Colorful Beach Bedroom Decorating Ideas
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27557_BMassey19438F-6dba370096734d988703e40cf7b76aa6.jpg "Colorful Beach Bedroom Decorating Ideas")
We’re all about taking design cues from our surroundings, and that’s especially true for beach cottages and coastal homes, where sun and sea provide plenty of winning inspiration. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite coastal bedrooms that represent every stretch of the coastal-style spectrum, from those with tropically punchy palettes and rattan furnishings to those with more traditional elements and soothing sky and sea blues. And they’re all worthy of imitation, whether you live near the shore or not.
All-Out on Every Inch
Eric Piasecki
While some wish to lean serene in their bedrooms, this St. Simons Island, Georgia, homeowner stayed true to her gleefully unbridled preferences. “We went with this wallpaper (Pierre Frey’s La Comedie)—for lots of color, lots of opportunity—and then tried to add in more color where we could,” says designer Andrew Howard. That meant Benjamin Moore’s Schooner (AF-520) on the trim, Sister Parish’s Verbena fabric on the banquette, Heather Chadduck Textiles’ Petite Frond in Melon for the Roman shades, and a punchy purple buffalo check on the accent chairs.
Room for a Crew
Helen Norman
Given the bitty footprint of her Corolla, North Carolina, bungalow (it’s just 740 square feet!), designer Lauren Liess had to get creative with the sleep space for her five children. “The bunks fit to the inch,” says the designer. “Two of them are not as long as standard ones, and we just shoved the mattresses in.” To cut down on additional furniture, each child has one drawer for their clothes and a niche in the wall to hold their beach finds.
Shell Pinks
Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Rather than an obvious palette informed by sea and sky blues, design firm Bohlert Massey opted to fill this Inlet Beach, Florida, bedroom with shell pinks, sandy browns, and pops of palm-frond green. A wood-paneled ceiling delivers an instant burst of character to this newer build, giving it a sense of age.
Storied Ceiling
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Sister designer duo Natalie Roe and Rachel Anderson fully embraced a blues-heavy palette in this Fairhope, Alabama, primary bedroom, where a canopy bed with striped fabric on the valance and blue green linen on the interior is a highlight. Wood-paneled ceilings washed in a coat of Sherwin-Williams’ Mountain Air (SW 6224) mimic the “haint blue” paint of historic Southern verandas.
Pattern Play
Amy Neunsinger
The interiors of this Sea Island, Georgia, home are imbued with “a rustic, beachy-environment kind of look” throughout, says designer Mark D. Sikes. This sentiment rings especially true in the daughter’s room, where walls covered in Penny Morrison’s Vasari fabric in Blue/Orange cast a warm glow that mimics the spectacular sunsets outside. A wicker nightstand and side table, along with plaster lamps, temper the four-poster bed’s formality and dial up the beach house spirit.
Inviting Symmetry
Laurey Glenn
“I always feel like in twin bedrooms or bunk rooms, you can go a little more playful, but you want it to be able to work whether the kids are 3 years old or 18,” says designer Allison Elebash of this guest room in our 2024 Idea House on Johns Island, South Carolina. Here, that meant incorporating charming pairs a plenty, such as Reid Classics beds, scalloped woven sconces by Regina Andrew, and Mary Maguire watercolors.
Earth Tones
Amy Neunsinger
Blue-and-white aren’t the only colors suited for a coastal bedroom. In this Sea Island, Georgia, bedroom, for instance, designer Mark D. Sikes chose a sage green windowpane-print fabric with a flaxen background (Schumacher’s Luberon Plaid) for the walls to give a timeworn, sepia-washed effect.
Pops of Red
Eric Piasecki
“I think red is one of the best accents we have in our toolbox,” says designer Andrew Howard. “As long as it’s not overused, it’s one of the most beautiful colors there is.” In the twin guest room of this St. Simons Island, Georgia, home, he opted for a buttery twist on classic red, white, and blue, washing the walls in Niveous (OC-36) and splashing the trim in Niagara Falls (1657), both by Benjamin Moore.
Statement Walls
Dane Tashima
In the primary bedroom of their 1940s weekend home in Pass Christian, Mississippi, Dr. Quinn Peeper and husband Michael Harold opted for a resort-like feel, pairing a vintage bamboo tester bed with striped walls (which are painted in a custom glaze with a base of Benjamin Moore Golden Beige, 100).
