30 Coastal Bedroom Decorating Ideas That Interior Designers Love

Creating a coastal bedroom retreat is more than just throwing some seashells on a shelf. It’s about capturing the essence of beachside living and bringing that serene, calming atmosphere into your personal space.

Want to transform your bedroom into a coastal paradise? We’ve gathered 30 designer-approved decorating ideas that combine natural textures, soothing colors, and maritime elements. From natural fiber rugs to shell chandeliers, each idea helps create that perfect seaside sanctuary you’ve been dreaming of.

Whether you live by the ocean or miles inland, these coastal bedroom ideas will help you to have the beach vibe. Let’s explore how you can bring the peaceful essence of coastal living into your bedroom.

30 Coastal Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Ever dreamed of waking up to the gentle whispers of ocean breezes and the calming essence of coastal living? I’ve spent years helping clients create their perfect seaside sanctuaries, and today, I’m sharing my favorite coastal bedroom decorating ideas.

Want to see those ideas you can try for your coastal bedroom? Let’s dive in!

1. Natural Fiber Area Rugs

Nothing says coastal quite like a gorgeous jute or sisal rug anchoring your bedroom space. These natural fiber floor coverings bring an instant beachy vibe while adding wonderful texture to your room.

I particularly love layering a smaller wool rug over a larger jute piece – it creates depth and interest while maintaining that organic coastal feel. The best part? These rugs are incredibly durable and hide sand perfectly (if you’re actually living by the beach!).

Consider a circular jute rug under your reading nook or a massive rectangular piece under your bed to define the space.

2. Sheer White Curtains

Let’s talk about the magic of sheer white curtains in a coastal bedroom. These ethereal window treatments create that dreamy, billowing effect you’d find in a luxury beach resort.

When the breeze catches them just right, they dance like gentle waves, adding movement and lightness to your space. I recommend double-layering them with light-blocking curtains in a soft blue or greige tone for practicality.

3. Weathered Wood Furniture

There’s something incredibly authentic about incorporating weathered wood pieces into your coastal bedroom.

Think of a distressed white oak dresser or a driftwood-inspired headboard that tells a story of sun, sand, and sea. The key is mixing different weathered finishes. It could be a gray-washed nightstand paired with a whitewashed bed frame.

These pieces bring character and history to your space while maintaining that laid-back beach house vibe. Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly; the beauty lies in the collected-over-time appearance.

4. Ocean-Inspired Color Palette

Let’s move beyond the obvious blue and white combo (though it’s classic for a reason!). I love working with a sophisticated coastal color palette that includes soft aquas, warm grays, sandy beiges, and subtle seafoam greens.

The secret is layering these colors thoughtfully – perhaps deep navy accent pillows against a soft gray upholstered headboard, or seafoam walls with crisp white trim. Add unexpected pops of coral or deep sea glass green for visual interest.

Remember, nature’s coastal colors are never flat – they’re full of beautiful undertones and variations.

5. Statement Shell Chandelier

Now here’s a show-stopping element that instantly elevates a coastal bedroom – a magnificent shell chandelier. I’m not talking about those kitschy shell-covered fixtures from the 90s. It’s about sophisticated pieces that incorporate natural capiz shells or carefully curated oyster shells.

The way these catch and reflect light creates the most beautiful, shimming effect, almost like sunlight dancing on water. Position it centrally over your bed or in a cozy reading corner for maximum impact.

6. Textured Bedding Layers

Creating the perfect coastal bed is all about mastering the art of layering textures.

Start with crisp, white cotton sheets (nothing beats the classic feel), then add a chunky knit throw in a soft seafoam color. Perhaps a quilted coverlet with subtle wave patterns, and finish with an assortment of pillows in various coastal textures. Think raw silk, linen, and cotton rope details.

The key is keeping the color palette serene while playing with different tactile experiences. I love adding one statement pillow with a bold maritime stripe or coral pattern to anchor the arrangement.

7. Painted Shiplap Walls

While shiplap has become somewhat ubiquitous in coastal design, there’s a reason it works so well.

The key is in the execution – instead of basic white, consider painting your shiplap in a soft gray-blue. And it must mimics the color of storm clouds over the ocean.

Install it horizontally for a traditional look, or shake things up with a vertical application to create the illusion of higher ceilings. The subtle shadows created by shiplap add architectural interest and depth to your walls without overwhelming the space.

8. Maritime Art Gallery Wall

Create visual interest with a thoughtfully curated gallery wall featuring coastal-inspired artwork. Mix vintage nautical charts with modern abstract seascapes, and black-and-white beach photography. Perhaps a few framed antique shells or coral specimens.

The secret is varying the frame styles while keeping them in the same color family. Think weathered gold, silver, and white frames. Don’t be afraid to include unexpected pieces like vintage swimming costume illustrations or abstract wave studies.

