39 Coastal Chic Bathroom Ideas For An Ocean-Inspired Oasis
by Holly Antoine
| Published 6/28/23 (Updated 9/29/24)
If you’re looking to update your bathroom, consider incorporating coastal chic design elements for a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. With a focus on natural textures, soothing colors, and ocean-inspired accents, coastal chic bathrooms are the perfect way to bring a touch of the beach into your home.
In this article, we’ll explore some inspiring coastal chic bathroom design ideas to help you create your own seaside sanctuary.
Choose a Color Scheme
For a coastal theme bathroom, you can choose colors that are inspired by the ocean and the beach such as shades of blue, green, beige, and white. You can also consider adding accents of coral or seashell colors.
Photo Credit: Andrew Howard – Blue cottage bathroom featuring a blue washstand with a gray quartz countertop and blue hexagon backsplash tiles. Brass hexagon knobs deliver a warm finish contrasting the cool hues with a elegant touch.
It’s essential to remember the overall mood you want to create and the amount of natural light the space receives. Experiment with different shades and combinations to find a color scheme that feels calming and refreshing.
Photo Credit: Kara Mann Design – Chic coastal bathroom features a Restoration Hardware Weathered Oak Double Washstand in Brown oak topped with Caesarstone Pure White Quartz under a woven mirror alongside a white hex tiled floor.
Coastal-themed bathrooms are typically characterized by a color palette of blues, greens, and neutrals. Consider using shades of ocean blue, seafoam green, sandy beige, and crisp white to create a calming and serene atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Luxe Interiors – Chic coastal bathroom features a pair of round bamboo vanity mirrors illuminated by Thomas O’Brien Bryant Sconces situated over a nickel and glass dual washstand fitted with oval sinks with seagrass baskets tucked underneath alongside a gray rug layered atop marble floors. A marble top double washstand is flanked by built-ins to the left and built-in shelving over a wainscoted tub to the right.
Incorporate Natural Materials
To create a beachy vibe, incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and seagrass. Consider using a wood-framed mirror, stone tiles, and a seagrass rug to add texture and depth to the space.
Photo Credit: Nantucket Architecture – Coastal bathroom with gray built-in vanity accented with brushed nickel hardware alongside gray countertops which frame undermount porcelain sinks below light gray vanity mirrors illuminated by nickel uplight wall sconces. The vanity features a drop-down console topped with butcher block below a small sash window atop gray tiled floors below layered with a striped blue bath mat.
Photo Credit: Laura U Interior – Kids’ cottage bathroom features vertical shiplap walls lined with a large round nautical mirror illuminated by clear glass barn sconce over a gray distressed washstand topped with white marble fitted with an oval sink and satin nickel faucet.
Add Coastal-Inspired decor
Decorative elements such as seashells, driftwood, and nautical accents can help tie the coastal theme together. Consider adding a framed print of a beach scene or a collection of seashells in a glass jar as a focal point.
Photo Credit: Laura U Interior – Cottage kids’ bathroom features upper walls painted a creamy white and lower walls clad in vertical shiplap lined with a freestanding tub paired with a vintage style tub filler under side by side towel rails under starfish art flanked by gray wash washstands. Shared kids’ bathroom boasts separate gray distressed bathroom vanities topped with marble countertops under Arteriors Lander Iron Mirrors illuminated by polished nickel single sconces.
Photo Credit: Southern Living – Coastal bathroom features Laura Ashley Eaton Stripe Wallpaper framing Made Goods Jules Mirror flanked by Barbara Barry Refined Rib Sconces over blue vanity painted Sherwin Williams Quietude topped with White Carrera Extra Marble.
Photo Credit: Oakley Home Builders – Spa like bathroom features a carrera top dual vanity fitted with his and hers sinks under a full length espresso framed mirror alongside a gray marble tiled floor set in a diamond pattern. A freestanding tub, placed below two windows, stands next to a corner shower clad in grey marble tiles accented with white linear glass tiles.
Choose the Right Lighting
Lighting is an important factor in any bathroom design. Consider installing a dimmer switch to control the brightness of the lights and add some ambiance to the space. You could also consider adding a pendant light or some sconces to provide additional lighting options.
Jillian Klaff Homes – Cottage bathroom with gray paint color paired with white tongue and groove walls and white bathroom crown molding. Ivory framed inset medicine cabinet framed by nickel marine sconces paired with white bathroom vanity with marble countertop and nickel vintage bathroom faucet. White wood paneled drop-in tub and white carrara marble tiles floor.
Photo Credit: Oliver Burns – Nautical style bathroom features over the sink niche filled with a large rope bound captain’s mirror illuminated by a pair of large fisherman’s pendant lights hung above a chrome washstand sink with white porcelain sink and gooseneck bridge faucet. The blue cottage bathroom boasts blue upper walls, painted Zoffany Paint Dufour, over lower wall clad in tongue and groove wainscoting alongside gray tile like wood flooring which is topped with a woven nautical style basket which corrals books beside the sink.
Photo Credit: Style at Home – Beautiful coastal bathroom with built-in sky blue dual sink vanity accented with nickel pulls alongside white counters which frame oval porcelain sinks situated below white vanity mirrors on tongue and groove clad walls lit by white enamel pendants on either side of a round window. The blue double vanity stands atop an inset wood trellis patterned floors framing marble tile laid on the diagonal.
Invest in Quality Fixtures
High-quality fixtures can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Consider investing in a stylish faucet, showerhead, and hardware complementing the coastal theme.
J and J Design Group – This master is very elegant with it’s navy vanities, marble tile and of course brushed gold fixtures. The blue lacquer vanities add a coastal feel while providing contrast with white quartz countertops, shiplap bathroom walls and white herringbone shower tiles. The claw foot bathtub features a polished brass vintage tub filler that surely compliments the gold accents in the room such as the round gold frame mirrors and and brass vanity sconces. Gray and white marble basketweave floor tiles also add personality and dimension in this gorgeous contemporary bathroom.
Photo Credit: Kathleen Hay Designs – Small coastal bathroom with beadboard walls and ceiling, porthole mirror, polished nickel wall-mount faucet kit, wood floating bathroom vanity with metal sink and clam shell.
Photo Credit: Emi Interior Design – Coastal style blue bathroom with pale blue walls paired with white beadboard surround. Navy blue bathroom vanity with nickel and acrylic hardware. Beautiful pebble bathroom floor, wicker magazine rack and beachy accents.
Add Some Greenery
Greenery can help bring life and color to any space. Consider adding a few potted plants or a vase of fresh flowers to add some natural beauty to your bathroom.
Photo Credit: Southern Living – White cottage bathroom features freestanding vintage tub, polished nickel floor-mount tub filler, white beadboard walls with chair rail and white shelf filled with art over tub.
Photo Credit: AKB Design – Modern brass towel hooks are fixed to a shiplap wall in a cottage bathroom featuring windows covered in white shutters and sheer white curtains.
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens – Lovely coastal bathroom design with cafe au lait walls paint color, silver leaf beveled bathroom mirror, brushed nickel bridge wall-mount bathroom faucet, reclaimed wood bathroom vanity shelf, pocket doors and white overmount sink.
Keep it Clutter-Free
A cluttered bathroom can detract from the overall aesthetic of the space. Consider incorporating storage solutions such as shelves, baskets, and cabinets to help keep the space organized and clutter-free.
Photo Credit: Donna Elle – Beachy bathroom features a large walk-in shower centered against the vanity wall boasting sky blue tiled sides and a blue glass mosaic tile wall and shower floor beside an ivory shaker vanity adorned with brushed nickel pulls alongside a white quartz counter finished with a beveled vanity mirror above lit by a frosted glass vanity light.
Photo Credit: Dimauro Architects – Beach bathroom features upper walls painted Sherwin Williams Mountain Air over tongue and groove clad lower walls painted Sherwin Williams Alabaster. The Restoration Hardware Gramercy Single Metal Washstand pairs with a porthole shaped mirror lit by a pair of Graydon Single Bath Lights. A Restoration Hardware Pharmacy Large Bath Cabinet with Drawers stands beside the washstand atop marble tiled floors accented with black dot illuminated by a nautical flush mount pendant.
Common Design Mistakes
Some common design mistakes when creating a coastal-themed bathroom include using too many beach-themed accessories or decor, using overly bright or bold colors, and neglecting to incorporate natural textures such as wood or wicker.
Photo Credit: Old House Online – Beachy bathroom with white beadboard walls, nickel glass-top bathroom etagere, white seashells, beachy accents, freestanding tub and brushed nickel vintage tub filler.
It’s important to strike a balance between subtle nods to the coastal theme and overwhelming the space with too many seaside elements.
Photo Credit: Rue Mag – Pretty bathroom with aqua blue tiled half walls and bath surround. The blue from the tile is picked up in the coastal print hanging on the ivory painted wall above. Mosaic tiles in varying shades of blue cover the floor and add to the watery color palette. A large seagrass basket holds rolled towels whilst a pale yellow metal and glass etagere holds flowers and other bath essentials.
Photo Credit: Pat O’Neal Interiors – Coastal bathroom features whitewashed oak paneled walls framing driftwood star over toilet next to drop-in tub accented with subway tile shower surround dressed in striped double shower curtains.
Photo Credit: Pat O’Neal Interiors – Coastal bathroom features whitewashed oak walls framing driftwood star over toilet as well as beveled wood mirror over double washstand with black countertop and small drum pendants over his and her sinks over slate tiled floor.
