17 Coastal Themed Summer Living Room Ideas to Try

Creating a coastal-themed summer living room is about more than just decoration; it is about capturing a feeling. It is about bringing the refreshing, breezy, and serene ambiance of the seaside right into your home.

Whether you are lucky enough to live near the ocean or simply want to bring that calming seaside charm indoors, these ideas will help you achieve the perfect summer-inspired coastal retreat.

This style is all about light, texture, and a relaxed state of mind. Get ready to transform your living room into a tranquil haven that feels like a permanent vacation.

1. Use a Light and Airy Color Palette

The foundation of any successful coastal design is its color palette. To create a calming, beach-inspired atmosphere, you must embrace the colors of the coast.

Opt for a base of soft blues, sandy beiges, and crisp whites. These colors reflect the ocean, sky, and sand, instantly making your living space feel fresher, brighter, and more inviting.

You can also incorporate soft seafoam greens or the pale pinks of a sunrise over the water. The goal is to create a palette that feels clean, calm, and full of natural light.

Styling Tips

• Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the room should be a dominant neutral (like sandy beige or crisp white), 30% a secondary color (like soft blue), and 10% an accent.
• Paint your walls a soft, off-white or a very pale blue to immediately create an airy backdrop.
• Keep your largest furniture pieces, like your sofa, in a neutral shade of white, cream, or light beige.
• Layer different shades of blue, from deep navy to light sky blue, in your pillows, throws, and art for depth.
• Use natural wood tones in a light, sun-bleached finish to complement the sandy beige elements.
• A crisp white trim on walls and windows will make your coastal colors pop and feel even fresher.
• Incorporate seafoam green through small accents like glass vases or throw pillows.
• Avoid dark, heavy colors that can absorb light and make the space feel smaller.
• Use your color palette to mimic the beach: sandy rug (sand), blue pillows (water), and white walls (clouds).
• Introduce a single, unexpected sunny yellow accent for a cheerful pop of color.

2. Incorporate Natural Textures

A key element of coastal design is rich, natural texture. Think about the organic textures you would find on a walk along the beach and bring them indoors.

Incorporate materials like woven rattan, chunky jute rugs, weathered driftwood accents, and soft linen textiles. These materials add depth, warmth, and a relaxed, beachy feel to the room.

Texture prevents a light-colored room from feeling flat or boring. It engages the senses and makes the space feel more authentic and grounded in nature.

Styling Tips

• Anchor your seating area with a large, textured rug made of jute or seagrass.
• Use woven baskets made of seagrass or hyacinth for stylish storage for blankets, magazines, or toys.
• Incorporate a rattan accent chair or a coffee table with a woven cane detail.
• Drape a soft, nubby linen or cotton throw over the back of your sofa.
• Use sheer, linen-blend curtains that have a beautiful, natural texture and filter light softly.
• Display a beautiful piece of sculptural driftwood on your coffee table or mantelpiece.
• Use coasters made from coiled jute rope or slices of slate.
• Incorporate pillows with textural details like chunky knits, embroidery, or tassels.
• A light fixture made from woven rattan or bamboo can be a stunning textural focal point.
• Layer textures by placing a soft, sheepskin throw over a rattan chair.

3. Display Nautical Decor Elements

To enhance the coastal theme, you can add a few subtle nautical touches. The key is to be selective and stylish, avoiding a “theme party” look.

Think of elements that evoke a maritime feeling, such as rope details, classic ship wheels, small anchors, or vintage-style lanterns.

These elements reinforce the theme while keeping the decor chic and cohesive. A few well-placed nautical accents can add a lot of character and a sense of adventure.

Styling Tips

• Use a lamp with a base wrapped in thick, nautical rope.
• Hang a single, beautifully weathered wooden oar horizontally on a large wall.
• Incorporate subtle knot details, perhaps with a decorative rope knot used as a paperweight.
• Look for throw pillows with a simple, embroidered anchor or sailboat motif.
• Place a single, stylish brass or chrome lantern on a side table.
• Avoid using too many literal nautical items at once. Choose one or two to be the focus.
• A beautiful, high-quality compass in a wooden box can be a sophisticated accent on a bookshelf.
• Use a classic blue and white striped pattern, which is inherently nautical, on a rug or a throw.
• A vintage-style maritime map of your local coastline can be framed as a beautiful piece of art.
• Use simple rope handles on drawers or cabinet doors for a subtle custom touch.

4. Add a Statement Coastal Artwork

A large piece of coastal-themed artwork can serve as the focal point for your entire living room. It can instantly set the tone and transform the ambiance of the space.

