Beach cottages are as charming as they sound. They capture the breezy feel of the coast—with its sunny days, open windows, and laidback atmosphere—and they pair that beachy ambiance with the cozy charm of a cottage. Think: rustic furniture, comfy linens, and a healthy dose of kitsch.

Of course, there are lots of ways to design a beach house, and there are just as many ways to decorate a cottage, so beach cottages can take many forms. They can be casually cozy, traditionally homey, or rustic in a way that feels truly maritime. 

All that variety comes with an upside: as you piece together the coastal cottage of your dreams, you’ll have plenty of beach cottage decor ideas to take cues from.

01 Commit to Classic Coastal Colors

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Contemporary Crystal Pendant with Prismatic Display - Bronze Finish Hanging Lights, Ideal for Bedroom, Dining Room, and Living Room

When decorating a beach house, you can’t go wrong with classic coastal colors—like sky blue, seafoam white, and sandy beige. By sticking to this palette, you can make your home feel beachy and coastal, no matter how many rustic pieces you throw in the mix.

02 Set the Scene With Printed Wallpaper

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Printed wallpaper is at home in a classic cottage or a kitschy beach house, so it’s a great way to set the tone in your beach cottage. Line your walls with simple stripes, cover them with pretty florals, or add personality with a playful beachy pattern.

Since there are so many ways to design a beach cottage, there’s no going wrong here. Find a print you love looking at and let it inspire the rest of your space.

03 Stock Up on Wicker Furniture

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Natural Fiber Woven Pendant Light with Circular Design for a Cozy Atmosphere and Modern Flair for Dining Room and Living Room

Wicker furniture looks great in any outdoor space, and it’ll look just as good inside your beach cottage. Why? Its natural texture and outdoor friendliness are perfect for any laidback beach house. And since wicker was big in the ’50s and ’60s, the furniture is both charming enough and homey enough for any cozy cottage.

04 Invest in a Stone Fireplace

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Snuggling up by the fire is lovely—no matter how hot it is where you live. So, cozy up your space by building a fireplace in your living room. Keep the addition feeling beachy by favoring warm-weather materials, like brick, travertine, and stucco.

05 Install a Light Blue Barn Door

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Barn doors are too rustic for most beach houses. But with the right finish, they should fit into any beach cottage. Snag the prettiest barn door you can find, and paint it a classic coastal color—like ocean blue or seafoam green. The beachy shade should balance out the homey accent, making it an ideal addition to your space.

06 Hang Paintings in Your Bathroom

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Hanging art in your bathroom may seem like a strange choice. But it’s thoughtful touches, like these, that make beach cottages feel so inviting. So look for places to make mundanity feel more charming or special—your bathroom wall is a great place to start.

07 Put Beachy Linens Everywhere

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Cozy blankets and pillows are a must in any cottage. The only problem? It’s hot by the beach. So trade your plushest faux furs and your thickest wools for breathable cottons and lightweight linens. Then, put those textiles anywhere you can—hang them from your windows, drape them over couches and chairs, and use them to make your bed even more nap-worthy.

08 Ground Your Space With Rustic Materials

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Agate Glow Artistry Sconce: Natural Agate Stone with Organic Glow and Brass Accents for Living Room, Bedroom, or Kitchen Wall Lighting

Bring a touch of elegance to your beach cottage with the Agate Glow Artistry Sconce. This stunning light features natural agate stone that radiates a warm, organic glow, beautifully complemented by brass accents. Perfect for your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, it adds a unique and sophisticated charm that enhances your space while embracing the beauty of nature.

09 Invest in Charming Backsplash Tiles

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You can do a lot with your beach cottage kitchen backsplash. You can stock up on vibrant tiles in classic coastal colors. You can add personality to your kitchen with a playful print. Or you can go the rustic route with a set of textured ceramic tiles. Options are abundant—and it’s hard to go wrong. So focus on choosing tiles that are charming, eye-catching, and perfectly suited to the vibe of your beach cottage.

10 Mix and Match Classic Prints

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Prints abound in beach houses and in cottages, so mix and match some of your favorites. Add rustic charm with printed rugs, floral armchairs, and traditional wallpaper patterns. And lighten things up with classic coastal prints—like nautical stripes, playful polka dots, and kitschy beach iconography.

11 Craft a Cozy Coastal Breakfast Nook

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VersaGlow Premium Metal Pendant Light - Elegant Multi-Functional Design with Premium Material for Dining Room

Breakfast isn’t just the most important meal of the day—it’s also the most important meal in any beach cottage. Because when you’re dining out and lunching on the beach, breakfast may be the only meal you’re enjoying at home. So build a breakfast nook that makes mornings more delightful.