Is there anything better than a weekend on the coast? That soft, salty breeze; the feel of white sand and crushed seashells underfoot; refreshing cocktails in blue and white glassware; a respite from the sun under a cabana-striped towel after an hour spent floating in the water — it's the stuff of daydreams. And while we can't spend every weekend in a seaside oasis, we can bring that coastal vacation vibe back home, which is basically the next best thing.
And how do we do this? We invest in coastal decor, of course. I'm talking (understated and classy) seashell motifs, rich blue nautical stripes, sun-bleached driftwood, and rattan/wicker/seagrass everything. Though such pieces tend to function best in beach and lakefront homes, those of us in landlocked states can enjoy this breezy aesthetic, too. As a frequent flyer at all Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and more, I know exactly where and how to nail this trend—and I'm here to share that intel with you today.
Below, find 12 inarguably chic coastal decor buys, from soft, striped duvets to glass lamps to delicate decorative bowls. I selected each piece with contemporary style in mind — we're going for modern luxury, not kitsch. If you wouldn't find it in a lavish hotel on the Amalfi Coast or inside an opulent villa along the French Riviera, you won't find it here. I also strove to emphasize subtle touches to avoid overwhelming the room or space with seaside motifs. Ideally, you could sprinkle all 12 of these pieces throughout your home and it would be enough for an obvious coastal influence without totally upending your existing design scheme. You'll soon sea what I mean ...
12 breezy coastal decor buys
Price: $38
Was: $48
Includes: 4 glasses
As far as coastal decor retailers go, no one does it quite like Serena & Lily. Its selection of rattan, wicker, and blue and white ceramics is as nautical as it gets. Case in point: this set of four seagrass-wrapped old-fashioned glasses. They're the perfect vessel for a glass of iced cold lemonade or, maybe, something a bit stronger. And now that they're on sale, you have no choice but to splurge.
Price: $49.99
Was: $69.99
Includes: 4 towels
There are many sub-aesthetics of coastal interior design — New England coastal, Italian coastal, and French coastal, to name a few. These cabana striped orange towels call to mind visions of hotels in and around those latter destinations. If you want to feel like you're lounging next to the Mediterranean or sipping a French 75 on the beach in Nice, consider these beauties a plane ticket to paradise.
Price: $72
Includes: 4 coasters and a matching holder
Orange and white are great, but the real coastal color palette, as we all know, is blue and white. These handmade striped coasters are equal parts timeless and seaside chic, fitting for landlocked and beachfront homes alike. The matching holder keeps things organized, while the bone composition, sourced from the valley of the Himalayas, should hold up for many happy hours to come.
Price: $38
Size: 4" x 6"
Rattan is a coastal staple — you can't build a coastal living room without it. Scalloped edges are also a prerequisite (and having a moment across the world of design). The beauty of the Isle Scallop Photo Frame is that it combines both of these must-haves into one gorgeous accessory. If you love the look but lack a lake home to put it in, try these frames in a child's room or nursery.
Price: $105
Design insiders and junkies adore Assouline's colorful and stylish coffee table books for good reason. For one thing, the interior is every bit as beautiful as the interior, which is exactly what you want out of a decorative accent. And while this purple hue doesn't exactly scream coastal, the book's subject does — Amalficore, anyone?
Price: $34.95
Wood is another classic element of coastal decor, and this salad server set is an understated way of tying the material into your tablescape. What's more, the blue and white inlay lends these beauties a seaside touch that's perfect for outdoor dining!
Price: $160.65
Was: $189
Size: Full/Queen
Brooklinen's sateen duvet cover in the Blue Tide screams "nautical". If you have any reservations about Brooklinen products, don't; I've tried plenty and can confirm they live up to the hype. Our Brooklinen editor's picks round-up has more information. This fabric is a good choice for a colder sleeper as it is a bit warmer than the other weaves.
Price: $390
Was: $600
Dimensions: 32" H x 16" W x 16" D
On the Italian coast, iron-wrought touches abound. Play into that aesthetic with an iron outdoor bistro chair, like this handmade option from Etsy. Once built, the iron can be finished with either black, gold, or white paint (buyer's choice), and is treated with an anti-scratch and anti-rust solution for durability.
Customer reviews are raving — the words "perfect," "comfortable," and "stylish" were thrown around quite a bit — and a quick look at a few buyer-provided photos confirms this beauty looks just as good in real life as it does online. Compliments regarding customer service also stood out. The chairs are made in Morocco and shipped, so a lot could go wrong on a journey to the U.S. But support is offered 24/7, and numerous buyers called out the shop's timely and helpful responses.
Price: $259.95
Was: $328
The pale blue, marbled design on this lamp's base is reminiscent of a swirling pool of water — does it get more coastal than that? Plus, it's so nice to look at. This soft hue is trending big time right now, and designers even think it classifies as a neutral, which means it's perfectly fine to incorporate this beauty into an existing scheme.
Price: $424
This large, decorative bowl is reminiscent of an oversized seashell with its delicate swirling rim. The delicate frame is undoubtedly an investment, but worth the hefty price tag knowing it will make a beautiful statement on any tabletop. And while it does boast a coastal-esque look, it would stand out in any room, regardless of the design scheme.
Price: $334
Perfect for storing blankets or collecting laundry, this whitewashed seagrass hamper is functional decor at its finest. It's distinctly beachy and distinctly artisan in feel — but also has a purpose. And isn't that the best kind of home accessory?
Price: $38.99
Was: $79
Because is it really a coastal affair without a happy hour? This handwoven chip and dip serving set is practically begging for a pile of crudites, and the combination of lightweight, whitewashed rattan and white porcelain is perfect for an outdoor Aperitivo. Every bit as relaxed as a weekend by the sea.
What are the key features of coastal decor?
There are a number of key features that define the coastal interior design aesthetic. Ocean-inspired pieces such as seashells and coral designs are the go-tos. Both replicas of natural coral reefs and oversized seashells make striking centerpieces, and their natural forms can also be alluded to more subtly with, say, mother of pearl or scalloped detailing on a serving bowl, or a coral-like texture on a stoneware vase.
Bleached wood and rope materials are also popular elements to incorporate coastal style into your everyday decor, making accessories like lamps, bowls, and plant pots feel more coastal. Chain accents like the marble decor piece above also lend a subtle coastal touch.
In terms of prints and colors, nautical stripes and anything relating to sea life in natural beachy shades like deep blue, sandy beige, and seafoam white are an easy way to incorporate the coastal style.
