13 Coastal Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas To Create A Serene Space

Staring at your kitchen walls, do you feel… nothing? If those blank spaces feel more sterile than serene, you’re not alone.

You want a kitchen that feels like a calming escape, but it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where coastal kitchen wall decor comes in—it’s a design style focused on creating a light, airy, and relaxing atmosphere inspired by the seaside.

Coastal kitchen decor transforms a space by using a light and airy color palette, natural textures, and sea-inspired art to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. This guide will walk you through 13 stunning ideas to turn your kitchen into a peaceful retreat. You’ll discover simple, actionable ways to get the look.

Do Your Kitchen Walls Feel a Little… Lifeless?

It’s a common problem: the kitchen is the heart of the home, but its walls are often the last to get any design attention. They can quickly become a blank, uninspired backdrop to your daily life. You deserve a space that feels personal and calming, not just functional.

If you’re looking for how to brighten a kitchen and create a more serene environment, embracing a coastal theme is the perfect solution. This style isn’t about covering your walls in fishnets and anchors. It’s about evoking the feeling of the coast—the calm, the light, the natural beauty. We’ve curated a list of 13 beautiful and actionable ideas that will help you transform your boring kitchen walls into a stunning focal point.

13 Coastal Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas To Create A Serene Space

Ready to find the perfect touch for your kitchen? This guide is packed with coastal kitchen inspiration, covering everything from simple art swaps to elegant DIY projects. Each idea includes practical tips to help you recreate the look in your own home, no matter your budget or kitchen size. Let’s dive in and find the perfect way to bring that fresh sea air feeling to your walls.

1. Curate a Serene Seascape Gallery Wall

Pin this beautiful gallery wall idea to your ‘Coastal Home’ board!

A gallery wall is a perfect way to display a collection of coastal kitchen pictures and create a personal, curated focal point. Instead of one large piece, a balanced arrangement of smaller framed coastal art can tell a story and add sophisticated visual interest to any blank wall.

Materials Needed:

• 4-6 coastal-themed art prints in various sizes (e.g., seascapes, abstract ocean waves)
• Matching frames in light wood or white finishes
• Picture hanging kit with nails and hooks
• Measuring tape and pencil
• Laser level for perfect alignment

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Plan Your Layout: Arrange the framed prints on the floor first. Mix vertical and horizontal orientations. Aim for consistent spacing (2-3 inches) between each frame.
2. Trace and Mark: Trace each frame onto kraft paper, cut them out, and tape them to the wall. This lets you visualize the final layout without making unnecessary holes.
3. Install the Hooks: Once you’re happy with the paper layout, mark where the nail for each frame’s hook should go.
4. Hang Your Art: Remove the paper and install the picture hooks. Hang your frames, using the level to ensure each one is perfectly straight.

Pro-Tip: To create a high-end look, choose prints that share a similar color palette (e.g., shades of blue, sand, and white). This ensures the collection feels curated, even with different subjects.

2. Install Rustic Driftwood Floating Shelves

Save this stunning shelf styling idea for your kitchen!

Combine beauty and function with rustic floating shelves made from driftwood or reclaimed wood. This driftwood kitchen decor adds natural texture and provides valuable display space for your favorite coastal accessories, mugs, or spices.

Materials Needed:

• 2 reclaimed wood or driftwood floating shelves
• Heavy-duty floating shelf brackets designed to be hidden
• Stud finder
• Drill with appropriate bits
• Level and measuring tape

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Locate Studs: Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs where you plan to hang your shelves. This is crucial for ensuring they can hold weight. Mark the stud locations.
2. Mount Brackets: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use the drill to attach the floating shelf brackets securely to the wall studs. Use a level to ensure they are perfectly horizontal.
3. Attach Shelves: Slide the driftwood shelves onto the mounted brackets. Most systems have a way to secure the shelf to the bracket from underneath with small screws.
4. Style with Coastal Items: Decorate the shelves with a mix of functional and decorative items, like white ceramic canisters, a small piece of coral, a trailing plant, and your favorite mugs.

Lesson Learned: Always check the weight capacity of your shelf brackets. It’s better to use brackets that are stronger than you think you’ll need, especially in a kitchen where you might store heavy plates or canisters.

3. Hang Woven Wall Baskets for Natural Texture

Pin this textured wall decor idea!

