocean scenes, beach landscapes, or abstract waves to evoke the feeling of being by the sea.

Choose the Right Furniture

Furniture plays a crucial role in achieving a coastal look.

The key is to select pieces that are both comfortable and stylish, with a focus on natural materials and relaxed silhouettes.

My Coastal Furniture Choices

When I was redecorating, I chose a comfortable, slipcovered sofa in a soft, neutral colour.

The slipcover not only adds to the relaxed coastal vibe but also makes it easy to keep clean—perfect for a home that aims to replicate the easy-going nature of beach life.

In the UAE, sofa upholstery fabric plays a crucial role in crafting luxurious and comfortable interiors.

Local designers often select high-quality fabrics for sofas to emphasize the elegance of the space while ensuring comfort in the region’s hot climate.

Popular choices include breathable materials like linen and cotton blends, which not only add a touch of sophistication but also help regulate temperature, making them ideal for the warm environment of the UAE.

I also included drawer boxes for additional storage, which not only keep the space clutter-free but blend seamlessly with the coastal aesthetic.

I also added a couple of rattan chairs and a reclaimed wood coffee table to complete the look.

Tips for Coastal Furniture Selection

• Opt for Slipcovers: Choose slipcovered sofas and chairs for a laid-back, coastal feel. They’re also practical and easy to clean.
• Incorporate Natural Materials: Look for furniture made from wood, rattan, or wicker to enhance the beachy vibe.
• Keep It Casual: Select furniture with simple, relaxed silhouettes that invite you to sit back and unwind.

Add Coastal-Inspired Textiles

Textiles are an easy way to introduce coastal elements into your home.

Think soft, breezy fabrics, and ocean-inspired patterns.

My Textile Transformations

One of the easiest changes I made was swapping out my heavy, dark curtains for light, gauzy ones that flutter in the breeze.

I also added a jute rug in my living room and a few striped cushions on my sofa.

These small changes made a big impact, making the space feel fresh and coastal.

How to Choose Coastal Textiles

• Go for Light Fabrics: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton for curtains, cushions, and throws.
• Incorporate Nautical Patterns: Stripes, particularly in blue and white, are a classic coastal pattern. Use them on cushions, rugs, or even bed linens.
• Layer Textures: Mix and match different textures like jute, linen, and cotton to create a cozy, beachy feel.

Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

The final step in creating a coastal-inspired home is adding those finishing touches that tie everything together.

These small details can make a big difference in how your space feels.

My Coastal Finishing Touches

I found that adding a few small details, like seashells in a glass jar, a bowl of beach stones, and a coastal-scented candle, really helped to complete the look.

These items are subtle but powerful in evoking that seaside atmosphere.

Coastal Finishing Touch Ideas

• Display Seashells: Collect seashells on your next beach trip (or buy some!) and display them in a glass jar or bowl.
• Use Scented Candles: Choose candles with scents like sea breeze, coconut, or driftwood to evoke the smells of the coast.
• Add Greenery: Incorporate coastal plants like succulents or palms to bring a touch of nature indoors.
• Travel Photos: There are many different ways to incorporate travel photos into your costal look

Final Thoughts

Creating a coastal-inspired home is all about bringing the beauty and tranquility of the beach into your everyday life.

By embracing a light and airy colour palette, maximizing natural light, incorporating natural materials and ocean-inspired decor, and choosing the right furniture and textiles, you can transform your home into a serene coastal retreat.

I’ve loved every step of this journey in making my home feel like a seaside escape, and I hope these tips inspire you to do the same.

FAQs

Can I create a coastal look in a small space?

Absolutely! Even small spaces can benefit from a coastal makeover. Focus on using light colours to make the space feel bigger, and incorporate mirrors to reflect natural light. Choose furniture that’s appropriately scaled for the space and use vertical storage to keep things tidy.

Do I need to live near the coast to have a coastal-themed home?

Not at all! You can create a coastal-inspired home no matter where you live. It’s all about bringing in the elements that remind you of the beach, like light colours, natural materials, and ocean-inspired decor.

How can I achieve a coastal look on a budget?

You don’t have to spend a lot to achieve a coastal look. Start by painting your walls a light, neutral colour and incorporating natural materials like jute or wicker. You can find affordable coastal decor at second-hand shops, and even simple DIY projects like framing beach photos or collecting seashells can add to the coastal vibe.

What are the best coastal colours to use?

The best coastal colours are soft whites, sandy beiges, ocean blues, and seafoam greens. These colours are reminiscent of the beach and help to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere in your home.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos