Coastal-inspired Bathrooms that Sing of the Sea
Bring a splash of the seaside to your bathroom with these essential coastal ingredients
In Britain, we have more than 11,000 miles of coastline, ranging from the sandy bays of Cornwall to the rocky cliffs of Scotland, but when it comes to giving your bathroom a coastal scheme, feel free to look further afield for inspiration. From the classic American coastal look – think Cape Cod and the Hamptons – to the brilliant cobalts and whites of the Mediterranean, there are plenty of cool, coastal mood boards to mull over.
Nevertheless, all coastal bathrooms share certain key ingredients. Like the seaside itself, the space should feel open and breezy, so use minimal furniture and decoration. A distinct palette of white, blue, charcoal and black are at the heart of the coastal look, too, as well as tongue and groove on walls and ceilings, calling to mind sunny beach huts. Stripes channel the deckchair vibe, while a smattering of nautical accessories and fittings, from ship’s lights to jars filled with shells, complete the look.
Nevertheless, all coastal bathrooms share certain key ingredients. Like the seaside itself, the space should feel open and breezy, so use minimal furniture and decoration. A distinct palette of white, blue, charcoal and black are at the heart of the coastal look, too, as well as tongue and groove on walls and ceilings, calling to mind sunny beach huts. Stripes channel the deckchair vibe, while a smattering of nautical accessories and fittings, from ship’s lights to jars filled with shells, complete the look.
Big up the beach vibe
This bathroom is in a London loft conversion, but by using pebble-effect tiles on the walls and floor and a rustic surface for the basin, you are transported straight to one of Britain’s beautiful pebbly beaches.
This bathroom is in a London loft conversion, but by using pebble-effect tiles on the walls and floor and a rustic surface for the basin, you are transported straight to one of Britain’s beautiful pebbly beaches.
Try tongue and groove
With its beach-hut feel, there’s no better way to give your bathroom a coastal mood than with tongue and groove panelling. Here, it’s painted in a soft blue-green shade, which looks subtle and doesn’t detract from all the lovely, natural light.
With its beach-hut feel, there’s no better way to give your bathroom a coastal mood than with tongue and groove panelling. Here, it’s painted in a soft blue-green shade, which looks subtle and doesn’t detract from all the lovely, natural light.
Say yes to stripes
Stripes are a classic ingredient of a coastal-inspired scheme, rocking the British seaside deckchair look beautifully. Use them as an accent to tip a largely neutral scheme towards the nautical.
Check out ideas for styling a striped wall
Stripes are a classic ingredient of a coastal-inspired scheme, rocking the British seaside deckchair look beautifully. Use them as an accent to tip a largely neutral scheme towards the nautical.
Check out ideas for styling a striped wall
Pare back the look
Employ the elements of coastal style in your bathroom, but in a minimalist, modern way. Here, the classic blue and white colours are used as statements, with the blue framing the bath and looking daringly vibrant.
Employ the elements of coastal style in your bathroom, but in a minimalist, modern way. Here, the classic blue and white colours are used as statements, with the blue framing the bath and looking daringly vibrant.
Nod to the nautical
It’s easy to go over the top with a theme, and a coastal-inspired bathroom can become home to every kind of nautical flotsam and jetsam, so exercise some restraint. This US beach house is peppered with coastal references, but in an understated way. Found shells, a vintage seascape and ship’s lights are balanced by pale shades and cool marble.
See some examples of nautical designs with a modern twist
It’s easy to go over the top with a theme, and a coastal-inspired bathroom can become home to every kind of nautical flotsam and jetsam, so exercise some restraint. This US beach house is peppered with coastal references, but in an understated way. Found shells, a vintage seascape and ship’s lights are balanced by pale shades and cool marble.
See some examples of nautical designs with a modern twist
Choose coastal kit
Work your coastal notes in with practical additions to the room, such as this porthole mirror, then accessorise sparingly. The oars make a fun decoration, while paintings with a seaside theme break up the white scheme.
Work your coastal notes in with practical additions to the room, such as this porthole mirror, then accessorise sparingly. The oars make a fun decoration, while paintings with a seaside theme break up the white scheme.
Add a statement light
This simple white bathroom in a New England seaside cottage has major coastal credentials thanks to its shiplap walls, but the style factor is ramped up by a glamorous pendant light. This chimes beautifully with the coastal theme – it’s a reconditioned antique made from scalloped capiz shells.
TELL US...
How do you give your bathrooms a coastal touch? Share your tips in the Comments.
This simple white bathroom in a New England seaside cottage has major coastal credentials thanks to its shiplap walls, but the style factor is ramped up by a glamorous pendant light. This chimes beautifully with the coastal theme – it’s a reconditioned antique made from scalloped capiz shells.
TELL US...
How do you give your bathrooms a coastal touch? Share your tips in the Comments.
If you can’t resist dotting your space with nautical knick-knacks, then team them with a brilliant white backdrop to help the space feel clear and uncluttered.