8 Simple Ways to Create a Relaxed Coastal Look in Your Living Room

There’s something timeless about a room that whispers ocean air and sun-bleached mornings. You don’t have to live by the shore to enjoy that peaceful, beachy atmosphere. With a few thoughtful choices, you can easily bring the coastal look into your living room—no seashell wallpaper required.

Here are eight easy ways to give your living room those calm, ocean views without overdoing it.

1. Lighten Up Your Color Scheme

The foundation of any coastal space is a soft, light color palette. Think of driftwood grays, seafoam greens, soft blues, and warm whites. Even small accents—like throw pillows, rugs, or a cozy blanket—can shift the feel of a room. If you’re ready for a bigger change, try painting a wall in a misty blue or sandy beige.

2. Use Natural Materials That Evoke the Beach

Coastal design is rooted in texture. Try layering materials like jute, rattan, bleached wood, and linen to mimic natural beachside elements. A woven rug, rattan chair, or even a driftwood-framed mirror can add coastal charm without becoming kitsch.

3. Hang Artwork That Reflects the Ocean Mood

One of the simplest ways to shift the mood of your living space is through art. Choose prints that remind you of the coast—quiet waves, sailboats, palm shadows, or vintage-style beach posters. A serene art piece above your sofa or a small coastal gallery wall brings the beach home in an instant.

If you’re not sure what to choose, read my guide on how to buy beach house wall art for inspiration and helpful tips.

4. Avoid Over-Themed Decor

A coastal look doesn’t mean you need to fill every shelf with anchors and seashells. Keep things subtle. A single bowl of sea glass, a sand-colored vase, or a vintage coastal photo can tell a more elegant story than overt beach signage.

5. Let in the Natural Light

Nothing says “beach house” like natural light. If you’re lucky enough to have big windows, let them shine! Use sheer or light-filtering curtains to keep things bright. In darker rooms, mirrors can bounce light around and give the illusion of more space—especially with a rope or driftwood frame.

6. Bring in a Gentle Coastal Scent

Scent is an underrated part of home styling. A candle or diffuser with hints of sea salt, eucalyptus, or coconut can set the scene just as much as your decor. Choose one scent and let it become part of your room’s peaceful identity.

7. Create Spaces That Encourage Slowing Down

Coastal living is all about slowing the pace. Try designing small “pause points” in your living room—a reading nook with a beach photo nearby, a driftwood coffee table with a journal and tea, or a window seat with a soft throw. These little moments build calm into the space.

8. Rotate Your Decor with the Seasons

Keep your coastal theme feeling fresh by switching things up. In summer, bring out ocean blues and airy whites. In the cooler months, try deeper navies and sandy earth tones. Coastal doesn’t mean tropical—it means seasonal, simple, and serene.

Use Your Imagination – Not Major Home Renovation

Adding a coastal look to your living room doesn’t require a big budget or a major renovation. With light colors, natural textures, and a few nostalgic art pieces, your space can feel like a quiet day at the beach.

If you’re ready to start, explore my collection of coastal-inspired prints on Pixels. Or visit bobpardue.com to read more ideas and stories from the quiet side of life.