12 Boho Coastal Living Room Ideas To Inspire You
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As someone who's always been drawn to both the free-spirited nature of bohemian design and the serene qualities of coastal décor, I've discovered that combining these styles creates an incredibly inviting living space.
The marriage of boho and coastal elements brings together the best of both worlds: the laid-back, carefree attitude of beach living with the eclectic, personal touch of bohemian style. I'm excited to share with you twelve inspiring ideas that will help you create your own boho coastal sanctuary.
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refresh your current space, these ideas will guide you toward creating a room that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully lived-in.
1. Natural Fiber Paradise
The foundation of any boho coastal living room starts with natural fibers. These materials instantly bring organic texture and warmth to your space while maintaining that essential beach-house feel.
Picture This: Walking into a room where a magnificent jute rug anchors the space, its natural variations catching the light streaming through gossamer curtains. Rattan chairs with plump cushions invite lazy afternoon reading, while a chunky knit throw draped casually over a linen sofa adds layers of tactile interest.
How to Recreate It:
Source a large natural fiber rug (jute, sisal, or seagrass) as your foundation piece
Add rattan or wicker furniture for seating or accent pieces
Layer with textured throws and cushions in neutral tones
Incorporate rope elements through lighting fixtures or decorative objects
DIY Project: Create your own rope-wrapped vases by taking simple glass containers and wrapping them with natural sisal rope using a hot glue gun. Group them in varying heights for a stunning coastal display.
Styling Tip: When mixing natural fibers, vary the weave sizes and textures to create visual interest. Start with larger weaves as statement pieces and layer in finer textures through smaller accessories.
2. Ocean-Inspired Color Palette
The key to achieving the perfect boho coastal vibe lies in mastering a color palette that draws from nature's seaside offerings while incorporating bohemian warmth.
Picture This: Imagine walls painted in the soft shade of blue green, complemented by furniture in deeper ocean blues. Accents of coral and shell pink add warmth, while touches of sage green bring in an element of coastal vegetation. The overall effect is like watching a sunset over the ocean – peaceful yet vibrant.
How to Recreate It:
Paint walls in a warm sandy neutral or soft white
Choose upholstery in various shades of blue
Add coral and pink accents through textiles and art
Incorporate natural green elements through plants and accessories
Layer in metallic accents through copper or brass details
DIY Project: Create an ombré effect wall hanging using different shades of blue and natural-colored yarn, mimicking the gradual deepening of ocean waters.
Styling Tip: Start with 60% neutral tones, 30% blues, and 10% accent colors. This ratio ensures a balanced, cohesive look that isn't overwhelming.
3. Layered Lighting Magic
Creating the perfect ambiance in your boho coastal living room requires thoughtful lighting that mimics the way sunlight plays on water.
Picture This: As evening approaches, your room transforms through layers of light. A capiz shell chandelier casts dancing patterns on the walls, while woven pendant lights create cozy pools of warmth. Table lamps with textured shades add intimate lighting, and carefully placed candles in sea glass holders complete the magical atmosphere.
How to Recreate It:
Install a statement overhead light featuring natural materials
Add multiple sources of ambient lighting at different heights
Include task lighting for reading nooks
Incorporate candles or battery-operated flameless options
DIY Project: Transform plain lampshades by wrapping them with macramé cord or adding shells and beach findings to create a unique coastal pattern.
Styling Tip: Always install dimmer switches to control the mood and intensity of your lighting throughout the day.
4. Mixed Pattern Paradise
Boho style celebrates pattern mixing, while coastal design often features subtle, nature-inspired motifs. Combining these approaches creates a uniquely personal space.
Picture This: A vintage kilim rug in muted blues and corals grounds the room, while mud cloth pillows add geometric interest to a slipcovered sofa. Curtains featuring a subtle wave pattern filter the light, and a collection of block print textiles adds depth and personality to the space.
How to Recreate It:
Choose a large patterned rug as your base
Layer with 3-4 different pattern styles in complementary colors
Mix in solid textiles to provide visual rest
Include at least one maritime-inspired pattern
DIY Project: Create custom throw pillows using a combination of vintage textiles and basic sewing skills, or try your hand at block printing your own fabric with coastal-inspired motifs.
Styling Tip: When mixing patterns, vary the scale (large, medium, and small) while keeping colors consistent to achieve a cohesive look.
5. Botanical Abundance
Plants are essential in both boho and coastal design, bringing life and organic energy to your space.
Picture This: Tall palm fronds create dramatic shadows while hanging plants cascade from macramé holders. Clusters of air plants nestle in shells, and small potted succulents dot various surfaces. The effect is like a greenhouse meets beach house – lush, alive, and deeply connected to nature.
How to Recreate It:
Include a mix of large and small plants
Use natural fiber baskets and ceramic pots as planters
Add hanging plants in macramé holders
Choose coastal-friendly varieties like palms and succulents
DIY Project: Create your own macramé plant hangers using natural or colored cord, incorporating wooden beads or shells for added interest.
Styling Tip: Group plants in odd numbers and varying heights for the most pleasing visual impact.
6. Artisan Treasures
Incorporating handmade elements and artistic pieces adds soul and character to your boho coastal space.
