The coastal look is one of the easiest and most timeless ways to style your home — and you don’t need to live near the beach to pull it off.
With just a few cushions, you can bring in the soft tones, textures and patterns that make coastal interiors feel so calm and inviting.
Whether you’re refreshing your living room or styling your outdoor space, this guide will show you how to get the look using nothing more than your cushions.
What is coastal style?
Coastal style is all about creating a space that feels relaxed, natural and airy — like a breath of fresh sea air. It’s inspired by life near the coast, but that doesn’t mean it has to be filled with anchors or seashells.
Instead, think soft neutrals, sun-bleached tones, and textures that feel effortless. Coastal style is more about calm and comfort than obvious beach themes — and using cushion covers is the perfect way to bring that feeling into your home.
How cushions can transform your space
You don’t need to overhaul your furniture to get the coastal look — cushions can do the heavy lifting. Cushions are especially useful in rooms that need a little warmth or lightness.
Whether you’re styling your living room lounge, bedroom or outdoor setting, they’re an easy way to bring in the relaxed feeling that coastal style is all about.
Colours that create a coastal feel
Coastal style starts with a soft, natural colour palette. Think warm whites, sandy beige, duck egg, soft blue, and classic navy — all inspired by the sea, sky and shore. These colours bring a sense of calm and openness to your space.
You can keep things tonal with layers of soft white and oat, or create gentle contrast by pairing navy with cream, or duck egg with beige. The goal is to keep it light and easy — nothing too bold or heavy.
Textures that make it feel relaxed
Texture plays a quiet but powerful role in coastal styling. Natural-looking fabrics like timeless natural linen, lightly woven cotton, or easy textured boucle add depth without drawing too much attention.
Skip anything too shiny or structured. Coastal interiors are about ease, and choosing cushions with gentle texture helps your space feel lived-in and relaxed, not overly styled.
Patterns that bring it to life
Think classic fine stripes, soft geometric prints, block prints, or light botanicals. These add visual texture without overwhelming the room.
Coastal style is more refined than themed. Look for soft patterned cushions that feel breezy and balanced — ones that pair naturally with soft blues, whites and warm neutrals.
Create a coastal look outdoors
The coastal look works beautifully in outdoor spaces — from sunny patios to shaded decks and casual outdoor lounges. Cushions don’t just add comfort — they help create the breezy, laid-back atmosphere that defines coastal style.
Stick to soft colours like white, beige, and blue, and layer in classic patterns like casual outdoor stripes. Rectangle cushions add support and interest on benches, while larger outdoor cushions work well on outdoor sofas and help create the comfortable, casual feel that coastal living is known for.
Explore our beautiful range of outdoor cushions to find weather-friendly options in the colours, sizes and shapes that bring the coastal look to life.
Final thoughts
Coastal style isn’t about sticking to a set formula — it’s about creating a space that feels light, open and calm. With the right cushions, you can bring that feeling into your home without changing anything else.
Start simple. Choose colours and textures that reflect the coast — and let your space evolve naturally. Explore our fresh coastal cushion collection for ideas, or view our guide to mid-century modern style for a more retro inspired look.
