20 Modern Coastal Living Room Ideas To Emulate Nature In Your Home
The living room is the heart of the house. It’s a sanctuary where a family can talk about their day and bond over the grind.
A place to relax and enjoy solitude with a warm cup of coffee. Its interior should also reflect that warmth and welcoming vibe, that makes you feel cuddly. And this interior can be achieved with some coastal living room ideas for decor.
If you are wondering, ‘What is a coastal style decor?’ Stop right there, because letting your brain wander will only lead to more wondering.
I am here to not only be your guide but also a companion who will explain 20 different coastal living room ideas, with color palettes, textures, accents, design elements, and whatnot, that will all help you design your coastal living room.
From furniture choices to decorative touches, this next section will cover everything you need to create a calming and inviting coastal retreat, all conveniently outlined for you.
And for even more inspiration, don’t forget to explore “coastal living room ideas Pinterest“, a treasure trove of visual inspiration to ignite your creativity because that’s where I get most of my inspiration from. (Just inspiration, I am no cheater!)
1- Painting To Complement Coastal Vibe
If you are looking for inspiration for perfect modern coastal living room ideas, just look at this picture and ask yourself who you think is the star of the room.
The perfect modern coastal living room, that’s what I’d like to call it.
The painting of a dusky sunset over the ocean hung on the central wall, with huge windows on both sides giving an ocean view.
The painting and walls with huge windows perfectly complement each other, accentuating the whole contemporary calming vibe of a modern coastal living room.
Credit: Courtneys World
2- Nautical Nook
Carve out a cozy haven in your living room with a nautical twist. Hang a vintage ship’s wheel on the wall, and display a reclaimed anchor or oars, as a conversation starter.
Drape a chunky knit throw over a comfy armchair and add a nautical-themed pillow with a compass or sailboat motif.
This dedicated nautical nook provides a quiet space for reflection, imbued with the spirit of seafaring adventures.
Credit: The Other Aesthetic
3- Small Minimal Coastal Living Room Idea
What comes to your mind when you think about a coast? Sand, sky, clouds, ocean, and greens. A soft and calming aura with everything brightened by the sunlight.
Now bring those colors and elements into your living room to create a minimal coastal living room. How?
Look at the picture. It has a perfect color palette of white backdrop with a white sofa and white lined window framed in white linen curtains. However, it’s the powder blue cushions and rug that make the coastal vibe pop. To complete this look in a budget, upcycle a broken tree into table to give a rustic coastal vibe.
Credit: Home Decor | Interior Designs
4- Beach Glass Lighting
Capture the essence of the seaside with unique beach glass lighting. Hang a pendant lamp filled with colorful beach glass pebbles, casting a warm and whimsical glow on your living room.
Or, arrange clusters of clear glass lamps with hints of blue or green to mimic the sparkling ocean. This lighting choice adds a touch of coastal charm and a soft, inviting ambiance to your space.
Credit: Shades of Light
5- Modern Coastal Living Room Curtains
For a modern coastal living room, choosing the right curtains is essential to creating a relaxing, beach-inspired space.
The ideal curtains should evoke a sense of lightness and breeziness, complementing the overall airy and relaxed ambiance.
Opt for light, airy fabrics like sheer linen or cotton voile that allow natural light to filter through, maintaining an open feel.
In terms of color, soft, coastal hues such as whites, off-whites, and gentle seafoam greens work beautifully.
Consider adding subtle patterns like nautical stripes, wave patterns, or botanical prints.
Natural materials like bamboo blinds can be layered under light curtains to add texture and a natural element to the room.
Alway Opt for floor-length curtains to create an elegant, flowing effect that complements the relaxed coastal vibe.
Styles such as tab-top or grommet curtains are easy to install and offer a casual, contemporary look, with grommet curtains providing smooth sliding on the rod, adding to the laid-back feel.
6- Beach Themed Coastal Living Room On A Budget
Let’s paint the wall powder blue this time. But that’s not enough! To make it look more beachy, you need to put more sandy and woody elements.
A block of reclaimed wood from a local yard turned into a wood plank ceiling will cost you only a fraction of usual expensive off-the shelf/market options.
