This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Have you ever dreamed of bringing the serene, relaxing essence of a seaside retreat into your own bathroom?

As someone who loves the calming influence of coastal design, I'm excited to share five transformative ideas that will turn your bathroom into a peaceful sanctuary.

Whether you're working with a small space or have a generous bathroom, these ideas will help you create a coastal cottage haven that feels both refreshing and inviting.

1. Weathered Wood Vanity Charm

Coastal design is all about capturing the natural, lived-in beauty of seaside living. A weathered wood vanity isn't just a piece of furniture – it's a story of maritime heritage and rustic elegance. This approach brings the raw, organic feel of driftwood and seaside cottages right into your personal space.

Picture This: Imagine stepping into a bathroom where a distressed, soft-gray wooden vanity stands as the centerpiece. Sunlight streams through white-framed windows, casting gentle shadows on the textured wood surface. Seashell-shaped soap dishes and marine blue towels complete the scene, creating an instant coastal retreat.

How to Recreate:

• Source a reclaimed wood vanity or choose a new piece with a distressed finish

• Select hardware in brushed nickel or antique brass for authenticity

• Add a white marble or stone countertop for contrast

• Include open shelving underneath for woven baskets or towel storage

• Apply a protective sealant to maintain the wood's weathered appearance

DIY Budget Option: Transform an existing vanity by sanding it down and applying a gray-wash paint technique. Use a combination of white and gray paint, then deliberately distress the edges with sandpaper for that perfectly imperfect coastal look.

Buy It Option:

• Restoration Hardware weathered oak vanity

• Pottery Barn reclaimed wood bathroom console

• Vintage-inspired brass drawer pulls

• Marine-inspired countertop accessories

Pro Tip for Beginners: Start small. If a full vanity seems overwhelming, try adding weathered wood elements like a matching mirror frame or shelving to introduce the coastal charm gradually.

2. Nautical Blue and White Color Palette

Color is transformative, and nothing speaks coastal quite like the classic combination of navy blue and crisp white. This timeless palette isn't just a color choice – it's an homage to maritime traditions and oceanic landscapes.

Picture This: Envision pristine white subway tiles climbing the walls, interrupted by a bold navy blue tile border. A white pedestal sink stands proudly, while navy blue towels and a vintage ship's porthole mirror complete the nautical narrative.

How to Recreate:

• Choose white as your primary wall color

• Incorporate navy blue through tiles, towels, or accent walls

• Select white fixtures with clean, simple lines

• Use chrome or brushed nickel metallic accents

• Layer different shades of blue for depth and interest

DIY Budget Option: Create a hand-painted tile border using stencils and marine-inspired blues. This allows you to customize your design without the expense of custom tilework.

Buy It Option:

• Kohler white pedestal sink

• Navy blue Turkish cotton towels

• Vintage nautical mirror

• Marine-themed shower curtain

• Blue and white ceramic accessories

Pro Tip for Beginners: Balance is key. If you're nervous about using bold colors, start with white as your base and introduce blue through smaller, easily changeable elements.

3. Natural Texture and Organic Elements

Coastal design celebrates the raw beauty of natural materials. Incorporating textures like jute, rope, and weathered wood creates a sensory experience that connects your bathroom to the organic world of seaside landscapes.

Picture This: A bathroom where woven jute rugs rest on whitewashed wooden floors. A large rope-framed mirror hangs above a white vanity, while seagrass baskets provide elegant storage. Driftwood-inspired accessories complete the natural, relaxed atmosphere.

How to Recreate:

• Choose natural fiber rugs and bath mats

• Install a rope-detailed mirror or light fixture

• Use seagrass or woven storage baskets

• Select wooden accessories with raw, unfinished textures

• Incorporate natural stone elements like pebble tiles or marble

DIY Budget Option: Create your own rope mirror by wrapping an existing mirror frame with thick nautical rope. Use hot glue and patience to achieve a professional look.

Buy It Option:

• Jute bath mat

• Rope-framed mirror

• Seagrass storage baskets

• Driftwood candle holders

• Natural linen shower curtain

Pro Tip for Beginners: Mix textures thoughtfully. Not everything needs to match perfectly – the beauty of coastal design is in its relaxed, collected feel.

4. Shiplap Walls: Bringing the Coast Home

Shiplap isn't just a design trend – it's a love letter to coastal and farmhouse aesthetics. These horizontal wooden planks bring warmth, texture, and a sense of history to your bathroom.

Picture This: Soft white shiplap covering every wall, creating a luminous, expansive feel. Soft natural light streams in, highlighting the subtle shadows created by the wooden planks. A freestanding bathtub sits elegantly against this textured backdrop.

How to Recreate:

• Choose high-quality, moisture-resistant shiplap boards

• Paint in soft white or light neutral tones

• Ensure proper moisture barrier and installation

• Select complementary fixtures in white or brushed metals

• Add minimalist coastal artwork or mirrors

DIY Budget Option: Use lightweight MDF shiplap panels or even create a faux shiplap effect using painted wooden boards for a fraction of the cost.

Buy It Option:

• Pre-primed shiplap panels

• White bathroom fixtures

• Coastal-inspired artwork

• Minimalist towel bars

• Soft white paint

Pro Tip for Beginners: If full wall coverage seems daunting, try an accent wall or install shiplap only in the shower area for a subtle introduction.

5. Vintage Maritime Accessories

Accessories tell a story, and in coastal design, they're your opportunity to add personality and history to the space. Vintage maritime pieces aren't just decorations – they're conversation starters.

Picture This: An antique brass porthole mirror reflecting soft light. Vintage navigation charts are framed and hung with care. Glass bottles with subtle blue hints sit on shelves, creating a curated, traveled feel.

How to Recreate:

• Hunt for vintage maritime accessories at flea markets

• Select authentic or reproduction nautical pieces

• Create gallery walls with maritime-themed art

• Use glass and brass elements for authenticity

• Layer accessories thoughtfully to avoid clutter

DIY Budget Option: Create your own maritime art by framing vintage nautical maps or printing historical maritime illustrations.

Buy It Option:

• Vintage porthole mirror

• Antique brass bathroom accessories

• Maritime-themed artwork

• Glass display bottles

• Nautical bookends

Pro Tip for Beginners: Less is more. Choose 2-3 statement pieces rather than filling every surface with accessories.

Bringing It All Together

Transforming your bathroom into a coastal cottage retreat isn't about perfection – it's about creating a space that feels like a personal sanctuary.

These five ideas are your roadmap, but remember that the most important element is your unique touch. Don't be afraid to experiment, mix styles, and most importantly, have fun with the process.

Your bathroom can be more than just a functional space. It can be a daily reminder of peaceful shorelines, gentle waves, and the timeless beauty of coastal living.

So take these ideas, make them your own, and create a bathroom that doesn't just look beautiful, but feels like a personal escape.

Happy decorating, and may your bathroom always feel like a breath of fresh, salty air!

More Home Decor