Heyku.me – Bring coastal color and cozy fabrics into a beach cottage dining room. This living space from Rachel in New England is filled with happy colors, a mix of whites and natural woods and plenty of woven accents.
A Rustic Touch with a Modern Coastal Dining Table
To keep a room feeling grounded, use old refinished trunks and wicker baskets for storage. These rustic touches contrast with the modern coastal dining table and white draperies. A palette of soft blues and whites can create a relaxing beach-inspired dining room. Light voile curtains and a painted wood table keep the focus on water views, while a variety of woven chairs—including jute, seagrass, rattan, and canvas—add casual comfort.
Add depth to a coastal dining room with a dark blue paint color that evokes the hue of an ocean sunset or deeper blue-green waters. Designer Chauncy Boothby used this shade to warm up the traditional furniture in this dining nook, creating a casual space that feels like it has been collected over time.
A swirly abstract wallpaper in muted tones of blue and white creates movement that recalls the tides and sand beneath your feet. The calming color scheme in this beach cottage dining room by Desiree Burns Interiors complements seating of natural woven materials and painted wood pieces. A gallery wall of colored photographs in matching frames adds a casual touch that doesn’t overwhelm the light-flooded dining area.
The Perfect Place to Flaunt Some Warm Natural Colors
The coastal dining room is a perfect spot to show off some warm natural colors. Sky blues and seafoam whites instantly convey vacation vibes, but don’t be afraid to introduce other earthy shades like terra cotta, moss green, or sandy beige to the mix. These neutrals are cozy enough for coastal dining yet sophisticated enough for family dinners and entertaining. Opt for a rattan bar cart as a buffet, like Kelly of Lily Pad Cottage did in her home. The lighter material relaxes the formal dining table and invites easy conversation.
Unlike traditional whites, neutrals with a hint of yellow are a great fit for beach cottage decor. A soft yellow paint, such as Sherwin Williams Tradewind, adds sunny warmth without feeling too bright. This soothing paint color evokes sunsets over the water and sand under your feet. It’s a great option for coastal walls, as well as cabinetry and trim. Coastal cottage decorating also includes cozy textiles, such as woven seating and a cozy banquette, like this one from Emily Henderson Design.
White walls and a neutral color scheme let the gorgeous sea views do all the talking in this dining room. Natural rattan chairs and houseplants introduce hints of blue, and the table’s dark wood and woven pattern help tie the look together. The modern chandelier in this Beach-style dining room draws the eye toward the hardwood flooring blending with light gray walls adorned with framed floral paintings and a colorful leafy artwork that matches the design of the wooden dining table. Stylish green cushioned chairs stand out from the light-gray backdrop of this contemporary coastal dining area.
Characteristics of the Classic Cottage Dining Room
To create a radially balanced space, choose a focal point to define the shape and function of your. In this dining room, a glass-front cabinet in the corner serves as a dining nook and storage area, keeping seating and dining areas free of clutter and open to view the large windows that offer beautiful water views. Coastal cottages often have crisp white walls, but you can add texture without disrupting the breezy palette. Line a dining room with beadboard to nod to the classic cottage look, or use a beaded wallpaper in a playful beachy print.
Rather than a formal china hutch, build a banquette in the corner of your dining area to make mealtime more cozy and fun. The seating setup is also a great spot to display framed photos and seaside artwork. If you don’t have the space for a full-blown mudroom, create a cozy little nook with a bench and a few hooks to keep towels, sunscreen, and swimsuits organized. A jute rug and knit poufs also tie the room together.
To maintain a neutral color scheme, layer in textures with woven chairs and rattan accents. For instance, Chauncy Boothby used woven chairs, a textured rattan basket, and a seagrass-wrapped glass chandelier to bring beach-themed style to her modern coastal dining room.