Beach and Nautical Themed Bathrooms

Get ideas and inspiration for beach and nautical themed bathroom design, and prepare to install a seaside-themed bathroom design in your home.
Underside of a Bathroom Sink Painted Green

Eclectic Bathroom Green Sink

Add a pop of color in an unexpected place. Example: Paint the underside of a bathroom sink apple green.

By: Sean McEvoy

Whether your home is located someplace where the waves lull you to sleep every night or you just wish it were, beach and nautical themed bathrooms may have the same appeal for you as for millions of other homeowners.

15 Sea-Inspired Decorating Ideas for Bathrooms

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The soothing, laid-back lifestyle of seaside vacation villages conjures thoughts of lazy sun-drenched days and crisp, starry nights — so why not bring a little beachside luxury into your home decor via a beach and nautical themed bathroom?

Soft, welcoming colors and calming beach-themed artwork and accessories (such as fish and mermaid-themed decor) all combine to create a space that's as fit for those with perpetual sand between their toes and those who can only count on as much once or twice a year.

Color is almost always a key component of beach and nautical-themed bathrooms. Soothing, gentle hues are often featured, with light beige, soft blues, creams, whites and pinks common. Some homeowners opt for a deeper nautical theme, with navy and dark brown predominant to create an almost "ship's hold" feel. Accessories and other elements may combine with this more stoic execution to lighten the mood and offer a more relaxed approach.

Cottage-style beadboard is often used on walls in beach and nautical themed bathrooms. This style, extremely common in beachside cottages, immediately conjures a relaxed, unplugged elegance. For the area behind sinks on walls, some homeowners may feature tile backsplashes with hand-painted or mosaic tiles depicting ocean scenes, sea life or seafaring vessels.

Soothing and subtle lighting is quite common in beach and nautical themed bathrooms. Ambient, task and accent lighting may be used to illuminate key areas like the sink, shower and storage areas. Track lighting is often used for ambient lighting, and accent lights can be placed above and below cabinets.

When it comes to decor in beach and nautical themed bathrooms, you'll have a plethora of seaside, sailing and ocean-themed items to choose from. Seashell and sea life designs can be featured on linens, curtains, furniture cushions, bath mats and shower curtains. Real seashells, driftwood and even dried sea life specimens like seahorses and crabs can be displayed on windowsills or countertops. Artwork can pick up the maritime theme as well, featuring antique photography of sailors and ships, fishing scenes or oceanscapes.

Furniture in beach and nautical themed bathrooms tends to be constructed from quality hardwoods. Unfinished or lightly finished wood is often preferred, sometimes with hand-distressing or natural weathering to continue the lived-in and weather-beaten feel of the overall seaside theme.

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