9 Serene Classic Coastal Decor Elements

by Christina Eadie | Jun 26, 2024 | Dinner Dishes, Furniture, Home Decor, How To Videos, Kitchen, Products

Looking to transform your space with classic coastal decor?

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With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, we curate a unique collection of furnishings, accessories, and artwork that perfectly captures the essence of coastal living. Click here to see our design picks for classic coastal decor items.

Whether you’re dreaming of a serene beach tabletop, a breezy coastal-inspired living room, or a coastal patio, our range of timeless pieces will help you achieve the look you desire.

Get inspired and discover the beauty of classic coastal decor with Classic Coastal Creations.

Classic Coastal Decor by Pottery Barn

What is the difference between cottage and coastal decor?

The distinction between cottage and coastal decor lies in their distinct design inspirations and atmospheres.

Cottage decor embodies a cozy, rustic charm reminiscent of countryside retreats, characterized by vintage furnishings, floral patterns, and a warm, lived-in feel. It often features elements like distressed wood, soft fabrics, and quaint accessories that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

In contrast, coastal decor captures the relaxed, breezy essence of beachside living. It embraces a color palette of serene blues, whites, and sandy neutrals, along with natural materials such as weathered woods, rattan, and sea-inspired accents like shells and coral.

What is classic coastal style?

Classic coastal style encapsulates a timeless and serene ambiance reminiscent of beachside living.

It typically features a soothing color palette inspired by the ocean and sand, including shades of soft blues, greens, sandy neutrals, and whites.

Natural materials such as rattan, jute, and weathered wood are prominent, often complemented by light, airy fabrics like cotton and linen.

Decor elements include seashells, coral motifs, and driftwood accents, reflecting a connection to the sea and nature. Furniture tends to be comfortable and casually elegant, with a focus on relaxed, inviting spaces that encourage a sense of calm and tranquility.

Classic coastal style captures the essence of coastal living by blending natural textures, seaside colors, and beach-inspired accents to create a timeless coastal retreat.

Coastal decor tends to emphasize light-filled spaces, airy textures, and a contemporary interpretation of coastal style, offering a tranquil and refreshing ambiance that echoes the natural beauty of the seaside.

What is the difference between coastal and nautical decor?

Coastal and nautical decor both draw inspiration from the sea, but they have distinct themes and elements. See this video by Lindsay Living for more information.

Coastal decor typically emphasizes a relaxed, beachy atmosphere with soft colors like sandy beige, seafoam green, and sky blue, complemented by natural materials such as driftwood, rattan, and linen. It often incorporates motifs like seashells, starfish, and coral, aiming to evoke the serene and casual ambiance of coastal living.

Nautical decor is more closely tied to maritime themes, focusing on a classic and sometimes more formal aesthetic.

It features a navy and white color palette with occasional red accents, along with materials like polished brass, weathered wood, and rope details. Nautical decor often includes elements such as ship wheels, anchors, and maps, aiming to evoke a sense of seafaring adventure and maritime tradition.

While both styles celebrate coastal living, coastal decor leans towards a relaxed beachside vibe, while nautical decor embraces a more traditional seafaring aesthetic.

Create a Stunning Coastal Tablescape

When it comes to decorating your home with a coastal theme, few things evoke the serene beauty of the sea like a well-designed tablescape. I believe having a well dressed table is key to any decor. Besides the kitchen, the dining room table is where everyone congregates. Make is special!

Photo Courtesy Rachel Faller

Whether you live by the ocean or simply love the relaxed vibe it brings, incorporating coastal elements into your dining or living space can instantly transport you to a beachside retreat.

Here are some simple ways to create a stunning coastal tablescape that captures the essence of seaside living.

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Incorporate Coastal Colors and Elements

The first step in setting a coastal tablescape is choosing the right color palette. Opt for soft blues, sandy beiges, aqua greens, and crisp whites to mimic the colors of the sea, sky, and sand.

I usually pick two base colors and accent with a brighter shade of color.

For instance, I might pick soft blue and ivory for my tableware (as seen here) and add a color of pop, ivory or darker blue napkins. Adding a navy blue napkin would make for a more dramatic look.

Staying with the core colors of light blue and beige with pops of color or darker shades of blue gives you a cohesive look. You can purchase any of these items here.

Classic Coastal Decor by Pottery Barn

The colors in this table setting create a soothing and airy atmosphere that instantly relaxes the senses. Incorporate these hues into your table linens, napkins, and dinnerware for a cohesive look.

Use Classic Coastal Creations as Centerpieces

For centerpieces, think of classic coastal creations that reflect the natural beauty of the ocean.

Seashells, driftwood, starfish, and coral make excellent focal points. Arrange them in a shallow dish or a glass vase filled with sand for an authentic coastal touch. You can also use lanterns filled with candles or small LED lights to add a warm glow reminiscent of beach bonfires.

Christina Home Designs Beach Kaleidoscope – P3 (pyramid)

Design a Cozy Living Room or Family Space

Extend the coastal theme beyond the dining table by designing a cozy living room or family space adjacent to it.

Choose comfortable seating adorned with nautical-themed cushions and throws. Incorporate natural materials like rattan or wicker for furniture pieces to enhance the beach house feel.

Photo Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Choose Coastal Accent Pieces

Accessorize your table and living space with coastal accent pieces such as decorative anchors, beach-themed artwork, or framed seascapes. These elements add character and charm while reinforcing the coastal theme throughout the room.

Display Pictures of Coastal Themes

Hang framed pictures of coastal landscapes or ocean views on the walls surrounding your table. These images serve as visual reminders of the tranquil beauty of the coast and further enhance the ambiance of your space.

Incorporate Nature’s Offerings with Coastal Outdoor Decor

If you have an outdoor area adjacent to your dining space, take advantage of nature’s offerings to enhance your coastal decor.

Use driftwood as table runners or place settings, incorporate seagrass placemats or napkin rings, and decorate with potted succulents or coastal plants to bring the natural beauty of the shoreline to your outdoor dining experience.

Provide Comfortable Relaxing Outdoor Space

Lastly, create a comfortable and relaxing outdoor space where guests can unwind after enjoying your coastal-themed meal.

Arrange lounge chairs or hammocks with cozy cushions and throws. Add a fire pit or outdoor lanterns to extend the evening under the stars.

By following these steps, you can create a stunning coastal area that captures the essence of seaside living.

Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or a dinner party, your guests will appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty inspired by the coast.

So, gather your favorite classic coastal decor pieces, set the table with care, and let the calming influence of the sea wash over your home.

Conclusion

By incorporating classic coastal decor, you can transform your space into a coastal oasis. Whether it’s creating a beautiful coastal tables, designing a cozy living room with coastal furniture, or embracing outdoor living with coastal-inspired decor, you can enjoy a space that exudes a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.