One of the core elements of coastal style is texture. Hanging a collection of woven wall baskets made from seagrass or rattan is an easy and affordable way to add organic texture and a relaxed, boho coastal feel to your kitchen walls.

Materials Needed:

• A set of 3-7 shallow woven baskets or placemats of varying sizes and patterns
• Small finishing nails or clear adhesive wall hooks
• Hammer
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Select Your Baskets: Choose baskets made from natural materials like seagrass, rattan, or water hyacinth. Look for a mix of sizes and weave patterns for visual interest.
2. Plan the Arrangement: Lay the baskets on the floor to plan your composition. Start with the largest basket as your anchor point and build outwards. Overlapping them slightly can create a nice layered effect.
3. Hang the Anchor Basket: Hammer a small nail into the wall where you want the center of your arrangement to be. Hang the largest basket. Many baskets have a natural loop in the weave on the back, or you can simply put the nail through the weave.
4. Add Remaining Baskets: Add the other baskets one by one, building out your arrangement. Step back frequently to check the balance and composition.

Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix in a basket with a touch of color, like a subtle blue or black pattern, to add a focal point to your arrangement.

4. Display a Large-Scale Abstract Ocean Print

Save this modern coastal inspiration for a statement wall!

For a high-impact, modern coastal look, choose one piece of large coastal wall art. An oversized canvas print featuring abstract ocean waves in shades of navy, teal, and white can anchor the entire room. This approach feels sophisticated and avoids clichés by focusing on color and mood rather than a literal beach scene.

Decor Pieces Needed:

• One extra-large (36″x48″ or bigger) abstract canvas print with ocean-inspired colors
• Heavy-duty picture hanging hardware suitable for a large canvas (e.g., a French cleat or D-rings with wire)
• Stud finder, drill, level, and measuring tape

Styling Guide:

1. Measure Your Wall: A large statement piece works best on a prominent blank wall. The art should take up about two-thirds of the wall’s width for proper scale.
2. Choose Your Art: Look for abstract pieces that suggest the ocean through color and movement rather than a literal painting of a beach. This keeps the look feeling modern and chic.
3. Hang Securely: A large canvas can be heavy. Use a stud finder to locate studs and install heavy-duty hardware. The center of the artwork should be at eye level, which is approximately 57 inches from the floor.
4. Keep it Simple: Let the artwork be the star. Keep the surrounding decor minimal to avoid a cluttered look.

Pro-Tip: To make a space feel taller, choose a vertically oriented piece of art. For a long wall, a horizontal (landscape) orientation will work best.

5. Create a DIY Sea Glass Mobile or Garland

Pin this beautiful DIY beach decor project!

For a personal and budget-friendly touch, a DIY sea glass mobile offers whimsical charm. Hung in a window, the delicate pieces of blue, green, and white glass will catch the light beautifully, adding a subtle pop of coastal color and a handmade feel to your space.

Materials Needed:

• A collection of sea glass (real or craft store tumbled glass)
• One piece of interesting driftwood (12-18 inches long)
• Small-gauge craft drill bit or Dremel tool
• Clear fishing line or translucent thread
• Small screw eyes (2)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Drill the Glass: Carefully drill a small hole near the top edge of each piece of sea glass. Go slowly and use a little water to keep the glass cool and prevent cracking.
2. Prepare the Hanger: Screw one small screw eye into each end of the driftwood piece. This is where you will attach the line for hanging.
3. Cut the Strands: Cut multiple pieces of fishing line to varying lengths (e.g., 8, 12, 15 inches).
4. String the Glass: Tie a piece of sea glass to the end of each fishing line strand. You can add multiple pieces to each strand by tying knots below them.
5. Assemble the Mobile: Tie the other end of each strand to the driftwood, spacing them out evenly. Tie a final piece of fishing line to the two screw eyes to create a hanger.

Lesson Learned: Drilling real sea glass can be tricky. For an easier, no-drill version, use a strong craft glue like E6000 to attach the fishing line to the back of the glass pieces.

6. Incorporate a Framed Vintage Nautical Chart

Save this unique and sophisticated coastal decor idea!

For a touch of timeless sophistication, hang a vintage nautical chart. This idea bridges the gap between coastal and nautical decor. While nautical decor often uses literal symbols like anchors, a vintage map feels more personal and historic. Choose a chart of a meaningful location to make it a true conversation piece.

