Home Design & Decorating Room Design Living Rooms

40 Coastal Living Rooms That Feel Like a Day at the Beach

coastal living room

Christina Kim Interior Design / Raquel Langworthy Photography

Coastal living rooms are decorated to remind the unluckily landlocked of a carefree day at the beach. Airy and light, coastal living rooms feature breezy palettes of white, sandy beige, blue, and green that are reminiscent of sandy beaches and ocean waves.

With the use of natural materials like wood and rattan and a focus on maximizing natural light and minimizing clutter, these spaces are naturally suited to waterfront settings. But today’s coastal decor is a crowd-pleasing and ubiquitous style that can work in a variety of spaces.

Check out these coastal-style living rooms for inspiration, whether you live in a beach cottage, new-build apartment, lake house, or a suburban home located miles from an actual beach. 

  • 01 of 40

    Go Boho

    Coastal living room with neutral decor and blue accents

    The Spruce / Jacob Fox

    Senior Home Stylist Joseph Wanek scattered patterned blue and white throw pillows and natural textures against a neutral backdrop to create a coastal, yet boho essence in this tranquil living room.

    Continue to 2 of 40 below
  • 02 of 40

    Incorporate Inky Blues

    modern coastal living room

    K+Co. Living

    K+Co. Living mixed white and blue dip-dyed curtains with a trio of blue-and-white abstract wall art pieces and pale modern furniture with clean lines to create a coastal feel in this airy living room.

    Continue to 3 of 40 below
  • 03 of 40

    Add a Gallery Wall

    coastal cottage living room

    Maite Granda

    Add variation to a blue-and-white cottage style living room with a colorful gallery wall, like this Florida cottage living room from interior designer Maite Granda.

    Continue to 4 of 40 below
  • 04 of 40

    Use Wavy Patterns

    understated coastal living room

    Design by Curated Nest Interiors / Jacob Snavely Photography

    Evoke the water with textile accents like a large area rug. Curated Nest Interiors chose a patterned rug with a swirly marble effect in shades of gray and white that evokes white-capped waves. The understated coastal room is finished with a modern gold pendant light, wood accents, white walls, and blue accent pillows.

    Continue to 5 of 40 below
  • 05 of 40

    Draw Colors From the View

    coastal waterfront living room

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

    If your living room has a view of the water, use it as inspiration for your color palette. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors complemented the waterfront view from the floor-to-ceiling windows of this Maine living room with blues, whites, beiges, and wood tones that harmonize with the landscape and bring the outdoors inside.

    Continue to 6 of 40 below
  • 06 of 40

    Mix Navy and Sandy Beige

    coastal living room with dark blue walls

    Design by Curated Nest Interiors / Jacob Snavely Photography

    Dark navy floor-to-ceiling built-ins and a large sandy beige leather sectional set the tone for this coastal living room from Curated Nest Interiors. A blue-and-tan patterned area rug and a warm hammered metal coffee table styled with blue coffee table books bring it all together.

    Continue to 7 of 40 below
  • 07 of 40

    Decorate With Patterns

    coastal living room with blue-and-white textiles

    Design by Amanda Barnes Interiors / Styling and Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck

    Mixing blue-and-white patterned textiles adds depth to a coastal color scheme.Amanda Barnes Interiors created a breezy coastal palette mixed with a laid-back desert feel thanks to the oversized cactus in the corner (and the black-and-white cactus photo over the couch). Natural wood accents like the organic coffee table add warmth.

    Continue to 8 of 40 below
  • 08 of 40

    Add Tonal Blues

    coastal living room with tonal blues

    Folding Chair Design Co. / Katie Merkle Photography

    Folding Chair Design Co. added a mix of blue tones in this living room from the wall art to the throw pillows to create a coastal feel that isn't too calculated. An airy glass bubble floor lamp adds a lighthearted note.

    Continue to 9 of 40 below
  • 09 of 40

    Paint Walls Sky Blue

    cozy coastal living room

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Desiree Burns Interiors painted this spacious living room in pale sky blue, then mixed whites, beiges, grays, and rusty brown tones on the furnishings and upholstery to create a subtle coastal feel. The pair of rounded sandy beige armchairs add a sculptural feel.