Hang an oversized painting or a stunning photograph that captures the essence of the coast. This could feature rolling ocean waves, serene palm trees, classic sailboats, or a macro shot of seashells.

The right piece of art can be like having a window with a permanent ocean view. It is a powerful way to bring the beauty of the seaside indoors.

Styling Tips

• Choose a large, horizontal piece of art to hang above your sofa.
• For a modern look, opt for an abstract painting with a coastal color palette of blues, whites, and sands.
• A large-scale, black and white photograph of the ocean can be a very chic and sophisticated choice.
• Use a simple, light wood or white frame to keep the look fresh and airy. For a more modern feel, consider a canvas wrap with no frame at all.
• Hang the artwork so the center of the piece is at eye level, which is typically around 57 inches from the floor.
• Let the colors in the artwork inspire the accent colors you use for your throw pillows and other decor.
• A triptych, which is one image split across three panels, can create a very dramatic and immersive effect.
• Look for art from local artists in coastal towns for a more authentic and personal piece.
• A simple, minimalist line drawing of a sailboat or a seashell can be just as impactful as a full-color painting.
• Ensure the art is proportional to your wall and furniture. It should feel substantial, not undersized.

5. Choose Comfortable Slipcovered Furniture

The furniture in a coastal living room should feel comfortable, casual, and forgiving. White or light-colored slipcovered sofas and armchairs are the perfect choice for this aesthetic.

Slipcovers create an easy, breezy, and relaxed look. They are also incredibly practical for a summer home, as they can be easily removed and washed to keep them looking fresh and clean.

This allows you to embrace light colors without the fear of spills or stains. It is a style that is both beautiful and perfectly suited for real life.

Styling Tips

• Choose a slipcover made from a durable, washable fabric like a cotton canvas or a linen blend.
• A classic white or a soft, sandy beige slipcover provides a perfect neutral base for your coastal decor.
• For a subtle touch of color, consider a light blue or chambray slipcover.
• Ensure the slipcover is well-fitted to your furniture for a tidy, tailored look, not a sloppy one.
• Drape a contrasting throw blanket over a slipcovered sofa to add a layer of color and texture.
• The beauty of slipcovers is that you can have a different set for each season, a light one for summer and a darker one for winter.
• Look for slipcovered furniture with relaxed, “skirted” bottoms for a more traditional coastal or cottage feel.
• Pair a slipcovered sofa with chairs made from a different material, like rattan or wood, for a more collected look.
• Even if you do not have a slipcovered sofa, you can use a simple, large white cotton throw to cover most of it for a similar effect.
• Choose deep, comfortable cushions that you can really sink into for the ultimate relaxed vibe.

6. Bring in Weathered Wood Accents

Incorporate distressed, reclaimed, or whitewashed wood furniture and accents to add a layer of rustic coastal charm. This creates a feeling that the pieces have been gently weathered by the sun and sea air.

Think of items like coffee tables, console tables, or simple shelving. A driftwood-style finish, with its soft gray and beige tones, perfectly enhances the seaside look.

This adds a sense of history and character to the room. These pieces feel found, not bought, as if they washed up on the shore.

Styling Tips

• Use a coffee table made from reclaimed wood as a rustic centerpiece for your seating area.
• A simple, whitewashed console table in your entryway can set the coastal tone immediately.
• Install a few floating shelves made from light, sun-bleached wood.
• A wooden picture frame with a distressed, chippy paint finish is perfect for coastal art.
• Look for a simple wooden bench to place under a window.
• A large, decorative wooden bowl on a coffee table can hold shells or other treasures.
• A mirror framed with small pieces of driftwood is a beautiful, sculptural statement piece.
• The key is to choose wood with a light, matte finish rather than a dark, glossy one.
• This is a great way to balance the softness of linen and cotton with a more rustic, solid element.
• You can easily create your own weathered wood finish on an old piece of furniture with some chalk paint and sandpaper.

7. Layer Soft and Breathable Fabrics

To create an effortlessly cozy and comfortable summer vibe, layer your living room with a variety of soft and breathable fabrics. This is what makes a coastal room feel so inviting.

Use sheer curtains to let in the light, pile on soft cotton throw pillows, and have a few lightweight linen throws handy for cooler evenings.

These fabrics keep the space feeling cool and airy while also adding layers of softness and texture. It is about creating a space that looks and feels comfortable.

