A coastal bathroom captures the serenity of the shoreline and translates it into a timeless, bold design in your home. When executed well, the modern coastal aesthetic strikes a balance between functionality, luxury and style.
Whether you’re looking for small updates to refresh a cosy bathroom or planning a full renovation, incorporating coastal themes will help you create a calming, sea-inspired retreat.
In this guide, we’ll explore modern coastal bathroom ideas that can transform your space into a spa-like retreat. From colour schemes to textures and finishes, here are the top design tips to achieve the ultimate coastal look.
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Top 10 Coastal-Style Bathroom Ideas
Elevate your bathroom with charming seaside style and decor with these modern coastal-living bathroom ideas.
1. Coastal Colors
Color is the perfect starting point for any modern coastal bathroom. A feature wall with ocean-blue tiles against crisp white walls creates a striking focal point.
Shades of sea-glass blues and sandy beige echo the natural beauty of the shore. Use light wood tones such as oak or pine to create that beach house feel.
2. Natural Stone
Nothing says luxury like natural stone. Marble wall tiles, quartz countertops or matte stone floors instantly elevate your bathroom into a sophisticated space. Stone adds depth, durability and textures while breaking up monotony.
Stone works perfectly in coastal settings, mirroring the natural environment while withstanding the corrosive effects of the coast. A freestanding stonesoaking tub or stone resin shower tray with a nonporous surface makes a bold, modern statement. This smooth, non-porous coating protects your bathware from corrosion and discoloration caused by salty ocean air.
3. Wood & Woven Textures
Tile and stone can sometimes feel cold, especially on cold nights by the sea. Wood and woven textures can add warmth and softness to coastal bathroom decor.
Consider floating wooden cabinets or open shelving to add storage and reduce clutter while keeping the space airy. A woven rug, a wood-framed mirror, or wooden shutters can create contrast while still staying true to the coastal theme. Pair them with woven baskets, faux pampas, and subtle nautical accessories to create a textured and layered look in your bathroom.
4. Brass Hardware
Brass hardware adds warmth and visual interest to your coastal bathroom design. When paired with marble tiles or glass shower walls, polished brass provides an elegant pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the blue ocean.
For a softer take, unlacquered brass develops a gentle patina over time, adding warmth and texture to modern coastal bathrooms. This is perfect if you’re looking to incorporate vintage elements into your design.
5. Natural & Ambient Lighting
Nothing says coastal design like a beach house flooded with warmth and natural light. It creates an airy, open feel while blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Skylights, large windows or glass doors can make your space feel more open.
Pair natural light with layered lighting, such as dimmable LEDs and recessed fixtures, to create a calmer, relaxed feel when shifting from day to night. You can further enhance the sense of openness with large, strategically placed mirrors that reflect the light.
6. Spa-Like Features
Coastal living is about relaxation, so why not bring spa-style indulgence home? Large walk-in showers with dual rain heads or deep soaking tubs create space for everyday luxury. Add color and texture with faux greenery and coastal-inspired bathroom accessories such as smooth pebbles, driftwood chips or natural bath salts displayed in glass jars to add visual interest.
7. Tasteful Nautical Accents
Skip the outdated coastal bathroom decorating ideas, like anchors, rope accents and seashell soap. Think outside the box. Opt for nautical accents and bathroom decor that adds personality and uniqueness.
Blue and white wallpaper works beautifully in powder rooms and smaller bathrooms, while darker ocean photography could add drama to bleak, white walls in larger bathrooms.
8. Cosy Yet Coastal
Don’t let a small bathroom limit your imagination. Even small bathrooms can feel light and luxurious. Well-placed mirrors help to make the space feel bigger by reflecting natural light. A glass shower door opens the bathroom, creating a light and airy feel with seamless sightlines. Add visual interest by playing with contrast or accent tiles with unique details. Adopting these small bathroom ideas can help you achieve that luxurious, elegant coastal look you’re after.
9. Durable & Sustainable Options
Modern coastal bathroom remodel ideas often adopt durable and sustainably sourced materials. Brass hardware offers a timeless look and impressive resistance to grime and corrosion. This makes them ideal for bathrooms styled with coastal charm. Non-porous materials like mineral stone resin bathtubs also deliver long-term durability, standing up to cracking, peeling and discoloration.
Choosing durable and sustainable finishes ensures your bathroom stays beautiful and functional for years to come, while ensuring you limit your own impact on the environment.
10. Add Depth & Dimension
Curating coastal bathroom decor works best when you play with layers to mimic the colors and textures found on the coast. Using blue walls or blue tiles works great as a sky-like base. Consider adding wallpaper for an easy, affordable alternative. Look for embossed textures in blue-ish greens or sandy neutrals for an homage to the seaside.
Pairing wallpaper with natural textures like stone flooring or wood cabinets introduces interesting dimensions to the space. For a darker and more daring approach, combine white walls with grey stone floor tiles. The contrast and textures will pair well and add interesting dimensions.
For decor and accessories, shaggy rugs with plush towels, stone floors with glass shower doors, or distressed timber with glass accessories help ground the space. Adding layers to the everyday functional aspects of your coastal bathroom renovation allows for a seamless transformation.
Add a touch of luxury to your small coastal bathroom ideas. Find elegant bathroom inspiration with our design guide.
FAQs About Coastal Bathroom Decor
Explore some commonly asked questions about coastal bathroom design ideas and how you can achieve this look at home.
How do I achieve a coastal style without it looking kitschy?
Focus on textures, layers and natural color palettes. Stone, wood and a natural color scheme are a good way to add a modern coastal style. Avoid overdone coastal bathroom decor elements like seashells, rope accents or beach props. They can make your space look coastal-themed rather than coastal-styled.
What is the difference between coastal and nautical design?
Coastal bathroom design focuses on creating styles and designs that depict the colors, textures and even shapes found on the coast. This can include sandy neutrals to mirror sandy beaches, sea-glass blues and greens to reflect the colors in the ocean. Nautical design, however, is typically more themed. It usually features ‘ship-like’ decor, such as anchors, ropes, navy and white colored towels and artwork.
How can I avoid mold in my bathroom rugs and cabinets?
To prevent mold in your bathroom rugs and cabinets, prioritise ventilation and regular maintenance. Choosing the right materials also helps. For rugs, opt for quick-drying or washable materials that can be washed weekly to avoid moisture build-up. For cabinets, choose marine-sealed finishes or stone-topped cabinets.
Remember to wipe down shower and tub surfaces after use to prevent grime and trapped humidity. You can also use exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to help keep moisture out.
Can I still create a modern coastal bathroom on a small budget?
Yes, of course. Coastal bathroom design is about style. Start with small coastal bathroom decor ideas, like transforming your white walls with sea-inspired paint colors. Add woven floor rugs and mirrors or artwork on the walls. Over time, you can make small changes like updating your shower with brass accents to add coastal style to your evolving look.
Hansel Stone: Create Your Dream Beach House Bathroom
At Hansel Stone, we’ve designed a range of luxury stone bathware that brings your modern coastal vision to life. Our range of stone bathware features ergonomic tubs with smooth curves reminiscent of the smooth pebbles found on the beach.
With minimalist designs in light hues, our bathware creates a bright and open space, mirroring a sandy stretch of beach. As a bonus, the non-porous surface ensures low-maintenance cleaning, while our unique composite stone offers superior heat retention for long soaks.
Let your coastal beach bathroom ideas come to life with Hansel Stone. Shop our range of luxury composite stone bathware and create a luxury coastal sanctuary.