    Continue to 10 of 40 below
  • 10 of 40

    Layer With Eclectic Pieces

    eclectic coastal living room

    Allison Babcock Design / Photo by Matt Kisiday

    This living room from Allison Babcock Design in Sag Harbor, NY has a coastal feel that doesn't feel too obvious thanks to its subtle blue-and-white palette, rustic wood accents, and eclectic mix of furnishings.

    Continue to 11 of 40 below
  • 11 of 40

    Maximize Light and Views

    coastal living room with sailor striped rug

    Christina Kim Interior Design / Raquel Langworthy Photography 

    Christina Kim Interior Design decorated this beachfront living room with clean whites, wood tones, and notes of blue that maximize the natural light and views from the wall of paned glass doors looking out at the sand and sea.

    Continue to 12 of 40 below
  • 12 of 40

    Add Dramatic Lighting

    coastal living room with exposed ceiling

    K+Co. Living

    K+Co. Living elevated this bright blue and white coastal living room with a beaded chandelier that draws the eye up to the dramatic wood ceiling beams.

    Continue to 13 of 40 below
  • 13 of 40

    Mix With Midcentury Modern

    coastal midcentury modern living room

    Louis Duncan-He Designs / Heather Dunbar Photography

    Louis Duncan-He Designs gave this modern living room a mix of coastal and midcentury styles with clean lines and shades of blue, white, and sandy beige.

    Continue to 14 of 40 below
  • 14 of 40

    Add Sailor Stripes

    casual coastal living room

    Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

    Emily Henderson Design added blue-and-white sailor stripe details on the pillows, throw blanket, and artwork of this light and bright living room for an easy, coastal feel. A painted white shiplap ceiling adds a cozy note.

    Continue to 15 of 40 below
  • 15 of 40

    Use Pale Blues and Woods

    coastal living room

    Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. added the palest of blue accents on the comfy sectional sofa in this Southern California living room decorated in shades of white, light wood, and woven accents that give it a laid-back coastal feel.

    Continue to 16 of 40 below
  • 16 of 40

    Contrast With Dark Wood

    coastal living room with dark floors

    Design by Amanda Barnes Interiors / Styling and Photo by Alyssa Rosenheck

    If darker tones are more your style, create a coastal look with darker tones on hardwood flooring and ceiling beams.

    Amanda Barnes Interiors focused on warm browns and beiges in this coastal living room, adding hints of blue to boost its coastal look.

    Continue to 17 of 40 below
  • 17 of 40

    Upholster Armchairs in Blue

    casual coastal living room

    Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. added denim blue upholstery to the armchairs of this coastal living room for a sun-bleached look. Board and batten detailing on the white walls and a chunky natural wood mantel enhance the coastal feel.

    Continue to 18 of 40 below
  • 18 of 40

    Mix With Earth Tones

    coastal living room with earth tones

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Desiree Burns Interiors added earth tones to this coastal living room to create a surf and turf color palette that is both soothing and warm.

    Continue to 19 of 40 below
  • 19 of 40

    Use Weathered Wood

    coastal living room with weathered beams

    Christina Kim Interior Design / Raquel Langworthy Photography 

    Weathered ceiling beams add a warm rustic note that complements the calming modern furnishings and coastal palette in this living room from Christina Kim Interior Design.

    Continue to 20 of 40 below
  • 20 of 40

    Style the Built-Ins

    neutral coastal living room

    Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. added plenty of natural textures and styled the built-ins with a range of objects that add warmth to the neutral-toned coastal living room space.

    Continue to 21 of 40 below
  • 21 of 40

    Display Vintage Paddles

    vintage coastal living room

    Becca Interiors

    Becca Interiors honored the coastal spirit of this New York fishing village summer home living room with white beaded shiplap walls, a vintage wood mantel, a jute rug, a denim blue sofa, and a pair of boat paddles that decorate an empty corner. A framed ocean-themed painting above the fireplace adds a homey touch.