Natural Textures
To keep the white shiplap walls in this Watercolor, Florida, bedroom from feeling too new or sterile, designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas piled on the textured layers throughout, from the Rush House seagrass rug to the grasscloth that lines the interior of the bookcases.
Sleeping Porch Vibes
Exposed bracing on the walls reinforces the idea that this bedroom in our 2019 Idea House in Crane Island, Florida, was once a porch but has been enclosed. The entire space is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Westhighland White (SW 7566), doubling down the cozy feel of this space. A handmade mahogany Reid Classics bed “carries the tradition of the architecture into the room,” notes designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas, who topped it with a mosquito netting-like canopy made of her own Grande Frond in Olive.
Welcome Contrast
Designer Grace Kaynor leaned into this historic charm of this century-old Mississippi cottage, leaving the natural wood floors, walls, and ceiling as is, then introducing white furniture and bedding to brighten it up.
Serene Space
This bedroom is as peaceful as it gets, with its relaxing blue-and-white palette and classic furnishings. The four poster spindle bed is timeless and low maintenance, says designer Phoebe Howard. A bedside table that doubles as a desk is the perfect place to stow books, journals, and decorative treasures.
Under the Sea
This Sea Island, Georgia, home takes lots of cues from its location. The guest room mixes brighter coastal colors, like coral and turquoise, with the more subtle natural tones of the sea grass rug and circa-1970s faux-bamboo headboard.
Punchy Palette
Vibrant colors come with the territory here in Palm Beach, and this guest room, with its hot pink, lime green, and mustard yellow scheme (the bed skirt and shams are in Schumacher fabric, and the duvet and sheets are from Serena & Lily) is a color lover’s dream come true. Soft pink walls may conjure thoughts of little girls’ bedrooms, but the hue can work wonders in a grown-up space, too. Here, Coral Buff by Benjamin Moore gives the space a welcoming, rosy glow.
Coastal Bedroom with Layered Decor
Mixed materials like the down-filled duvet, grass cloth wallcovering, bamboo bench, and wool Berber carpet add warmth. The sleepy space gets a gentle wake up from the quiet splashes of celadon green on the bed linens, pillows, and bench cushions.
Patterned Paradise
Bold pattern in a bedroom? Yes, you can! Here, a small-scale wallpaper pattern works in a soothing space thanks to its beachy aqua-and-white palette and surrounding neutrals (wooden end tables and white bedding and drapes).
Flexible Arrangement
Brie Williams; Styling: Kate Malpeli
Rather than spring for built-in bunks, homeowners Katherine and Cameron Bishop outfitted their Folly Beach cottage kids’ room with a pair of bunk beds that can one day be easily swapped for less playful alternatives as their children age.
Cozy Retreat
Texture is everything in this coral guest room. From the Rebecca Atwood wallpaper to the eye-catching rattan bed, this space has plenty of depth without feeling overwhelming. The ikat draperies and box spring fabric make a subtle—but fun—statement in the bedroom.
Blue and Balanced Bedroom
Because the wicker and bamboo bed frame almost reaches the ceiling, the designer of this Florida bedroom added two oversize nautilus lamps to keep the scale consistent. With a statement piece as large as this bed, outfitting the rest of the room in various blue fabrics grounds the space and makes reference the nearby water.
Easy Breezy
A campaign-style canopy bed serves as the focal point in this island bedroom. All of the accents are minimal in deference to the antique-inspired frame. “The rooms here [on the coast] don’t need to be too fancy, or they will feel out of place,” says designer Amanda Lindroth. Batik prints easily dress up any room and are a fun way to channel exotic coastal style.
Marsh-Inspired Bedroom
A classic striped headboard and bed skirt are combined with Indian batik-inspired textiles for a sophisticated look. The curtains’ woven tape trim adds natural textures, and a photograph of an alligator above the bed is a nod to Louisiana’s gator-inhabited marshlands.
Soothing Simplicity
Homeowner Marco Badalian designed this hideaway as well as much of the furniture inside, including this caoba wood platform bed. The airy palette and materials he selected emphasize the home’s natural light and gentle breezes afforded by its coastal location. Throw a Moroccan wedding blanket, like the one pictured here, over the end of your bed for an instant texture boost.
