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Coastal Chic Living Room: Create the Look Without Breaking the Bank

  • Writer: Design Trends 360
    Design Trends 360
  • May 22
  • 2 min read

Love the calm, airy vibe of a coastal chic living room? Good news — you don’t need a beach house or a big budget to bring those serene, sun-kissed vibes into your space.


In this post, we’ll show you how to recreate a coastal chic living room look with affordable finds, easy design swaps, and tips that work in any home.



What Is Coastal Chic Style?


Coastal chic blends beachy lightness with timeless elegance. Think:


  • Soft neutral colors (whites, creams, sandy tones)

  • Hints of blues and seafoam greens

  • Natural textures like rattan, linen, jute, and driftwood

  • Light-filled spaces and uncluttered layouts

  • Touches of brass or antique gold for elegance


It’s not kitschy “beach decor” — it’s classy, effortless, and relaxing.


Bright living room with wicker furniture, neutral tones, and green plants. Sunlight streams through large windows with sheer curtains. Coastal view.


Step 1: Choose the Right Color Palette


Stick to a soft, coastal-inspired palette:


  • Walls: white, pale gray, or soft beige

  • Accents: muted blue, sea glass green, driftwood brown

  • Add contrast with navy or deep teal if you like more depth


Tip: Paint is the cheapest way to transform a room. Consider repainting walls or even furniture for an instant refresh.


Step 2: Layer in Natural Textures


Bright living room with wicker furniture, white and blue cushions, wooden coffee table, beach photo, plants, and shelves in background.

Textures are key to coastal chic. Use:


  • Jute or sisal rugs

  • Linen or cotton curtains

  • Rattan baskets or light wood furniture

  • Driftwood frames or shelves



Budget tip: IKEA, Target, or Facebook Marketplace often have affordable natural-texture pieces.



Step 3: Invest in One Statement Piece


You don’t need to buy all new furniture. Just one good piece — like a coastal-style coffee table, a rattan accent chair, or a white slipcovered sofa — can define the whole room.


Can’t afford a new sofa? Add a white or linen-look slipcover to your existing one.



Step 4: Style with Intention


Cozy living room with a white sofa, blue and white pillows, lit candles on a wooden table. Ocean art on the wall, neutral tones.

Use simple but beautiful accessories:


  • Throw pillows in soft hues or ocean-inspired prints

  • Woven trays with candles or coral decor

  • Art prints featuring ocean, sky, or abstract coastalscapes

  • Glass vases, sea shells, or beach finds


Keep it minimal — coastal chic is clean and relaxed, not cluttered.


Step 5: Let the Light In


Bright living room with a white sectional sofa, wooden lamps, and a basket with candles. Large mirror, ocean paintings, and soft sunlight.

Coastal chic is all about natural light. If possible:


  • Use sheer curtains

  • Remove heavy window treatments

  • Add a mirror opposite a window to reflect light


Use lamps with light linen shades or even driftwood bases to keep that coastal feel even at night.



Budget Finds: Where to Shop Coastal Chic on a Budget



  • IKEA – for jute rugs, white furniture, soft linens

  • Target / Threshold Studio McGee line – great coastal-style accessories

  • Amazon – affordable pillow covers, slipcovers, lighting

  • H&M Home / Zara Home – for modern beachy textures

  • Thrift Stores or Facebook Marketplace – best for real wood pieces, baskets, and vintage finds


Final Thoughts


You don’t need an ocean view to enjoy the laid-back luxury of coastal chic. With the right textures, palette, and a few intentional pieces, you can bring relaxing beachy elegance into any space — no matter your budget or location.


So grab a cup of coffee, scroll through some inspo, and start building your perfect coastal retreat — right at home.



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