10 Ways to Create a Coastal-style Bathroom
Dip into our line-up of super-stylish, coastal-inspired bathrooms, with no wooden lighthouses or knotted rope on the horizon
Even if you live in the throng of an inner city, or a rambling country retreat, far away from the sights and sounds of the sea, you can still create a coastal-inspired look for your bathroom – and pull it off in true style.
The key is to steer away from anything too gimmicky, so don’t be tempted by nautical stencils or ships-in-bottles, but do take inspiration from the coast, with gorgeous pieces of driftwood, ticking-stripe fabrics and washed-out blues, periwinkles and chalky-whites. Because after all, who doesn’t enjoy a day beside the seaside?
The key is to steer away from anything too gimmicky, so don’t be tempted by nautical stencils or ships-in-bottles, but do take inspiration from the coast, with gorgeous pieces of driftwood, ticking-stripe fabrics and washed-out blues, periwinkles and chalky-whites. Because after all, who doesn’t enjoy a day beside the seaside?
Keep a relaxed feel
One of the major bonuses of the coastal look – wherever in the house that it’s used – is that none of the fixtures or fittings need to be too perfect or pristine. Think weathered woods, creased linens and rusty irons, all set against a chalky white backdrop. And the odd chip or dink simply adds to the authentic, lived-in look.
One of the major bonuses of the coastal look – wherever in the house that it’s used – is that none of the fixtures or fittings need to be too perfect or pristine. Think weathered woods, creased linens and rusty irons, all set against a chalky white backdrop. And the odd chip or dink simply adds to the authentic, lived-in look.
Rethink classic displays
This striking bathroom turns any notion of quaint, out-of-date beach motifs completely on its head. Against a fresh blue backdrop, the skinny, wraparound shelves give the rows of starfish and shells displayed a thoroughly modern feel, while the copper-pipe shower rail and simple white tub enhance the classic coastal vibe.
This striking bathroom turns any notion of quaint, out-of-date beach motifs completely on its head. Against a fresh blue backdrop, the skinny, wraparound shelves give the rows of starfish and shells displayed a thoroughly modern feel, while the copper-pipe shower rail and simple white tub enhance the classic coastal vibe.
Max out on timber
This simple bathroom is modern coastal at its very best. With not a single smudge of blue paint or ticking stripe in sight, it is the long lengths of tactile wooden cladding on the walls that instantly conjure up images of beautiful, windswept beaches.
This simple bathroom is modern coastal at its very best. With not a single smudge of blue paint or ticking stripe in sight, it is the long lengths of tactile wooden cladding on the walls that instantly conjure up images of beautiful, windswept beaches.
Blend it in
A fusion of styles can create a more refined feel than a ‘themed’ room. This classic coastal bathroom, with its watery duck-egg-blue vanity unit and white roll-top bath has overtones of warm, low-key luxury, thanks to the burnished gold mirror and marble vanity top. It’s a harmonious mix that is spot-on this season.
A fusion of styles can create a more refined feel than a ‘themed’ room. This classic coastal bathroom, with its watery duck-egg-blue vanity unit and white roll-top bath has overtones of warm, low-key luxury, thanks to the burnished gold mirror and marble vanity top. It’s a harmonious mix that is spot-on this season.
Add a few beachy bits and bobs
Just a few well-placed accessories will conjure up the salty air of the seaside in seconds. Hang up a weathered timber sign (or even do a DIY job on an old piece of timber) and a string bag full of shells and you can almost hear the waves lapping outside, even if you’re in the heart of the city.
Just a few well-placed accessories will conjure up the salty air of the seaside in seconds. Hang up a weathered timber sign (or even do a DIY job on an old piece of timber) and a string bag full of shells and you can almost hear the waves lapping outside, even if you’re in the heart of the city.
Stick to the classics
For any style and size of bathroom, a few foolproof ingredients of the classic coastal look are: tongue-and-groove panels, a luxurious freestanding boat-style bath and a crisp white backdrop. Add in a hint of blue or a few industrial spotlights and you can’t go wrong.
How to work in a freestanding bath
For any style and size of bathroom, a few foolproof ingredients of the classic coastal look are: tongue-and-groove panels, a luxurious freestanding boat-style bath and a crisp white backdrop. Add in a hint of blue or a few industrial spotlights and you can’t go wrong.
How to work in a freestanding bath
Make a driftwood mirror
Why not upcycle a plain old mirror into something unique and coastal-inspired by attaching pieces of driftwood to the frame? The irregular shapes and beautiful silvery hues of the wood will instantly transform the personality of a space, without having to make over the entire room.
Why not upcycle a plain old mirror into something unique and coastal-inspired by attaching pieces of driftwood to the frame? The irregular shapes and beautiful silvery hues of the wood will instantly transform the personality of a space, without having to make over the entire room.
Invigorate with turquoise
If classic and restrained just isn’t you, why not push the boat out (pardon the pun!) with bold fittings and daring shades. This retro coastal look, with its refreshing colour scheme and 1950s imagery is lively and invigorating. The spirited turquoise cabinet injects a block of bold colour, while the shower curtain is kitsch and fun.
TELL US…
Does your bathroom belong by the seaside? We’d love to see and hear your ideas in the Comments box below.
If classic and restrained just isn’t you, why not push the boat out (pardon the pun!) with bold fittings and daring shades. This retro coastal look, with its refreshing colour scheme and 1950s imagery is lively and invigorating. The spirited turquoise cabinet injects a block of bold colour, while the shower curtain is kitsch and fun.
TELL US…
Does your bathroom belong by the seaside? We’d love to see and hear your ideas in the Comments box below.
Just a suggestion of coastal cool can sometimes be more chic that a full-blown seaside theme. Proving less is more, the irregular flashes of pretty cornflower-blue paint and porthole-style mirror are the only cues we need here to remind us that this is a bathroom inspired by the sea.