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Coastal Bedroom Ideas for Small Spaces
A Design Expert's Guide for Decorating Apartments & Small Rooms
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Whether you live in an urban apartment or you're decorating a guest room, transforming a small bedroom into a luxurious coastal retreat may seem like a daunting task.
But with the right approach, you can create a space that feels like it’s straight out of a beach house magazine.
Here are some tips to help you achieve a cozy coastal vibe without sacrificing style or space.
Color Palette Choices to Maximize Space
Light and Airy Colors
One of the easiest ways to make a small room feel larger is by using a light and airy color palette.
Think of soft blues, crisp whites, sandy beiges, and seafoam greens, like this color palette from our guide to creating an alluring green coastal bedroom:
These colors reflect natural light, making the room feel more open and spacious. I often hear people say when they add a splash of a light color to the walls, the room feels like it has doubled in size compared to when the walls were white!
Accent Colors
Whatever color palette you select, incorporate pops of color to add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.
A few well-placed accessories like coastal throw pillows or an area rug in these vibrant shades can bring a room to life. Check out a few of our favorite uses of color for a beachy vibe below.
This sequined pillow perfect for a modern coastal bedroom:
Silk Beach Ocean Pillow (Amazon)
This fun pink and coral for a pink coastal cowgirl bedroom:
Hawaii Surfer Girl Pillow (Amazon)
Or do double duty by adding a punch of bold blue and a layer of texture to your bed in a Coastal Grandma bedroom:
Herringbone Alpaca Throw Blanket (Amazon)
Monochromatic Schemes
Using varying shades of one color can create a cohesive and spacious look.
For example, a beachy room decorated in different shades of neutrals can feel both serene and expansive. This approach works particularly well in creating a boho coastal or a cozy, vintage coastal vibe.
Pair these neutrals with a crisp, white bed set in luxurious Egyptian cotton to elevate the space and highlight the textures and layers in your space.
Decorating for a Spacious Feel
Form Meets Function
Adopting a minimalist approach is key to avoiding clutter in a small space. Less truly is more when it comes to coastal bedroom decor. Stick to essential pieces and choose decor that has both form and function.
For example, try this rattan and metal bed frame with built-in storage drawers for the perfect modern, coastal vibe:
Vertical Space Utilization
Maximize vertical space by using wall-mounted shelves and floating nightstands. These not only save floor space but also draw the eye upwards, making the room feel taller.
This beachy beauty comes with a shelf, a nook, a drawer, and an integrated charging station:
Modern Natural Floating Nightstand (Amazon)
Elevating your nightstand off the floor also helps you maximize space by leaving room underneath for a laundry basket, kicking off your favorite slippers, or even a dog bed that matches your coastal theme!
Mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and give the illusion of a larger room.
A large mirror above the bed can work wonders. We love this farmhouse mirror to add a vintage element:
Rustic Farmhouse Mirror (Amazon)
Or try a gorgeous yet subtly nautical mirror opposite a window to let the natural light bounce and extend around your small space.
Round Nautical Mirror (Amazon)
Multi-functional Furniture
Choose pieces that serve multiple purposes, like these hand-woven storage ottomans:
Natural Coastal Storage Ottoman (Amazon)
This adds seating to your room and it helps keep the room tidy and organized.
Or try these ocean-themed baskets as an addition to shelves in your room. They add storage and another coastal for your theme!
Collapsible Coastal Storage Cube (Amazon)
Furniture Selection for Small Coastal Bedrooms
Compact and Functional Furniture
Select streamlined, space-saving furniture like narrow dressers:
Or a drop-leaf wall-mounted desk that folds away when you don't need it:
Pro tip: use the storage ottoman as your desk chair!
These pieces are practical and stylish, and they keep precious floor space clear in your small bedroom.
Neutral Base Pieces
Invest in timeless, neutral furniture that can be easily updated with accessories as your tastes or trends change.
Natural materials like wood, wicker, and rattan enhance the coastal vibe without overwhelming the space.
For example, this rustic whitewashed bed can serve as a base for various coastal styles, like a coastal grandma bedroom just as easily as it would in a nautical, a tropical coastal, or a pink coastal bedroom.
Effective Lighting in Small Spaces
Natural Light Maximization
Make the most of natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds that allow maximum light to filter through. This creates an open, airy feel essential for a seaside-inspired room.
Don't forget to measure before you buy your curtains! To trick your eye into thinking the room is taller (and more spacious), hang your curtains close to the ceiling, and buy a curtain length that allows them to pool slightly on the floor. Curtains that are too short, or curtains that are hung too low, will cause the room to feel small and the spaces choppy.
