What is nautical interior design?

Nautical interior design is inspired by maritime elements, coastal living, and seafaring traditions. It features navy blue and white color schemes, natural materials like rope and weathered wood, brass hardware, and decorative elements such as ship wheels, anchors, and porthole mirrors. The style evokes the elegance of luxury yachts and classic New England coastal homes.

How much does nautical interior design cost?

Nautical interior design costs vary widely from $15 for small anchor wall art to $8,000 for complete kitchen island renovations. Most projects fall between $50-$2,500, with affordable options like ship wheel decor ($40-$250), porthole mirrors ($105-$400), and striped textiles ($200-$1,500). Budget-friendly DIY projects can transform spaces for under $100.

What are the best rooms for nautical decor?

Nautical decor works beautifully in bathrooms (porthole mirrors, pebble tile), bedrooms (striped textiles, ship wheel art), kitchens (blue island cabinetry, rope accents), living rooms (navy shiplap walls, driftwood furniture), and entryways (anchor decor, brass lighting). Coastal design elements can be adapted to any room with proper scale and restraint.

How do I avoid making nautical decor look kitschy?

To avoid kitschy nautical decor, focus on quality over quantity, choose authentic materials like real brass and weathered teak, limit obvious maritime symbols, maintain a sophisticated color palette of navy and white with natural wood tones, and edit ruthlessly. Use subtle nautical references through hardware, textures, and materials rather than literal beach-themed accessories.

10 Nautical Interior Design Ideas for Coastal Homes

Looking to transform your home with nautical interior design ideas? This expert guide from a seasoned interior designer reveals the top ways to achieve an authentic, timeless coastal look with honest tips and tricks. Whether you’re reinventing a single room or your entire home, discover how to create striking, serene spaces inspired by the sea.

1. Navy Blue Shiplap Accent Walls with Brass Hardware

Navy Blue Shiplap Accent Wall With Brass Fixtures

If you want to make a bold statement in any room, navy blue shiplap accent walls paired with brass hardware offer a nautical yet sophisticated look. Navy and brass echo the classic style found in historic ships, instantly setting the vibe for a coastal interior design that doesn’t feel cliché.

Why is this important? Deep navy brings depth and coziness, while the luxe shine of brass hardware adds warmth. I recommend this feature wall for living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways—especially if you’re craving a space that feels both crisp and inviting.

Implement this by:

Painting shiplap panels in a rich, marine navy.
Choosing polished or antiqued brass hooks, sconces, or picture frames as hardware extras.

Pro tip:
Use eggshell or satin paint finishes to enhance the color’s richness and highlight natural light reflection.

Minimalist? Keep other decor light and airy. Maximalist? Layer with maritime prints for extra personality. The only drawback—navy can make small, dark rooms feel even smaller, so stick to well-lit spaces whenever possible.

2. Weathered Teak Ship Wheel Wall Decor Collections

Collecting weathered teak ship wheel decor is an anchor (pun intended) of nautical wall decor. Ship wheels lend instant authenticity and spark conversation, evoking images of salty sea captains and adventure.

Why it matters: Wood, especially aged teak, brings tactile warmth and maritime history into modern homes. Display a single, oversized wheel as a dramatic focal point, or curate a gallery wall with different sizes for an eclectic look.

Best for:
• Entryways and stairwells
• Coastal living rooms craving a vintage touch

Drawback? Genuine antique wheels can be pricey, and some replicas lack that authentic patina. The solution: mix vintage with high-quality new finds for depth and character.

“A ship’s wheel isn’t just decor—it’s a reminder of journeys set by the stars and sea.”

3. Porthole Mirror Bathroom Vanity Upgrades

Upgrade your beach themed bathroom with a porthole mirror over the vanity. Not only does this add nautical charm, but the circular form helps soften modern, angular bathrooms.

Why choose this? Porthole mirrors often come with metallic finishes—like brass, pewter, or matte black—echoing ship hardware for a premium coastal effect.

Steps to try:

Select a sturdy, marine-inspired frame.
Hang at standard vanity height, about 5-6 inches above the faucet.
Add accent sconces in matching metals for uniformity.

Great for:
• Powder rooms
• Guest bathrooms needing a playful touch

Pro tip:
Pair porthole mirrors with pebble tile or blue glass accessories for a full-on sea-inspired look.

A common con: some porthole styles can feel “theme-y” if overused. Balance with natural stone or clean white tile for sophistication.

4. Striped Navy and White Textile Layers

Navy And White Striped Nautical Textiles

Nothing says coastal quite like striped navy and white textile layers. This time-tested combo is fresh, versatile, and works beautifully across contemporary and traditional homes.

How to implement:

Cover beds with bold, navy-and-white duvets for inspiring nautical bedroom decor.
Layer throw pillows in varying stripe widths on sofas or window seats.
Finish with soft, fringed blankets draped over accent chairs.

“According to design research, classic stripes are one of the most recognized and beloved nautical motifs worldwide.”

Best for:
• Bedrooms and living rooms
• Homes wanting subtle seaside references

Drawback: Too many stripes in a small area can feel busy. Center the look around a focal piece like bedding or a statement rug.

5. Maritime Rope Accent Details and Fixtures

Functional meets decorative with maritime rope accents. Rope works beautifully as curtain tiebacks, handrails, mirror frames, or even pendant lights—lending tactile appeal and character.

Why is this important? Natural rope instantly brings texture and a ship-inspired edge, making any space feel handcrafted and curated.

Easy DIY rope decor ideas:

Wrap thick rope around table lamp bases or curtain rods for a unique upgrade.
Hang wall shelves using sturdy nautical rope instead of metal brackets.

