Coastal style in 2025 feels a lot less beach shack and a lot more barefoot luxury. It’s no longer just seashells and whitewashed wood everywhere. This year, it’s all about a subtle, airy, and layered look.
Think natural textures, earthy tones, and calming colors inspired by the sea but toned down, relaxed, and mature. It’s about creating a bedroom that feels like a fresh ocean breeze without screaming “I just decorated with a fish net.”
I’ve been obsessed with this style for years, but lately, I’m seeing coastal design evolve into something so much more refined. So if you’re craving that calm, breezy escape every time you walk into your room, you’re in the right place.
1. Muted Blues & Driftwood Palettes
Color is the soul of a coastal space, and in 2025, the palette has matured. I’m seeing less of that bold turquoise and more of what I like to call “driftwood chic.”
Why Muted Tones Work So Well
I personally love using soft, washed-out blues, dusty grays, warm beiges, and pale sand tones. These shades mimic nature, the weathered look of driftwood, fog over the sea, or faded shells you find on the beach.
They don’t shout for attention. Instead, they whisper relaxation. And trust me, after a long day, that’s exactly what I want my bedroom to do.
How to Use These Colors
Start with a neutral base for your walls like Benjamin Moore’s “Classic Gray” or Sherwin-Williams’ “Sea Salt” are both great picks. Then layer in soft accents: pale blue throw pillows, a chunky knit blanket in off-white, maybe even a distressed wood nightstand that looks like it came straight off the coast of Maine.
I like to mix cool tones like pale ocean blue with warm undertones from natural wood. The mix keeps things from feeling cold or sterile.
Here’s a quick palette guide:
Element | Suggested Color |
---|---|
Walls | Light Sand, Foggy Gray |
Accent Pillows | Faded Blue, Dusty Aqua |
Furniture | Whitewashed or Driftwood Finishes |
Bedding | Cream, Cloud White, Soft Taupe |
This muted palette feels modern, clean, and so calming. And the best part? It works in both small and large bedrooms.
2. Light Linen Drapery and Natural Rugs
If I had to pick two things that scream relaxed-coastal without using a single anchor or rope, it’s linen and jute. These textures are the secret sauce behind that breezy bedroom vibe.
Linen Drapery for That Airy Feel
There’s nothing more dreamy than watching light linen curtains flutter in the morning breeze. I always go for off-white or natural flax shades because they soften sunlight beautifully.
Bonus: they’re timeless, and they don’t compete with other elements in the room.
I’ve used IKEA’s AINA curtains in a couple of my projects, they’re affordable and 100% linen. Pair them with black curtain rods for a tiny bit of contrast. It looks sharp without being harsh.
Why Natural Rugs Complete the Look
Now let’s talk flooring. I love how a chunky jute rug or woven seagrass mat adds that raw, organic texture to balance out soft bedding and smooth furniture.
It’s basically like grounding your space literally. Your feet will thank you, too.
Here’s how I like to mix and match:
Material | Placement | Tip |
---|---|---|
Linen | Curtains, Bedding | Keep it unlined for movement |
Jute | Area Rugs | Use a rug pad underneath |
Cotton Blend | Throws, Cushions | Adds softness |
The key here is to layer textures, not pile them on. You want it to feel effortless not like you’re trying too hard to be “coastal.”
3. Nautical-Inspired Accessories (Subtle, Not Themed)
Let me be honest, there’s a fine line between coastal charm and full-on fish market.
When I first started styling my own bedroom with coastal elements, I nearly made the mistake of going full “nautical museum.” I’m talking: anchor prints, seashell lamps, and a clock shaped like a life preserver. Yikes.
Keep It Natural, Not Novelty
The best coastal bedrooms don’t scream beach, they whisper it. Subtle is the name of the game.
Rather than filling your space with obvious “sea-themed” items, try natural-inspired pieces like:
- A ceramic bowl filled with smoothed river stones
- A wall-hung woven basket that reminds you of driftwood
- A framed piece of coral or minimal sea grass print
I’ve even styled a room with rope-handled lanterns that bring in that dockside vibe without being tacky.
Stick with raw textures, matte finishes, and simple lines. These pieces should feel found, not forced.
My Personal Picks That Always Work
If I’m styling a nightstand or shelf, I love adding a whitewashed wooden tray, a glass jar of beach sand, or a clay vase with dried pampas grass.
They bring in the spirit of the sea, but they also blend seamlessly into other neutral decor. No one walks in and feels like they’re in a seafood restaurant. That’s always the goal.
Here’s a table to help guide subtle vs. themed accessories:
Subtle Coastal Accent | Overly Themed Item to Avoid |
---|---|
Woven Rope Lamp Base | Lamp with Lighthouse Print |
Dried Grasses in Vase | Fake Palm Tree Decor |
Framed Sea-Inspired Art | Sign That Says “Gone to the Beach” |
Textured Ceramic Vase | Glass Fish Sculpture |
A room should feel like a place you stumble into barefoot on a quiet morning not like you’re walking through a beachside gift shop.
4. Windowsill Styling for Beach House Vibes
If there’s one spot in a coastal bedroom that people overlook, it’s the windowsill. But honestly, it’s one of my favorite styling zones tiny, sunlit, and just begging for a touch of character.