Upscale it more with a couple of barrels turned into sitting stools, framing your thrifted round mirror with rope, and a hand-woven chair if you are a do-it-yourselfer by any chance. If not, there’s always the craigslist!
Credit: The F Nook – Bedroom Decor | Small
6- Shell-Based Coastal Accents
Let the ocean’s bounty adorn your living room! Scatter seashells of various shapes and sizes on decorative trays or display them in glass terrariums or on floating shelves.
String seashells together for a whimsical beach garland or use them as unique knobs on drawers. These natural accents bring a touch of the seashore indoors, adding a sense of wonder and connection to the sea.
Credit: Lovely Harbor | Apartment Ideas & Organization
7- Coastal Furniture Design
Credit: Lovely Harbor | Apartment Ideas & Organization
I say, stop cutting trees to make yourself customized expensive furniture.
Find reclaimed wood online or go on a hunt for a broken tree. You can call it an adventure, and transform your log into a centerpiece of your living room, laminate it with resin, fill its cracks with shiny crystals or pebbles, and give it a luxurious finish with metallic spray paint on the edges of the log and wood rings to give a wave like appearance.
Trust me I am getting high just on the idea of this luxurious upcycled furniture. You can simply top it off with some boho style baskets and a sandy rug.
8- Contemporary-Rattan Fusion Table With Wooden Tray
Here’s what I think is an easy way to transform your average small living room with a few coastal elements: a sandy hand woven rug with a wooden tray mounted over a contemporary-rattan fusion table, decorated with a flower pot and whatever you light.
The whole look when put together with blue patterned cushions brings out the perfect coastal vibe for a beach-themed living room on a budget.
Credit: DecorWithEva | Home decor ideas
9- Peachy Coastal Living Room
How would you feel if you walked into your living room, and instead of being greeted by stark white walls, you’re met with a warm embrace of soft peach?
Sunlight seems to emanate from the walls themselves, instantly putting you at ease. But this isn’t your average living room – a breathtaking ocean mural stretches across one wall, transporting you to a calming beach scene.
The peach walls create a backdrop of sunshine, while the ocean mural whispers tales of serenity.
This is the magic of the peachy coastal living room, a space that blends the warmth of the beach house with the calming influence of the ocean.
Credit: Prodigy Real Estate of New York & New Jersey
10- Stripes, A Classic Coastal Combination
Embrace the timeless elegance of stripes for a sophisticated coastal look. Opt for a light blue and white striped sofa or accent chairs to evoke a nautical feel.
Layer in textured white pillows with thin blue stripes for a subtle touch. This classic color combination creates a sense of calm and order, reminiscent of seaside cabanas and crisp ocean breezes.
Credit: The Home Depot
11- Orange & Blue Coastal Cushions
Let’s forget the monotony of beige for a while! Dive headfirst into a neutral-toned, relaxing coastal escape with a splash of orange and blue. Imagine a captivating ocean mural – a symphony of sapphire waves capped with fiery orange hues – hanging proudly above your light gray L-shaped sofa.
To complete this underwater masterpiece, a selection of throw pillows in geometric and solid patterns echoes the mural’s colors.
The cool blues bring the calmness of the ocean breeze, while pops of orange energize the space, reflecting the warmth of a setting sun over the water.
This playful color combination on your cushions injects personality into your coastal living room, making it a space that reflects the dynamic beauty of the sea.
Credit: 333k+ Arts
12- Coastal Papasan Chair
Calling all adventurous bachelors! Do you dream of endless horizons and the salty kiss of the ocean breeze? Transform your living room into a personal island getaway with a coastal papasan chair.
A woven rattan chair, its plush cushion beckoning relaxation, sits nestled beneath a weathered wooden ship’s wheel mounted on the wall.
Sunlight streams through a vast white-bordered window, casting a warm glow on your haven.
This cozy corner is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration, offering a taste of nautical adventure right in your own home.
Credit: Sandy Stephenson
13- Coastal Sunroom Retreat
Craving a taste of the ocean breeze without leaving your bachelor pad? Look no further than the coastal sunroom retreat! Imagine this: a wall of windows stretches from floor to ceiling, bathing the room in sunshine and blurring the lines between indoors and the vast blue canvas outside.
Beneath a captivating textured painting of a peach surfboard, a comfy sofa in neutral and peachy tones beckons relaxation.
