Coastal Furniture & Decor Style Guide

Coastal Furniture & Decor Style Guide

Whether your home has an ocean view or you simply crave a casual, coastal chic feel, there are just a few steps between you and a beach beautiful space. Consider these coastal style furniture ideas and nautical decorating tips.

Seaside Style 101: The basics of ocean-inspired home design.

1. Keep it Casual: Since coastal cottages are all about unwinding, furniture and finishes should be relaxed and unfussy. (can we get a quick example that names some furniture types?) e.g. Stay away from wrought iron and go for some weathered wicker patio furniture.
2. Bring the Outdoors In: The look is inspired by coastal settings, so turn to natural wood tones, natural fibers that evoke beach grass, and colors reminiscent of the sand, sea, and sky. Same as above, e.g. Teak or white dining furniture are favorites for this look.
3. Let in the Light: As beach house spaces are bright and breezy, plenty of light is a must. To let in lots of natural light, opt for diffusing shades or sheers over windows. Layering light fixtures (like mixing pendants with sconces and table lamps) adds to the airiness.
4. Think Outside the Shell: A literal approach to coastal style—one that incorporates marine wall decor like anchors, shells, and boats—is more appropriate for harborside homes than inland ones. But even if your home has a water view, limiting yourself to one or two beach-themed patterns keeps the look from crossing into “kitsch”. Beyond those details, focus on using materials and textures that communicate “beach” in a subtle, sophisticated way.

Elements of Coastal Style: Colors and materials with beach-house charm.

The Palette: For ocean-inspired homes and beach houses, there’s no combination more classic blue and white. But by varying shades, saturation, and accent colors, you can personalize the palette for your space and style. Whether you prefer nautical and preppy or natural and serene, consider these tips.

For a New England-nautical vibe

Accent a navy and white palette with bold pops of red and yellow. For furniture, choose darker, polished wood tones like a walnut coffee table or cherry accent chairs, plus painted pieces in primary shades.

For a Carolina-coastal approach

Pair misty blues and pale shades of aqua with softer shades of white like cream and eggshell. With wood, opt for bleached or white-washed finishes.

For a neutral take

If you prefer to decorate without much color, evoke a beach house feel by pairing shades of white, gray, and sand with furniture in weathered or reclaimed wood.

For a tropical twist

Deep aquamarine shades accented by touches of pink recalls waves, conch, and coral. Painted or natural, pieces like rattan decorative boxes and bamboo framed mirrors augment the island vibe.

The Furniture

1. Say yes to slipcovers. Casually chic and easy to clean, slipcovered seating in a pale neutrals evokes the sails of a boat.
2. Choose furniture with function. Bunk beds, daybeds with trundles, pullout sofas, and extra seating make it easy to accommodate house guests.
3. Follow tradition.Coastal style has traditional roots, so look for timeless shapes or antique pieces. If you want a more updated look, paint classic furniture white or a vibrant shade of red or blue.

The Accents & Decor

1. Include elements of the coastal life. Stripes, rope accents, porthole mirrors, and buoys add classic regatta-inspired charm. Sea glass, sun-bleached shells, and collections of glass bottles in various shades of blue and green are reminders of the ocean landscape.
2. Bring in blooms. Bouquets of real or faux hydrangeas, pale roses, and tulips keep the look light. Choose casual arrangements, and stick to a mellow pastel palette.
3. Incorporate details found in classic coastal homes. Beadboard, shiplap, and wainscoting add interest to walls. Lantern-style pendants illuminate interiors and outdoor spaces alike.

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