Yo, welcome to your ultimate guide to creating the ultimate coastal-chic living room! Whether you're dreaming of that beachfront bungalow vibe or just want to infuse some laid-back island style into your space, you've come to the right place.
Let's be real - nothing beats that effortless, sun-soaked feel of a seaside retreat, right? And the good news is, you don't have to be near an actual coastline to capture that same relaxed, carefree energy in your living room. With the right mix of natural materials, soothing colors, and cozy textures, you can transform any space into your very own coastal oasis.
Coastal artwork
Artwork can take up a lot of wall space, making it a fantastic focal point in any room. Thus, simply adding coastal-themed pieces featuring beaches, ocean waves, seashells, or palm trees can instantly bring a seaside vibe to your living room.
Coastal Houseplants
If you're looking to turn your living room into a coastal oasis, try adding some coastal indoor plants. They can bring the calming and refreshing vibes of the coast right into your space. Some great options include the Kentia Palm, Parlor Palm, Bird of Paradise, and Snake Plant.
Shore-inspired color palette
One of the best ways to create a coastal living room is by using beachy colors. If you prefer a cool vibe, go for shades of pale blue, green, and white. If you want a warm and cozy feel, try sandy beiges, tans, and yellows. And don't worry, it's perfectly fine to mix and match these colors to get the look you love.
Add a Blue Accent Wall
When it comes to coastal colors, blue is the star of the show! Inspired by the ocean and the sky, it perfectly captures the coastal vibe. There are so many beautiful shades to choose from, like navy, turquoise, sea foam green, and more.
White and other neutrals
If you're dreaming of a modern coastal living room, think about using white or other neutral shades like gray and beige. Modern design is all about simplicity and clean lines. White and neutrals give you a crisp, clean backdrop that fits perfectly with this style, creating sleek and uncluttered spaces.
Cozy "Sunrise" and "sunset" colors
To bring the magic of an early morning or late evening at the beach into your living room, try using "sunrise" or "sunset" colors like terracotta, light pink, and mustard yellow. For instance, I adore a coastal living room in pastel pink because it gives off such soft, gentle, and relaxing vibes.
Coastal boho
To create a cozy coastal boho living room, blend beachy and bohemian elements seamlessly. Opt for furniture made from rattan, wicker, or bamboo to infuse that boho vibe. Then, mix and match with throw pillows in coastal colors or stripes to complete the look.
A coastal-themed decor tray
To keep your small coastal items from getting lost or scattered, gather them in a tray. For displaying a collection of seashells, group them in a smaller tray within the larger one. This way, you can clearly define and separate them from other items, making your display more organized.
Rustic Furniture Crafted from Weathered or Distressed Wood
To cultivate a soothing, seaside-inspired ambiance in your living room, incorporate furniture crafted from weathered or distressed wood. These pieces evoke the charm of weather-beaten seaside treasures, instantly transporting you to a relaxing coastal retreat.
Opt for pieces like driftwood-inspired coffee tables, salvaged wood consoles, or reclaimed wood accent chairs to instantly capture that laid-back, beachy vibe.
A cart with coastal decor
A cart can transform an empty corner of your living room into a charming coastal nook! You can decorate it with seashell-shaped dishes, glass jars filled with sand and seashells, a "BEACH" sign, or even a piece of coral. For that perfect rustic beachy vibe, go for a cart made from rattan material.
Blue Rugs
As the signature color of the sea and sky, blue is a natural choice for infusing coastal elegance into a living room's design. Blue area rugs, whether in solid hues or patterned with stripes or waves, instantly establish a serene, beach-inspired foundation for the space.
Instantly Coastal: Swap Out Throw Pillow Covers
As a renter who can't make permanent changes, I love this idea the most! It lets me easily remove the covers, take them with me, and set them up in a new place quickly. When choosing coastal throw pillow covers, think about colors like blue, white, or green, and textures like nautical stripes, sea-inspired patterns, or botanical prints.
A beach-themed wall gallery
Whether you want to create a beach-themed wall gallery with a simple, minimalist layout or a more eclectic one, make sure all the pieces relate to beachy themes. You can choose photographs or paintings of beaches, ocean waves, sunsets, and coastal landscapes. Adding your own personal photos can also bring a special touch and cherished memories to the gallery.
Fool-proof layouts to try
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Waves patterns
This is a great idea to bring coastal features to your living room as wavy patterns can beautifully mimic the ocean's waves. You can incorporate this look in various ways, such as using a rug with a swirl marble effect that evokes white-capped waves or opting for a beach wave couch.
Coastal-inspired Vase Decor
Looking for a budget-friendly alternative to pricey beach-themed vases? Try making your own DIY versions! Just fill glass vases with beach sand and shells. It's a fun and easy project that anyone can do, from kids to adults, without needing any special skills or experience.
Rattan Pendant Lights
Rattan pendants got a real beachy vibe, with their natural woven materials and relaxed shapes. The rattan and wicker give off that laidback, sun-bleached look you'd find in a beach house. They cast a nice, soft glow that fits the chill vibes of the whole space.
Whitewashed brick fireplace
If you’re thinking about adding a fireplace to your coastal living room, consider designs like coastal art above the fireplace or a whitewashed brick fireplace. The latter provides your living room with a classic coastal look thanks to the natural brick material. Its white finish can soften the ruggedness of the brick and add a light, airy feel to your space.
Driftwood log holder
Driftwood is wood that has been washed ashore by waves, tides, or winds. Instead of using traditional iron log holders, why not try a driftwood log holder? It's the perfect accent for your coastal fireplace!