The soft hues echo the sandy beach and sun-kissed skies, while the surfboard painting adds a touch of surfer-chic.
This sunroom retreat offers the perfect blend of coastal vibes and bachelor pad style, a place to unwind after conquering the waves (or the workday) and soak in the endless ocean views.
Credit: Ginger Lemonade
14- Sunny Yellow Coastal Living Room
Let me debunk this absolute myth that yellow can’t be coastal! When used thoughtfully, sunshine yellow can instantly transform your living room into a bright and breezy escape.
Look at this light yellow sofa bathed in natural light, inviting you to sink in and soak up the warmth. Playful pops of color come from contrasting yellow throw pillows, adding a touch of personality.
To complete the sunny symphony, a matching yellow-painted side table sits beside the sofa, offering a cheerful surface for your favorite coastal décor.
This harmonious use of yellow creates a bright and airy atmosphere, reminiscent of a sunny day at the beach, proving that coastal style can be bursting with sunshine.
Credit: Houzz
15- Driftwood Chic Texture
Bring the beach indoors with the natural beauty of driftwood.
Scatter textured driftwood pieces on your coffee table or arrange them in a vase for a rustic coastal touch.
Weave in woven baskets and chunky knit throws for added depth.
This organic texture story creates a calming and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of long walks along the shoreline.
Credit: NFM
16- Seagrass Textures For A Coastal Living Room
Incorporate a seagrass rug with its subtle variations in texture, creating a warm and grounded foundation for your living room.
Add woven seagrass baskets for storage or display purposes, their natural fibers adding a touch of organic charm.
This focus on earthy textures evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world, reminiscent of long walks along sandy dunes.
Credit: Wayfair
17- Frosted Glass & Chrome Accent
Opt for a coffee table with a frosted glass top and chrome legs, creating an airy and light feel.
Choose chrome lamps with clean lines and pendant lights with frosted glass globes for a touch of contemporary elegance.
This unexpected material combination brings a touch of sophistication to your coastal living room, perfect for those who love a modern aesthetic with a nautical twist.
Credit: The Home Depot
18- Macrame Accent For An Eco-Friendly Coastal Living Room
Infuse your coastal living room with a touch of bohemian flair using macrame accents. Hang a large macrame wall hanging above the sofa, featuring intricate knots and a relaxed, textured look.
Add macrame plant hangers for a touch of greenery and incorporate woven macrame throws for extra comfort. This bohemian twist on coastal style creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach.
The best part is that you can DIY them to make it all cost-efficient.
Credit: Mansion Shots
19- Coastal Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, consider using whitewashed brick or stacked white stones for a fresh and beachy look. Decorate the mantel with seashells, coral, or driftwood pieces for a touch of the seashore.
For a fireplace-free alternative, create a faux fireplace using painted wood and decorate it with coastal accents.
This focal point adds a sense of warmth and relaxation, perfect for cozy evenings spent reminiscing about seaside adventures.
Credit: HearthandPetals | Home Decor Ideas, Designs & Inspiration
20- Coastal Gallery Wall
Look at this beautiful photo wall with Santorini’s coastal views. My dream! You can frame photographs of your favorite beach trips, seascapes, or seashells collected over time.
Include vintage nautical charts, postcards, or artwork depicting coastal scenes.
Arrange the pieces in a cohesive layout, playing with different shapes and sizes for a dynamic display.
This personalized gallery wall tells a story of your connection to the sea and adds a touch of unique charm to your living room.
Credit: Wall Art Prints, Canvases & Framed Art by Print and Proper
21- Coastal Entry Way
The Coastal Living Aesthetic Transcends Trends
It’s a design language that speaks of serenity, evoking the calming blues of the ocean and the warmth of sun-drenched sands.
I hope this guide provided a glimpse into the many ways to craft your coastal haven. The possibilities are vast.
So embrace the natural beauty of driftwood and seagrass, or introduce a touch of nautical nostalgia with a vintage ship’s wheel. Play with color palettes, textures, and lighting to create a space that is uniquely yours.
Ultimately, coastal living is a state of mind. It’s about bringing the peace and tranquility of the seashore into your everyday life. So embark on your design journey, and let your living room become a sanctuary that washes away the stresses of the day.
