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An Evening with Glenda Jackson
$0.99 (as of January 22, 2025 17:59 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)When it comes to coastal-inspired bedrooms, nightstands often get overlooked. But these essential pieces of furniture can serve as both functional storage and a canvas for creativity, allowing you to bring a touch of the ocean into your space. With a bit of imagination and a weekend project, you can transform ordinary nightstands into dreamy, sea-inspired accents that tie your coastal bedroom together beautifully.
I’ll never forget the thrill of giving my tired, mismatched nightstands a coastal makeover. I painted one in a soft seafoam green and added rope pulls for a subtle nautical touch. For the other, I used a driftwood-style finish and added shell-shaped knobs. The results? A pair of cohesive, charming pieces that brought so much personality and warmth to my room!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through DIY ideas to create coastal nightstands that will transform your bedroom into a seaside haven.
1. Driftwood-Inspired Nightstand
Why It Works
Driftwood’s natural, weathered look captures the essence of the coast, making it a perfect style for a coastal nightstand.
How to DIY It
- Find the Right Piece: Choose a wooden nightstand with a simple design.
- Distress the Wood: Sand the surface lightly and apply a gray or whitewash stain to mimic the look of driftwood.
- Add Nautical Hardware: Replace drawer pulls with rope handles or brushed nickel knobs.
Styling Tip:
Pair your driftwood nightstand with a glass lamp and a bowl of seashells for an authentic beachy vibe.
2. Painted in Ocean-Inspired Hues
Why It Works
Soft blues, greens, and whites instantly evoke the calming colors of the sea and sky.
How to DIY It
- Choose Your Paint: Opt for chalk paint in shades like seafoam green, aqua blue, or crisp white.
- Prep the Surface: Sand the nightstand lightly, then apply a primer.
- Paint and Finish: Apply two coats of paint and finish with a clear matte or satin sealant for durability.
Example:
A seafoam green nightstand paired with brass shell-shaped knobs creates a chic coastal look.
Picture Gallery
3. Rope-Wrapped Accents
Why It Works
Rope adds a nautical element that’s subtle and stylish, perfect for coastal decor.
How to DIY It
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a hot glue gun and natural jute or sisal rope.
- Wrap the Edges: Glue rope around the edges of drawers, the base, or the legs of the nightstand.
- Add Finishing Touches: Pair the rope detailing with simple hardware or a painted finish.
Styling Tip:
Combine your rope-wrapped nightstand with decor like a small lighthouse figurine or a framed ocean print for a cohesive look.
4. Shell-Inlaid Surface
Why It Works
Adding seashells to your nightstand gives it a unique, artistic flair while tying it to your coastal theme.
How to DIY It
- Prep the Surface: Lightly sand the top of the nightstand for better adhesion.
- Attach the Shells: Use strong adhesive to arrange small shells, sand dollars, or beach glass in a mosaic pattern.
- Seal the Design: Apply a clear epoxy resin to create a smooth, durable surface.
Styling Tip:
Keep the rest of the nightstand simple to let the shell-inlaid surface be the star of the show.
5. Two-Tone Coastal Charm
Why It Works
A two-tone design combines the crispness of white with the softness of beachy hues, offering a clean yet dynamic look.
How to DIY It
- Paint the Base: Paint the bottom half or the legs of the nightstand in white or cream.
- Choose a Coastal Color: Paint the top or drawers in soft blue, turquoise, or sandy beige.
- Add Decorative Pulls: Finish with ceramic knobs or shell-shaped hardware.
Example:
A white base with an aqua blue top creates a fresh, vibrant coastal aesthetic.
6. Glass and Mirrored Accents
Why It Works
Reflective surfaces like glass and mirrors bring light into the space and add a touch of elegance to your coastal bedroom.
How to DIY It
- Add a Mirrored Top: Measure and cut a piece of mirror or glass to fit the top of the nightstand.
- Replace Drawer Fronts: Attach mirrored panels to the front of drawers for a luxe touch.
- Paint the Frame: Use soft white or gray to keep the look cohesive.
Styling Tip:
Decorate your mirrored nightstand with coastal accents like a small vase of fresh flowers or a piece of driftwood.
7. Woven or Cane Accents
Why It Works
Woven textures like cane and rattan bring an organic, beachy vibe to your nightstand.
How to DIY It
- Create a Cane Insert: Remove the center panels of the drawers and replace them with cane or rattan sheets.
- Paint the Frame: Use a neutral or white paint to contrast with the woven texture.
- Seal and Protect: Apply a clear finish to keep the cane from fraying.
Example:
A white-painted nightstand with cane drawer inserts is perfect for a tropical coastal look.
8. Distressed or Weathered Look
Why It Works
A distressed finish mimics the look of furniture weathered by salt air and ocean breezes.
How to DIY It
- Prep the Nightstand: Sand it down to remove any existing finish.
- Layer Paints: Apply two contrasting paint colors, like white over blue, then sand selectively to reveal the base color.
- Seal the Finish: Use a clear matte sealant to protect the distressed effect.
Styling Tip:
Pair your distressed nightstand with a vintage lantern or rope basket for an authentic seaside feel.
9. Decoupaged Coastal Designs
Why It Works
Decoupage allows you to personalize your nightstand with images and patterns that reflect your favorite coastal themes.
How to DIY It
- Choose Your Design: Select prints of coral, starfish, maps, or ocean waves.
- Attach the Prints: Use decoupage glue to adhere the images to the drawer fronts or tabletop.
- Seal It: Apply a clear varnish or topcoat to protect the design.
Example:
A nightstand decoupaged with vintage nautical maps creates a charming, eclectic look.
10. Open Shelving with Coastal Decor
Why It Works
An open shelving design creates a light and airy feel, perfect for a beachy bedroom.
How to DIY It
- Remove the Drawers: Take out the drawers to create open shelves.
- Paint the Frame: Choose a coastal hue like white, soft blue, or sandy beige.
- Style the Shelves: Add woven baskets, books, or small coastal accents like a glass vase filled with shells.
Styling Tip:
Keep the decor minimal to maintain the clean, breezy feel of the open design.
How to Style Your Coastal Nightstands
- Choose Complementary Lighting: Pair your nightstand with a lamp featuring a ceramic, rope, or glass base.
- Add Greenery: Use small potted plants or faux succulents to bring life to the design.
- Incorporate Natural Textures: Include decor made of wood, jute, or wicker for added warmth.
- Use Ocean-Inspired Accents: Add small pieces like coral sculptures, framed coastal artwork, or glass bottles.
Conclusion
DIY coastal nightstands are a fantastic way to add personality and charm to your bedroom while tying the space together with beachy vibes. Whether you go for a driftwood-inspired finish, a pop of ocean-inspired color, or playful nautical details, there’s a DIY project here for every style and skill level.
When I finished my coastal nightstand makeover, the entire bedroom felt more cohesive and inviting. It’s amazing how one small piece of furniture can make such a big impact!
Now it’s your turn—pick a project, roll up your sleeves, and create a nightstand that brings the essence of the sea into your room.
FAQ
Do I need to sand my nightstand before painting?
Yes, sanding helps remove the existing finish and ensures that the new paint or stain adheres properly.
What kind of rope should I use for a nautical look?
Natural jute or sisal rope works best for creating a beachy, organic feel.
Can I use wallpaper for a decoupage project?
Absolutely! Wallpaper with coastal patterns works beautifully for drawer fronts or tabletop surfaces.
How do I protect a painted nightstand?
Use a clear sealant or topcoat to protect the paint and make the surface durable.
Where can I find affordable nightstands for a DIY project?
Thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are great places to find budget-friendly options.