    Continue to 22 of 40 below
  • 22 of 40

    Use Moody Blues

    moody coastal living room

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

    Mix dark and light tones to create a color palette that is as rich and variable as the sea.

    Tyler Karu Design + Interiors painted the wall behind the couch in this coastal Maine living room in a moody grayish blue that is contrasted with pale textiles, rattan chairs, and wall sconces lit with warm Edison bulbs for an atmospheric glow.

    Continue to 23 of 40 below
  • 23 of 40

    Add Minimal Touches of Blue

    sophisticated coastal living room

    Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. added hints of blue to create a relaxing feel in this slightly formal coastal living room decorated in pale neutrals and mixed wood and leather accents.

    Continue to 24 of 40 below
  • 24 of 40

    Try Coastal Minimalism

    minimalist coastal living room

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Desiree Burns Interiors used a simple palette of whites, beiges, and the palest of blue tones to create an uncluttered feel in this spacious living room that is a hallmark of coastal style.

    Continue to 25 of 40 below
  • 25 of 40

    Mix Blue and Pink

    coastal living room with blue and pink accents

    White Sands

    When decorating a coastal living room, don't be afraid to add sunset colors like pink and peach that will complement the whites, blues, and natural tones.

    White Sands added pastel blue accents to this all-white living room, on the ottoman seating, and painted built-ins—then complemented them with gold accents and pink throw pillows to add variation.

    Continue to 26 of 40 below
  • 26 of 40

    Try Coastal Farmhouse

    coastal living room with white brick fireplace

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Pair coastal and farmhouse influences to create a calming transitional atmosphere.Kate Marker Interiors used a minimal palette of white and soft blue in this light and airy living room that keeps the focus on the dramatic vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, black metal accents, and whitewashed brick fireplace.

    Continue to 27 of 40 below
  • 27 of 40

    Try Coastal Cottage Style

    coastal cottage living room

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Desiree Burns Interiors used a coastal palette of pale blues and bright whites with woven accents to create a cottage feel in this light-flooded living room.

    Continue to 28 of 40 below
  • 28 of 40

    Add Calming Beige Tones

    coastal living room with beige accents

    White Sands

    White Sands added a large beige area rug that complements the soft blue and white tones of this coastal living room flooded with light from every angle. A coffered ceiling and built-ins adds a custom feel.

    Continue to 29 of 40 below
  • 29 of 40

    Mix Shades of Blue

    coastal living room with fig trees

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Kate Marker Interiors upholstered a pair of armchairs in dark navy that grounds the pale white tones and soaring ceilings of this coastal living room, while a pair of tall fiddle leaf fig trees adds a note of greenery.

    Continue to 30 of 40 below
  • 30 of 40

    Mix in Some Green Tones

    coastal living room with green couch

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Add interest to your coastal living room by mixing in shades of green.

    Desiree Burns Interiors decorated this coastal living room in shades of white, blue, and green, adding rounded and organic shapes and a dynamic patterned rug that energizes the space.

    Continue to 31 of 40 below
  • 31 of 40

    Add Comfy Seating

    coastal living room with conversation area

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Kate Marker Interiors created a calming conversation area that promotes lingering and relaxation with a palette of coastal blues and whites, comfortable seating, mixed wood tones, and a round table to encourage flow.

    Continue to 32 of 40 below
  • 32 of 40

    Hang Coastal Photography

    coastal living room with beachy accents

    Maite Granda

    Look for ways to add coastal flair using accessories, finishes, and decor. Interior designer Maite Granda gave this Florida living room a beachy feel with framed black-and-white seaside photography, a weathered wood table, and a pair of woven vases full of palm leaves.

    Continue to 33 of 40 below
  • 33 of 40

    Try a Live Edge Table

    coastal living room with live edge table

    White Sands

    A live edge coffee table will add an organic feel to a coastal living room. White Sands accented this Southern California living room with patterned textiles in shades of blue and poppy orange on the throw pillows and ottomans that add punch to the soothing whites, beiges, and wood tones.

