10 Ways to Decorate with coastal style without breaking the bank!

Decorating your house to give it a beachy vibe doesn't have to be expensive. Even if you don't live near the beach, you can achieve these styles by grabbing treasures on your next vacation!

Here are some creative ideas for decorating your house for free (or almost!) with classic coastal style:

1. Use Seashells: How many times have you collected shells from a beach trip and left them in the ziplock you brought them home in? Fill a glass jar with seashells and use it as a centerpiece, or use seashells to create a coastal-themed wreath.

   

2. Use driftwood: Collect some driftwood from the beach (or a lake or riverbed) and use it to create a DIY coastal decoration. You can use the driftwood to create a photo frame, a mirror frame, a wall hanging, or just pop it in a bucket and display.

   

3. Use sand: Fill a bowl or a glass jar with sand and add seashells on top. Am I the only one who has brought home sand from beach trips too?! Make a row of tiny jars filled with sand labeled with the location you brought it home from. You can also use sand to create a beach-inspired candle holder by placing a votive candle in a small glass jar filled with sand.

   

4. Use natural materials and fabrics: Jute and sisal rope can be tied around your jars. Thicker rope can be made into a wall hanging or draped over a bucket with driftwood. Sometimes you can find cool weathered pieces of rope on the shore — save animals from getting tied up in it and get some cool decor. You can also use natural colored materials like burlap and linen to create a coastal-themed table runner or place mats.

   

5. Grab some plant trimmings from your yard or travels: Dried palm fronds, aloe plants, and monstera leaves make a great addition to coastal decor. Find some pampas grass and clip off a few stems to mimic the look of sea oats. Stick them in a basket, jar, vase, or bottle with some sand and seashells.

   

6. Use sea glass: Collect some beach glass and use it to create a mosaic on a piece of furniture or a mirror frame. You can also use beach glass to create a coastal-inspired wind chime. Or simply display it in a bowl — it's beautiful on its own.

   

7. Create more natural light: Let in as much natural light as possible to create a bright and airy coastal feel. Instead of heavy, dark curtains, build some shutters out of scrap wood or hang light and airy curtains. Open up those blinds during the day and let the light in.

   

8. Rearrange furniture: Rearrange your furniture to create a more open and relaxed coastal vibe. Consider removing any furniture that might be dark and bulky and creating more open space. Can't give it up? Paint your furniture a lighter color or add a soft colored blanket draped over a dark couch or chair to brighten the room.

9. Add a handmade coastal sign: One of the easiest ways to instantly add coastal style is with a handmade wood sign. A meaningful phrase, a favorite beach quote, or a custom location sign can anchor a whole room. Browse our beach signs or custom signs to find the perfect fit.

10. Repurpose items: Scour thrift stores, stalk Facebook Marketplace, or shop your neighborhood's curbside treasures for items to repurpose, paint, and make beachy! Or shop the back of your closets, garages, and attics for frames and wood pieces you can paint and weather.

Of course we want you to shop our signs to finish off your coastal decor, but sometimes you already HAVE what you need or can just switch things up without spending a ton.

I hope these spark even more ideas for decorating your house with coastal style. With a little creativity and imagination, you can transform your home into a coastal retreat without breaking the bank.

When you're ready to add that finishing touch, browse our handmade beach signs here — or explore our beachcombing collection for signs inspired by shells, sea glass, and shark teeth.