Decor Pieces Needed:

• A vintage or reproduction nautical chart of a meaningful location (e.g., a favorite vacation spot, hometown coastline)
• A high-quality picture frame with a mat (a thin black or dark wood frame works well)
• Professional framing materials or service

Styling Guide:

1. Choose a Meaningful Map: The magic of this idea is its personal connection. Find a chart of a coastline that is special to you. Online marketplaces like Etsy have many options for original and reproduction charts.
2. Invest in Framing: A quality frame with a mat will elevate the chart into a true piece of art. Consider non-glare glass to make the details easier to see.
3. Placement is Key: Hang the chart in a place where it can be appreciated, like above a dining nook, a sideboard, or on a main kitchen wall.
4. Balance the Theme: This piece leans more ‘nautical.’ Balance it with softer, more natural coastal elements elsewhere in the room (like linen textiles or a woven basket) to keep the space from feeling too thematically rigid.

Pro-Tip: For a high-impact look, find two or three charts of an adjoining coastline and frame them identically to hang as a triptych.

7. Use a Subtle Shiplap Accent Wall

Pin this coastal farmhouse kitchen idea!

For a subtle way to add texture, a shiplap accent wall is a hallmark of the popular coastal farmhouse style. Painted a crisp white, the horizontal lines add architectural interest and create a clean, bright backdrop that enhances any other coastal decor you choose to hang on it.

Materials Needed:

• Shiplap boards (or MDF panels ripped to size)
• Nail gun with brad nails
• Stud finder and level
• Miter saw or hand saw
• Caulk, wood filler, and sandpaper
• White semi-gloss paint

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Wall: Find and mark the studs on the wall you plan to cover. Remove any outlet covers.
2. Install the First Board: Start with the bottom board. Ensure it is perfectly level, as all other boards will reference this one. Nail it into the studs.
3. Continue Up the Wall: Work your way up the wall, using a consistent gap between boards (a nickel is a common spacer). Stagger the seams if you need to use multiple boards for one row.
4. Cut Around Obstacles: Measure and cut boards to fit around outlets, windows, or cabinets.
5. Finish the Look: Fill all nail holes with wood filler and sand smooth. Caulk the edges and seams for a professional finish. Paint the shiplap with two coats of durable, wipeable white paint.

Pro-Tip: For an easier, less permanent option, look for “peel and stick” shiplap wallpaper. It can give you a similar look with a fraction of the work.

8. Mount a Whitewashed Wooden Sign

Save this charming beach sign idea for your kitchen!

A simple, whitewashed wooden sign adds a touch of rustic coastal charm. Look for signs made from reclaimed wood to get that authentic, weathered texture. This type of decor brings warmth and personality, working beautifully in spaces from above kitchen cabinets to a small wall by the pantry.

Materials Needed:

• A pre-made whitewashed wooden sign (or make your own)
• D-ring hangers and picture wire
• Wall hooks suitable for the sign’s weight
• Pencil and level

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Choose Your Sign: Look for signs made from reclaimed wood for authentic texture. The message should be simple and positive, like “Gather,” “Beach House,” or a simple wave graphic. Less is more.
2. Attach Hanging Hardware: If it doesn’t already have it, attach D-ring hangers to the back of the sign, about a third of the way down from the top on each side. String picture wire between them.
3. Select a Location: These signs work wonderfully above a doorway, on the wall above cabinets, or nestled on a shelf.
4. Hang and Level: Mark the wall where your hook will go. Install the hook securely and hang your sign. Use a level to make sure it’s straight.

Lesson Learned: Avoid signs with overly cliché phrases. A sign with a simple, one-word message or a beautiful image often has more timeless appeal.

9. Style a Collection of Blue and White Porcelain

Pin this elegant coastal decorating idea!

For a classic and elegant take on blue coastal kitchen decor, display a curated collection of blue and white porcelain. Ginger jars, vases, and plates with chinoiserie patterns bring in the signature coastal color palette in a timeless way. Grouped together on open shelves, they create a beautiful, high-end display.