    Continue to 34 of 40 below
  • 34 of 40

    Connect to the Outdoors

    coastal living room with indoor-outdoor fireplace

    Kate Marker Interiors

    French doors or a double fireplace that provides a view of the patio will give your coastal living room an indoor-outdoor atmosphere. Kate Marker Interiors used a range of blue and brown tones for a natural feel.

    Continue to 35 of 40 below
  • 35 of 40

    Mix Brick and Wood

    coastal outdoor living room with fireplace

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Kate Marker Interiors mixed weathered brick and wood on the other side of the double fireplace for a relaxed feel, finishing off the cozy outdoor space with a beige-and-white striped rug and pale blue painted wicker chairs.

    Continue to 36 of 40 below
  • 36 of 40

    Make It Family-Friendly

    family-friendly coastal living room

    Christina Kim Interior Design / Raquel Langworthy Photography 

    Christina Kim Interior Design used white walls, furniture, curtains, varied wood tones, woven accents, patterned blue-and-white throw pillows, and black-and-white beach photography to add coastal flair to this family living room.

    Continue to 37 of 40 below
  • 37 of 40

    Embrace the Outdoors

    coastal living room

    White Sands Design Build

    If you live in a warm climate or near an actual beach, open up your living room in fair weather with an external bifold door, like this space from White Sands that opens onto an outdoor patio and grilling station.

    Large solid blue ottomans under the coffee table add extra seating and a subtle coastal feel.

    Continue to 38 of 40 below
  • 38 of 40

    Use Contrasting Details

    coastal living room mountain home

    Michelle Berwick Design

    The breezy coastal feel of this living room from Michelle Berwick Design creates a soothing all-weather ambiance that contrasts with the snow-topped trees outside the windows in the Canadian mountain setting, proving that coastal style can work in just about any context.

    Continue to 39 of 40 below
  • 39 of 40

    Mix Materials

    modern coastal living room

    Brophy Interiors

    Complement a quintessential Southern California view of palm trees with coastal blues, soft whites, and leather and wood accents, like this casual modern living room from Brophy Interiors.

    Continue to 40 of 40 below
  • 40 of 40

    Vary Wood Tones

    coastal living room with mixed wood tones

    Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. added darker wood tones to this coastal living room, from the hardwood flooring to the furniture, that creates a warm and grounded feel in a room with a wall of glass doors.

How Do You Make a Living Room Look Coastal?

Style your coastal living room with shades of white, beige, sandy tones, and shades of blue and green that recall the sand and the sea. Keep it soft and light—don’t be afraid to mix in shades of yellow, pink, peach, and other soft colors found in nature that will add nuance.

Prioritize natural fabrics such as linen and cotton—incorporate natural materials on furniture and accessories such as weathered wood furniture, a jute rug, or a rattan mirror. Maximize natural light by keeping window treatments minimal, like clean solar shades or gauzy curtains, and don’t clutter the room with too much decor to maintain an easy, breezy feel.

What Makes a Room Coastal?

Coastal rooms often feature a color palette that is reminiscent of the colors of the seashore such as pale blues, greens, and shades of white and sandy beige. Natural materials such as weathered wood and natural textures such as rattan, jute, wicker, or rattan complement a coastal room, which may also feature warm gold metal accents that mimic the sun.

In general, a room decorated in coastal style is a more refined and sometimes abstract interpretation of a beachy interior that can work in any setting, from a city apartment to a suburban home located miles from an actual beach. 

How Do I Make My House Look Coastal?

Coastal spaces are airy, breezy, uncluttered, and relaxing. The simplest way to broadcast a coastal vibe is to stick to a natural palette of white and blue. You can channel the Greek islands with a minimalist color palette with white walls and bright blue textiles, or use moodier shades of blue-gray with dark or weathered woods depending on your taste and style.

Also, feel free to add color or black-and-white wall art that depicts beach scenes; palm print wallpaper; or decor accents in natural materials like driftwood, rattan, or jute.