Everyone knows that coastal homes are such unique and beautiful places. It's part of what makes a getaway or vacation that much more special.
A really great beach house decoration makes you think of the smell of saltwater, endless summer days, and creating memories with people who are most important to you.
That's why we’re going to help you find the best exterior decorations for your coastal getaway.
Maybe you’re decorating a new rental you just purchased. Or just trying to update a home you inherited from others. There’s so many different styles and ways to personalize your beach house exterior.
What kind of decor works well on beach house exteriors?
Whatever you think looks best!
Seriously. The best way to decorate a home that you’ll live in is in a way you’re proud of.
That being said, there’s a couple ideas we want to go over that can give your home a really beachy feel.
Colors
Modern coastal homes often draw inspiration from the natural hues of the sea and sky, opting for shades like vintage blues, cool grays, beach foam white, and maritime green.
One great example of this is this color palette we’ve put together, taking inspiration from images of the coast.
As you can tell, these colors go very well together and remind you of sand, waves, and a long day at the beach.
Using a versatile palette such as this gives you lots of options when it comes to exterior decor pieces you may want to display on your home.
That being said, this is not a hard rule!
Any drive along a coast will reveal homes painted bright pastel colors, darker tones, and everything in between.
Types of decor
Not only do the colors matter when decorating the exterior of your beach house, the types of decorations are what really brings everything together.
We want to go over a couple different ideas here, just to give you a sense of what beach homes usually boast.
While you’re out there shopping, make sure to look for:
- Nautical Accents: Anchor motifs, rope details, and buoy-inspired decor add a touch of maritime flair to your outdoor space.
- Coastal Plantings: Select native beach grasses and salt-tolerant flowers to create a vibrant coastal garden that thrives in the salty air.
- Solar-Powered Lighting: Illuminate your outdoor area with solar lights for a warm glow at night, minus the hassle of electrical wiring.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list! There’s many more ideas out there to try from.
Consider browsing local beach shops, online retailers specializing in outdoor decor, or even DIY projects using natural materials found along the shore.
Second-hand items are always great additions as well, if you’re up for looking through garage/estate sales, Facebook marketplace, or craigslist!
What kind of decor should I avoid when decorating a beach house exterior?
Clashing styles
When outfitting your beach house, striking the right balance between style and seaside serenity is key.
However, not every decor style seamlessly blends with the coastal charm you're aiming for.
While we love the kind of designers that think outside the box, try to avoid styles that will clash with the laid back coastal charm you’re creating.
Some no-nos might be:
- Minimalism: Less is more? Maybe, but not when it comes to beach living. Cozy it up a little bit with some personality.
- Urban Industrial: Pipes sticking out and raw materials might fly in a loft downtown, but not out by the ocean.
- Overly Formal or Ornate Styles: Sure, sparkly chandeliers are nice, but they might feel a tad out of place when you're rocking sandy feet and beach hair.
- Gothic: Do I even need to elaborate on this one?
Remember, your beach house should feel like a relaxing retreat, not a museum.
So maybe take inspiration from these styles, but try not to get carried away!
Dangerous weather
When it comes to decorating the exterior of your beach house, it's also important to consider the unique challenges posed by the coastal environment.
Beach houses are like the weather's favorite playground—they get a little bit of everything!
From sunny days that make you want to grab your surfboard to sudden downpours that send everyone scrambling for cover.
Of course, this all depends on your location, but you’ll want to consider a wide range of weather conditions when looking for exterior beach house decorations.
And some of you may even need to consider more drastic conditions like hurricanes!
Are you going to lose those expensive lawn chairs you only got to enjoy for a single summer? We hope not!
Here’s a short list of potentially difficult exterior decorations in a coastal environment. Make sure to avoid:
- Metal Decor: Sure, it looks sleek, but metal ornaments can rust faster than you can say "beach day”. But then again, maybe that’s what you’re going for, who are we to judge?
- Glassware: Glass lanterns might add charm, but they're a disaster waiting to happen in windy beach conditions. Choose sturdy, shatterproof materials like acrylic for a safer bet.
- Fragile Ceramics: Those delicate ceramic planters might seem cute, but they're just asking for trouble in the face of a windy day. Opt for tougher materials like concrete or resin instead.
Beach house weather is unpredictable as it is exciting, and we have been caught in many sudden storms while relaxing at the beach.
Make sure that your outdoor beach house decorations can survive that wild weather.
Why not check out our birdhouses for your beach house?
We hope we’ve given some helpful advice here that will give you the tools and motivation to design your beach house exterior just the way you like it!
There’s nothing that helps us relax more at the beach than having that coastal, laid back vibe extend to your home. And we want to share that!
If you found this helpful, feel free to check out our selection of coastal birdhouse options! We have lots of great colors like Lagoon Blue, Coral Isle, and Beach Glass.
Go out and get creative! Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.
