Beach Cottage Living Room Furnishings

Imagine stepping into a bright, airy living room filled with furniture and decor that instantly transport you to the serene setting of a beach cottage. The soothing sound of waves can almost be heard over the sea breeze that flutters lightweight curtains. There is a distinct sense of harmony and relaxation that washes over you. This is the essence of the beach cottage style.

Coastal living room furnishings capture the laidback spirit of seaside communities with designs and textures inspired by weathered shoreline materials. They bring visual and textural interest while promoting the casual and effortless style that beach homes are known for.

Choose the Right Furniture Foundation

Achieving the beach cottage style starts by choosing the right foundational furniture pieces. Opt for natural materials commonly used in oceanfront communities, with unfinished or subtly distressed surfaces that feel collected over time.

• Select breezy flooring like washed driftwood or woven sea grass that is reminiscent of beach boardwalks. Tile or bamboo floors also have a coastal vibe while adding durability .
• Incorporate weathered wicker or rattan seating into living room seating arrangements. The natural material has an artisanal, handmade feel and the open weave allows air to freely circulate.
• Anchor the space with coffee or sofa tables crafted from rugged woods like teak or mango that reference old boat building techniques. Look for tables with storage to keep living rooms tidy.

Woven Water Hyacinth End Table from Wayfair

This hand-woven end table from Wayfair brings organic coastal texture to living room seating arrangements with its layered water hyacinth base. The natural jute detail and aqua top add serene color in line with beach aesthetics.

Incorporate Oceanfront Accents

Layer in elements that connect the coastal living room directly back to the sea. Whether inspired by maritime life or natural shoreline materials, incorporate 3-5 carefully selected beachy accessories that reference the ocean.

• Hang framed prints or photos of beach landscapes, preferably black and white, to let the mind wander.
• Display natural collections of seashells, driftwood , or quartz in glass apothecary jars on bookcases and tables.
• Incorporate touches of weathered rope, floats, and other nautical ephemera as accent pieces throughout the space.

The Living Room Shells by Sundaes Home Decor

This set of three decorative sea shells adds natural coastal texture to coffee tables, console tables, and shelving. The varied sizes and neutral tones integrate into any relaxed beach interior.

Use Soothing, Coastal Color Schemes

A critical step for creating beach cottage flair is to implement a color palette inspired by the sea and shore. Cool aquas, sandy neutrals, and warm whites come together to cultivate a peaceful mood.

• Soft aqua or sky blue serve as subtle base tones that pair with the sea and overcast beach skies.
• Layer in seafoam greens and minty accents for added visual interest and contrast.
• Warm with touches of coral, salmon, or seashell pink to reference coastal sunsets.
• Crisp white on walls and trim brighten the interior and let accent colors shine.

5 Piece Blue and Green Striped Coastal Living Room Set from Rooms To Go

This casual yet chic living room set mixes serene shades of aqua and green that conjure images of gentle waves and sea glass. The soft cushions and curved profiles invite relaxation against a calm backdrop.

Add Textural Rugs and Fabrics

Implement natural handcrafted rugs and textiles to add visual depth and dimension while promoting laidback seaside vibes. The casual textures feel right at home in a beach cottage.

• Ground the space with a hand-woven wool or jute rug featuring organic undulating patterns.
• Toss linen and cotton canvas pillows with subtle stripe detailing onto the furniture.
• Drape hand-knit chunky blankets or macrame pieces on the backs of chairs as unique accents.

Cottage Linen pillow Collection from Wayfair

This set of four linen pillow shams adds a handcrafted touch to sofas or beds with their braided trim and embroidered stripe detailing. The natural fabric and colors capture laidback coastal living.

Display Beach Keepsakes

Sentimental pieces gathered from seaside vacations add personalized character while accentuating the beachy surroundings. Showcase 3-5 meaningful finds as charming nostalgic accents.

• Fill a weathered trunk with seashell collections from family beach trips.
• Display vacation photos or children's framed beach art projects.
• Mount a set of well-loved vintage oars or a nautical life preserver as artwork.

Coastal Beach Sign from Unique Home

This distressed wooden beach sign can be hung indoors or out for a touch of cozy nostalgia. The typed font and faded teal paint feels authentically collected from years of beach adventures.

Incorporate Natural Lighting

Abundant natural light enhances the vibrant, easygoing essence of a beach cottage. Strategically allow sunlight to flood interior rooms and augment with candlelight or string lights for evenings.

• Hang light airy curtains in linen, cotton voile, or lace to filter bright sunlight.
• Choose rattan pendant lights or wire-wrapped globes for soft diffused lighting.
• Dot glass lanterns , shells with candles , and woven baskets with battery-operated lights about end tables or mantles.

Seeded Glass Hurricane Candle Holder from Beach Decor

The seeded blue glass adds organic detail while the metal frame allows candlelight to cast a warm glow about the room. Group multiples together for charming ambiance.

Choose Casual, Coastal Furnishings

Prioritize comfort and simplicity by selecting furnishings with informal profiles and soft organic textures. These breezy staples exude relaxed, beachy appeal.

• Incorporate wicker orweathered grey-washed wood seating into living arrangements for a collected look.
• Upholster pieces in durable, laidback fabrics like canvas, cotton, or performance fabrics designed for high-traffic areas..
• Accent with whimsical occasional tables featuring driftwood bases or reclaimed wood plank tops.

Carmel Wicker Chair from Pottery Barn

This weathered wicker armchair with a loose seat cushion speaks to coastal cottages with its natural material, brushed bronze base, and thick woven texture. Tuck one in with other casual pieces.

Maximize Relaxation and Comfort

While nautical accents contribute to the aesthetic, comfortable furnishings actually make spaces livable - especially for seaside homes. Opt for deep, sink-in seating.

• Select structured seating with thick, plush bench cushions for lounging or afternoon naps.
• Incorporate weather-resistant outdoor living room furniture to use breezy porches and patios.
• Add unexpected elements like hanging rattan chair swings, daybeds, or woven hammocks indoors or out.

Indoor Double Swing Chair from Amazon

This indoor hanging chair adds breezy personality along with cozy comfort. Tucked into a sunny corner or grouped with a side table, it makes an indulgent relaxation nook.

Final Touches and Accessories

Infuse character and functionality throughout the coastal living room with artful accessories that reference surrounding beach landscapes.

• Incorporate natural decorative baskets woven from local marsh grasses to stash blankets.
• Display collected keep sakes like stacks of worn paperback books or framed scenic photographs on open shelving.
• Accent walls with tactile textures using pedestal mounted shells, aged wood fish replicas, or graphic maps of nearby island landmarks.

Reclaimed Wood Console Table from West Elm

This rustically elegant console table instantly adds depth and dimension against any wall with its smooth reclaimed pine surface and textural base accents. The driftwood design speaks to coastal slow living.

Maintaining Your Beach Cottage Theme

To uphold the relaxed essence of coastal living spaces, properly care for and preserve featured furnishings and decor over time.

• Limit sunlight exposure on upholstered furniture and rugs when possible to avoid premature fading.
• Vacuum textiles weekly and spot clean with mild soap and water to prevent everyday buildup.
• Gently dust wooden surfaces, shell or glass accessories every two weeks to maintain their shine and patina.

Creating a beach cottage living room ultimately comes down to channeling breezy spaces characterized by weathered patinas, organic textures, coastal hues, and nostalgic accessories. Focus decorating on only a few signature nautical or maritime-inspired pieces. Then build upon this foundation with causal seating arrangements and an abundance of natural light. The result infuses the spirit of seaside culture with a welcoming and peaceful aesthetic perfect for relaxed living.