The Top Places to shop for THE BEST Beach Home Decor

The Top Places to shop for THE BEST Beach Home Decor

Where to Shop for Beach and Coastal Decor

The Top Places to shop for THE BEST Beach Home Decor

 

While you will find some of the best beach house decor near an actual coastal location, you can find it just about anywhere these days—especially seasonally. Many stores, big and small, add nautical decor, coastal touches, or lake house designs to their lineup in the summertime. Beach vacations are on most people’s minds during this time of the year!

Of course, because I’m a handmade small local business making beach wall art every single day, I’m going to suggest that you do just that—shop local with small businesses!

BUT let’s take a look at the top places people actually shop for their beach and nautical decor, and go through where you SHOULD shop! :)

Popular Stores for Beach Decor

When I used to think about the average person who just wants to decorate a beach-themed bathroom or bedroom, I’d think of stores like:

  • Hobby Lobby
  • Ross
  • TJ Maxx (Homegoods, etc.)
  • Kirkland’s
  • At Home
  • Amazon
  • Dollar Tree (or Dollar Twenty-Five Tree?)

There’s nothing wrong with the beach decor at these places—I’ve snagged some stuff from every single shop on the list!

BUT what bothers me about some of it is that it is possibly cheaply made, kinda tacky, or it is the exact same beach art that everyone else has.

If you don’t really think through what you purchase and buy it just because of a low price, you won’t end up valuing it as much as something you took a little more time to consider the quality of or meaning behind it.

 

Top Places You Should Shop (In This Order!)

 

1. Shop Small and Local

Shopping small, local, and handmade is, of course, where you should start!

If you didn’t just land here randomly on my own coastal home decor website, you knew that was coming!

Obviously, we’d really love for you to shop with us first and foremost! But I also want to be sure you know there is so much unique, creative talent out there from other small businesses!

Shopping locally is the best place to start—even if it isn’t local to you but to where you are on vacation!

Where Can You Find These Small Shops?

  • Google “beach shops near me” when you are on vacation.
  • Use Apple or Google Maps and search for vintage shops, beach decor shops, gift shops, etc. Vintage and antique shops often include one-of-a-kind repurposed pieces, collections of beach finds, and handmade art!
  • Ask friends and family about their favorite small shops—many depend on word of mouth since advertising is expensive!
  • Join local Facebook groups for vacationers and find out the best places to shop locally.
  • Find a small downtown area or shopping center with lots of small shops and drive around.
  • Look locally in your own town, even if it's not near the beach—lots of small shops add coastal and nautical designs at different times of the year.

One of the best things about shopping at small, local businesses is the thrill of not knowing what you’ll find or where you’ll find it! Plus, you’ll often have time to explore while on vacation.

2. Local Events

Local special events almost always have vendors selling handmade and locally sourced items. Fire up Google again and search for events near you or local farmer’s markets. You’ll get your beach decor fix at these events too if you’re on vacation near the water.

Some Things to Look For:

  • Farmer’s Markets
  • Craft Fairs
  • Sip n Shops
  • Bazaars
  • Barn Sales
  • Vintage Markets
  • Flea Markets
  • Special annual events like festivals

Locally on Amelia Island, we have the Shrimp Fest, which is filled with local artists and antiques! It’s a great place to seek out unique and new items.

3. Small Shops Online

Before you hit up the next option (Etsy), check to see if your favorite small online shops have their own websites!

How do you find small online shops with great beach decor? Social media is a fantastic way! Facebook groups for your favorite decorating styles are packed with people sharing the small artists they’ve purchased from.

Follow small makers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and check out their links in bios to shop their sites directly. You might even find a discount code!

4. Etsy

We sell our beach coastal decor on our own website, but we also sell on Etsy because it helps some of you find us. Many small makers get their start on Etsy, so it’s a great platform for finding handmade items.

5. Second-Hand Shops

Have you ever visited thrift stores near the beach? You can find some amazing stuff! Of course, sometimes you won’t find anything, but you can stumble upon gems that someone else has decided to part with.

6. DIY and Shop Your Own Home!

Grab some supplies from a craft store, or an online supplier, and make your own decor! It’ll mean more because you made it, and you can match it perfectly to your home.

7. Specialized Online Beach Stores

There are many great beach decor websites online. They may not always feature handmade items, but they offer excellent selections.

  • Caron’s Beach House
  • Completely Coastal
  • Bella Coastal Decor
  • Of course, right here on our website!

8. Mass Chain Stores

Mass chain stores like Homegoods and Target can have some great finds, but remember to shop with intention and only buy what you truly love!

9. Specialized High-End Home Decor Shops

Some high-end stores, like Pottery Barn, offer stylish coastal decor that can be worth the investment for a long-lasting piece.

10. Major Commercial Websites

Finally, if you haven’t found what you’re looking for, you can always check larger commercial websites like Amazon and Wayfair, but this should be your last resort for beach decor.

Overall, it makes sense to combine items from many of these places. After all, it’s your home, and you should decorate with what makes you happy!

What would you add to the list? Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below!

 

And check out our products for the best beach signs! 

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