9. Rope Accents

Incorporate nautical rope elements in unexpected ways throughout your coastal bedroom. Think rope-wrapped mirror frames, decorative knots displayed as wall art, or even a custom rope handrail for bedroom steps.

The texture and natural color of rope add authentic maritime character without feeling themed or kitschy.

I love using rope as a decorative element on lampshades or as a trim detail on throw pillows. The key is using it sparingly – think of rope accents as the jewelry of your coastal room design.

10. Glass Float Displays

Channel the vintage charm of glass fishing floats by incorporating these beautiful spheres into your bedroom decor.

Create a stunning display by gathering various sizes and shades of blue and green glass floats in a large glass bowl. Or arrange them along a window sill where they can catch the light.

For a modern twist, consider glass float-inspired light fixtures or decorative orbs. These pieces add a touch of maritime history while creating beautiful light reflections throughout your space.

11. Driftwood Mirror Frame

Transform an ordinary mirror into a coastal masterpiece by surrounding it with carefully arranged pieces of driftwood. Each piece tells its own story of ocean journeys, and when combined, they bring natural texture and organic shapes to your walls.

The irregular patterns of the driftwood pieces create interesting shadows and depth, while the mirror itself reflects light throughout the room. Position it where it can reflect a window view for maximum impact and to amplify natural light.

12. Coastal Pattern Play

Master the art of mixing patterns in your coastal bedroom by combining classic maritime stripes with organic ocean-inspired prints. Layer a subtle wave-pattern wallpaper with striped upholstery, then add pillows featuring coral designs or abstract seaweed motifs.

The key is keeping your pattern scale varied. Mix large-scale patterns with smaller, more intricate designs while maintaining a cohesive color story. I love introducing unexpected patterns like block-printed fish or stylized shells in modern colorways.

13. Seagrass Storage Solutions

Incorporate natural seagrass baskets and storage pieces to add both function and style to your coastal bedroom.

Use larger baskets for blanket storage, medium sizes for magazines and books, and smaller ones for personal items on your nightstand. The woven texture adds warmth and organic appeal, while the natural color complements any coastal color scheme.

Look for pieces with interesting weave patterns or subtle white-washed finishes for added visual interest.

14. Shell-Inspired Lighting Sconces

Illuminate your coastal bedroom with wall sconces that take inspiration from seashells’ organic forms. Look for fixtures that mimic the curve of a nautilus or the fluted edges of a scallop shell.

Choose finishes in brushed brass or polished nickel to add a touch of sophistication. These lighting elements cast beautiful shadows on your walls while providing functional task lighting. Position them on either side of your bed or use them to highlight architectural features in your room.

15. Bamboo Window Treatments

Add natural texture and filtered light with bamboo roman shades or rolling blinds. These window treatments provide privacy while letting in diffused natural light, creating a warm, tropical atmosphere.

Layer them with sheer curtains for versatility, or let them stand alone for a more minimal look. The natural variations in the bamboo add visual interest and create beautiful shadow patterns when the light hits them just right. Choose options with a whitewashed finish for a more coastal feel.

16. Coral Motif Accents

Incorporate the elegant forms of coral throughout your bedroom design, but with a sophisticated approach. Think white ceramic coral sculptures, coral-pattern embroidered pillows, or a statement wall covering featuring a subtle coral design.

The key is using coral as an accent rather than a dominant theme. Mix different coral species – branching, brain, fan – to create visual interest while maintaining an elegant, curated feel. These organic shapes add movement and natural beauty to your space.

17. Painted Furniture Finishes

Give your bedroom furniture a coastal makeover with carefully chosen painted finishes. Instead of traditional white, explore colors like soft gray-blues, pale aquas, or warm sandy beiges.

Distress the edges slightly to suggest years of sea air exposure, or apply a color-washing technique for depth and character. Mix painted pieces with natural wood elements to create balance and interest.

Consider painting just the drawer fronts of a dresser while leaving the frame natural for a modern twist.

18. Textured Wallcovering

Install a textured wallcovering that mimics natural coastal elements like grasscloth, sand, or subtle wave patterns. These add depth and interest to your walls without overwhelming the space.

Look for options with metallic threads woven through for a hint of shimmer, reminiscent of sunlight on water. Consider using the wallcovering on just one wall as a focal point, or wrapping the entire room for a cocooning effect.

19. Coastal-Inspired Bedside Tables

Think beyond traditional nightstands with pieces that evoke coastal charm.

Consider repurposed boat cleats as drawer pulls, cane-fronted cabinet doors, or tables with rope-wrapped legs. Look for pieces with open shelving to display coastal collections, or opt for painted pieces with subtle distressing.

The key is finding pieces that combine function with maritime character. Mix materials like painted wood with brass or rope accents for added interest.

20. Layered Lighting Design

Create ambiance with a thoughtfully planned lighting scheme that mimics the changing coastal light throughout the day.