Here are some of our favorite coastal curtain options. These semi-sheer linen curtains bring a traditional nautical vibe but also work well in a clean, modern coastal room:
Modern Coastal Nautical Curtains (Amazon)
Bring in a boho element with these sheer pale blue curtains that feature subtle white texture:
Sheer Boho Blue Curtains (Amazon)
For a chic, modern coastal look, these pom pom curtains add some whimsy to your ocean-themed aesthetic:
Coastal Chic Curtains (Amazon)
Layered Lighting
Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Think overhead lights, like this gorgeous boho coastal ceiling light:
Beaded Boho Coastal Light (Amazon)
Bedside lamps, like these amazing glass tapered column lamps that bring the ocean inside:
Set of 2 Coastal Glass Lamps (Amazon)
And a floor lamp for a cozy coastal touch:
Arc Floor Lamp with Rattan Shade (Amazon)
Space-Saving Fixtures
If you're really short on floor space, instead of a floor lamp, opt for wall sconces, which will also add a stylish element. These battery-operated rattan sconces mean you don't even need to call the electrician!
Rattan Wall Sconces with Remote (Amazon)
Bonus: if you use sconces in place of a table lamp, it even frees up space on your nightstand!
Adding Luxury with Fabrics and Accessories
High-Quality Bedding
Investing in luxurious, high-thread-count coastal bedding can make a huge difference. Materials like Egyptian cotton, mulberry silk, linen, and bamboo add a rich feel to your room, and they last longer than cheaper materials, which will pill and wear with time.
Check out our stunning Beach Coastal Egyptian Cotton bedding set, which features beautiful embroidered coral and starfish on a crisp, white background:
Beach Coastal Bedding Set (Amazon)
Textured Throws and Pillows
Mix and match textures like linen, cotton, and jute to add depth and interest. Check out the 35 best throw pillows for a coastal bedroom!
Avoid the temptation to buy too many matching sets of pillows. Bringing in multiple sizes, textures, and colors can elevate the overall look and feel of the room.
Area Rugs
Area rugs are an often-overlooked element in home design. But they are very important in defining your space, and contrary to what some people believe, a rug can actually make your small room look bigger!
The key is to select the rug of the right size. A rug that is too big or too small will make your room feel "off", but the correct sized rug will enhance the space to give it a rich, open feeling. Check out this rug size guide to find the right size for your space.
Once you've determined what size rug you need, look for light-colored, natural fiber rugs to define the space without making it feel cramped.
Try a beautiful jute rug for a rustic coastal charm:
Handmade Weaved Jute Rug (Amazon)
Or bring in a subtle wave design with this blue and cream boho look:
Coastal Boho Area Rug (Amazon)
Creating a Magazine-Worthy Coastal Design
Attention to Detail
Small, thoughtful details can make a big impact. Add relaxing and eye-catching coastal-themed artwork, like this abstract piece reminiscent of the ocean:
Framed Abstract Ocean Landscape (Amazon)
Find a decorative shell bowl to add to the top of your dresser or a bookshelf to hold small nick-knacks:
Clam Shell Bowl Decor (Amazon)
And look for other nautical-inspired decor to add in strategic places around your room, like this charming, rustic whale tail:
Small details like these do wonders in terms of tying your room together!
Symmetry and Balance
Arrange furniture and decor in a balanced way to create harmony. Symmetry can make even a small room feel well-organized and spacious.
To determine if you've created good balance, step back and really look at your room. Does one side feel "heavier" than another? Dark colors, big furniture, and other large design elements can carry more "weight" than other elements, so look to see if these elements are distributed evenly.
Consistency
Ensure all elements of the room adhere to the coastal theme for a polished look. Sticking to your chosen color palette and style will create a cohesive and visually pleasing space.
We find it helpful to determine what textures you want to incorporate up front when desingning your room. Think of four or five that you really want to focus on. For a coastal room, this should probably include wood and natural fibers, like rope or rattan, and because this is a bedroom, you'll want soft, luxurious fabrics on your bed, like Egyptian cotton, and light, flowy curtains, probably linen or semi-sheer fabrics.
Conclusion
Transforming a small space into a luxurious coastal retreat is all about smart choices and thoughtful design.
By following these tips, you can create a stunning coastal bedroom that feels spacious and inviting.
Whether you prefer a modern coastal look or a cozy, vintage vibe, these ideas will help you achieve the seaside sanctuary of your dreams.
What's Next?
- Check out our selection of luxury coastal bedding to find the perfect pieces to complete your look.
- Check out our articles on coastal design for inspiration on specific coastal styles, coastal themes, and other coastal tips.
- Follow us on Pinterest for more ideas.