Further Inspiration
If you still need further inspiration, browse some of our favorite coastal theme bathroom looks that are chic and trendy but also sure to inspire you!
Photo Credit: Just a Girl – Coastal bathroom with black cabinets and painted ceiling.
Photo Credit: HGTV – Coastal powder room design with paneled accent wall, chunky wood floating bathroom vanity, rectangular white porcelain sink, woven baskets and black convex mirror.
Photo Credit: Rethink Design Studio – Amazing beachy cottage bathroom with vintage clawfoot tub, charcoal gray slate tiles, pale gray single bathroom cabinet vanity with marble countertop, glass knobs, pale blue walls paint color, gray vintage mirror, oil-rubbed bronze sconces and starfish.
Photo Credit: AList Interiors – White and blue boys’ bathroom features blue walls lined with white shiplap trim and holding a curved nickel mirror over a white pedestal sink with a polished nickel faucet kit. The washstand is fixed to gray mosaic marble floor tiles.
Photo Credit: Annsley Interiors – Charming white and blue cottage bathroom features a sky blue clawfoot bathtub placed on blue mosaic floor tiles in front of a polished nickel floor mount tub filler and beneath a framed blue swimsuit art piece hung from a board and batten wall. The room is illuminated by a mint green vintage lantern.
Photo Credit: Kate Jackson Design – Tranquil bathroom with acrylic freestanding bath tub from Giagni with polished nickel floor-mount tub filler. Bathroom window covered in white roman shade with tan ribbon trim and glossy espresso hardwood bathroom floors. Polished nickel sconces flanking Restoration Hardware Hutton Mirror over white bathroom vanity with white vessel sink and wall-mount faucet kit. Bathroom with Global Views Directoire Table and white slipcovered armchair.
Photo Credit: Studio McGee – Cottage bathroom features a vintage towel ladder placed beside stacked wicker trucks.
Photo Credit: Cecilia Walker – Kids cottage style bathroom features a navy blue trough sink with dual vintage faucets on large white subway tiles and a skylight.
Photo Credit: Jessica Helgerson – Cottage style bathroom features a bay window with black clawfoot tub on black and white mosaic floor tiles, a black top sink vanity and a wooden bench.
Photo Credit: Brooke Wagner Design – White and gray penny tiles are fixed beneath a gray wash dual washstand boasting a slatted shelf and finished with oil rubbed bronze faucets mounted beneath black Parsons mirrors. The mirrors are lit by white cage sconces mounted against black and white photo collage wallpaper.
Photo Credit: Hudson Interior Designs – A black and white trough sink is fixed in a black and white kids’ bathroom over a teak step stool placed on black and white geometric floor tiles in front of white shiplap trim. Curved nickel mirrors are lit by an oil rubbed bronze and glass globe sconce. Typography art hangs above a white porcelain toilet.
Photo Credit: Marea Clark – White and blue cottage bathroom boasts a blue dual washstand placed on charcoal gray herringbone floor tiles and fitted with shelves holding woven bins. The washstand is accented with polished nickel cup pulls and polished nickel faucets fixed beneath curved nickel mirrors. The mirror are hung over white staggered backsplash tiles and mounted to white shiplap under glass and nickel conical sconces.
Photo Credit: Sarah Hayes Design – Lit by cage sconces, a round rope mirror hangs from a wall clad in navy blue nautical wallpaper lined with white shiplap. The mirror hangs over a white shelf and a white pedestal sink.
Photo Credit: Waterleaf Interiors – Luxurious white seaside bathroom boasts white French mirrors flanked by glass and nickel sconces and mounted over white glass mosaic backsplash tiles holding polished nickel wall mount faucets above a white dual bath vanity finished with polished nickel pulls.
Photo Credit: Cairma Design Group – A window framed by white and gray striped wall tiles is located over a round wooden mirror hung between glass front cabinets stacked over white linen cabinets. A blue Kohler Brockway Sink floats over river rock floor tiles. A white built-in bench boasts cubbies stuffed with towels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What color palette should I use for a coastal-themed bathroom?
Coastal themes typically use a palette of light blues, greens, and sandy neutrals.
What kind of materials should I use for a coastal-themed bathroom?
Natural materials like wood, seagrass, and jute can add texture to a coastal-themed bathroom. Glass and ceramic tiles in shades of blue or green can also be a great choice.
What kind of accessories should I include in a coastal-themed bathroom?
Items like seashells, driftwood, and coral can add a beachy feel to the space. You can also incorporate nautical elements like rope, anchors, and boat-inspired decor.
How can I create a spa-like atmosphere in a coastal-themed bathroom?
Soft lighting, plush towels, and scented candles can all help create a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom.
What are some easy DIY projects I can do to create a coastal-themed bathroom?
You can create a DIY art piece using shells or driftwood, paint an old piece of furniture in a coastal color, or make your own sea glass-inspired soap dispenser.
Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]