Styling Tips

• Use sheer, white cotton or linen curtains that will gently billow in the breeze from an open window.
• Choose throw pillows in a variety of natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and even some with nubby, woven textures.
• Drape a lightweight, open-weave cotton throw over the back of an armchair.
• A soft, washed linen throw blanket at the end of a sofa is both beautiful and practical.
• Even your lampshades can get a fabric update; a simple, white linen drum shade is perfect for a coastal look.
• Layering different shades of white and cream in different textures creates a rich, sophisticated, and serene feel.
• Use a soft, flatweave cotton rug underfoot for a comfortable and breathable foundation.
• This is not a place for heavy, synthetic fabrics like velvet or faux fur.
• Think about how the fabrics feel against your skin; they should be soft and cool to the touch.
• The goal is to create a look that feels relaxed, effortless, and completely comfortable.

8. Incorporate Striped Patterns

Stripes are a classic and timeless coastal design element. They immediately evoke a sense of the sea, from classic sailor’s shirts to beach cabanas.

Whether on rugs, cushions, or upholstery, simple blue and white stripes are a perfect way to add a touch of nautical charm to the room without being overly thematic.

Stripes are a versatile pattern that can be used in both bold and subtle ways to enhance your coastal aesthetic.

Styling Tips

• A bold, wide-striped blue and white rug can be a stunning and powerful anchor for the entire room.
• For a more subtle touch, use one or two throw pillows with a classic, thin “ticking stripe” pattern.
• Drape a striped cotton throw blanket over a solid-colored armchair.
• If you are feeling bold, upholster a single accent chair or an ottoman in a beautiful striped fabric.
• Mix stripes with other patterns, like a simple floral or a geometric print, in a cohesive color palette.
• A set of simple striped curtains can add a touch of classic charm to a room.
• Look for other striped accessories, like a vase or a serving tray.
• A horizontal stripe can make a room feel wider, while a vertical stripe can make it feel taller.
• For a more modern take, try a stripe in a different color combination, like sandy beige and white.
• The key is to use stripes as an accent, not to overwhelm the room with them.

9. Include a Coastal-Inspired Coffee Table Display

You can style your coffee table to be a beautiful, curated focal point that reinforces your coastal theme. This is where you can display your collected treasures.

Create a beautiful vignette with items like a piece of decorative coral, a few glass jars filled with seashells, some simple candles, and a woven tray to hold it all together.

These small, thoughtful details are what make a space feel personal and complete. They enhance the seaside aesthetic without overwhelming the space.

Styling Tips

• Use a large, round woven or whitewashed wooden tray to corral all your decorative items.
• Follow the “rule of three” by grouping objects in odd numbers.
• Vary the height of your display with a tall vase, a low bowl, and a medium-sized stack of books.
• Use beautiful, coastal-themed coffee table books about sailing, beach houses, or ocean life as a base for your display.
• Place a large, interesting conch shell or a piece of sculptural coral as the main “hero” item.
• Fill a simple glass hurricane or jar with sand and a few small shells, and place a pillar candle inside.
• Include a small, living element, like a tiny potted succulent or an air plant.
• Use a set of beautiful coasters made from marble or agate to add a touch of natural elegance.
• Keep some space clear on the table for practical use, like putting down a drink or a book.
• Change up the display seasonally, even within the summer, to keep it feeling fresh.

10. Use Indoor Plants for a Fresh Look

Bring vibrancy and a touch of lush, natural life to your coastal living room with a few well-chosen indoor plants. Greenery is the perfect finishing touch for any room.

For a coastal or tropical feel, choose plants like potted palms, sculptural snake plants, or fresh, beautiful hydrangeas in a coastal-inspired vase.

Plants add a beautiful, organic element to your summer living room. They help to purify the air and bring the calming energy of nature indoors.

Styling Tips

• Place a tall, dramatic plant like a Kentia palm or a bird of paradise in an empty corner to create a focal point.
• Use planters that fit your coastal theme, like pots wrapped in seagrass, classic white ceramic planters, or light-colored terracotta.
• A large bowl of white or blue hydrangeas on a coffee table is a classic and beautiful coastal statement.
• Trailing plants, like a pothos or a string of pearls, look beautiful cascading down from a high shelf or a hanging planter.
• Group a few smaller succulents in interesting pots on a windowsill or a side table.
• A snake plant is a great, low-maintenance choice that has a beautiful, architectural quality.
• Make sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of natural light your living room gets.
• A simple vase with a few large, dramatic palm leaves can last for weeks and adds a strong tropical vibe.
• The deep green of the plants provides a beautiful, natural contrast to the light and airy color palette.
• Using a plant mister can add a bit of humidity to the air, enhancing the seaside feel.

11. Install Light and Breezy Window Treatments

The way you dress your windows has a huge impact on the overall feel of a room. For a coastal living room, the goal is to maximize natural light.

Opt for sheer white or light-colored linen curtains that will allow the beautiful summer sunlight to flood your living room. This helps to create a bright, airy, and open coastal environment.

