Coastal Interior Design: A Relaxed, Refined Look Inspired by the Sea

Calming, elegant, and effortlessly stylish — coastal interior design is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle rooted in natural textures, airy palettes, and the timeless charm of seaside living. Whether you’re decorating a coastal cottage or bringing a sense of escape to a city flat, this style creates a bright and breezy space that feels like a permanent holiday.

What is Coastal Interior Design Style?

Coastal interior design draws inspiration from the sea, sky, and sand. Think sun-bleached timbers, soft linens, and a palette of whites, creams, soft blues and weathered greys. This look is laid-back yet polished — pairing the casual essence of beachy décor with timeless sophistication.

Coastal décor avoids heavy fabrics or cluttered accessories, instead focusing on breathable materials, light-enhancing finishes, and natural elements like rattan, driftwood, linen and jute.

How to Make Your Home Look Coastal

1. Start with a Pale and Neutral Base
   Soft white walls or gentle sea-glass tones create the perfect canvas. Colours like French blue, sand beige, and pale sage evoke coastal calm without feeling themed.

Farrow & Ball’s palette is ideal for this style, offering rich yet subtle shades that reflect the changing light of the coast:

These hues work just as well in modern homes as they do in period properties, offering versatility while staying true to coastal principles.

2. Incorporate Coastal Furniture with Elegant Lines

The Umea Sofa by Cox & Cox (shown below) is the perfect example of coastal comfort — loose linen cushions, muted tones, and a relaxed silhouette that invites you to sit back and unwind.
Umea Sofa in a coastal living room – pale wood floors and French blue cushions for a beach house feel

3. Layer in Natural Textures

A key element of coastal interior design is texture — the subtle interplay of materials that feel connected to nature. Timber flooring, wicker chairs, seagrass baskets and handwoven rugs all help ground a space and evoke laid-back seaside charm.

Seagrass Baskets for Soft Storage
These woven baskets are perfect for holding throws, logs, or potted plants. Their texture adds visual warmth while keeping things tidy. Try grouping a few in a corner to bring in a coastal cottage feel.

Striped Rugs for Light and Movement
The French Blue Striped Rug introduces a nautical influence without being too obvious. Its pale, sandy tones and delicate blue lines reflect the colours of a coastal landscape, while the texture brings subtle layering to the floor.

4. Choose Accessories That Reflect the Sea

Accessories are where you can lean into the coastal theme with creativity and charm — without overwhelming your space. Look for sculptural, seaside-inspired pieces in natural materials and watery tones that nod to the ocean.

• Faux Coral Ornaments
  Sculptural coral pieces like this small faux coral from Cox & Cox add a gentle organic touch and bring a sense of marine calm to consoles, coffee tables or bookshelves.
  
• Driftwood Accents
  This rustic driftwood candlestick from LiveLaughLove combines natural textures with coastal character. Pieces like this are ideal for layering on mantels or windowsills.
  
• Nautical Glass Buoys
  Hanging glass buoys wrapped in rope add colour, texture, and a vintage sailor’s charm. Their subtle shimmer reflects natural light, making them perfect for windows, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces.

Each of these pieces blends beautifully with the airy, natural feel of coastal décor — adding a personal, collected-over-time feel that balances refinement with seaside nostalgia.

5. Feature Serene Coastal Wall Art

For a more striking design feature, explore sculptural wall art that embraces movement and marine life. These handcrafted eco-resin plaques by LamornaStudio on Etsy are full of coastal soul and artisan detail. Choose from swirling jellyfish or a statement octopus — each piece offers gentle texture and a nod to the ocean without overpowering your space. Their soft white finish and organic shapes blend beautifully with neutral or blue-toned interiors, bringing natural rhythm and calm to a seaside-inspired scheme.

Discover more coastal wall décor at LamornaStudio on Etsy.

Coastal Bedroom Inspiration

Create a calm and collected bedroom by layering soft neutrals with coastal blues. This restful palette, paired with tactile elements like quilted bedding, oak furniture, and textured rugs, evokes the serenity of seaside living. A navy upholstered bed base adds subtle depth, while artwork inspired by marine life above the headboard reinforces the theme without feeling overly styled. Keep accessories minimal — think white ceramics, linen cushions, and a touch of greenery — to let the materials and colours speak for themselves.

What is the Difference Between Beachy and Coastal Décor?

While beachy décor often leans toward casual or themed elements like anchor prints or seashell patterns, coastal interior design is more refined. It uses similar inspiration (sea and sand) but with a curated, modern approach — focusing on texture, tone, and quality materials rather than novelty items.

Coastal Decorating FAQs

What is coastal interior design style?

A soft, natural approach to decorating that draws from the seaside — featuring neutral tones, gentle blues, natural materials, and airy layouts.

What is the difference between beachy and coastal décor?

Coastal décor is elegant and timeless; beachy décor is often more casual or kitsch. Coastal style avoids overtly themed accessories in favour of sophisticated materials and subtle seaside references.

How do you decorate a home with a coastal theme?

Use a base of pale, airy colours. Introduce wood, linen, and rattan textures. Add accessories like coral, seascape art, and blue-striped rugs. Keep the look uncluttered and serene.

What are the key coastal interior design trends for 2025?

• French blue and seafoam green tones
• Natural wood sideboards and cane accents
• Faux coral and shell-inspired ornaments
• Layered white-on-white schemes with textured throws
• Softly abstract oceanic artwork