Coastal guest bedroom ideas and inspo.

What’s the best way to design and decorate a coastal guest bedroom?

Whether you are designing for yourself or someone else, guest bedrooms should be cozy and comfortable, providing a space to unwind, recharge, and escape the chaos of the world. Even if your typical design style is more maximalist, guest bedrooms usually lean more minimalist to offer a serene backdrop for a good night’s sleep. Guest bedroom layouts are also more simple. The square footage of your guest bedroom and size of your bed frame will typically dictate the best layout.

Whether you're in the process of a guest bedroom remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design:|

• Paint or Wallpaper: Bedroom walls set the mood for the space. Select a color or pattern that complements the coastal style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall to serve as a focal point.
• Bed: The bed is the centerpiece and typical focal point of any bedroom, providing a comfortable and restful place to sleep. It typically includes a mattress, bed frame, and headboard. Your coastal style can really shine by selecting bedding (sheets, duvet covers, and pillows) that match the aesthetic.
• Nightstands: Nightstands (or bedside tables) are small tables or cabinets placed on either side of the bed. They provide a convenient surface for placing bedside lamps, alarm clocks, books, and other personal items. Pro tip: Bedside tables should be placed 2-4 inches from the bed frame and no more than 24 inches deep (any deeper and it can be pretty uncomfortable to get in and out of bed). If you choose to add a table lamp or a sconce, keep in mind the depth of the light to ensure you have enough space on the bedside table.
• Area Rug: It’s common to include an area rug in a bedroom for extra warmth and coziness. There are three common layout options for rugs in the bedroom. Option 1, place the bed and nightstands entirely on the rug. Option 2, place ⅔ of the bed on the rug, with 24 inches extending beyond the sides of the bed. Option 3, place two runners along each side of the bed (the runners should be wider than the bedside tables, if possible).
• Decorative Lighting: Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting for a layered lighting scheme. Typically in a bedroom, you’d want a flush surface mount or chandelier on the ceiling and wall-mounted sconces or table lamps on each side of the bed. Consider the placement of lighting fixtures to eliminate shadows and evenly light the space. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
• Curtains or Blinds: In bedrooms, window treatments are not just design statements. They help promote a restful sleep environment, while also adding a layer of privacy and warmth. Opting for blackout or heavy, lined curtains can enhance these effects, making them perfect for ensuring comfort and tranquility. Don’t forget a curtain rod!
• Coastal Bedroom Decor: From accent pillows and throw blankets to bedside table lamps and wall art, bedroom accessories should be both functional and decorative. Coordinate the color and pattern with the overall bedroom color scheme and coastal style to bring your design vision to life.

Get creative and have fun with your coastal guest bedroom! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Bedroom.

What materials and home decor should I use to achieve a coastal guest bedroom design?

Coastal interior design captures the essence of breezy beach living through its use of light, airy color palettes, natural textures, and nautical motifs. This design approach leans heavily on cool colors (particularly shades of blue and white), and warm, sandy neutrals to mirror the colors of the sea, sky, and beach. Coastal interior design comes in many forms, from lavish beach house living in the Hamptoms and condos in Florida to rustic cottages in Martha’s Vineyard and modern seaside California-cool villas on the west coast.

Common coastal decor elements include weathered wood furniture, reflecting the driftwood found along shorelines, fabrics such as linen and cotton take notes from cloudy skies and allow for relaxed, easy living, and materials like jute, wicker, and rattan represent the sandy environment. Shiplap is a popular choice for walls in coastal spaces. Light blue and white tile is common to use in bathrooms or kitchens for a coastal vibe.

When decorating a coastal-inspired beach guest bedroom, you’ll want to keep things bright, airy, and sophisticated. Unless you are specifically going for a theme park nautical adventure room, steer clear of artwork featuring anchors and navy stripes. Instead, opt for an abstract piece that mimics the waves in the ocean. Beachy accents like seashells, coral, and maritime-inspired pieces, such as lanterns and ropes in a chandelier, reinforce the connection to the coastal environment without being corny. Incorporating large windows and ample natural light further blurs the lines between indoors and out, creating a seamless, tranquil retreat that embodies the serene and laid-back lifestyle of coastal regions.