Beach Decorating Ideas

Like most people, I love the beach and wish I could spend more time there. As a result, I have brought the beach home in small ways. Throughout my house, there are beach elements on shelves, walls, and in unexpected places. I'm always looking for new ways to integrate the beach theme into my home decor, without upsetting the existing vibe in each room. In this hub, I focus on a few ways to do this effectively, creating a subtle beach-feel easily and tastefully in every room.

The easiest way to incorporate a beach theme into your home, is to place large beautiful shells, coral, or driftwood in unexpected places throughout your home. They add interest to shelves, look aesthetically pleasing in the bathroom, and can easily be moved when necessary. In the picture below, I have placed a potpourri assortment of shells, stones, and textured items that remind me of the beach, around a large lavendar-scented candle.

Small shells can be placed in interesting glass vases or bowls. These can easily be picked up cheap at a Goodwill store. Starfish look amazing when placed in a sand-filled, rectangular glass container, so that they are standing up. I often see a variety of glass vases in all shapes and sizes at Ross and T.J. Max. A row of them will make quite a statement across a mantle, shelf, or
dining room table.

While looking for a way to organize my cluttered desk at Michael's Craft Store, I came across the beach-theme photo storage boxes. What a great find, and for only $2.50 each! Of course, I do not use them for photos, but to hide the clutter that once covered my desk. These nifty boxes are filled with post-it notes, phone chargers, computer chargers, paperclips, and other similar items. They are covered in a blue and white design that includes an octopus, starfish, and shells.

Above them are white and blue-specked magazine holders that match in color perfectly. They hold magazines, paper, and every other item I had jammed in these spaces. Now when I look at my desk, I feel organized and have a sense of the beach.

Large beach-themed paintings instantly provoke the laid-back, relaxed feeling you get when lying on the beach. Making one of these the focal point of a room can inspire the color palette and furniture pieces. Subdued colors in the painting can be picked up with pillows, area rugs, and draperies. Nature-inspired materials with texture, such as bamboo, wood, and shells can add interest to shelves, side tables, and mantles.

Unless you live near the ocean, finding beach decor can be a challenge. One of the best places I've seen online is Etsy.com. Crafters have come up with innovative and creative ideas to produce beautiful products with beach-inspired themes. Using items such as sea glass, sea urchins, starfish, and shells, amazing pieces have been created. If you are not looking to purchase, this is a great place to get inspired and find some unique ideas. I have selected "Beach Grass Cottage" by Shari as an example of the many fine shops offering beach decor on Etsy.