Why the Windowsill Matters
In coastal-style bedrooms, light is everything. And a windowsill full of pretty, light-catching items can bring that breezy beach house energy to life without needing a full decor overhaul.
I love keeping this space simple, uncluttered, and meaningful.
What I Style on My Own Windowsills
Here’s what I’ve used in real bedrooms that always works:
- A small driftwood sculpture I picked up from a weekend market
- A glass vase with eucalyptus that gently sways in the breeze
- Mini vintage bottles in seafoam green and amber tones
- A candle in a stone container (bonus points if it’s ocean-scented)
The light bouncing off these textures during golden hour is unmatched. It literally changes the mood of the whole room.
Just don’t overdo it. You want the windowsill to invite light, not block it. Keep pieces spaced out, lightweight, and natural.
If you’re stuck on what to add, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Windowsill Vibe | What to Use |
---|---|
Light & Airy | Clear Glass, White Pottery |
Earthy Coastal | Driftwood, Textured Clay |
Green & Serene | Eucalyptus, Small Succulents |
Sometimes the smallest spaces carry the most style weight. I always say if your windowsill feels breezy, your whole bedroom follows.
Where to Buy Breezy Coastal Decor Pieces
Now that we’ve got the vision, let’s talk where I actually shop for these pieces.
Yes, you can spend a fortune at high-end boutiques, but honestly? Some of the best coastal finds come from stores that won’t make your wallet weep.
Here are a few places I always browse when I’m in coastal makeover mode:
Store | Why I Like It |
---|---|
IKEA | Affordable linens and curtain panels |
H&M Home | Great for vases, candles, and trays |
Target | Love their Hearth & Hand collection |
Wayfair | Huge variety of rugs and wall decor |
Etsy | For unique, handmade natural pieces |
HomeGoods / TJ Maxx | Budget-friendly hidden gems |
And don’t underestimate local markets or secondhand stores. I’ve found handwoven baskets, rattan mirrors, and vintage glassware that instantly transformed my bedroom and they all had stories behind them.
Best Paint Colors for Coastal Bedrooms
Choosing the right paint is one of the easiest ways to transform your space into a peaceful, ocean-inspired retreat. Over the years, I’ve tested more paint samples than I care to admit (some even looked great on the swatch, but like toothpaste on the wall).
So let me save you the hassle.
Here are my paint colors that always work in a coastal-style bedroom:
Paint Color Name | Brand | Why I Love It |
---|---|---|
Sea Salt | Sherwin-Williams | A soft greenish blue with a gray undertone |
White Dove | Benjamin Moore | Warm white that pairs with driftwood tones |
Silver Strand | Sherwin-Williams | Calm, muted gray with hints of seafoam |
Ocean Air | Benjamin Moore | Light blue that’s gentle, not overwhelming |
Greek Villa | Sherwin-Williams | Creamy, beachy white for a soft foundation |
Few Tips from My Experience
- Always test your color on the wall first. Light shifts everything.
- Use matte or eggshell finish for a softer, more organic feel.
- Pair cooler wall tones with warmer woods or natural fabrics to balance the room.
I personally painted one bedroom in Silver Strand and paired it with white linens and a chunky jute rug. The whole space felt like a cloud with a salty breeze no joke, I never wanted to leave it.
If you stick with muted, earthy, or gray-based coastal tones, your bedroom will feel naturally relaxed. No bright teal or neon blue here, it’s not 2010 anymore.
Conclusion
Coastal bedroom style in 2025 isn’t about filling your space with beach clichés. It’s about bringing in light, air, and texture in a way that feels authentic and effortless.
We’re talking:
- Muted colors inspired by driftwood and sea mist
- Natural materials like linen, jute, and seagrass
- Subtle accessories that nod to the sea without making it a theme park
- A light-filled, calming vibe that makes you want to sink into bed every night
Personally, I’ve found that just a few thoughtful changes like switching out heavy curtains for airy linen, or adding a soft coastal rug can completely shift the feel of the room. You don’t need a beach house to feel like you’re near the water.
And remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace.
FAQs
Coastal style is soft, breezy, and natural. It uses textures like linen and colors inspired by driftwood, sea glass, and sand. Nautical style, on the other hand, tends to lean on bolder navy-and-white themes, anchors, and rope. Coastal feels like a sunset walk on the beach, while nautical can sometimes feel like you’re on a ship.
Absolutely, yes. Coastal style is perfect for smaller rooms because it emphasizes light and airiness. Go for lighter wall colors, sheer curtains, and minimal furniture. Use mirrors to reflect light and don’t clutter the space. Even small touches like a jute rug or driftwood lamp can make a big impact.
Soft, muted shades like pale blue, seafoam green, sandy beige, warm whites, and gentle grays work best. These tones create a relaxed and calming feel. You can layer them with natural materials and occasional darker accents (like matte black or navy) to create depth without losing the breezy vibe.
Some of my favorite spots are IKEA, H&M Home, Target, Wayfair, and Etsy. I also love browsing local markets and secondhand shops, you can find unique pieces with charm and character. Just stick to natural textures, simple shapes, and muted colors, and you’ll be golden.