How to Decorate with Coastal Wallpaper for a Timeless Look
Few design elements transform a space as effortlessly as coastal wallpaper. For decorators, architects, and homeowners across the US, coastal wallpaper offers a refined way to introduce light, movement, and a sense of escape into any room. Inspired by the beach, the sea, and oceanfront living, it blends elegance with relaxation—making it ideal for both primary residences and seaside homes.
Whether you’re designing a Hamptons-style interior, a modern Florida retreat, or a California-inspired living room, coastal wallpaper creates atmosphere without overwhelming the space. The key lies in selecting premium designs, balanced colors, and thoughtful placement.
For a poetic and elevated interpretation of coastal living, the My Home by the Sea collection — imagined with American interior designer Meghan Jay — brings together New England charm and French craftsmanship in a uniquely refined way.
Below are expert strategies to help you decorate with coastal wallpaper for a timeless, sophisticated result.
Why Coastal Wallpaper Is a Timeless Design Choice
Coastal design is not a passing trend. At its core, it reflects natural light, open horizons, and organic textures. Coastal wallpaper works beautifully because it introduces:
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Soft blue, white, grey, and green tones
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Scenic beach and sea views
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Textured or faux grasscloth finishes
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Elegant stripe patterns
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Palm or botanical-inspired prints
Unlike heavy decorative wallpaper, coastal designs feel airy and expansive. They visually enlarge a room and enhance natural light coming through a window. This makes them especially suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, and even powder rooms.
Premium scenic murals by Isidore Leroy reinterpret the coastal theme with a French artistic sensibility—creating refined designs rather than cliché nautical motifs.
1. Scenic Beach Views for Statement Walls
Large-format coastal wallpaper featuring a panoramic beach or sea view instantly elevates a room. These murals create depth and transform a standard wall into a work of art.
Best placement ideas:
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Behind a sofa in a living room
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As a feature wall in a primary bedroom
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In a dining space with minimal furniture
Opt for soft blue and light grey horizons for a serene effect. For a bolder design, consider deeper blue contrasts paired with white furniture.
Decorator tip: Keep surrounding items simple. Let the mural act as the focal point while furniture pieces remain understated.
The panoramic East Coast design from the My Home by the Sea collection captures windswept grasses and the atmospheric beauty of New England shorelines, wrapping a room in relaxed elegance while maintaining architectural refinement.
For a softer sunrise ambiance, the Sunset wallpaper introduces a horizontal color gradient inspired by the shoreline at dawn, bringing warmth and luminosity to bedrooms or serene sitting areas.
2. Coastal Stripes and Classic Blue & White Designs
Striped coastal wallpaper remains one of the best choices for a timeless seaside interior. Vertical stripe designs in blue and white elongate walls, while soft grey or green stripes create subtle movement.
This option works particularly well in:
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Guest rooms
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Hallways
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Smaller spaces needing visual height
Pair striped wallpaper with natural wood furniture and woven textures to create harmony. The result is both inspired and structured—perfect for traditional coastal interiors.
The painterly Cabana Stripe wallpaper reinterprets the classic beach tent motif with hand-brushed vertical bands, offering movement, texture, and an elevated architectural presence that feels both relaxed and sophisticated.
3. Textured and Grasscloth-Inspired Finishes
For architects and decorators seeking sophistication, textured or faux grasscloth coastal wallpaper adds depth without visual noise.
These designs mimic natural fibers and work beautifully in:
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Office spaces
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Dining rooms
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Luxury condos
Choose light neutral tones—sand, white, pale grey—to maintain brightness. Textured walls elevate the overall space while remaining understated.
The Nantucket Weave wallpaper translates traditional island basket craftsmanship into a warm, contemporary textured pattern — organic, refined, and subtly graphic without feeling heavy.
To further highlight architectural details such as paneling or wainscoting, the coordinating Nantucket Weave Border offers a delicate way to frame and accent walls with quiet sophistication.
This premium category also aligns with growing 2025 wallpaper trends favoring tactile surfaces over busy prints.
4. Soft Grey and Green Coastal Palettes
While blue and white dominate coastal design, modern projects increasingly incorporate muted green and warm grey tones.
Green evokes dune grass and palm leaves. Grey reflects driftwood and coastal stone. These shades feel contemporary while remaining rooted in seaside inspiration.
For a balanced look:
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Combine grey coastal wallpaper with brushed brass furniture items
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Pair green tones with natural oak
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Add white trim for crisp contrast
This approach works particularly well in urban apartments seeking a subtle coastal influence rather than a literal beach theme.
For a romantic coastal cottage interpretation, the Beach Roses wallpaper blends vertical beadboard lines with delicate floral motifs, evoking the charm of shoreline walks and nostalgic summer interiors.
5. Palm and Sea-Inspired Accent Walls
Palm silhouettes, abstract sea patterns, or stylized wave prints introduce a more graphic, artistic interpretation of coastal wallpaper.
Ideal for:
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Powder rooms
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Entryways
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Boutique-style bedrooms
These designs feel special and curated, especially when selected in limited premium collections. Consider placing them on one accent wall while keeping adjacent walls neutral.
Decorator tip: Avoid overcrowding the space with too many decorative items. Let the wallpaper breathe.
The My Home by the Sea collection offers a cohesive palette across patterns — allowing designers to mix Cabana Stripe with Nantucket Weave or balance a bold mural like East Coast with softer textures for a fully curated coastal interior.
How to Select the Best Coastal Wallpaper for Your Space
Choosing coastal wallpaper requires more than selecting a pretty print. Consider these professional guidelines:
1. Evaluate Natural Light
Rooms with large windows and strong daylight can handle deeper blue tones. Darker spaces benefit from light grey, white, or pale green designs to avoid heaviness.
2. Consider Room Size
Large rooms: Scenic murals and panoramic views add drama.
Small rooms: Subtle stripe or textured designs prevent visual clutter.
3. Align with Furniture and Layout
Your wallpaper should complement existing furniture. If the room contains bold pieces, opt for softer coastal patterns. If the furniture is minimal, a statement mural can add personality.
4. Order Samples Before Checkout
When shopping online, always order samples before final checkout. Review the color under natural and artificial light.
Exploring the full My Home by the Sea collection allows you to compare textures, stripes, murals, and borders within one harmonious design story before finalizing your selection.
