25 Coastal Chic Living Room Ideas

Whether you live seaside year-round or look forward to a beach vacation each summer, the ocean holds a special place in your heart.

That peaceful feeling has a way of permeating your home, so it’s important for your decor to reflect it.

Whether you prefer a pastel paradise or a more dramatic take, these coastal chic living rooms will provide the aesthetic inspo you need.

Not quite ready to take the plunge? Try a few of these living room design tips, and combine them with your existing decor to get a feel for the look before you decide.

Light and Airy Color Palette

A light and airy color palette is a must for any coastal chic space. This living room designed by Studio McGee is the perfect example of how to do that.

White walls and a white ceiling create a clean backdrop for this living room. A light wood coffee table and a blue and white striped rug add color and pattern without overwhelming the space.

Natural Materials

Natural materials are a cornerstone of coastal design. In this room designed by Arent & Pyke, wood and stone are used throughout the space. The driftwood coffee table and stone fireplace nod to the home’s beachfront location.

The wood is also brought in through the ceiling beams and the console table. The stone is carried into the fireplace surround, and the white-washed walls create a beachy look.

Nautical Decor

Nautical decor is a classic choice for coastal living rooms. This look is best achieved by using a white and navy color palette, but you can also add in some red for a bold pop of color.

Look for nautical-themed decor like anchors, ship wheels, and compasses. These can be used as wall art, throw pillows, and more!

Coastal Art

Art is a great way to bring a theme into a room, and coastal chic is no exception. But you don’t have to stick to just beach landscapes. This room designed by Emily Henderson features a series of abstract ocean-inspired pieces that bring a sense of calm to the space.

And don’t forget to think about the colors in your coastal art. The soft blues and greens in these pieces are reflected throughout the room in the throw pillows and curtains.

Whitewashed Furniture

Whitewashed furniture is a staple in coastal living rooms. The treatment gives wood furniture a bleached look, and it’s often paired with slipcovers and other casual fabrics.

This living room designed by Studio McGee features a whitewashed coffee table and console table. The room also has a whitewashed stone fireplace, and the look is repeated in the wood ceiling.

Driftwood Accents

Driftwood is a staple in coastal design, and this living room by Chango & Co. makes the most of it. The large piece above the fireplace adds a sculptural element, while the smaller accents on the mantel and coffee table add to the beachy vibe.

The light wood tones in the room are a nice contrast to the deep navy and black accents, and the woven rug adds a touch of warmth to the otherwise cool color palette.

Striped Patterns

Stripes are a classic coastal pattern, and you can use them in a variety of ways in a coastal chic living room.

In this space designed by Studio McGee, the striped rug anchors the room and pairs well with the nautical art. The pillows on the sofa feature a more abstract take on the pattern, and the neutral color palette keeps the space feeling cohesive.

Wicker and Rattan Furniture

Wicker and rattan furniture is a must-have in a coastal chic living room. These durable materials are perfect for a beach house, and add a touch of texture to the space. They’re also a great way to create a cohesive look if you’re mixing and matching different styles of furniture.

In this living room, a pair of rattan armchairs add a casual, coastal vibe to the space. The white cushions keep them looking fresh and modern, while the throw pillows add a pop of color.

Beach-Inspired Textiles

From the grasscloth wallpaper to the rattan coffee table, this room is full of texture. But the star of the show has to be the blue and white textiles.

Designer Summer Thornton used a blue and white striped rug, a blue and white striped throw pillow, and a blue and white patterned throw to create a cohesive look.

Sea Glass Decor

If you don’t want to go all in on a coastal color scheme, bring in hints of it with decor. Like in this living room designed by Arent & Pyke, the sea glass table lamp, pastel area rug, and coral and patterned throw pillows bring in the beachy vibes without being too overwhelming.

Coastal-Themed Lighting

Lighting in a coastal chic living room can be a bit more than a decorative accent. A statement chandelier can help to anchor the space, as well as provide a soft, ambient light.

This classic lantern chandelier adds a touch of coastal charm to the space without being too literal or over-the-top.