Decor Pieces Needed:

• A collection of 3-5 blue and white ceramic or porcelain pieces (ginger jars, vases, bowls)
• Wall-mounted plate hangers (if using plates)
• Open shelving or a clear wall space

Styling Guide:

1. Gather Your Collection: Start collecting pieces from antique stores, home decor shops, or online. Mix different shapes and sizes, but ensure the blue and white tones are complementary.
2. Style in Groups: The key to making a collection look intentional is grouping. Arrange your pieces together on a set of floating shelves or cluster them on an accent wall using plate hangers.
3. Use the ‘Rule of Three’: Group items in odd numbers, like three or five, as it’s more visually appealing and dynamic than even numbers.
4. Vary Height and Shape: Place a tall ginger jar next to a low bowl to create visual interest. Let the pieces have some breathing room; don’t overcrowd the shelf.

Pro-Tip: This look pairs beautifully with brass or gold accents. Consider placing a small brass crab or a gold-framed mirror nearby to complement the classic blue and white.

10. Hang a Decorative Oar or Paddle

Save this unique nautical wall decor idea!

Looking for tasteful nautical decor that isn’t too beachy? A single decorative oar or paddle adds a sculptural, graphic element to the wall. It’s the perfect solution for long, narrow spaces like the wall above a doorway or a wide window, adding character without clutter.

Materials Needed:

• One decorative wooden oar or paddle
• Two heavy-duty wall hooks or oar mounting brackets
• Stud finder, drill, level, and pencil

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Find the Perfect Oar: Look for a paddle with some character—whether it’s vintage and weathered or new with painted details that match your kitchen’s color scheme.
2. Choose the Location: Oars are perfect for long, horizontal spaces. Consider hanging one above a wide window, a set of sliding doors, or on the bulkhead in a kitchen with high ceilings.
3. Mark and Level: Hold the oar against the wall and use a level to get it perfectly straight. Mark on the wall where your mounting hooks will need to go.
4. Mount Securely: Use a stud finder if possible to anchor your hooks into studs for maximum security. Drill pilot holes and screw in your hooks. Place the oar onto the hooks.

Lesson Learned: Ensure the oar is purely decorative and not a priceless antique before drilling into it or hanging it in a potentially humid kitchen environment.

11. Use Framed Watercolor Coral Prints

Pin this elegant and simple art idea!

For a simple and classic approach, a set of framed watercolor coral prints brings an artistic, scientific-illustration feel to your coastal kitchen. Hung as a symmetrical pair or grid, this sea life kitchen art adds a touch of elegance and works perfectly in smaller nooks or on either side of a window.

Decor Pieces Needed:

• A set of 2 or 4 matching coral or sea life watercolor prints
• Identical, high-quality frames (thin metal or simple wood)
• Picture hanging kit
• Level and measuring tape

Styling Guide:

1. Select Your Prints: Look for delicate, scientific-style illustrations of coral, shells, or other sea life. A consistent color, like indigo blue or a soft neutral, across all prints creates a cohesive look.
2. Frame Identically: Using the exact same frame and mat for each print is key to making the grouping look polished and intentional.
3. Hang Symmetrically: This style looks best when hung in a symmetrical grid. For two prints, hang them side-by-side. For four, hang them in a two-by-two square.
4. Mind the Spacing: Keep the space between the frames tight and consistent (around 2 inches) to make the group feel like a single piece of art. Use your level and measuring tape for precision.

Pro-Tip: This is a perfect solution for the wall space between two windows or on either side of a kitchen sink, where a single large piece might not fit.

12. Install a Simple Peg Rail Shelf

Save this functional and beautiful storage idea!

A Shaker-style peg rail is the epitome of functional kitchen decor. Made from light, natural wood, it provides a simple, clean line and a practical place to hang pretty and useful items. This modern coastal kitchen wall art solution is perfect for those who love an organized, minimalist aesthetic.

Materials Needed:

• A wooden peg rail shelf (Shaker style)
• Screws and wall anchors appropriate for your wall type
• Drill, level, and stud finder

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Choose a Peg Rail: Select a rail made from a light-colored wood like pine, birch, or maple for a classic coastal feel. A rail that includes a small shelf on top adds extra display space.
2. Find a Functional Spot: Install the rail near your food prep area for easy access to tools, or near the sink for hanging dish towels.
3. Install Securely: Because you’ll be hanging items from the pegs, it’s very important to screw the rail directly into wall studs. Use a stud finder and a level for a secure, straight installation.
4. Style with Purpose: Use the pegs to hang beautiful and useful items: a linen apron, a set of wooden measuring spoons, a small wire basket for garlic, or your favorite mug. Use the top shelf for a small plant or a framed photo.