Lofty Goals
The shiplap walls and ceiling in this third-floor primary bedroom are original to the historic beach house, but were given a refresh with a coat of Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa. Between the interesting roof lines and the textured shiplap, not much is needed to dress up the décor. Simple hooks provide smart storage space for the hat collection, which also brings shape and texture to the room’s decor.
Boho Chic
This cool bedroom embodies the lively spirit of the ’60s and ’70s with its eclectic mix of patterns and colors. “I tried to give the house soulfulness and optimism,” says designer Allison Bloom. Instead of a painted accent wall, try one in a dark-stained wood for a look that’s boho and beachy.
Nautical Nook
Keep cool with breathable textiles, like the chambray linens used in this beach house, and use the classic combination of coral and blue to instill those timeless nautical vibes into any room. A built-in window seat can double as a reading nook, a nap spot, or a display for extra throw pillows.
Sea Glass-Hued Bedroom
In this bedroom, the soft, watery tones in the aqua dhurrie rug and paisley print draperies pair well with the room’s white and oatmeal pieces. This lovely glass bead number from Ro Sham Beaux is made of recycled Coke bottles.
Room with a View
The owners of this cottage made their shoreline view the focus of this bedroom by cladding walls and ceilings in soft white paint that seems to amplify the natural light. A woven leather headboard in bold crimson provides an intense pop of color, and the hue is echoed in the geometric throw and framed nautical flags.
Color Splash
Ceilings are the new accent wall. The bamboo matting in this uniquely shaped bedroom adds easy visual interest without introducing clutter. Plus, the built-in bed and nightstands provide sneaky storage.The painted floor not only peps up a space, but it can also negate the need for an area rug. Win-win.
Peaceful Suite
The color scheme of this primary bedroom is inspired by the green fig leaf-patterned drapes, which have robin’s egg blue accents that are repeated in the chevron dhurrie rug, leather settee, and fringed accent pillow.
Cheerful Space
This Rehoboth, Delaware, bedroom is the perfect combination of restful and rejuvenating, thanks to its soothing neutrals, fiery color palette, and ebullient patterns.
Dramatic Pattern
Allow a fabric you love to play a starring role in the room. Select a graphic print with a large repeat and spread it around. Show it off on bedding, a headboard, accent pillows, and seat cushions. Paint walls, furniture, floors, and accessories the same color as the fabric’s background to help the look hang together.
Classic Retreat
Honey tones set the stage in this serene primary bedroom. Above the Ficks Reed bed is a pretty, custom mosaic mirror in sea-going blues, which are echoed in the bedding and bedside table lamp. The subtle addition of grasscloth wallpaper envelops the room, making it feel especially cozy. Here, horizontal shiplap wainscot wraps the lower half of the walls for an added dose of charm.
Romantic Retreat
This St. Augustine, Florida, primary bedroom is the picture of romance with its canopy bed and pomegranate accents.
Soft Escape
Cypress ceilings and shiplap walls painted soft seafoam lend a breezy feel to this bedroom. Bedding embroidered with a fun shade is an easy and subtle way to incorporate color into an otherwise neutral room.
Pattern Play
This Lowcountry bunkhouse bedroom is all about classic elements (reclaimed wood floors, large windows, and shiplap walls) and shades. Stripes and prints mix effortlessly thanks to the beachy blue and white color combo. Bold patterns stationed at the floor (the thick striped bed skirt) and ceiling (the bold drapes) draw the eye up and down, making the room feel open and airy.
Vintage Charm
Combining treasures from local shops with crisp bedding and a nautically leaning rug give this bedroom a balanced and relaxed feel. Forgoing window treatments allows the window’s beautiful casing to stand out as an exciting visual element.
Serene Space
In this Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, primary bedroom, it’s all about a muted and romantic color palette. The headboard’s geometric pattern lends a modern design element to the room.
Cozy and Colorful Bedroom
This light-filled lakeside bedroom features a snug sleeping nook that opens via a sliding barn door wall to the living room, giving both spaces an extra spot to snooze or relax with a book. White walls and warm wood floors are the perfect balance for a colorful rug, bedspread, and pillows.
