Designing a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your little one’s arrival. If you love the soothing, breezy vibes of coastal decor, incorporating this style into your nursery can create a serene space that’s perfect for cuddles, naps, and playtime. A coastal nursery is more than just a design theme; it’s a reflection of tranquility, with soft colors, natural textures, and ocean-inspired accents.
When I designed my first coastal nursery, I was inspired by a family vacation to a sleepy beach town. I wanted to recreate that peaceful, sea-breeze ambiance for my baby. With light blue walls, wicker storage baskets, and a mobile adorned with tiny seashells, the space became a calming retreat for both baby and me. It was a joy to rock my little one to sleep, surrounded by decor that felt like a warm ocean embrace.
Ready to bring the charm of the coast to your nursery? Here are 10 creative ways to design a coastal nursery for your little one.
1. Choose a Calming Coastal Color Palette
Why It Works:
Coastal colors create a soothing environment that’s perfect for a nursery. Shades of blue, sandy beige, soft white, and gentle greens mimic the colors of the beach.
How to Use It:
- Paint the walls in a soft sky blue or seafoam green.
- Use white or light gray furniture to keep the space bright.
- Incorporate natural tones like tan or taupe through rugs, baskets, or wood accents.
Pro Tip: If you want a subtle pop of color, consider pastel coral or blush as an accent.
2. Incorporate Nautical or Ocean-Themed Wall Art
Why It Works:
Wall art adds personality and reinforces the coastal theme without overwhelming the room.
How to Use It:
- Hang framed prints of ocean animals like whales, seahorses, or turtles.
- Use a wall decal of a lighthouse, waves, or anchors.
- Create a gallery wall with a mix of beach photography and nautical quotes.
Pro Tip: Opt for artwork with soft, muted colors to maintain the nursery’s tranquil vibe.
3. Add Texture With Natural Materials
Why It Works:
Natural textures like wicker, rattan, and jute add warmth and depth to a coastal nursery.
How to Use It:
- Use a wicker rocking chair or a rattan pendant light.
- Add a jute rug to ground the space and provide a soft surface for play.
- Incorporate woven baskets for toy storage or diaper organization.
Pro Tip: Choose baby-safe, soft rugs to ensure comfort for tummy time.
4. Bring the Ocean Indoors With a Nautical Mobile
Why It Works:
A mobile is a charming nursery essential, and a coastal design adds whimsy and movement.
How to Use It:
- Look for mobiles featuring sailboats, starfish, or seashells.
- Opt for soft fabric pieces or wood for a handcrafted feel.
- Hang the mobile above the crib or changing table.
Pro Tip: Coordinate the mobile’s colors with the rest of the nursery for a cohesive look.
5. Use Striped or Wave-Inspired Textiles
Why It Works:
Striped and wave patterns are classic coastal elements that feel playful yet sophisticated.
How to Use It:
- Add striped curtains in blue and white for a nautical touch.
- Use crib bedding with wave patterns or ocean animal prints.
- Incorporate throw pillows or blankets with subtle coastal designs.
Pro Tip: Stick to soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for your little one’s comfort.
6. Include Coastal-Inspired Lighting
Why It Works:
Lighting sets the mood for the nursery, and coastal-inspired fixtures can double as decorative elements.
How to Use It:
- Use a rattan or rope-wrapped pendant light for natural texture.
- Choose a table lamp with a base shaped like a lighthouse or coral.
- Install dimmable lights to adjust the brightness during nighttime feedings.
Pro Tip: Add a nightlight with a soft, ocean-inspired glow to help soothe your baby to sleep.
7. Incorporate Seashells and Driftwood Accents
Why It Works:
Seashells and driftwood bring an authentic coastal vibe to the nursery.
How to Use It:
- Create a DIY driftwood shelf to display books or toys.
- Place a decorative bowl filled with seashells on a dresser (out of reach of little hands).
- Use driftwood frames for family photos or artwork.
Pro Tip: Keep decor minimal to avoid clutter and maintain a clean, calming space.
8. Opt for Functional Storage With Coastal Charm
Why It Works:
Storage is essential in a nursery, and incorporating coastal-inspired storage solutions adds both practicality and style.
How to Use It:
- Use woven baskets for storing blankets, toys, and laundry.
- Add a painted wooden toy chest in a sea-inspired hue.
- Install wall hooks shaped like anchors or starfish for hanging baby items.
Pro Tip: Label baskets for easy organization while adding a personal touch.
9. Incorporate Ocean-Inspired Soft Toys and Accessories
Why It Works:
Soft toys and accessories are both functional and decorative, adding a playful touch to the room.
How to Use It:
- Include plush sea creatures like whales, dolphins, or crabs.
- Add a decorative throw pillow in the shape of a starfish or seashell.
- Display books with ocean-themed stories on open shelves.
Pro Tip: Choose baby-safe materials that are soft and easy to clean.
10. Use Subtle Coastal Patterns on the Ceiling or Floor
Why It Works:
Adding design elements to unexpected places, like the ceiling or floor, creates a sense of wonder and discovery for your baby.
How to Use It:
- Install a peel-and-stick wallpaper with a cloud or wave pattern on the ceiling.
- Paint a soft wave design along the lower part of the walls.
- Use floor mats or rugs with subtle ocean themes for a comfortable play area.
Pro Tip: Keep patterns gentle and not too bold to maintain a calming atmosphere.
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Conclusion
Designing a coastal nursery is about creating a space that feels serene and nurturing, blending soft colors, natural textures, and ocean-inspired accents. Whether it’s the soothing blue walls, a nautical mobile, or cozy rattan furniture, every detail can make the space feel like a little seaside retreat.
When I look back at my own coastal nursery design, I remember the joy of putting together a room filled with love and intention. It became a space where memories were made, from first steps to bedtime stories.
As you design your coastal nursery, let your imagination flow like the waves and focus on what makes the space feel special for you and your baby. Trust me, you’ll cherish the moments spent in this serene, ocean-inspired haven.
FAQs
1. How can I create a coastal nursery on a budget?
You can repurpose items like wicker baskets or thrift driftwood for decor. DIY projects, such as making a seashell mobile or painting a wave mural, are affordable and add a personal touch.
2. Is a coastal nursery suitable for a gender-neutral design?
Yes! Coastal designs use soft colors and natural textures that work perfectly for gender-neutral nurseries.
3. Are seashells safe to use in a nursery?
Yes, as long as they’re displayed out of reach of small hands. Use seashells in shadow boxes, bowls, or glued to decor pieces for added safety.
4. What’s the best way to light a coastal nursery?
Choose dimmable lights and add a soft nightlight with a coastal theme to create a soothing atmosphere for bedtime.
5. Can I incorporate coastal elements without using blue?
Absolutely! Use sandy beige, crisp white, and soft greens to achieve a coastal vibe without relying heavily on blue tones.
About the Author
M.Arch. Julio Arco is an architect, interior designer, and urban planner with degrees from ITESM, McGill University, and a certificate in Architecture in Urban Context from LDM. Julio has designed interiors for over 1,200 clients and also teaches architecture at ITESM.
His go-to sites for inspiration include Houzz, Apartment Therapy, HGTV, Architectural Digest, and The Spruce.