This post shows you the best coastal style summer decor ideas for your home.
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your home into a breezy beachside retreat, you’re in the right place. Incorporating coastal style summer decor can instantly transport you to that calm seaside sanctuary. From sandy neutrals to blue accents, there are endless ways to create a relaxing coastal atmosphere in your home.
Summer is sunshine and happiness, and your home can evoke the same feeling of joy and simplicity. Whether you have a beach house or are just looking for ways to give your home a coastal look, now is the perfect time to embrace a laid-back style. Here are 25 easy, breezy ways to make your home feel like a summer vacation every day:
25 Coastal Decorating Ideas for a Light, Breezy Coastal Home
1. Add Woven Baskets for Texture
Woven baskets and wicker baskets are stylish and practical. Use them to hold blankets, toys, or even plants. They instantly add that relaxed, natural texture.
2. Incorporate Driftwood Accents
Look for driftwood mirrors, wall art, or even table decor. Driftwood adds a weathered, organic touch that feels like somebody pulled it from the shoreline. This is a great way to combine natural elements and coastal elements.
3. Choose a Soft Coastal Color Palette
Stick to whites, sandy neutral tones, light blues, and seafoam greens. These color palettes reflect the sea and sky and help create a calm, soothing atmosphere.
4. Swap in Linen or Cotton Curtains
Trade heavy curtains that darken your room for something light and flowy. Linen or cotton lets in sunlight and creates that breezy vacation feel.
5. Use a Jute Rug
Natural fiber rugs are a common way to incorporate a natural element. They’re durable and have the kind of texture that grounds a room without making it feel heavy. Add lots of textures with a variety of natural fibers. You will love this round jute rug!
6. Decorate with Glass Bottles or Vases
Think aqua, green, or clear glass. Cluster a few on a table or shelf for an easy way to create an instant beachy vibe. Summer decorating is a great thing–so much fun!
7. Hang Nautical Wall Art
Look for vintage coastal maps, ocean landscapes, or ship prints. Framed in white or weathered wood, they add just the right beachy charm. Additionally, open shelves work well in a summer bedroom.
8. Bring in Rattan or Wicker Furniture
A rattan chair or wicker side table adds texture and natural material—perfect for that laid-back, coastal feeling. Isn’t this rattan tissue box cover love at first sight?! It’s the little things in life.
9. Add Throw Pillows with Coastal Prints
Pillows with coral patterns, stripes, or palm fronds are a low-effort way to change up the whole mood of a room. They add that coastal vibe and reflect more of your design style with too much extra cost.
10. Include a Statement Shell Decor Piece
Oversized clam shells or bowls filled with smaller shells make great coffee table centerpieces or bathroom accents. Display sea fans and beach theme decor. Focal points help guide the eye.
11. Display Beachcombing Finds
Fill a jar with sea shells, sand, or sea glass from your favorite beach (or pick some up at a craft store). It’s personal and a great way to capture special memories. Sand dollars are another great idea!
12. Go for Whitewashed or Weathered Wood
Tables, frames, and shelves in whitewashed finishes instantly evoke coastal charm. Sandy beaches inspire the decorating style.
13. Hang Sheer White Curtains
The lighter, the better. Let the breeze flow through and give your space that open, airy feeling with these easy-to-hang curtains.
14. Use Rope or Nautical Elements
Rope mirrors, drawer pulls, or even curtain tiebacks add a subtle nod to the sea without going overboard. You can DIY your own using this fun and durable rope.
15. Layer in Stripes
Classic navy and white stripes are a coastal favorite. You can use them in bedding, rugs, or even dish towels.
16. Add a Coastal-Inspired Scent
Burn a toxic-free candle that smells like the ocean, coconut, or salty air. Scents are powerful mood-makers!
17. Keep Decor Light and Minimal
Coastal design is all about ease. Keep things uncluttered to help your space feel open and fresh, especially in your dining area.
18. Bring in Coral or Starfish Accents
A small coral sculpture or a few starfish in a bowl can go a long way without feeling kitschy.
19. Use Light Wood Tones
Opt for furniture or decor in blonde woods or light oak—they feel fresh and beachy, unlike heavy dark woods. Simple ideas create a cozy space.
20. Create a Coastal Gallery Wall
Mix framed prints, beach photos, and even 3D pieces like small paddles or rope art for a personalized take.
21. Use Light Blue or Turquoise Accents
A vase here, a throw there—this pop of color instantly makes your room feel cooler and brighter. The beachy style fits coastal living.
22. Add Hanging Lanterns or Rope Pendants
Swap standard lights for lantern-style pendants or glass-and-rope fixtures to enhance the seaside mood. Vintage pieces from flea markets add charm.
23. Incorporate Plants with Tropical Vibes
Think palms, birds of paradise, or even faux banana leaves. Real greenery always livens up a space, especially when displayed against a lighter color palette like white walls. Fake greenery will do, too!
24. Decorate with Sailboat or Lighthouse Motifs
These work best as subtle touches—like a small sculpture or framed photo—not an entire theme. Look for sailboat and lighthouse motifs at thrift stores!
25. Add a Coastal Wreath or Welcome Sign
Perfect for your front door, porch, or entryway, coastal cottage style is easy to love. It sets the tone before guests even step inside.
Bonus Tip: How to Add Coastal Style Summer Decor Into Your Living Room
Creating a coastal style feel in your living room starts with a neutral color palette. Choose whites, creams, blues, and soft pastels for your wall color. These paint colors make the space feel bright and refreshing. Add natural materials like a woven rug or bamboo blinds to warm the space. If nautical is your thing, you can incorporate navy blue stripes, anchors, sea shells, and rope motifs through throw pillows, artwork, or wall decor. Add some greenery with tropical plants, fresh flowers, or succulents. Finally, lighten the room with sheer curtains, allowing natural light to filter through the windows. You likely spend most of your time in your living room, and an airy ambiance is the perfect way to create a relaxing oasis.
Quick Recap
There are so many incredible ways to add coastal style summer decor to your home. Here are the top three takeaways from this post:
- Embrace light, natural textures like rattan, jute, wicker, and linen
- Use a calming palette of whites, blues, and sea greens for base colors
- Mix in a few beachy decor pieces (keep it simple!)
Decorating Your Own Home to Reflect a Coastal Style You Love
A beach cottage is the perfect place for summer months, but even if you don’t have a cottage, you can take inspiration from a relaxing beach vacation. Perhaps you like escaping the winter months, too! One of my favorite things about driving through South Florida last year was seeing the vibrant colors. Just because your beach cottage uses neutral coastal colors for the walls doesn’t mean you can’t add bright colors, some of your favorite things, or nautical decor that reflects your interests. Ultimately, your living space or home should be a reflection of you!
You can incorporate coastal decor ideas throughout your home, from your dining room to your family room and from your music room to your master bedroom.
Now it’s your turn—pick 2-3 ideas from the list and start refreshing your space today!
Leave a comment and tell me which coastal touch you’re trying first!
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