Beautiful Coastal Decor Ideas + How to Get the Look

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These beautiful coastal decor ideas will make any home feel like a charming New England cottage by the beach.

Coastal home decor ideas

Coastal home decor has been having a moment lately. This is due in part to the rise of the “coastal grandmother” and “old money aesthetic” trends. As a native New Englander, who’s spent many summers on the Maine coast, this style of decor is very familiar to me. Keep reading to learn how to add coastal decor to your home to create an authentic New England aesthetic.

What is coastal home decor and the New England aesthetic?

First, let’s discuss the common elements of coastal New England home decor.

Light colors

Traditional coastal New England homes utilize light colors throughout their interiors. There are many grey days between fall and spring so lighter colors help to reflect any sunlight, brightening the space. Simple white walls are a popular and timeless choice. Sheer or light window treatments are ideal because they let more light filter into a room.

Entryway in coastal New England home with white painted paneling, stenciled floors, blue Dutch door — Source

Practical features

Living near the beach, sand is always getting tracked into your home (especially if you have a dog). In addition to the sand, you have mud in the spring when the snow begins to melt (aka mud season). You’ll often see slipcovered furniture in beach homes because it makes keeping your house clean easier. Jute and sisal rugs are popular too because they disguise sand. Throw blankets are abundant because, even during the height of summer, nights can be chilly on the water.

Coastal living room with white slipcovered sofa, sisal rug, white painted paneling, beadboard ceiling, bamboo shades, blue striped accent pillows — Source

The decor

Framed nautical charts are a popular choice for wall art in coastal homes. You’ll also find paintings of seascapes and ships. Another popular accent is glasses or jars of shells and sea glass from the beach. Antique wooden furniture is common because many of these homes have been in a family for generations. So, the pieces that you see today are the ones that have stood the test of time.

Coastal New England guest bedroom with old money aesthetic with white paneled walls, ship paintings, built in bed, antique furniture — Source

Can you decorate your home with coastal decor if you don’t live near the water?

Absolutely! However, if you go overboard, your home may end up looking like an Airbnb. What I mean by that is a place that looks overly curated to fit a certain theme. It may look cute for a night or two, but it wouldn’t feel very homey. Here are some tips for nailing this aesthetic and some examples of what to avoid.

Tacky coastal home decor – what not to do

Like I mentioned above, you don’t want to go overboard! If you want to curate a classic coastal New England vibe, the homes below are not it. Just because something is nautical themed, does not mean it needs a place in a coastal-inspired home. You can really skip anything you find at a store like Hobby Lobby.

How to get coastal home decor right

Incorporate the overall themes of coastal New England decor rather than decking your home in mass produced anchor pictures and life preservers.

Select light paint colors for your walls, while adding pops of blues and greens with accent pillows.

Hang a framed nautical map of your favorite coastal area. Purchase paintings of your favorite beaches or seaside villages done by local artists. These sentimental decorations will remind you of your happy memories associated with those places when you see them. I have prints and paintings of Maine throughout my house in South Carolina that remind me of home.

Incorporate natural materials in your decor such as sisal rugs and wicker furniture.

Embrace vintage lights and antique furniture. This will enhance the eclectic, lived in feel of the space.