Heavy drapes will block light and make the room feel heavy and dark. Light, breezy window treatments are essential for achieving the authentic coastal look.

Styling Tips

• Choose simple, sheer curtain panels made of cotton voile or a linen blend.
• Hang your curtain rod several inches above the window frame and extend it well beyond the sides to make your window appear larger and let in more light when the curtains are open.
• Use simple, elegant curtain hardware in a finish like brushed nickel or a light wood tone.
• For a bit of privacy while still letting in light, layer sheer curtains over natural woven shades or bamboo blinds.
• A simple, white linen Roman shade is a clean and tailored option for a more modern coastal look.
• Avoid heavy valances or elaborate swags, which can feel dated and fussy.
• The curtains should be long enough to just skim the floor for a polished look.
• Consider leaving your windows completely bare if privacy is not an issue, for the ultimate light and airy feel.
• Use simple, natural tie-backs made of rope or a strip of leather to hold the curtains open.
• The way the breeze gently moves a sheer curtain is a key part of the coastal sensory experience.

12. Introduce Woven or Rope Light Fixtures

Your choice of lighting can be another opportunity to add texture and reinforce your coastal theme. Look for light fixtures made from natural, woven materials.

Choose beautiful rattan pendant lights, bamboo chandeliers, or simple table lamps with rope-wrapped bases. These fixtures complement the relaxed coastal theme perfectly.

They add an element of handmade, organic texture to the room and cast a beautiful, warm, and often patterned light that enhances the cozy atmosphere.

Styling Tips

• Hang a large, woven rattan or seagrass pendant light over your main seating area to serve as a stunning focal point.
• Use a pair of smaller woven sconces on either side of a mirror or a piece of art.
• A simple table lamp with a clear glass base filled with small shells or rope is a perfect coastal accent.
• Look for a floor lamp with a simple, light wood or tripod base and a white linen shade.
• Choose light bulbs with a warm color temperature to create a soft, inviting glow, rather than a harsh, cool light.
• A chandelier made of draped wooden beads can add a touch of bohemian, coastal glamour.
• Ensure your statement light fixture is proportional to the size of your room and the height of your ceilings.
• Place your light fixtures on dimmer switches so you can control the ambiance in the evening.
• The textural element of these light fixtures looks beautiful even when the lights are off.
• This is a great way to tie in the other woven and natural elements in the room.

13. Incorporate Glass and Reflective Surfaces

To enhance the light and airy feel of your coastal living room, incorporate glass and other reflective surfaces. These elements help to bounce natural and artificial light around the room.

This makes your living room feel more spacious, open, and brighter, much like a sunlit beach house. Use items like mirrored decor, clear glass vases, and even transparent acrylic furniture.

These pieces add a touch of modern glamour and sophistication while maintaining the breezy, open aesthetic.

Styling Tips

• Place a large mirror on the wall opposite a window to reflect the light and the view, effectively doubling both.
• Use a coffee table or a console table with a mirrored top.
• Style your shelves with a collection of clear or sea-glass colored glass vases and bottles.
• A “waterfall” coffee table made of clear acrylic can provide a functional surface without adding any visual weight to the room.
• A tray with a mirrored base on your coffee table can beautifully reflect the candlelight and other small objects.
• Use lamps with clear glass bases for a light, airy look.
• Polished chrome or nickel finishes on furniture legs or hardware can also add a touch of reflective shine.
• Avoid too many dark, heavy, light-absorbing surfaces.
• Glass and reflective surfaces mimic the look of shimmering water and bright sunlight.
• This is a great trick for making a smaller living room feel much larger and more open.

14. Arrange Coastal-Themed Throw Pillows

You can easily add a comfortable and stylish touch of beachy charm to your sofa and chairs by layering a collection of decorative, coastal-themed pillows.

Choose pillows in your core coastal color palette of blues, whites, and sandy beiges. You can then mix in some fun patterns like waves, seashells, coral branches, or other sea creatures.

This is an easy and affordable way to really drive home the coastal theme and add a lot of personality and comfort to your space.

Styling Tips

• Start with a base of solid-colored pillows in shades of navy, sand, and white.
• Add one or two pillows with a bold coastal pattern, like a large coral print or a simple wave design.
• Incorporate a pillow with a classic blue and white ticking stripe for a nautical touch.
• Mix different textures, such as a smooth cotton pillow, a nubby linen one, and one with embroidery or applique details.
• Use a variety of pillow sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular, and even round pillows.
• Do not be afraid to mix different shades of blue and green for a rich, layered, ocean-inspired look.
• A single, long lumbar pillow with a simple coastal motif can look great on an armchair.
• Invest in pillow covers, which are easy to swap out seasonally and take up less storage space than full pillows.
• Look for pillows with charming details like rope trim or button closures.
• Arrange your pillows in a relaxed, slightly asymmetrical way for a casual, inviting look.

