The sound of waves crashing and the scent of salt air don’t have to be miles away. You can bring the tranquility of the coast directly into your home. A bedroom should be a sanctuary, and nothing promotes relaxation quite like the easy-going, breezy atmosphere of seaside design.
Creating a coastal aesthetic doesn’t require filling your room with seashells or kitschy anchors. Instead, focusing on a single accent wall can ground the space and set the tone without overwhelming the senses.
Whether you prefer the rustic look of a fisherman’s cottage or the sleek vibes of a modern beach house, these ideas will help you wake up feeling like you are on vacation every day.
Table of Contents
12 Coastal Bedroom Accent Wall Ideas
1. Classic White Shiplap
Nothing says “coastal” quite like clean, horizontal lines. Shiplap adds instant architectural interest and mimics the look of historic ship construction or beach cottages. It reflects light beautifully, making small rooms feel larger.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Purchase pre-primed shiplap boards or plywood cut into strips.
- Nail the boards horizontally from floor to ceiling, using a nickel as a spacer between them.
- Paint the entire wall a crisp, bright white.
2. Soft Ocean Ombre
Mimic the horizon line where the sky meets the sea with a painted gradient. This technique creates a calming, dreamlike effect that draws the eye upward and visually expands the height of the room.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Select three shades of blue: dark, medium, and light.
- Paint the bottom third dark, the middle medium, and the top light.
- Use a wet brush to blend the boundaries while the paint is still fresh to create a seamless fade.
3. Textured Grasscloth Wallpaper
If you want to bring the feeling of sand dunes and dried sea grass indoors, grasscloth is the answer. This adds significant texture and warmth, balancing out the cooler tones often found in coastal decor.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Choose a natural woven wallpaper in a beige or sand tone.
- Apply wallpaper paste to the wall (or the paper, depending on instructions).
- Hang the strips carefully, noting that seams are naturally visible with this material.
4. Deep Navy Board and Batten
For a more sophisticated, nautical approach, try a dark feature wall. Navy blue contrasts stunningly with white bedding and wood furniture, creating a cozy, wrap-around feeling.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Plan a grid or vertical pattern using thin wood battens.
- Attach the battens to the wall using construction adhesive and nails.
- Paint the wall and the wood trim in the same matte navy shade.
5. Weathered Driftwood Planking
Reclaimed wood brings a rustic, tactile element to the bedroom. The variation in gray and brown tones resembles driftwood found on the shore, adding history and character to the space.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Source reclaimed barn wood or “peel and stick” wood planks with a gray wash.
- Clean the wall surface thoroughly.
- Apply the planks in a staggered brick pattern for an authentic look.
6. Serene Seafoam Paint
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. A solid wall of pale seafoam green or misty blue captures the essence of sea glass and creates an instantly soothing backdrop for sleep.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Select a paint color with cool, gray undertones rather than bright neon.
- Tape off the adjacent walls and ceiling.
- Apply two coats of high-quality matte or eggshell paint.
7. Coastal Gallery Wall
Turn your accent wall into a collection of memories or art. This is perfect for those who want a beach vibe without committing to a permanent construction project.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Collect prints of ocean landscapes, coral sketches, or personal beach photos.
- Frame them in matching white or light wood frames.
- Arrange them in a symmetrical grid or an organic salon-style layout.
8. Whitewashed Brick
Exposed brick offers an industrial edge, but whitewashing it softens the look for a beach house aesthetic. It provides texture while keeping the room bright and airy.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Use existing brick or install faux brick panels.
- Water down white latex paint (1 part water to 1 part paint).
- Brush the mixture onto the brick and wipe away excess with a rag to let some texture show through.
9. Cabana Stripes
Wide vertical stripes evoke the nostalgia of vintage beach towels and changing huts. This bold choice adds a playful, summery energy to the room.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Paint the base wall white.
- Use painter’s tape (and a laser level) to mark off wide, equal vertical sections.
- Paint the alternating stripes in a soft blue, yellow, or gray.
10. Tropical Palm Wallpaper
For a warmer coastal vibe, lean into the tropical aesthetic. A wallpaper featuring large-scale palm leaves or botanical prints brings the lushness of an island getaway to your bedside.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Select a wallpaper with a white background to keep it airy.
- Match the pattern carefully at the seams.
- Smooth out bubbles with a wallpaper smoother tool.
11. Sandy Limewash
Limewash paint creates a cloudy, velvety texture that looks like old-world plaster or wind-swept stone. In a warm beige tone, it replicates the softness of a sandy beach.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Purchase a specialized limewash paint in a “sand” or “linen” color.
- Apply the paint with a large block brush using chaotic X-shaped strokes.
- Let it dry to reveal the subtle, cloudy movement.
12. Misty Morning Mural
Transform your wall into a window overlooking the ocean. Modern murals are often available as large-scale decals, allowing you to wake up to a foggy beach or a crashing wave every morning.
Steps to achieve the look:
- Measure your wall precisely and order a custom-sized mural.
- Clean the wall to ensure no dust remains.
- Peel back the adhesive backing slowly, smoothing the mural from the top down.
Create Your Seaside Sanctuary
Designing a coastal bedroom is less about following strict rules and more about capturing a feeling. Whether you choose the structural crispness of shiplap or the soft flow of an ombre paint job, the goal is to create a space where you can exhale. Start with one of these twelve ideas, and transform your bedroom into the retreat you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best colors for a coastal bedroom?
Stick to a palette drawn from nature. This includes various shades of blue (from navy to sky), crisp whites, sandy beiges, soft grays, and seafoam greens. These colors naturally evoke the sea, sky, and sand.
2. Can I do an accent wall in a small bedroom?
Absolutely. In a small room, opt for lighter colors or horizontal lines (like shiplap) to visually widen the space. Avoid overly busy patterns that might make the room feel closed in.
3. Are there renter-friendly coastal accent wall options?
Yes! Peel-and-stick wallpaper creates the look of shiplap, brick, or tropical prints without damaging the drywall. A gallery wall is another great option that only requires filling a few nail holes upon moving out.
4. Should I focus on texture or color?
Ideally, a coastal room balances both. If you choose a neutral color (like white or beige), add texture through shiplap or grasscloth. If you choose a bold color (like navy paint), the color itself does the heavy lifting, so the texture can remain smooth.
5. How much does a DIY accent wall cost?
Paint is the most budget-friendly option, often costing under $50. Wallpaper or faux brick panels can range from $100 to $300 depending on the wall size. Real wood planks or shiplap will be the most expensive option, potentially costing $200 to $500+.
