How to Plan and Decorate a Beach House

If you want to add warmth and brightness while keeping your home's aesthetic soft and airy, opt for a refreshing color palette of minty green, pastel pink, and white. To enhance the relaxing coastal atmosphere, opt for serene white furniture and accents, such as a green and white striped rug, planters and hanging baskets brimming with pale pink flowers, and rose-hued throw pillows.

If you have a wooden deck, make it the main character of your serene coastal scene. For a striking contrast, complement the wood's natural warmth with furniture and accents in cool hues. This color combination looks especially balanced against muted green or blue siding.

If you have a navy blue beach house with white trim and natural stone hardscapes, enhance the coastal charm with furniture and decor in complementing colors. Look to bright white rockers and accent tables to add a laid-back yet sophisticated feel, and position natural stone planters with blue hydrangeas throughout the space for texture and New-England-inspired allure.

For a warm feel that invites the colors of the sunset to your setting, consider orange-toned Adirondacks as focal points. Complement the citrusy shade with red and yellow table decor, and surround the area with landscaping featuring black-eyed Susans and crimson gaillardias. Chill the color palette with light grey and lavender pillows and deep purple blankets to echo the cooler hues of a sunset sky.

If your home is a calm coral with lighter trim, go bright and bold with turquoise, orange, and white furnishings to infuse a lively, tropical feel. Use a mix of white and turquoise Adirondacks to create a sharp, clean contrast. Pull in orange with cushions and pots of flowers to bring an extra pop of color and enhance the tropical vibe, turning your beach house into your own little corner of paradise.

With a lighter palette of white, cream, and slate blue, give your space a coastal cottage vibe. Outfit a white chaise lounge set with creamy cushions and a coordinating umbrella, and pull in the colors of the ocean with patterned pillows in a blue-grey hue. Spread the shades throughout the rest of your space through white planters and wall decor, and powdery blue hydrangeas and delphiniums.

If your exterior leans neutral, add contrast with a few colorful statement pieces. This will make a huge impact on your beach house’s style. Mix in vibrant pops of tropical tones to transform your beach house into a bright island-inspired hangout. A rainbow of Adirondack chairs lining your deck or the water’s edge will bring visual appeal to your space.

There’s no better place to admire the view than from your waterfront deck. Create an outdoor oasis where you can keep your eyes on the horizon with a couple of chaise lounges. Look for seats with wheels to make movement simple whenever you want to change up the look or make space for other activities. Pair a complementing side table to keep ice-cold drinks close and a few cushions and pillows for extra coziness.

Is there anything better than dinner with crashing waves and chirping seagulls as your soundtrack? If you have a deck, patio, or balcony facing the water, designate space for dining alfresco and gathering with loved ones. Consider a bar-height balcony dining set for an elevated view and comfortable seating—perfect for enjoying the scenery. It’s safe to say you’ll be here awhile, so choose extra-comfy seating or add cushions for added relaxation.

Being on or near the beach means nights can be brisk. Imagine wrapping up in a blanket by the glowing flames of a stylish fire pit table, the perfect spot for cozying up. Opt for a design that includes a windguard to keep the flames steady on breezy nights, providing the comforting light of a crackling beach bonfire without the hassle. Surround your fire pit table with comfortable Adirondack chairs to complete your cozy coastal scene.

Seek outdoor furniture and accessories featuring ocean-inspired designs. For example, our Wave Collection features The Ocean Chair and similar styles. When lined side-by-side, the seats resemble a cresting wave. Bonus: It’s made from recycled and recyclable materials to decrease plastic pollution in our landfills and waterways.

Transform your backyard with strategically placed solar lighting that charges during the day and brightens the night. Drape strands of warm-toned Edison bulbs over your dining area, and use landscaping lights to illuminate pathways and highlight exterior features for a dramatic effect. Consider placing lighting in unexpected spots on the patio or deck, such as along railings or behind foliage, to enhance ambiance and functionality.

No matter the color palette you choose for your beach home’s exterior, you can’t go wrong with a charming shiplap wall. Whether you secure a few boards beneath your outdoor kitchen counters or along the staircase wall leading to the upper deck, shiplap paneling will give your coastal abode that cozy, lived-in feel you’ve been longing for.

From sailor stripes to rope knots, subtly placing nautical-themed decor around your home provides an overarching style. The idea is to infuse your personal decorating preferences with tasteful maritime accent pieces rather than overdoing an outdated ocean theme. It’s all about the ambiance, not the decor. Simply place a few striped pillows on your deep seating set and a marine-themed rug beneath it—you’re all set.