Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
Ever been to the beach and felt that cool, calm vibe that just makes you want to kick back and relax? Well, why not bring that feeling right into your home with some coastal living room ideas?
A coastal style isn’t just about shoving a bunch of seashells everywhere. Nope, it’s more about creating a space where you can chill out and almost hear the waves while you’re sipping on your morning coffee.
Bold coastal living room ideas can range from super sleek and modern to a more laid-back, rustic vibe. You could even mix it up with some tropical elements for that extra touch of paradise.
The trick is to keep it breezy with a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere. That means lots of light colors, airy fabrics, and some clever nods to the nautical life. Who knows, you might just start feeling the sand between your toes!
20 Charming Coastal Living Room Ideas You’ll Love to Try
1. Nautical Accents
Why not kick things off with some nautical accents? Think anchors, ropes, and all sorts of marine life decorations that shout seaside.
You can jazz up your living room with a navy blue and white color scheme, throw in a ship wheel here, and maybe a fishing net there. It’s all about those little touches that bring the ocean right into your home.
2. Light and Airy Color Palette
Now, for a light and airy color palette. This one’s a winner if you’re aiming for that fresh, breezy look.
Soft blues, pristine whites, and sandy neutrals make your living room feel like a day at the beach.
Slap some pale paint on the walls and keep your furniture light-colored. It’ll open up the space like you wouldn’t believe.
3. Natural Textures
Bring on the natural textures! Wicker, rattan, and jute aren’t just tough—they look cool, too. Toss some woven rugs on the floor, deck out the place with wicker chairs, and why not a few rattan baskets for good measure? They’re great for tossing your magazines and blankets into.
4. Coastal Artwork
Nothing screams coastal quite like some good old coastal artwork. We’re talking beach scenes, shells, and waves crashing against the shore.
Mix up large canvases with smaller framed prints to keep things interesting. It’s like having your own private gallery of the sea.
5. Driftwood Decor
Last but not least, driftwood decor. It’s all about that washed-up-on-the-beach vibe. You can use driftwood pieces as coffee tables or turn them into some funky wall art or shelves.
It’s not just about style; it’s about making a statement that you live by the water, even if you really don’t.
6. Beachy Fabrics
Beachy fabrics can turn any living room into a cozy seaside retreat. Opt for linens, cottons, and other light, breathable materials.
These fabrics keep things breezy and comfortable. You can dress up your sofas and chairs with slipcovers in cool coastal colors. Don’t forget to toss a few throw pillows around with fun seaside patterns to complete the look.
7. Sea-Inspired Accessories
It’s all about the details with sea-inspired accessories. Deck out your space with seashells, starfish, and bits of coral to add a touch of the ocean’s wonder.
Create striking centerpieces or fill up glass jars with sand and shells for that authentic beach feel. It’s like bringing part of the beach home without the sandy mess.
8. Coastal Lighting
Lighting can seriously set the mood, and with coastal lighting, it’s no different. Choose light fixtures that remind you of the seaside—think lantern-style lights or lamps made from ropes or driftwood.
These elements help illuminate your space while keeping that chill, coastal vibe alive, even after the sun sets.
9. Open and Spacious Layout
Keeping things open and spacious makes for a truly inviting coastal living room. Stay away from heavy, dark furniture that can swallow up your space.
Instead, arrange your seating to maximize openness. This setup not only makes your room look bigger but also mirrors the open, airy nature of the beach itself.
10. Blue and White Stripes
Nothing says nautical like blue and white stripes. This classic pattern can be a game-changer for your coastal living room.
Incorporate striped rugs, curtains, or throw pillows to bring in some of that timeless seaside charm. It’s simple yet effective in tying together your coastal theme.
11. Indoor Plants
Bringing indoor plants into your space really ramps up that coastal vibe. Choose tropical plants like palms to get that lush, beachy feel.
To keep it stylish, pop those green beauties into woven baskets. It’s practical and oh-so-chic. This green touch not only brightens up your living room but also brings in a slice of tropical paradise.
12. Coastal Rugs
Coastal rugs are next on the list. You want to pick rugs that wave in those beach vibes with patterns or colors that remind you of the ocean.
Go for natural fiber rugs. Waves, shells, and sandy patterns are top picks. They ground your space in the theme and feel soft underfoot—like walking on the beach, only less sandy.
13. Ocean-Inspired Color Schemes
Let’s talk ocean-inspired color schemes. Use colors that mirror the sea and the sandy shores.
Mix up shades of blue, green, and beige to reflect the colors you’d see at the beach. This palette keeps things cool and soothing, just like a gentle sea breeze.
14. Coastal Furniture
Now, onto coastal furniture. You’ll want to select pieces that shout beachy style.
Look for furniture made of natural wood and maybe consider slipcovered sofas to keep things breezy and easy to clean.
This type of furniture not only looks good but also feels casual, perfect for a laid-back coastal vibe.
15. Sea Glass Decor
Last up, sea glass decor. It’s all about those hues and the subtle ocean tint. Think sea glass vases, candle holders, or pieces of wall art.
These items reflect the light beautifully and bring in a bit of ocean sparkle. Using sea glass decor is like capturing the essence of the sea and keeping it all year round.
16. Beach-Themed Wall Art
Spice up your walls with some beach-themed wall art. When you hang prints and paintings of the beach, it’s like bringing the coast right inside.
Choose large, impactful pieces to make a statement or create a gallery wall for a more collected look. This art makes every glance a mini vacation.
17. Coastal Window Treatments
Switching up your window treatments can transform a room. Coastal window treatments should be light and airy to let that sunshine pour in.
Think sheer fabrics or bamboo and wooden blinds that offer privacy without sacrificing your view. It’s all about keeping things breezy and bright.
18. Nautical Stripes
Nautical stripes are bold and always in style. They’re perfect for adding a crisp, maritime feel to your decor.
Use striped fabrics for upholstery or as accent pieces in your living room.
This design choice keeps things looking sharp and tailored but still fun and laid-back.
19. Weathered Wood
There’s something about weathered wood that just feels right in a coastal home. It’s got that worn, lived-in look that screams beach house.
Go for reclaimed wood pieces or try your hand at distressing some furniture yourself. It adds character and a sense of history to your space.
20. Coastal Knick-Knacks
Finally, it’s those little coastal knick-knacks that tie everything together. Scatter around some miniature lighthouses, sand dollars, and beach signs to add those finishing touches.
They’re not just decor; they’re conversation starters that bring a bit of the seaside into your daily life.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a whole lot of ground today on coastal living room ideas, from the relaxing blues and greens of ocean-inspired color schemes to the rustic charm of weathered wood and everything between.
These ideas are just the start. Mix and match them to make a space that feels right for you—maybe a bit of driftwood here, a splash of nautical stripes there, and don’t forget a few tropical plants to bring it all to life.
Now it’s your turn! Got any neat ideas or have you tried out some of these suggestions in your own living room? Drop your thoughts and photos in the comments.
Sharing is caring, and who knows, your setup might just inspire someone else to bring a bit of the beach into their home.
