15 coastal living room ideas to bring the beach home

You don’t need an oceanfront view to bring coastal energy to your living room — just a few smart design choices that capture that barefoot, sun-drenched sensation. Coastal interior design is less about location (although beach access is nice) and more about atmosphere. Think soft light, lived-in textures, and a carefree look that makes the whole space feel like a fresh ocean breeze. 

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In this guide, we’ll share 15 coastal living room ideas to help you channel your inner beach bunny — whether you’re steps from the sand or landlocked and daydreaming. From natural materials to cool color palettes, these tips will help your home feel like a year-round beach house escape. 

1. Incorporate natural textures

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A white palette is a classic coastal color palette — it bounces natural light, feels crisp, and keeps the focus on the gorgeous view. But without the right coastal decor accents, white walls and coffered ceilings can veer into farmhouse territory. Here, a woven sisal rug, sculptural rattan side table, and leafy plants introduce natural texture and a more casual, beach-ready vibe. It’s just the nudge this polished beach house needs to let its hair down. 

2. Add pops of blue

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White sets the stage, but it’s the blue tones that welcome in the breeze. In this pared-back room — white walls, soft gray sofa, clean armchairs — pops of nautical blue show up just enough to shift the mood. From cyan to coral, accents like throw pillows, a graphic rug, and a seaside painting build a layered palette that’s calm, airy, and unmistakably coastal. 

3. Layer neutral tones

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Layering neutrals is a strategy that shows up in many design styles — whether bohemian, modern, or luxe. The key to making it feel coastal is choosing neutrals that are sun-kissed and light-reflective. 

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In this neutral coastal living room design, barely-beige linen pillows echo the woven rug, while mid-tone wood accents — on the coffee table, picture frames, and side table — warm up the all-white backdrop. A few pale blue and white ceramics add just enough contrast to feeling airy and bright like morning light spilling in over the horizon. 

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4. Use slipcovered furniture

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Slipcovered sofas and chairs aren’t just practical — they’re a smart choice when sand, sunscreen, and daiquiris are regular house guests. They also bring that lived-in, low-stress look that coastal spaces pull off so well. Here, two white slipcovered sofas soften the room’s otherwise formal coastal home design, inviting you to sit back and hang out for a while. 

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5. Decorate with coastal wall art

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Coastal wall art doesn’t have to stop at starfish and surfboards. Abstract pieces, like the soft blue and white paintings in this beach house living room, capture the calm of the ocean without feeling like an overly themed living room. 

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You can also nod to the coast through mood and palette — think retro ’70s prints in sun-faded tones or graphic line art in sandy neutrals. If it feels breezy, it belongs in your coastal decor mix. 

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Find the perfect coastal artwork on Onton

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6. Display a gallery wall

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Gallery walls work in most design styles, but for a beachy space, it’s all about setting the right atmosphere. This coastal living room features a series of beachside photographs — windswept dunes, surfers on the shoreline, and sun-bleached boardwalks — that feel like a collection of summer memories. Abstract paintings in blue and yellow hues, seashell prints, and sculptural rattan accents can also capture the laid-back vibe that defines coastal decor.

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7. Choose denim or linen upholstery

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Denim and linen aren’t just wardrobe staples — they work wonders in a coastal living room, too. Here, two denim-upholstered sofas cultivate a relaxed, unfussy vibe that tones down an otherwise formal living area. Linen fabrics create an even breezier feel — light, casual, and perfect for soaking up the afternoon sun. 

8. Mix patterned pillows

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Nautical stripes. Botanical block prints. Ikats. Each pattern brings a unique vibe to a sofa — one structured, one organic, and one a little eclectic. Mixed together, patterned pillows give a relaxed, collected-over-time feel. Stick to a tight palette of washed-out blues, creams, and sandy tones to keep things cohesive. It’s a simple coastal decor trick to add texture, personality, and just enough playfulness to avoid feeling over-styled. 

9. Paint with soft coastal colors

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This cozy living room trades sandy neutrals for a sea-soaked color palette that still feels cool and airy. Light turquoise walls wrap the space in an aquatic vibe, while throw pillows, artwork, and a sea glass vase pull in soft teal tones. Warm wood accents on the tables, pouf, and basket keep the palette from feeling too pastel-heavy. It’s a fresh take on the beachy palette, perfect for an afternoon nap on the plush three-piece sectional. 

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10. Highlight wood elements

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Wood tones echo what makes a coastal landscape feel so calming — sun-bleached driftwood, sandy shores, and smooth seashells. In this modern coastal living room, natural materials pay homage: A sleek circular coffee table, curvy wicker basket, and warm finishes on the fireplace and armchair welcome the outside world in. 

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While an oceanfront view is tough to top, the pared-down coastal interior design lets the home’s standout architectural feature — a gorgeous shiplap-paneled ceiling — shine as the space’s focal point. 

11. Use woven lighting or baskets

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Woven natural textures are a no-brainer for coastal living rooms — they mirror their environment: rope, nets, straw hats, driftwood, and beachy grasses. In this space, a cluster of woven pendant lights creates an earthy, bohemian vibe by day and a warm, moody glow by night. A rattan basket and jute rug carry the beach theme through the room, adding the casual, handmade feel that gives coastal decor its easy charm. 

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Search for woven baskets on Onton

12. Add greenery or coastal plants

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Like it or not, at some point, you have to part ways with the beach and head inside — bringing in local plants helps blur the line. Coastal greenery like palms, ferns, or even tropical turmeric adds life and movement to a room rooted in neutral tones and natural textures. It’s an easy coastal living room idea that keeps your space feeling connected to the great outdoors — especially if your view is the cottage next door, not the oceanfront. 

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13. Opt for textured area rugs

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You don’t have to layer multiple rugs to create depth — just choose one with a natural texture that speaks to the coastal aesthetic. In this beachy living room, a single woven rug (think sisal, jute, or rattan) anchors the seating area in this open floor plan. It’s a simple coastal design move that adds structure to an otherwise airy space. Plus, tough materials can stand the test of sandals, saltwater, and whatever else a day at the beach tracks in. 

14. Maximize natural light

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In this coastal cottage living room, natural light floods the space, highlighting every carefully chosen detail — from the off-white chaise and coral-blue throw to the deep green houseplants and woven accents. That sunlight is what makes the subtle coastal decor variations feel cohesive — it softens the bold colors, warms up the natural textures, and brings the whole beachy palette to life. 

15. Accessorize with beach finds

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Seashells, driftwood, coral — coastal decor doesn’t get more personal than what you collect yourself. It’s a fun, low-stakes way to carry a bit of the beach indoors (and a great excuse to go scavenging with the family) while adding a personal touch to your coffee table decor. 

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For a more polished take, group your finds in a decorative tray, glass vase, or shallow bowl to keep things organized. These small seaside accents add character, texture, and a little bit of story to your coastal living room without feeling like a souvenir shop. 

Design your modern coastal living room with Onton

Creating a relaxed, beachy space? Onton’s AI-powered search engine helps you explore coastal living room ideas — from woven natural textures and light wood furniture to seaside-inspired color palettes. Try prompts like “rattan coffee table,” “blue and white throw pillows,” or “driftwood wall art” to discover pieces that exude style and sophistication. 

Once you find a few favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to preview how they’ll look in your coastal retreat. Just upload a photo and start experimenting with layouts, materials, and beachy accents. Dream up your ideal coastal living room with Onton.