Open and Breezy Layout

This open floor plan living room is filled with coastal decor and design. From the white walls and light wood floors to the neutral furniture and pops of blue, the room is airy and beachy.

The large sectional is the perfect piece for a family that loves to cozy up together for movie nights. The sectional is also great for defining the living room area in an open layout.

Large Windows with Sheer Curtains

Large windows with sheer curtains create a soft, dreamy look in this living room. The windows let in lots of natural light and provide stunning views of the water.

If you live in a coastal area, make the most of your home’s location by incorporating large windows and sliding glass doors into your living room design. Not only will you get to enjoy the views, but you’ll also be able to open the space up to the outdoors.

Indoor Plants

Indoor plants are a great way to add texture, color, and life to your living room. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also help to purify the air and can even boost your mood.

In this living room designed by LeClair Decor, the tall plant in the corner adds a touch of nature to the space. The plant is also a great way to fill the awkward negative space.

Blue and White Scheme

A blue and white color scheme is a classic look for a coastal living room. The look is simple and uncluttered, with the blue accents providing a perfect pop of color.

This living room designed by Jenny Keenan is a great example. The blue and white throw pillows add a fun touch to the white slipcovered sofas, and the blue and white rug is a beautiful base for the room.

Shell and Coral Decor

Coral and shell motifs are a classic coastal decor theme. This living room by Kari Arendsen takes a modern approach to the look with a pair of coral prints over the fireplace and a shell sculpture on the coffee table.

The soft blue and white color scheme and mix of traditional and modern furniture and accents create a stylish, yet inviting space.

Coastal Rugs

A coastal rug is a great way to add texture and pattern to your living room. This blue and white rug adds a pop of color to the space and complements the blue and white color scheme.

The pattern of the rug is reminiscent of waves, and the round shape mirrors the shape of the coffee table.

Ocean-Inspired Wall Art

In this living room designed by Arent & Pyke, the colorful ocean print sets the tone for the rest of the room. The designers pulled the color palette from the wall art and used shades of blue and white throughout the space.

Weathered Finishes

A weathered coffee table and side table add a touch of rustic charm to this coastal living room by the design team at Bria Hammel Interiors. The reclaimed wood is complemented by a blue and white area rug and a pair of white slipcovered armchairs. A large abstract painting over the fireplace adds a pop of color to the otherwise neutral space.

Coastal Coffee Table Books

You can never go wrong with a stack of coffee table books. This is a great way to add height to your coffee table, and you can choose books that are meaningful to you.

If you’re looking for a coastal book, then I have the perfect one for you! My book, Coastal Interiors, is filled with beautiful coastal homes and design tips.

Relaxed Seating

The key to a successful coastal chic living room is creating an inviting space where people want to gather. That means plenty of comfortable seating.

Choose a large sofa and then add in some smaller chairs and even a bench to complete the look. Top with plenty of pillows and throws.

Lantern Lighting

Coastal style is all about natural light, and when the sun goes down, a lantern-style chandelier can help keep the room feeling bright. This white living room by the team at Studio McGee includes a large lantern chandelier that adds a touch of drama to the space.

The large fixture also helps balance out the scale of the room and seating area.

Rope Accents

Rope is a great way to add a nautical touch to your space. You can use it in a variety of ways, such as a trim on curtains or pillows, as a handle on a decorative tray, or to make a unique piece of wall art.

In this living room designed by Tamsin Johnson, the rope on the coffee table is a subtle nod to the sea.

Coastal-Inspired Throw Pillows

Pillows are the perfect accessory to add color, pattern, and texture to any room. In this case, they also help bring in the coastal theme.

It’s easy to switch out throw pillows and throws with the seasons, and it gives you a chance to add some fun to your room. These pillows are a mix of patterns and colors, and they’re all so beautiful together.

Nautical Maps and Charts

Nautical charts and maps are a popular coastal chic decor item. They can be used as artwork or wallpaper, and they often feature stunning blue and green colors.

This living room designed by Bria Hammel Interiors uses a large map of the Florida Keys as the focal point of the room. The map features beautiful shades of blue and green and sets the color scheme for the rest of the space.

Conclusion

Which of these coastal chic living room ideas is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!