Pro-Tip: Paint the peg rail the same color as your wall for a subtle, built-in look that adds texture without visual clutter.

13. Add a Round Mirror with a Rope Frame

Pin this idea to brighten your kitchen space!

Need to make your kitchen feel bigger and brighter? A mirror is a designer’s best secret. A round mirror framed with thick jute rope—reminiscent of a ship’s porthole—adds both nautical texture and the light-reflecting power to make any space feel more open.

Decor Pieces Needed:

• One round mirror with a rope or natural fiber frame (24-30″ diameter is a good size)
• One heavy-duty wall anchor and screw (mirrors are heavy)
• Drill, level, and measuring tape

Styling Guide:

1. Find the Right Mirror: Look for a mirror with a substantial frame made of thick jute or rope to really emphasize the nautical texture.
2. Strategic Placement: The best place for a mirror is on a wall opposite a window. This will capture the natural light and bounce it back into the room, making the entire kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
3. Hang Safely: Mirrors are heavier than typical art. Use the specific hanging hardware that comes with the mirror, or a heavy-duty anchor rated for its weight. Never hang a mirror from drywall with just a nail.
4. Complement the Shape: The round shape of the mirror can soften all the straight lines and hard angles of kitchen cabinets and countertops. Lean into this by placing a round vase or bowl nearby.

Lesson Learned: Before you buy, cut a circle out of paper the same size as the mirror you’re considering and tape it to the wall. This will help you confirm that the scale is right for your space.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Coastal Kitchen

• Embrace Light & Airy: Start with a foundation of white, sandy beige, or light gray walls to reflect light and make the space feel bigger.
• Focus on Texture: The key to a sophisticated coastal look is layering natural textures. Incorporate elements like wood, rattan, jute, and linen to add depth and warmth.
• Use Blue as an Accent: Instead of overwhelming the room, use shades of blue strategically in your artwork and accessories to create calming focal points.
• Choose Subtlety Over Theme: Evoke the feeling of the coast with abstract art, natural materials, and a serene color palette rather than filling the space with cliché beach signs and fish nets.
• Scale is Everything: Select decor that is appropriately sized for your wall. In small kitchens, one large statement piece often works better than many small, cluttered items.

People Also Ask About Coastal Kitchen Wall Decor

What is the difference between coastal and nautical decor?

Coastal decor captures the relaxed feeling of a seaside environment, focusing on light colors, natural textures like driftwood and rattan, and an airy, open feel. Nautical decor is more specific and thematic, using literal maritime symbols like anchors, ship wheels, ropes, and a classic navy blue and white color scheme.

How can I make my kitchen look coastal without it looking tacky?

To achieve an elegant coastal look, focus on subtlety and quality. Opt for abstract art that suggests the ocean through color and mood rather than a literal beach scene. Prioritize natural textures over cheap, mass-produced themed items, and stick to a limited, serene color palette of whites, sands, and blues.

What wall art is best for a kitchen environment?

The best wall art for a kitchen is durable and easy to clean. Framed prints under glass, metal art, and stretched canvas are excellent choices. It’s wise to avoid hanging delicate, unframed paper art or fabric wall hangings directly above a stove or sink where they could be damaged by heat and moisture.

How do I decorate a small coastal kitchen?

In a small kitchen, maximize light and use vertical space. Paint the walls a light, reflective color like white or pale blue. Choose one large piece of statement art to create a focal point without cluttering the walls. Use mirrors to bounce light and floating shelves to add storage and display space without taking up floor area.

Your Serene Kitchen Escape is Waiting

You don’t need to live by the ocean to bring its calming energy into your home. Transforming your kitchen into a serene coastal retreat is all about embracing light, texture, and a few personal touches that make you feel relaxed and happy. Start with one idea that inspires you, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your space can feel like a breath of fresh sea air.

Which of these coastal decor ideas are you most excited to try in your kitchen? Let me know in the comments below

Last update on 2026-01-14 at 00:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API