Combine different light sources – perhaps a capiz shell chandelier for overall illumination, and adjustable sconces for reading. Table lamps with textured shades for ambient light is what is suggested as well!

Use warm-toned bulbs to create that golden hour glow. Also, think about adding programmable smart bulbs to adjust the lighting throughout the day.

21. Maritime Metal Accents

Incorporate metal elements that speak to coastal living – think polished brass, burnished copper, or aged bronze. Use these in light fixtures, drawer pulls, or decorative objects. The warmth of these metals contrasts beautifully with cool coastal colors while adding sophistication and depth.

Consider a vintage brass telescope as a decorative piece, or copper boat cleats repurposed as wall hooks. The key is choosing pieces with patina and character.

22. Custom Upholstered Headboard

Create a statement with a custom headboard upholstered in coastal-inspired fabric. Choose materials like performance velvet in deep ocean blue, textured linen in sandy beige, or a subtle pattern incorporating maritime motifs.

The shape can echo coastal elements – perhaps a gentle curve like a wave or a series of upholstered panels reminiscent of ship panels. Add nail head trim in aged brass for a sophisticated detail that ties in with other metal elements in the room.

23. Collected Coastal Accessories

Style your surfaces with carefully curated coastal accessories that tell a story. Mix found objects like sea glass and driftwood with purchased pieces like coral sculptures or maritime instruments. Group items in odd numbers and varying heights for visual interest.

The key is creating vignettes that look collected over time rather than purchased all at once. Include personal items like vacation photos in weathered frames or shells collected from memorable beach trips.

24. Natural Fiber Window Shades

Install woven wood shades in natural materials. For example – bamboo, rattan, or sea grass to filter light beautifully while adding organic texture to your windows.

These natural fiber shades create interesting shadow patterns throughout the day and add warmth to the room. Layer them with simple linen panels for privacy and light control.

Choose options with subtle variations in color and texture to add depth and interest to your window treatments.

25. Coastal Pattern Mixing

Master the art of pattern mixing with a coastal twist. Combine traditional maritime stripes with organic patterns like coral prints, wave designs, or abstract seaweed motifs.

The key is varying the scale of patterns while maintaining a cohesive color story. Mix in solid textures to give the eye places to rest. Consider using patterns in unexpected places like the inside of dresser drawers or on the ceiling for a delightful surprise.

26. Seashell Collection Display

Elevate your seashell collection from basic to beautiful by creating an artistic display. Arrange shells in shadow boxes grouped by color or type, or create a dramatic wall installation with larger specimens.

Consider displaying them under glass cloches or in vintage apothecary jars. The key is presenting them in a curated, artistic way rather than simply scattered about. Include unusual specimens and pair them with coral pieces or sea fans for visual interest.

27. Coastal Color Blocking

Use color blocking techniques to add architectural interest while incorporating coastal colors. Paint the lower third of walls in a deeper ocean blue, the middle section in sandy beige, and the top in bright white. It’s to mimic the horizon line where sky meets sea!

Alternatively, create geometric patterns with paint to suggest waves or coastal landscapes. This technique adds visual interest without requiring additional architectural elements.

28. Vintage Maritime Elements

Incorporate authentic vintage maritime pieces to add character and history to your coastal bedroom. Think ship’s wheels, vintage navigation instruments, or old boat hardware repurposed as decorative elements.

The key is using these pieces sparingly and mixing them with modern elements to keep the look fresh rather than theme-y. Consider mounting a vintage ship’s clock as wall art or using antique boat cleats as unique coat hooks.

29. Textured Ceiling Treatment

Don’t forget about the “fifth wall” – your ceiling! Add interest overhead with beadboard, pale blue paint, or even a subtle metallic finish that mimics the shimmer of water.

Consider adding architectural elements like shallow coffering or rope crown molding for additional coastal character. Keep the treatment subtle enough that it doesn’t compete with other room elements.

30. Coastal Reading Nook

Carve out a cozy reading corner that captures the essence of relaxed coastal living.

What to do about this?

Include a comfortable upholstered chair in performance fabric, perhaps in a subtle wave pattern or coastal stripe. Add a weathered side table, good task lighting, and a soft throw in ocean-inspired colors. Create a small gallery wall above featuring vintage coastal artwork or maps.

The key is creating a comfortable spot that feels like the perfect place to curl up with a good book on a rainy beach day.

Recommended Reads:

• 15 Trendy Coastal Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
• 10 Coastal-Inspired Flooring Choices

Final Word

Creating your perfect coastal bedroom doesn’t mean following every single idea mentioned above. Pick the elements that speak to you and align with your personal style. Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels both refreshing and relaxing.

The key to successful coastal bedroom design lies in finding the right balance between beachy elements and sophisticated style. Start with one or two ideas that excite you most, then gradually build your perfect seaside sanctuary.