15. Display a Coastal Gallery Wall

You can tie your entire coastal theme together by creating a beautiful and personal gallery wall dedicated to the sea.

Create a curated collection that features a mix of different mediums. You could include black and white beach photography, simple seashell prints, a vintage nautical map, and a few framed, ocean-inspired quotes.

This is a wonderful way to showcase your personality and your love for the coast in a sophisticated and artistic way.

Styling Tips

• Choose a single theme for your gallery wall, like “local beaches” or “vintage nautical.”
• For a cohesive look, use identical, simple frames in a light wood or a clean white finish.
• For a more eclectic, collected feel, mix a variety of different frame styles and finishes.
• Plan your layout on the floor first before you start putting any nails in the wall.
• Incorporate three-dimensional objects, like a small, framed shadow box with sand and tiny shells, or a decorative starfish.
• Mix vertical and horizontal orientations to create a more dynamic arrangement.
• Leave a consistent amount of space, about 2 to 3 inches, between each frame for a balanced look.
• A gallery wall is a great way to fill a large, empty wall, like the one behind your sofa or in a hallway.
• You can find beautiful, affordable coastal prints online on sites like Etsy.
• Include a personal photo from a family beach trip to make the gallery wall truly your own.

16. Add a Statement Seagrass or Jute Rug

A natural fiber rug is the perfect foundation for a coastal living room. It works to anchor the furniture in your seating area and brings a sense of warmth and texture to the space.

Choosing a rug made of a material like seagrass or jute helps to maintain an effortless and authentic coastal aesthetic. It feels natural and organic underfoot.

The texture of the rug also beautifully complements the other beachy elements in the room, like woven baskets and linen fabrics, creating a rich, layered look.

Styling Tips

• Choose a rug that is large enough so that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs can rest on it. This makes the space feel more unified.
• For added softness and a designer look, layer a smaller, patterned rug or a soft cowhide on top of the larger jute rug.
• A round jute rug is a great choice for a smaller space or for placing under a round coffee table.
• The neutral, earthy color of a natural fiber rug provides the perfect backdrop for more colorful furniture and accessories.
• Look for a jute rug with a beautiful, chunky braid or a woven pattern for extra textural interest.
• These rugs are incredibly durable, making them a great choice for high-traffic living rooms.
• Use a good quality rug pad underneath to prevent slipping and to add extra cushioning.
• The natural color of a jute rug pairs beautifully with a light wood floor for a seamless, tone-on-tone look.
• Look for jute rugs with a simple, colored border, like navy or black, for a more defined, classic look.
• The simple, rustic nature of the rug helps to keep the overall design feeling relaxed and unpretentious.

17. Incorporate Relaxing Coastal Scents

To complete the full sensory experience of your coastal living room, do not forget about scent. The right fragrance can instantly evoke a sense of summer relaxation and transport you to the beach.

Use candles, essential oil diffusers, or simple linen sprays in fresh, clean, coastal-inspired scents.

Think of fragrances like ocean breeze, fresh linen, coconut, or sea salt. These scents will complete the immersive coastal experience you have created.

Styling Tips

• Choose candles in beautiful, sea-glass colored jars that can serve as decorative objects.
• Place a reed diffuser with a “sea salt and sage” or “ocean mist” scent in your entryway to create a welcoming first impression.
• Use an essential oil diffuser to mist a blend of calming scents like lavender and bergamot.
• A light, fresh linen spray on your pillows and curtains can instantly refresh the room.
• A high-quality candle with a “coconut and lime” scent can make the room feel like a tropical vacation.
• Look for candles that are decorated with small seashells embedded in the wax.
• Avoid heavy, overly sweet, or spicy scents, which can feel out of place in a light and airy coastal room.
• A simple, clean cotton scent is always a great choice for a fresh and breezy feel.
• The goal is to create a subtle, background fragrance that is refreshing, not overwhelming.
• A beautiful scent is the final, invisible layer of your coastal decor.

Conclusion

A coastal-themed summer living room is all about creating a light, airy, and deeply relaxing space. It is inspired by the simple, natural beauty of the beach.

Whether you achieve the look through a serene, oceanic color palette, a rich variety of natural textures, or a few subtle nautical decor pieces, these ideas will help you design your own personal seaside-inspired retreat.

This is a style that is perfect for enjoying long, lazy, warm summer days in the comfort of your own beautiful home.thumb_upthumb_down