Subtle & Stylish (AKA Actually Livable) Nautical Spaces

updated Mar 11, 2020
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(Image credit: Rita Chan)

If you’re searching for a motif to make your bedroom, bathroom or any other room peaceful and vibrant, turn your eyes to the seas. Nautical decor is a long-standing favorite for a reason: Shiplap, navy blue and rope details are easy to work into any room, and they are likely to conjure up visions of lazy days by the beach. It’s easy to go over the top with nautical decor, though. So, I’ve gathered up a dozen rooms that get the oceanic, beach house vibe through subtle detailing and small nods to life by the sea.

Above: A round mirror mimics a boat’s port hole and is held up with thick rope, in a bathroom from designer Rita Chan.

(Image credit: Emily Gilbert)

The main feature in the bedroom of this Hamptons house from Style Me Pretty (designed by Jenny Wolf) is the wood boat form in the corner.

(Image credit: Mike Garten)

Shades of blue and a weathered flag bring up a nautical vibe in designer and TV personality Emily Henderson‘s space, featured in Good Housekeeping.

(Image credit: Community Import)

Amanda’s “Dramatic Slate” Bathroom does the port hole mirror thing along with navy accents.

(Image credit: Greg Natale)

The wallpaper in designer Greg Natale‘s bathroom mimics the look of rope in a more modern way.

(Image credit: Sarah Hebenstreit)

An ocean print and model ship top off this adorable nursery from Hello Margot, featured in Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.

(Image credit: Amy Bartlam)

It’s official: For an instant nautical vibe in the bathroom, combine a round mirror and a navy blue vanity, like this room styled by Kirsten Marie for Style Me Pretty.

A rope basket and a galvanized steel stool complete the look here in A Warm, Colorful Modern Family Apartment.

(Image credit: Jim Tschetter)

This lake house kitchen from Lonny features two tenants of subtle nautical style: Deep navy blue and shiplap on the walls.

(Image credit: Waterleaf Interiors)

This black-and-white Little Whales print wallpaper is the perfect way to make an ocean motif modern, from Waterleaf Interiors.

(Image credit: klgphoto/Etsy)

A really big photo is enough to get the idea across when its subject is a boat or beach, like this print from klgphoto on Etsy.

(Image credit: Andrew Howard)

The beadboard ceiling and navy woven chairs give this dining room from designer Andrew Howard some serious beach house street cred.