Let’s talk about turning your space into a chill, beachy dream without turning your bank account into a nightmare.
So, What Is Coastal Boho Anyway?
Imagine this: your favorite beach vacation mixed with a flea market in Tulum, all wrapped in a Pinterest-worthy, minimalist vibe. That’s coastal boho. It’s the art of blending laid-back beachy feels with boho textures—but keeping it clean, airy, and not cluttered like your junk drawer (you know the one).
Personally? I used to think boho meant “throw a bunch of macramé and plants in a room and call it a day.” Spoiler: it doesn’t. When you add the coastal twist, you get a space that feels light, breathable, and very “I drink coconut water but in a vintage glass.”
Choose a Color Palette That Doesn’t Stress You Out
You know the colors I’m talking about—whites, soft neutrals, sandy beiges, dusty blues. Think of driftwood, seashells, and salty breezes. You want your living room to feel like a breath of fresh air, not a rainbow explosion.
Why it works:
- White walls make the space look bigger and brighter (and let’s be honest, they match everything).
- Beige and tan tones ground the space and give it warmth without screaming for attention.
- Soft blues and seafoam greens add that beachy pop without overwhelming your vibe.
Pro tip? Skip anything neon unless your name is Lisa Frank. Just saying. 😅
Embrace Less Is More (Seriously, Put the Extra Pillows Down)
Look, I love a cozy couch. But if I have to move seven throw pillows just to sit down, we’ve got a problem. Minimal coastal boho is all about intentional styling.
Stick with a few statement pieces:
- A linen slipcovered sofa (bonus if it’s off-white)
- Rattan or jute rug to warm up the floor
- A couple of woven baskets for storage (or for hiding your mess—no judgment)
You don’t need 25 things on your coffee table. Just grab a cute ceramic bowl, maybe a driftwood sculpture, and boom—you’re basically a designer.
Texture, Baby, Texture
Since we’re not going wild with color, you gotta bring in some texture to keep things interesting. Think of it like adding spice to a really good soup—just enough to keep people coming back for more.
Here’s what works (and what I personally swear by):
- Woven throws – Bonus if they have a chunky knit or fringe
- Macramé wall hangings – Not too big, or it turns into a 1970s flashback
- Wood and natural materials – Driftwood shelves, anyone?
IMO, texture is the magic sauce that turns “minimal” into “magazine-worthy.”
Plants = Instant Vibes
Can we just agree that plants are the ultimate room glow-up? They bring life, color, and some serious oxygen. You don’t need to turn your living room into a jungle, but a few well-placed greens? Total game-changer.
My go-tos:
- Snake plant – Basically unkillable
- Pothos – Grows like crazy and looks lush
- Dried pampas grass – Okay, technically not a living plant, but it’s trendy and zero maintenance 😎
Stick to simple, earthy planters—terracotta, white ceramic, or woven baskets. Trust me, plastic pots = vibe killer.
Mix Old + New Without Making It Weird
You can thrift your way to coastal boho heaven. In fact, it’s kind of encouraged. A vintage mirror or an old wooden stool can totally vibe with your modern sofa if you keep the color palette consistent.
Why it works:
It adds character without creating chaos. Plus, it’s budget-friendly (hello, Facebook Marketplace).
Just don’t go too eclectic unless you want your space to look like a garage sale. (We’ve all been there.)
Keep the Decor Functional (AKA No Random Trinkets)
We all love a cute coastal candle or a quirky ceramic shell dish. But if your decor isn’t serving a purpose or sparking joy (thanks Marie Kondo), it’s probably just… clutter.
Think:
- Books with beachy covers you’ll actually read
- A seagrass basket that hides your remotes
- A floor lamp that doubles as a sculpture
Decor should feel effortless, not like you’re trying too hard. And if someone compliments something in your living room, you want to say, “Oh that? I just found it at a little shop near the beach,” not “Yeah, I spent 14 hours online hunting that down.”
Let There Be (Natural) Light
No offense to overhead lighting, but if your ceiling light gives off hospital vibes, it’s time to rethink things. Coastal boho is alllll about that natural light life.
Here’s how to maximize it:
- Sheer curtains – Let the sunlight in without sacrificing privacy
- Mirrors – Bounce light around the room and make it feel larger
- Table and floor lamps – Use warm bulbs (2700K-ish) for a cozy glow
Ever wonder why Instagram living rooms look so perfect? It’s usually just good lighting and a filter. But mostly lighting.
Final Touch: Add Some Art That Doesn’t Scream “Live, Laugh, Love”
You don’t need a gallery wall the size of Texas. Just pick a few art pieces that feel breezy, natural, and personal.
A few ideas:
- Abstract prints in neutral tones
- Beach photography that’s more aesthetic, less cheesy
- Framed textiles or woven pieces for that texture boost
And for the love of seashells, don’t hang up a sign that says “Beach Life” unless you’re literally at the beach. 😂
TL;DR – Minimal Coastal Boho Summer Living Room Checklist
If you’re skimming (no judgment), here’s the vibe in a nutshell:
- Stick to beachy neutrals – whites, beiges, soft blues
- Keep it uncluttered – less stuff, more intention
- Layer textures – woven, wooden, linen, macramé
- Use plants wisely – a few go a long way
- Thrift selectively – mix old + new for character
- Let in light – natural > harsh overhead
- Decorate smart – functional and stylish pieces only
Ready to Coastal-Boho Your Living Room?
So here’s the deal: you don’t need to live near the ocean (or be a Pinterest influencer) to rock this style. You just need a bit of intentional styling, a love for light and texture, and maybe a trip to HomeGoods or your favorite thrift shop.
Now go fluff your linen pillows and light that driftwood-scented candle. You’ve got this. 😌
P.S. If you try any of these tips, send me a pic. Or don’t. But like… do. FYI, I’m always down for living room inspo. ✨