Pastels and coastal decor are a match made in heaven. The soft hues of the pastel palette, reminiscent of seafoam greens, sandy beiges, and skies kissed by the morning sun, evoke the calming and breezy vibes of the coast. I’ll never forget the first time I swapped my bold color scheme for delicate pastel accents in my living room. Suddenly, my space transformed—it was as though I could hear waves crashing and feel the salty air without ever leaving my home!
If you want to embrace the subtle sophistication of pastels while creating a tranquil, coastal-inspired room, this guide is your blueprint. Let’s explore how you can use pastels to bring serenity and charm to your space.
Why Pastels Work in Coastal Interiors
Pastel colors are inherently soft and calming, making them the perfect match for coastal interiors that aim to create a relaxed and breezy vibe. Here’s why they work so well:
- Light Reflecting: Pastels help brighten up your room by reflecting natural light, much like a sunlit beach.
- Nature-Inspired: These hues echo the colors of the coast—think sandy beige, seafoam green, and pale blue skies.
- Versatile: Pastels blend effortlessly with natural textures like wood, rattan, and linen, common in coastal design.
1. Paint Your Walls in Pastel Hues
Why It Works:
Pastel-colored walls instantly set the tone for a coastal-inspired room. Soft blues, muted greens, or pale pinks make the perfect backdrop for coastal decor.
How to Style It:
- Choose pale blue or seafoam green for a classic coastal look.
- For a more modern twist, opt for blush pink or lavender to mimic sunrise tones.
- Pair pastel walls with white trim or wainscoting for added texture.
Pro Tip: Use a matte or eggshell finish for a soft, velvety look that enhances the pastel effect.
2. Incorporate Pastel Bedding
Why It Works:
Your bed is a focal point in the bedroom, and pastel bedding can anchor the room with soft coastal vibes.
How to Style It:
- Layer a pastel duvet cover with crisp white sheets.
- Add throw pillows in complementary shades like coral or buttercup yellow.
- Opt for light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.
Pro Tip: Stick to simple patterns like stripes or solids to keep the look clean and airy.
3. Choose Pastel Artwork
Why It Works:
Artwork is a simple and effective way to incorporate pastels without overwhelming the space.
How to Style It:
- Hang watercolor seascapes or abstract pastel prints above your sofa or bed.
- Choose pastel frames for your artwork to tie in the color palette.
- Create a gallery wall with a mix of pastel art and beach-inspired prints.
Pro Tip: Pair pastel artwork with driftwood or whitewashed frames for a cohesive coastal aesthetic.
4. Add Pastel Furniture Accents
Why It Works:
A pastel-colored piece of furniture can serve as a subtle yet striking statement.
How to Style It:
- Add a mint green side table or a blush pink armchair.
- Repaint an old dresser in soft yellow or powder blue for a fresh coastal look.
- Use pastel bar stools in your kitchen or dining area.
Pro Tip: Pair pastel furniture with natural wood or rattan pieces for a balanced coastal vibe.
5. Decorate with Pastel Throw Pillows and Blankets
Why It Works:
Throw pillows and blankets are a low-commitment way to add pastels to your room.
How to Style It:
- Mix and match pillows in shades like seafoam green, baby blue, and blush pink.
- Choose knitted or woven throws in pastel hues to add texture and warmth.
- Display them on a neutral-colored sofa or bed for contrast.
Pro Tip: Opt for a mix of solid pastels and subtle patterns, like stripes or polka dots, for visual interest.
6. Incorporate Pastel Rugs
Why It Works:
A pastel rug anchors the room while adding a touch of softness underfoot.
How to Style It:
- Choose a pale blue area rug for your living room or bedroom.
- For an extra-cozy feel, go for a pastel pink shag rug or a woven jute rug with pastel accents.
- Use a pastel runner in hallways or kitchens to extend the coastal theme throughout your home.
Pro Tip: Stick to subtle, muted tones to keep the look cohesive.
7. Style Your Shelves with Pastel Decor
Why It Works:
Books, vases, and other decor in pastel colors are small but impactful additions.
How to Style It:
- Display pastel vases filled with fresh flowers or greenery.
- Stack books with pastel-colored spines for a cohesive shelf display.
- Add small pastel sculptures or figurines for visual interest.
Pro Tip: Pair pastel decor with woven baskets and white ceramics for a coastal-inspired vignette.
8. Use Pastel Curtains or Drapes
Why It Works:
Soft pastel curtains filter light beautifully, creating a breezy and serene atmosphere.
How to Style It:
- Choose sheer pastel curtains for a light and airy feel.
- Opt for solid pastel drapes in linen or cotton for a more structured look.
- Layer pastel curtains with white blinds for added depth and privacy.
Pro Tip: Let your curtains pool slightly at the floor for an elegant, coastal touch.
9. Set the Table with Pastel Dinnerware
Why It Works:
Pastel dinnerware turns mealtime into an aesthetically pleasing experience.
How to Style It:
- Choose soft blue or mint green plates paired with white napkins.
- Use pastel glassware for a subtle pop of color.
- Add a pale pink table runner or placemats to complete the look.
Pro Tip: Mix pastels with natural textures, like woven chargers or bamboo flatware, for a coastal tablescape.
10. Accessorize with Pastel Lighting Fixtures
Why It Works:
Lighting fixtures in pastel shades can add both function and style to your coastal-inspired room.
How to Style It:
- Choose blush pink pendant lights for your kitchen island.
- Use a pastel blue table lamp on your bedside table.
- Incorporate a mint green chandelier for a playful yet elegant touch.
Pro Tip: Pair pastel lighting with warm LED bulbs to enhance the soothing coastal vibe.
Picture Gallery
Conclusion
Pastels are a powerful yet gentle way to infuse your space with a soft coastal vibe. From painting your walls in muted seafoam greens to accessorizing with pastel decor and furniture, each element works to create a tranquil, beach-inspired retreat.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of using pastels is their versatility. They blend seamlessly with natural textures like wood and rattan, work beautifully with neutral tones, and complement the fresh greens of indoor plants. So whether you’re redecorating an entire room or just adding a few accents, you’ll find that pastels are a fail-proof way to bring that serene, coastal energy into your home.
Start small, and let the soft hues inspire you to create a space that feels as refreshing as a day at the beach!
FAQs
1. Can I mix pastels with brighter colors in a coastal room?
Yes! Pair pastels with one or two brighter accent colors, like coral or turquoise, for a playful coastal look.
2. Are pastel walls suitable for small spaces?
Absolutely. Light pastel walls can make small spaces feel larger and more open by reflecting natural light.
3. How do I keep pastels from feeling too feminine?
Balance pastel colors with natural textures like wood, jute, or metal accents to create a more neutral and versatile look.
4. What are the best pastel colors for a coastal vibe?
Soft blues, seafoam greens, sandy beiges, and blush pinks are perfect for a coastal-inspired room.
5. Can I use pastels in a modern coastal design?
Definitely! Pastels work beautifully in modern coastal spaces when paired with clean lines, minimalist furniture, and simple decor.
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.