Coastal Decor 101: How to Bring the Beach Home

Decorating your home can be a fun task. There is nothing quite like entering a room that feels light, airy, and relaxing. For many Australians, the beach represents more than just a place to go; it represents a lifestyle. By bringing the beach into your home, you can enjoy that beach lifestyle every single day, regardless of whether you really live close to the beach or not.

Furniture

Chairs

When it comes to coastal-themed seating options, a rattan club chair is an absolute standout. This is because these are desirable, but not essential, pieces of furniture. A quality rattan chair is generally distinguished by its deep seat. This gives it a cosy and enclosed feel that is perfect for an afternoon of reading. The lightweight look of these chairs is also because they are made of rattan, a very durable vine. This is a very important feature because it does not weigh heavily on a room.

The texture of a rattan chair is what truly makes a space coastal-themed. The woven design of these chairs allows for the passage of air and light around them. This is very important for a space that needs to have a breezy feel to it. A pair of these club chairs in a sunroom or a living room is a great way to create an instant focal point that is both elegant and laid-back, and a place where you can enjoy. This is a very traditional design that has remained popular in Australian homes for decades because it is impossible to go out of style.

It is not difficult to take care of your rattan club chairs, but there is a small requirement of consistency so they last for a long time. Since rattan is a natural material, there are possibilities of it becoming dry if it is kept in direct sunlight for a long time. Therefore, they should ideally be kept in a place where there is filtered sunlight. To keep them in good condition, they should be wiped regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dust that may accumulate in the grooves of the weave. At times, a mild soap solution can be used to give them a thorough cleaning, but they must not be soaked.

Sofa

The biggest piece of furniture in your living room is most likely to be your sofa, and it will set the tone for the entire theme. For a coastal-themed living room, the standard for a sofa should be a slipcovered one in a neutral colour like oatmeal, cream, or white. A slipcovered sofa works well because it can be taken off and washed, which is important in a family household. The slightly loose fit of the fabric works well in creating the casual, easy-going feeling of a coastal-themed room.

A sofa with deep cushions will be inviting to sink into and relax on. Cotton and linen blends are the best choice for upholstery, as they are breathable and will feel comfortable against the skin.

Table

To complete your furniture set, a coffee table made of reclaimed wood or light oak is a great option. The grain and knots in the wood resemble driftwood along the beach and add a historical element to your room. A round or oval coffee table is more commonly used in a coastal theme as it breaks up the lines in a room and creates a more circular movement.

If you want something a little more contemporary in the coastal style, you might consider a table with a glass top and a gnarled wood or even white-washed metal base. It keeps the room bright and makes sure it doesn't feel too dense in the middle.

Accessories

Rugs

Rugs are a necessity in a coastal room and add a layer of comfort to your floor. Jute and sisal rugs are the most popular types of rug used in a coastal theme due to their earthy tones and durability. These types of rugs resemble a beachy shore and are long-lasting enough to withstand a high-traffic area. They add a neutral background for your furniture to pop against.

Cushions

Using cushions is the easiest and most cost-effective way to introduce some colour and personality to your coastal decor. This is where you can play with various shades of blue, from dark navy blue to light aqua blue, to represent the various moods of the ocean. Mixing various shapes and sizes of cushions on your couch and chairs can also create depth in the space.

Don't be afraid to mix textures in this area as well. You can mix smooth linen pillows with chunky knit, tassel, or embroidered coral pillows. These are the finishing touches that make a house a home.

The idea of bringing the beach home is to create a space that feels calm, light, and connected to nature. And by selecting the right foundation pieces, such as a slipcovered sofa and those gorgeous rattan club chairs, you're setting the tone for a relaxing space. It's the combination of natural textures and soothing shades that makes coastal style so popular in Australian homes.