Best for:
• Nautical bedrooms, bathrooms, or entryways
• Anyone seeking a DIY-friendly update

Rope is not ideal in moisture-heavy areas unless sealed—so it’s best for lower-humidity spots or as decorative, not functional, fittings.

6. Vintage Anchor Wall Art and Sculptures

Nothing anchors a nautical theme (pun entirely intended) like vintage anchor wall art. Choose carved wood, heavyweight metal, or even weathered painted anchors to evoke the enduring spirit of the sea.

How to use it? Large anchors work as solitary living room statements, while clusters of smaller anchors make unique gallery arrangements in hallways and entryways. For kids’ rooms, playful painted anchors tie the nautical theme together.

Pro tip:
Mix anchors with other maritime symbols—shells, knots, compasses—for a collected look that feels lived-in, not staged.

There’s little downside, except the potential for overdoing it. Stick to one standout piece per space to avoid thematic overload.

7. Coastal Kitchen with Blue Island Cabinetry

Revamp your space with a coastal kitchen featuring blue island cabinetry. This is one of the most sought-after nautical kitchen ideas—balancing color, functionality, and charm.

Why it works:

Blue islands provide a chic focal point
Contrasts beautifully with crisp white cabinetry or natural wood
Feels clean and inviting

Implement by selecting a medium to deep navy or teal paint, pairing it with brass or matte black hardware. For extra effect, top with white quartz or marble countertops to echo sun-bleached coastal rocks.

“A blue kitchen island can boost your home’s resale value by up to 7%, according to Redfin surveys in 2023.”

This is best for open-plan kitchens, and especially those with good natural light. The only real con—blue islands require maintenance to keep looking sharp (chips and dings show up on dark colors).

8. Weathered Driftwood Furniture and Shelving

Weathered driftwood furniture and shelving capture the rugged elegance of coastal life. Driftwood’s organic forms work beautifully in both minimal and layered, beachy interiors.

Why designers love it: Each piece is unique, offering instant character and natural texture. Use driftwood shelving for open displays of nautical treasures, or try a driftwood coffee table as a living room center point.

How to incorporate:

Floating shelves in entryways to display beach finds
Driftwood benches or side tables

Keep in mind: Real driftwood pieces need to be properly treated (cleaned and sealed) to ensure durability indoors.

Drawback: Sourcing authentic driftwood can be time-consuming. For a shortcut, look for high-quality faux options with realistic finishes.

9. Pebble Tile Shower Floors and Backsplashes

For an immersive coastal bathroom, pebble tile shower floors and backsplashes are a beautiful nod to sun-soaked beaches. The organic shape and soothing underfoot feel transport you straight to the shoreline.

How to implement:

Choose natural pebble sheets for flooring or wall accents.
Combine with classic white subway tiles for a balanced, not busy, look.

Great for:
• Beach themed bathroom renovations
• Spas or primary baths seeking texture

Downside? Pebble tiles need proper sealing and frequent cleaning, as uneven surfaces may trap dirt.

Pro tip:
Opt for flat, sliced pebble tiles—they’re smoother for bare feet compared to rounded, full pebbles.

10. Nautical Light Fixtures with Glass and Brass

Lighting pulls together every great theme. Nautical light fixtures—especially those with glass and brass—evoke classic lanterns and ship beacons, adding authentic glow to your nautical interior design.

Popular options:

Glass-and-brass pendant lights over the kitchen island
Wall-mounted lanterns in hallways
Sconce lights beside beds or bathroom mirrors

Why I recommend them:
Glass diffuses light for a cozy, welcoming ambiance, while brass gives that essential maritime sparkle. The biggest pro? These fixtures fit nearly any room—from a coastal living room to entryways.

Potential con: Unlaquered brass patinas over time, which some adore and others don’t. Opt for sealed brass finishes if you prefer a consistent shine.

Conclusion

A truly inspired coastal interior design is all about balance—thoughtful details, layered textures, and whispering hints of the sea. Embrace timeless touches like navy shiplap walls, anchor home decor, and breezy, blue kitchen islands to create your own inviting, shipshape retreat.

Nautical Interior Design Ideas
Design Idea	Cost Range	DIY Difficulty	Best Room	Key Materials
Navy Blue Shiplap Accent Walls	$800 – $2,500	Moderate	Living Room, Bedroom	Wood planks, brass hardware
Ship Wheel Wall Decor	$40 – $250	Easy	Entryway, Dining Room	Weathered teak, brass
Porthole Mirror Bathroom	$105 – $400	Easy	Bathroom, Powder Room	Brass, aluminum, glass
Striped Navy White Textiles	$200 – $1,500	Easy	Bedroom, Living Room	Cotton, linen fabrics
Maritime Rope Accents	$50 – $600	Easy – Moderate	All Rooms, Staircases	Jute rope, manila rope
Vintage Anchor Wall Art	$15 – $300	Easy	Outdoor, Bathroom	Metal, weathered wood
Blue Island Kitchen Cabinetry	$2,000 – $8,000	Advanced	Kitchen, Pantry	Wood cabinets, quartz
Driftwood Furniture Shelving	$150 – $1,800	Moderate	Living Room, Bedroom	Weathered wood, gray wash
Pebble Tile Shower Floors	$400 – $2,000	Advanced	Bathroom, Laundry Room	Natural stone, grout
Nautical Light Fixtures	$80 – $800	Moderate	Kitchen, Entryway	Brass, glass, rope

Want to take your space to the next level?

Try sheer linen window coverings for soft light diffusion.
Incorporate glass jars filled with collected seashells or beach stones.

Ready to transform your home with these expert, honest nautical interior design ideas? Start implementing your favorites today—and turn your space into a coastal oasis you’ll love for years to come!

Get inspired now: Share your own nautical room makeover or schedule a design consult with us at Omni Home Ideas. Anchors aweigh!