3 Key Elements: Coastal Cottage Living Room

As the coastal cottage style continues to grow in popularity each year, it’s easy to see why. With it’s effortless and laid-back approach to decorating, function and comfort remains the primary focus. The cottage vibe brings in light and casual whites, while the coastal vibe brings in the sandy tans and ocean blues. Throw in some jute, rattan, wicker and a touch of quirky, and let the stress melt away. Plus, you don’t have to go the beach to get this look anymore! Here are 3 Key Elements: Coastal Cottage Living Room.

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3 Key Elements: Coast Cottage Living Room

People often ask me what are the main design traits of this coastal cottage style?

The 3 Key Elements are:

TEXTURE
LIGHT & WHITE
SANDY TANS & OCEAN BLUES

Cottage style is full of bright whites, worn or distressed wood, with focus on complete relaxation or comfort. Nothing is too fancy and everyone is welcome.

Coastal style is full of colors associated with the sand, water, & sky, with focus on relaxation and function. Indoor/outdoor items work great, and should be easy to clean.

Both styles incorporate a ton of texture. You want to “feel the love” as soon as you walk into the room!

So, let’s get to the fun stuff!!

COASTAL COTTAGE LIVING ROOM

TEXTURE

#1: Anchor the space with a jute or sisal rug.

This jute rug by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia from Target is simply stunning. I love the understated navy/charcoal stripes on the sides of the rug. They give it just a touch of nautical charm.

This rug could also work in a coastal farmhouse room as well.

#2 : Add a beautiful jute and bamboo coffee table.

This coffee table by Serena and Lily is the perfect blend for the coastal cottage style. Isn’t the white enamel tray such an expected surprise?

It provides beauty and function!

#3: Try a rattan lounge or accent chair.

This adorable rattan lounge chair by KOUBOO from Amazon adds a little playful vibe to room, keeping it from feeling too stuffy.

The head rest and cushion provide extra comfort for complete relaxation.

LIGHT AND WHITE

# 4: Use a white wooden chandelier.

This distressed white wooden beaded chandelier by World Menagerie from Wayfair checks off a few boxes really. First of course is the most obvious – it is very open, light and airy.

And second, the distressed white color plays into the “worn” look of the cottage style, while the wooden beads give it a weathered driftwood beach-y feel.

#5: Anchor the seating with a white or linen-colored sofa.

The clean lines and soft curves of this Alice Sofa by Birchlane in Bevin Natural is a great choice to anchor your coastal cottage living room seating group.

It’s also a very budget-friendly option, and is available in both indoor and outdoor fabrics (like Sunbrella).

#6 Try a White Rattan Round Mirror.

Round mirrors fit well with the nautical “porthole” look anyway, and this white bamboo rattan mirror by Longshore Tides from Wayfair adds the perfect cottage touch.

The natural colored edging and woven strips give it a little boho flair, keeping it from looking too feminine.

#7 Add a fun, quirky floor lamp.

I have to admit that this little beauty is my personal favorite item – it just makes me smile.

This white floor lamp with basketweave lamp shade by Highland Dunes from Wayfair hits the nail on the head. It’s white, light, distressed, and quirky.

Did I mention it can be used outdoors also? Just adds to it’s beauty!

#8 Use a distressed white bookcase.

Whether it’s antique collectibles for the cottage lovers or seashells and coral finds for the coastal lovers, you’ll need a place to showcase your treasures.

This white etagere bookcase by Ophelia & Co. from Wayfair is the perfect blend of white and natural wood tones that are distressed and antiqued to give it pure cottage charm.

Now you can display all of your “goodies” in one spot!

#9 Add some faux coral accents.

Cottage coastal style is just not complete with at least one coral home decor accessory. This coral accent piece by Beachcrest Home from Wayfair is simply stunning.

Use it on a coffee table, bookcase, end table or even your fireplace mantel.

SANDY TANS & OCEAN BLUES

#10 Add pops of ocean blue throw pillows to sofa.

This royal blue throw pillow by Foundstone from Wayfair brings in a ton of color, texture, and personality to your room.

The blue raised fringe pattern adds a little touch of whimsy with a side of quirky – perfect blending of both styles.

#11 Use blue lumbar pillows for accent chairs.

A great way to keep a “relaxed” vibe in your living room is to use different shapes and styles of throw pillows.

This indigo blue lumbar pillow by Bungalow Rose from Wayfair coordinates nicely with the sofa pillows, but isn’t an exact match. This keeps with the no-fuss decorating style as well.

#12 Merge all colors together with one throw pillow.

This gorgeous lumbar throw pillow by Bungalow Rose from Wayfair combines all of the colors together. If you look closely, it has indigo (inky blues), navy, linen whites, and sandy tans.

It also ties into the navy/charcoal rug color, and the stripes as well. Love it!

*UPDATE* this pillow is on back order (sorry !) – until February 15. I’ve included a second option by Anthropologie below it.

#13 Other options to consider.

Try a sand-colored or indigo blue throw blanket to create warmth and relaxation.

Or add a blue pouf to use as extra seating, a foot rest, or even an end table.

Both of these items add a little color, texture, and function without breaking the bank.

PAINT COLORS

Here are some recommendations for paint color choices to use for your coastal cottage look. I happen to love all of these (LOL!!), because they are the colors I have in my own house.