9 Coastal Decor Mistakes That Everyone Makes (And How To Fix Them)

Coastal decor can evoke the sense of tranquility you feel during a long walk on the beach right in the comforts of your own home. But there is a fine line between elevated coastal design and tacky decor that's better suited for a bait shop. Some of the more common beach themed decor items found in the home goods aisle can look dated, obvious, or overplayed when used in interior designs. Luckily, experts agree there are ways to design your beach house without cliché coastal decor, and avoiding some common mistakes is important. These include using fish or net decorations, going overboard with blue paint, and using dark wood furniture or heavy curtains.

When it comes to styling your coastal inspired home, sometimes less is more. A simple solution to avoid the gaudy beach vibe is to dial back the predictable decor and opt for a more laid back, refined look. Swapping out loud maritime decorations for elegant textures, natural materials, and accents inspired by the elements of nature can completely transform your seaside oasis. Here are nine common coastal decor mistakes that everyone makes and clever alternatives for a more sophisticated look.

We've all seen the old school hanging fish sculptures that line the walls of beachy gift shops, but this decor can look outdated and too kitschy in coastal homes. Instead, choose relaxing, organic-feeling pieces of wall art that match a more tranquil coastal vibe. A picturesque painting of a seascape or understated sculpture can fit more effortlessly into your home than bright and sometimes tacky fish decor that draws attention away from nature's beauty. 

There are many dreamy beach-inspired paint colors out there, but bright blue is a common theme in coastal homes that you should avoid. While more muted shades of blue paint can work nicely, brighter blue shades can be too loud and distracting from the rest of your home's design. Instead, warmer neutral tones that are reminiscent of soft sand can create a more peaceful ambiance and a sophisticated feel overall. Sand Dune SW 6086 by Sherwin-Williams is a great example of a velvety warm neutral that's perfect for coastal-inspired rooms.

Decorative throw pillows can really enhance your space, but don't go overboard with bright prints. Overly busy tropical prints could remind house guests of a tourist's shirt on vacation instead of a refined coastal setting. You can still add a pop of color to your rooms with a more vibrant option, but don't mix patterns or pick a pillow that's too busy. You can also go for a more sculptural throw pillow inspired by the ocean, like this Ashler Home Deco Velvet Seashell Pillow, for a creative but refined look.

Seashells can be a great way to incorporate elements from nature into your home, but there's no need to waste money buying them in bulk from the store. Store bought seashells can be dyed, fake, or questionable in quality. Instead, you can get your toes in the sand while hand picking your own seashells and complete your coastal home with a decorative DIY sea mantle. Another option is to pick more subtle, sculptural accent pieces that are reminiscent of seashell's shapes, like decorative bowls or vases, instead of using shells at all. 

Ideal coastal decor should welcome in an abundance of sunlight for an airy ambiance. Heavy drapes that block too much light can dampen the mood and block out the sun's uplifting rays. Instead of heavy duty or blackout curtains, opt for lightweight drapes made out of more natural materials like linen, gauze, or cotton. These will let in ample amounts of light, giving your home the bright, breezy feel of a seaside escape. 

Anchors are another common theme used in coastal decor, but some think the anchor trend is played out. If you're going for a more modern look, maritime decor like anchors and lighthouses can leave your rooms looking more dated than beachy. This is another case where it's best to swap the kitschy decor with more natural accents that bring the beauty of nature inside of your home, like a striking piece of natural driftwood. This can achieve a more elegant beachy feel without trying too hard. 

It's commonplace to see accent bowls in beach houses filled with various shells, starfish, and sand dollars, but this style of decor isn't the most sustainable. If eco-conscious design is important to you, there are better alternatives to dried marine life that could have been questionably harvested. If you want to incorporate elements of nature in a more eco-friendly way, use a tropical house plant as an accent or include sustainable materials like bamboo in your coastal home's design. 

Fish nets are another recurring theme in beach inspired homes that interior designers are ready to see away with. David Bromstad, the host of "Beach Flip", told HGTV, "Beach style and design is timeless, it just must be updated like our wardrobes. Having seashells everywhere, fish netting[,] and every sheet and blanket covered in shells or some type of sea life is old news." Instead, Bromstad suggests using natural textiles or reclaimed wood to evoke a more coastal feel without being too fussy or obvious. 

While rich, dark woods can look sophisticated in certain interior design styles, they may be a bit too much for laid back coastal inspired decor. The contrast between dark wood and bright airy rooms can feel a bit disjointed or out of place. Lighter wood furniture plays better with natural sunlight and can make your space feel bigger and more uplifting. It also can remind visitors of driftwood found on the coastline, giving your home a more harmonious and authentic coastal feel.