Light and Breezy
Mosquito netting is essential to open-air island bedrooms, but the flowy material has exotic appeal everywhere. Hang netting from a canopy bed frame like curtains or suspend it, hoop-style, from the ceiling.
Classic Coastal Redux
This restored Anna Maria Island beach cottage perfectly blends the old with the new. The twin surfer lamps, passed down from a friend, beautifully complement the iron bed. Try contrasting darker wood pieces, like the end tables shown here, with breezy linens and a bright white palette for a vibe that feels slightly tropical.
White Is Always Right
Enlarge a small space by coating every surface in white. The absence of color opens up areas that have limited natural light, making them feel airier. Add texture with building materials and textiles to keep a pale scheme from falling flat.
Sweet As Can Be
Pamper yourself with a romantic room. Choose bed covers with scalloped edges and add ruffled pillows. Skirt a table in tulle. Every well-stocked guest room should have extra pillows and blankets, books and magazines, bottles of water, and cut flowers. Little touches go a long way to make guests feel welcome.
Nautical Bedroom
In this nautical-themed twin bedroom, red cannonball beds reside under the dormered roof. Sculpted metal fish swim above, and a fly-fishing basket lamp underscores the home’s proximity to the water.
Optical Illusion
If your room is a tight fit, choose a mix of patterns―including stripes, solids, and prints―to give the space depth and make it appear larger than it really is. Give a small room big presence. Billowing fabric hung overhead softens the lines of ceilings and walls, adding texture and dimension without using paint.
Off the Wall
Let the way you showcase your collectibles be as creative as the items you display.
Emphasize small details. Accessories often make or break a room, so be sure to choose accent pieces―such as skirted slipcovers, pleated lamp shades, or bamboo-framed mirrors―with an extra something to them.
Color Credo
Natural wood, white, and black all act as neutrals, so don’t be afraid to combine them with a vibrant shade. Let an accent color, such as kiwi green, leave its mark on the space. Paint the window muntins and sashes for contrast in an all-wood room. Select a color from the room’s palette.
Hanging Out
Typically reserved for the porch, hanging beds command attention when installed indoors. Teak platforms suspended from heavy-gauge rope play up a nautical look and create sleeping quarters your guests will fight over. You’ll need to attach the ropes to sturdy beams or studs, so be sure you have the support before you buy the materials.
Added Value
Create a bunk room in an otherwise unusable attic space. Back-to-back beds fit just right in this long, narrow room, while the steeply pitched ceiling makes the space cozy for kids. Get the bunks shipshape with peek-a-boo portholes, and pump up the playfulness with whimsical patterns and tangy hues. Built-in storage maximizes limited square footage. The under-the-bed drawers are easy for kids to reach and eliminate the need for bulky dressers.
Children’s Loft
The architects designed a row of three built-in beds on the third floor loft, each lit with a marine-style sconce and closed off with curtains. Storage areas for the bunks line up across the hall, with a cubby and a drawer for each bed. The colorful bedspreads and rug add color and vibrancy to the space.
Don’t Lose Perspective
Extra-tall headboards and oversize table lamps add height and fill in a spacious room. Select bedding and area rugs with large-scale graphic patterns to complete the effect. To prevent furnishings and accessories from appearing dwarfed beneath a dramatic vaulted ceiling, opt for bigger-than-average pieces.
Blue and Green Bedroom
To balance the tropical colors in the bedskirt, chairs, and window treatments, a pale-green sorbet was chosen for the walls.
Primary Colors
A vintage Kelly green campaign dresser plays well with varying shades of blue and bright yellow in this beach house. Roman shades (we love the fun pattern!) are ideal for rooms with irregular ceilings where traditional curtains would feel overpowering.
Bend the Rules
In kid-friendly spaces, there’s no such thing as pattern overload. Combine stripes, polka dots, and prints with chenilles and cottons for a lighthearted look. Pick a two-tone palette, such as green and blue, and use several shades of each hue.
Island Inspiration
Bring home the tropics with an adventurous palette. Pick two colors that are analogous (next to each other on the color wheel) and one that’s complementary (opposite on the wheel). For best results, use the deepest shade on the floor, to ground the space.
link