Picture This: A gallery wall combines vintage seaside prints with handwoven wall hangings and original artwork. Ceramic vessels in organic shapes display collected shells and driftwood, while handmade pillows and throws add personal touches throughout the space.
How to Recreate It:
Source unique pieces from local artisans and markets
Mix vintage and contemporary artwork
Display collections of natural findings
Include handmade textiles and ceramics
DIY Project: Create a woven wall hanging using driftwood as the base and incorporating natural fibers and found objects from beach walks.
Styling Tip: Rotate your displayed pieces seasonally to keep the space feeling fresh and dynamic.
7. Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Creating conversation areas that encourage relaxation and social interaction is crucial in a boho coastal living room.
Picture This: A deep, slipcovered sofa piled with pillows faces two vintage rattan chairs, creating an intimate seating area. A built-in window seat topped with cushions offers additional seating, while floor pillows and poufs can be scattered around for flexible seating options.
How to Recreate It:
Choose a comfortable, washable main seating piece
Add occasional chairs in natural materials
Include flexible seating options like floor cushions
Create distinct conversation areas
DIY Project: Make your own floor pillows using outdoor fabric and fill them with weather-resistant stuffing for durability.
Styling Tip: Ensure seating is arranged to take advantage of natural light and views while maintaining easy conversation flow.
8. Window Treatment Magic
The right window treatments can transform your space and control the quality of natural light.
Picture This: Sheer, white curtains billow gently in the breeze, filtering sunlight to create a dreamy atmosphere. Natural bamboo blinds add texture and privacy when needed, while macramé valances add a bohemian touch to the windows.
How to Recreate It:
Layer sheer curtains with natural woven blinds
Use curtain rods that complement your design style
Add decorative elements like tiebacks or valances
Consider light control and privacy needs
DIY Project: Create your own curtain tiebacks using rope and shells or beads for a personal coastal touch.
Styling Tip: Hang curtains high and wide to make windows appear larger and maximize natural light.
Follow on Pinterest and Facebook for more inspiration!
9. Vintage Charm
Incorporating vintage pieces adds character and history to your boho coastal space.
Picture This: A weathered cabinet displays collected treasures, while a vintage trunk serves as a coffee table. Old fishing nets and buoys become wall art, and antique brass elements add warmth and patina throughout the space.
How to Recreate It:
Source key vintage pieces from flea markets and antique shops
Mix old and new elements
Look for items with natural patina and wear
Incorporate nautical vintage finds
DIY Project: Age new wooden furniture or accessories using various techniques like whitewashing or distressing to achieve a weathered coastal look.
Styling Tip: Balance vintage pieces with modern elements to keep the space feeling fresh rather than dated.
10. Textile Paradise
Textiles are crucial in creating the cozy, layered feel essential to boho coastal style.
Picture This: A collection of throw pillows in various textures and patterns creates an inviting seating area. Turkish towels double as throws, while vintage quilts add color and pattern. Macramé wall hangings and woven tapestries add vertical interest and softness to walls.
How to Recreate It:
Layer different textures and weights of fabrics
Include both patterned and solid textiles
Add vertical textile elements
Mix natural fibers with soft, comfortable materials
DIY Project: Create a simple weaving using collected pieces of driftwood, shells, and various yarns and fibers.
Styling Tip: Change out lightweight textiles seasonally to keep your space fresh and appropriate for the weather.
11. Natural Collections Display
Displaying collections of natural objects adds personal meaning and coastal charm to your space.
Picture This: A collection of shells and sea glass arranged in glass vessels catches the light, while a carefully curated display of driftwood pieces creates natural sculpture. Coral specimens and dried starfish add organic shapes and textures throughout the room.
How to Recreate It:
Gather and curate natural findings
Create thoughtful displays using varying heights
Use clear glass containers to showcase collections
Incorporate natural elements throughout the space
DIY Project: Create shadow boxes using collected beach treasures and dried elements for dimensional wall art.
Styling Tip: Rotate collections seasonally and group similar items together for maximum impact.
12. Cozy Corner Creation
Every boho coastal living room needs a special nook for relaxation and contemplation.
Picture This: A hanging rattan chair nestled in a corner, draped with soft throws and cushions. A small side table holds favorite books and a cup of tea, while a floor lamp provides perfect reading light. Plants and artwork surround the space, creating a personal sanctuary.
How to Recreate It:
Choose a comfortable seating piece as focal point
Add appropriate lighting for the space
Include surfaces for books and beverages
Layer in personal touches and comfort items
DIY Project: Create a reading nook canopy using lightweight fabric and natural rope for a dreamy, coastal tent effect.
Styling Tip: Ensure your cozy corner has everything needed within arm's reach for maximum comfort and enjoyment.
You got this!
Creating a boho coastal living room is about combining the relaxed, natural elements of coastal style with the personal, eclectic touch of bohemian design.
Remember, the key to success lies in making the space uniquely yours. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of these ideas, and most importantly, create a space that makes you feel both energized and peaceful.
Your perfect boho coastal living room awaits – get started this weekend and create with confidence!
If you’re looking for more boho coastal home decor, check out this post!