Achieve a Coastal Look: Easy Home Decorating Ideas

 

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Let’s talk about easy ways to achieve a coastal cottage look in your home. You know, the kind of space that feels like a warm breeze. It smells like the ocean, even if you’re miles away from the shore. Decorating in this style is all about embracing simplicity, comfort, and a little bit of that timeless coastal charm. So, let’s dive into 10 ways you can make it happen.

1. Start with a Soft, Neutral Palette

Picture it: walls painted in calming shades of white or sand, with accents of navy or sky blue. The key is to keep things light and airy to create that cottage vibe.

white slipcovered sofa with navy and white striped coastal pillows . Here we use an ottoman as a coffee table by putting a tray on it for drinks and of course, seashells

2. Use Natural Textures

Incorporate rattan, wicker, and wood to bring in that coastal feel. A driftwood mirror or a wicker chair can add the perfect rustic touch.

rattan place mats and hanging lamp (affiliate links) give those coastal vibes

3. Slipcovered Furniture

Slipcovers scream coastal cottage! Opt for white or neutral fabrics to keep the space fresh and versatile. Bonus points for machine-washable covers—perfect for sandy toes or beachy pups.

4. Add Subtle Nautical Touches

stripes scream nautical to me

5. Layer with Cozy Textiles

To create that “curl up with a book” feeling, layer your space with soft throws, cotton quilts, and pillows in muted coastal tones.

A cozy bed with a navy quilt, striped throw pillows, and a chunky knit blanket in a sandy beige color.

Think of this as adding a sprinkle of the sea—rope decor, a ship’s wheel, or even framed vintage maps. Just don’t overdo it; a little goes a long way. the goal is subtle nautical 😉

6. Display Found Treasures

Showcase shells, sea glass, or driftwood from your last beach trip. Arrange them in clear glass jars or trays for a personal touch.

A console table with a large glass jar of white sand and shells, a stack of coastal coffee table books, and a small potted succulent

7. Embrace Shiplap or Beadboard Walls

Nothing says coastal cottage like shiplap! Whether you use it as an accent wall or throughout a room, it’s a must-have for this style.

A bright kitchen with white shiplap walls, open shelving filled with white dishes, and a farmhouse sink beneath a window framed by navy curtains.

8. Create a Coastal Gallery Wall

Combine beachy artwork, vintage maps, and framed photos of your favorite seaside memories. Use distressed wood or whitewashed frames for a cohesive look.

A gallery wall above a sofa, featuring watercolor prints of the ocean, photos of lighthouses, and a framed anchor sketch

9. Let the Light Shine In

Natural light is everything! Use airy curtains or bamboo shades to let the sunshine pour in. Keep the lighting warm and inviting with table lamps and sconces.

10. Bring the Outside In

Incorporate greenery or floral arrangements to freshen up your space. Choose coastal-inspired plants like ferns or palms, or add bouquets of white hydrangeas.

A kitchen island with a large blue glass vase filled with white hydrangeas, next to a bowl of lemons for a pop of color.

Conclusion:

Decorating your home in a coastal cottage style is all about creating a space that feels serene, cozy, and connected to the sea. Start with these tips, and before you know it, your home will feel like a retreat you never want to leave.

I would love to hear your thoughts

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