Coastal primary bathroom ideas and inspo.

What’s the best way to design and decorate a coastal primary bathroom?

On one hand, primary bathrooms are undeniably practical spaces. They serve a very specific purpose and are often the smallest rooms in any home. On the other hand, primary bathrooms also double as havens for cleansing and self-care, an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Small room, big personality.

Designing a coastal bathroom that's both functional and stylish involves combining practicality with aesthetic appeal. Whether you're in the process of a primary bathroom remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design**:

• Tile: Tile is typically the first choice you’ll want to make when designing a bathroom. You may opt to tile the entire bathroom or just the floors in a powder room or backsplash for the shower or bathtub area. Select tiles that are durable, non-slip, and easy to clean. Tiles range in all different shapes, sizes, materials, and layouts. From penny rounds to large format floor tiles, zellige to subway tile, or checkerboard to herringbone, your choice of tile will set the tone for the whole bathroom. And don’t forget the grout! Your choice of grout color can completely change the way your tile looks in the space.
• Paint or Wallpaper: If you don’t choose to tile your walls, you’ll want to select a paint or wallpaper that can withstand moisture and humidity. Vinyl wallpaper is best for this application. 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.
• Bathroom Vanity: The primary bathroom vanity should balance the coastal style with functionality, offering adequate storage and countertop space. The vanity provides place to wash hands or brush teeth, and storage for toiletries and personal care items. It’s common for modern bathrooms to include a vanity with a double sink. Sink options include under-mount, vessel, and pedestal sinks and range in materials from porcelain, stone, or glass.
• Mirror or Medicine Cabinet: Choose a mirror or medicine cabinet that complements the vanity in size and style. Consider a framed mirror that matches the bathroom’s coastal design style, or a frameless mirror for a sleek, more modern look.
• Toilet & Sink: The modern standard for toilets and sinks is white porcelain. But if you really want to make a statement, consider going with a color! Colored fixtures are having a comeback moment or you can source a vintage option.
• Shower or Bathtub (for full baths): Depending on the size and layout of the bathroom, you may opt for a shower or bathtub (or a bathtub with shower combination). A shower will consist of a showerhead, faucet controls, and a shower enclosure (shower curtain or glass door), while a bathtub provides a space for soaking and relaxation. If you have the space, you may opt for a separate shower and a freestanding clawfoot tub.
• Lighting: Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting for a layered lighting scheme. Consider the placement of lighting fixtures to eliminate shadows and evenly light the space. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood. Sconces are popular options for vanity areas.
• Faucets: Faucets are an opportunity to add a decorative touch. Select finishes that match other metal elements in the bathroom, such as cabinet hardware or lighting fixtures. Consider water-saving models for environmental sustainability.
• Coastal Bathroom Decor: From bath mats and shower curtains to soap dishes, toothbrush and toilet paper holders, bath accessories should be both functional and decorative. Coordinate the color and pattern with the overall color scheme and coastal style to bring your design vision to life.

If you are looking for more inspiration or need an extra hand with your primary bathroom design, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Bathroom.

What materials and home decor should I use to achieve a coastal primary bathroom 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 primary bathroom, 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.