How should I style a coastal living room?

Coastal living room designs evoke feelings of serenity, tranquility, and warmth, often inspired by the natural beauty of the sea, sand, and sky. Whether you live near the ocean or simply want to create a coastal-inspired retreat, styling your living room with a coastal theme can bring the relaxing, breezy atmosphere of beachside living indoors.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to style a coastal living space that captures the essence of the seaside, while making it feel like a comfortable, inviting space for everyday use.

1. Choose a Light, Breezy Color Palette

The foundation of a coastal living room starts with its color scheme. The idea is to mimic the peaceful and natural hues of the beach, with light, airy tones that create a soothing atmosphere.

• Soft Blues and Sea Greens: Light shades of blue, aqua, or seafoam green immediately call to mind the colors of the ocean. These tones can be used for wall colours, accent cushions, or throw blankets.
• Neutral Whites and Beiges: White walls and beige furniture reflect the sunlight and evoke the brightness of a beach setting. Opt for light, neutral tones for larger pieces like sofas or rugs, which will give the space a fresh and open feel.
• Touches of Sandy Tones: Incorporating soft, sandy beiges or light taupe in your furniture, cushions, and accessories can help balance the coolness of blues and greens and bring warmth into the space.
• Accents of Coral or Turquoise: For a pop of colour, use accent pieces such as decorative vases, wall art, or throw pillows in shades of coral, turquoise, or seashell pink. These hues add a playful yet natural contrast.

The key to a successful coastal living space is to keep the palette light and cohesive, so the space feels calm and restful.

2. Embrace Natural Materials

To channel the coastal vibe, focus on natural materials that are found by the beach. These materials create texture, warmth, and authenticity in your space.

• Wood: Weathered or reclaimed wood is a signature element of coastal design. Opt for light, bleached woods like oak or driftwood to create a relaxed feel. You can incorporate this material through furniture like coffee tables, shelving units, or picture frames.
• Rattan and Wicker: Rattan furniture and wicker baskets are perfect for a coastal living room. Use wicker chairs or a rattan light fixture to add texture and an organic touch. These materials also evoke a sense of natural simplicity.
• Linen and Cotton: Softer textiles, like linen or cotton, are essential in coastal styling. Choose slipcovered sofas and cushions in these fabrics for a laid-back, casual look. These fabrics are breathable and contribute to a light, airy atmosphere in your living room.
• Jute or Sisal Rugs: A woven jute or sisal rug can add a rustic beachy touch while grounding the space. These natural fiber rugs are perfect for creating a coastal-inspired floor texture, especially when combined with neutral-coloured furniture.

Incorporating these organic materials will enhance the authentic, earthy vibe of your coastal living room.

3. Incorporate Beach-Inspired Elements

To bring the beach into your room, incorporate subtle yet stylish coastal accents. These elements should remind you of the sea without overwhelming the space.

• Seashells and Driftwood: Display seashells, starfish, and driftwood as decorative pieces throughout your room. A clear glass jar or a decorative tray filled with seashells can make for an elegant coffee table centerpiece. Driftwood art pieces, mirrors, or sculptures can also add a coastal touch.
• Nautical Art and Photography: Wall art is another way to infuse the coastal theme. Coastal photography or paintings of serene beach scenes, boats, or lighthouses can add character and charm to your walls. Consider black-and-white photography for a more contemporary and understated look.
• Glass and Ceramic Accents: Sea glass vases, decorative glass bottles, or ceramic coral sculptures can bring a coastal feel into your living space. These small details help evoke the relaxed charm of a seaside retreat.
• Light, Breezy Curtains: Use light, sheer curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Curtains in white, beige, or soft blues allow for soft breezes to flow through the room and contribute to the airy feel.

These small, coastal-inspired details will bring the charm of the beach into your room, making it feel like a true coastal escape.

4. Furniture and Layout for Relaxation

The furniture in a coastal living room should reflect comfort and functionality while maintaining a laid-back, stylish vibe.

• Comfortable Sofas: Choose a large, comfortable sofa with plush cushions and soft fabric. A neutral color, like beige or light grey, is ideal for keeping the space feeling bright. Alternatively, opt for a slipcovered sofa in white or light blue for a coastal chic look.
• Coastal Coffee Tables: A rustic, wooden coffee table or a table made of driftwood or reclaimed wood can serve as the focal point of your room. These pieces add texture and warmth to the space and create a laid-back vibe perfect for a living room.
• Open Layout: Coastal living rooms often embrace an open layout that allows for easy flow and flexibility. Arrange your seating to facilitate conversation and create a welcoming atmosphere. Leave ample space for movement, and don’t overcrowd the room with furniture.

Ensure that the layout encourages comfort and relaxation, with enough seating for socialising and plenty of open space to foster a breezy, airy feel.

5. Lighting to Enhance the Coastal Ambiance

Lighting is crucial to create the right ambiance in a coastal living room. Natural light should be maximised to mimic the feel of being by the beach.

• Maximise Natural Light: Large windows are a hallmark of coastal design. If you’re lucky enough to have windows with a view of the outdoors, make sure to keep them unobstructed with simple curtains or blinds. The more natural light you can let into the space, the brighter and more open it will feel.
• Layered Lighting: Use layered lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Combine ambient lighting with task lighting, like table lamps or floor lamps, to provide soft illumination for evening relaxation. Coastal-inspired light fixtures, like those made from wicker, driftwood, or glass, add a beautiful finishing touch.
• Candles: Soft, flickering candlelight can enhance the tranquil atmosphere of a coastal living room. Use scented candles with beachy scents like sea breeze or coconut, or place candles in lantern-style holders to evoke a nautical vibe.

Good lighting, both natural and artificial, is key to establishing the soothing, warm atmosphere that is synonymous with coastal living.

Final Thoughts: Bringing the Coast into Your Home

Styling a coastal living room is all about embracing the serenity, simplicity, and natural beauty of the seaside. From choosing light, airy colors to incorporating natural materials and beach-inspired accents, you can create a space that feels like a refreshing coastal retreat, no matter where you live.

By focusing on comfort, tranquility, and a connection to nature, your coastal living room will become a peaceful, stylish sanctuary that you’ll love to relax in every day.

Share your top tips for creating your perfect coastal living environment and why not review our range of Made in Britain coastal living products?