Bring the Beach Home: Decorating With a Nautical Flair

Bring the Beach Home: Decorating With a Nautical Flair
8 min read
14 November 2023

You don't have to live by the ocean to channel a beachy vibe in your home. With some strategic decorating, you can bring the spirit of the seaside right into your living room. Think crisp whites, natural wood tones, and pops of navy blue. Add some rope, nets, anchors, and shells, and you've got yourself a nautical-themed retreat.

The beach is a place of relaxation and escape for many. Decorating with a casual nautical style is an easy way to recreate that feeling of peace in your home. In this article, DeCasa Collections will show you some simple ways to give your space a stylish coastal makeover. Prepare to sail away from the everyday and drop anchor in your new beach-inspired abode. Leave your landlocked troubles behind and unwind in a space that transports you to sunny skies, sandy shores, and the rhythm of the waves.

Choose a Beachy Color Palette

To bring the beach home, start with a coastal color palette of blues, tans, and crisp whites.

Blues like navy, cobalt, and sky blue in accent pieces. Throw pillows, rugs, and blankets are easy ways to add pops of blue. For walls, consider a pale blue or blue-gray.

Tans and light browns reminiscent of sand and driftwood are also perfect. Think rattan baskets, seagrass rugs, and wood furniture with a weathered finish.

And, of course, white is a must for a beachy feel. White walls, slipcovers, drapes, and decorative accents keep things light and airy.

Accent with Beach-Themed Decor

Include beach-themed accents to complete the look. Things like:

  • Seashells, coral, sea glass, and driftwood to style tabletops and shelves.
  • Lanterns, candles, and glass floats for a coastal glow.
  • Fishnets, buoys, and boat paddles on walls or propped in corners.
  • Beach signage like 'Relax', 'Seaside' or 'Salty Air' to hang or prop around the space.

Keep it Casual and Relaxed

A beach home is meant to be casual and relaxed. Skip the fussiness and opt for slipcovers over fitted furniture, natural fiber area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet, and breezy drapes that can be opened to let the outside in.

Keep clutter to a minimum, and let the coastal accents and natural light be the focus. Your beach oasis will transport you straight to the shore. Now, all you need is the sound of the waves and a cool sea breeze!

Display Shells, Coral, and Other Coastal Finds

One of the easiest ways to bring a beachy feel into your home is by displaying shells, coral, sea glass, and other coastal finds you've collected. These natural elements instantly evoke feelings of sun, sand, and surf.

Gather an assortment

Start by walking along the shore to gather shells, sea glass, driftwood, and small rocks or pebbles. Look for a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Smaller pieces also work well for display and are easier to arrange. If you don't live near a beach, check local craft stores for bags of assorted shells and sea glass. You can also find many of these items online.

Create a coastal centerpiece

Group your collected items together in a shallow dish, bowl, or tray to create an eye-catching centerpiece. A white or light-colored bowl allows the natural colors and beauty of the shells and sea glass to shine through. Arrange the pieces by size, shape, or color for the most pleasing effect. Start with your most significant pieces as an anchor, then add smaller accents around them. Leave some open space in the center and avoid overcrowding.

Display in decorative jars or vases

Fill clear glass jars, vases, or containers with shells, sea glass, beach pebbles, or sand for easy beach-inspired decoration. The colored glass will pick up the hues of the contents. Add a ribbon, twine, or raffia around the rim for a rustic touch. Group several vases together on a mantle, table, or shelf for maximum impact.

Create shell or Seaglass Art

Get creative using shells, sea glass, and beach finds to make your own coastal-themed art. Glue the pieces onto a canvas, wood board or frame to make pictures of sea creatures, the sun, boats, or waves. Or spell out beachy words and phrases like "seashore", "sand and sea" or "high tide". Your beachcombing finds have endless possibilities for DIY beach wall art and decorations.

Displaying natural elements from the shore is an easy, inexpensive way to create a relaxing coastal feel in your home. The sights and sounds of the beach will unfold with a simple glance at your decorative jars, bowls, and beach-inspired artwork.

Add Touches of Rope, Netting, and Driftwood

Bringing a nautical theme into your home decor is easy with a few simple touches. Adding items like rope, netting, and driftwood helps capture the essence of the seashore.

Rope

Incorporate rope into your decor in creative ways. Wrap rope around stair banisters, table legs, or doorframes for a rustic look. Create rope bows or knots to use as wall art or table centerpieces. Coil extra rope into a basket or crate and use it as a decorative accent. Rope comes in a variety of thicknesses, colors and materials, like jute, hemp or cotton. Choose a rope that fits your overall style.

Netting

Fishing nets are ideal for a coastal-themed space. Drape a net along a wall, or gather and tie off sections to make poufs or hammocks. Fill nets with shells, sea glass, corks, or other beach finds and use them as wall art or table decorations. Get creative and use netting to make lampshades, privacy screens, or plant holders. Netting also comes in mesh sizes and colors to suit any room.

Driftwood

Natural driftwood adds a touch of the sea. Look for interesting pieces of wood with twisted branches or a weathered, whitewashed look. Lean long, thin branches against a wall, or arrange stumps and logs on the floor as a table base or plant stand. Group several smaller pieces together in a shallow box or basket for a centerpiece. Before bringing driftwood inside, scrub off any dirt and seal the wood with a clear sealant to prevent cracking.

With the addition of these coastal accents, you'll feel the relaxation of the beach in your own home. Keep the overall look balanced by not overcrowding the space, and mix in other natural elements like sea shells, grasses, and beach glass. Your beach-inspired room will be a perfect escape from everyday life.

Step back and review

Once you have a good mix of pieces on the wall, step back and look at the overall arrangement and balance. Ensure there is good flow and that empty spots get filled in. Your coastal gallery wall should evoke a sense of calm and memories of beach getaways! You'll feel the sand between your toes in no time with the right blend of natural and nautical-themed pieces.

Final Thoughts

So now you have some easy and fun ways to bring the beach home with you. Whether you go for the sea shells, anchors, oars, or nets, adding some nautical touches is an easy way to keep that coastal vibe alive all year round. The great thing is you can start small by choosing a few decorative items that speak to you and build up from there. Before you know it, your space will feel like a little slice of beachfront paradise without ever leaving home. The sounds of the waves and squawking seagulls may still be missing, but at least you've got the perfect peaceful place to dream about your next seaside escape.

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Asif Raza 2
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