Coastal Bedroom Ideas for a Modern Beach Bedroom

Spending my entire life in Southern California, it’s probably no surprise that I love a modern coastal style. Natural materials, amazing natural light, soft neutral tones and of course…if you know me…blue accents. Spending more time in the mountains in recent years has made me appreciate modern coastal style even more. Coastal bedroom design can seem a bit vague and often times coastal decor can be confused with a nautical or theme-y feel. Ropes and buoys, surfboards, fish and sharks, big bold stripes and all the things you think of when you think of the beach. That is not the coastal vibe we are going for when you are looking for Modern coastal decor to create the perfect modern beach bedroom.

What is a Modern Coastal Style?

First, let’s answer the question of what is a modern coastal bedroom so we can get a good understanding of what you want to look for. Modern coastal bedrooms give you a sense of serenity, great textures, and generally, a neutral color palette. So how does that differ from a beachy style? The best way I can describe it to hopefully help you visualize the difference, is to think of a beach cottage – with surfboard decor, bright colors, and seashell accents. Now, think of a tranquil five star resort by the beach with white curtains, soft hues, natural fiber rugs, and plush neutral bed linens. Is that helping you to grasp the difference?

Modern coastal bedrooms utilize different textures, decorative pillows, natural materials, and have lots of visual interest, they just do it in a more muted way that allows you to feel calm and relaxed. 

What Colors Are Good for A Modern Beach Bedroom?

White walls are always a good place to start when you are looking to create a modern coastal style. Crisp white walls are an instant soothing color palette and natural elements and furniture play really well off of them. Some of my favorite go-to white paints are:

– White Dove by Benjamin Moore

– Simply White by 

– Swiss Coffee by

– Chantilly Lace by 

White walls doesn’t have to mean bland and colorless. Bring in accents and furniture that mimic the colors of the seaside and coastal tones. Muted greens like that found in beach glass. Warm sandy beige tones like the sand underfoot. Blush to represent the gorgeous sunsets and of course blues in all the shades of the sea and sky. Blue and white is always a good place to start. In the bedroom above I painted the woodwork, ceilings and trim pure white by Sherwin Williams and the wall above the trim Agreeable Gray also by Sherwin Williams. It adds some color and warmth.

What Elements Should You Include in a Modern Beach Bedroom?

When considering furniture for your modern coastal bedroom, light woods are always a safe bet. A black bed can anchor the space too when paired with lighter, airier elements and a background of white walls. You can mix your furniture pieces for a collected look. I mixed a black bed with light color bedside tables and dresser in this room.

In Ashley’s coastal bedroom I went with a light wood bed and a soft ocean inspired blue-gray for the other furniture pieces. 

The colors in the rug, furniture and bedding give a sense of calm and relaxation. 

Incorporate textures of nature in your design. Wicker accents like baskets (like the one above under the nightstand) or rattan furniture pieces bring in great texture. Natural elements like plants and trees are great additions too.

I added a woven chair and cane desk to bring in natural textures in this beautiful space. A light rug with a subtle pattern works well with the dark bed and is a soft, warm place for feet to land when getting out of bed in the morning. A jute rug would be another great option. POttery Barn makes some really soft jute rugs mixed with wool that are super soft and plush.

I added textured ceramic lamps on either side of the bed, but woven pendant lights above each nightstand would be an interesting design element. Wicker baskets for laundry or to collect throws and such would work well in this space or other coastal bedrooms too.

At the foot of the bed in the OC primary bedroom I added a rustic wood bench that brings in more of that coastal design. It contrasts nicely against the black bed.

MODERN BEACH BEDROOM ACCENTS

You want your bedroom accents to reflect that same tranquility of the beach vibe that you are trying to accomplish with the furniture and paint colors. Keep busy patterns and nautical accents to a minimum. Instead, opt for subtle nods to coastal interior design. Gauzy throws, handmade ceramic pots with small plants, art, candles…pretty pieces that give you the feel of a relaxed beach house. 

Mix pretty patterns in to the mix with throw pillows. Use patterns in soft blues and tans and layer in even more patterns in sheets, coverlets and quilts. Introduce more patterns and textures with curtain panels and a chunky knit throw. Pillows and bedding are the easiest way to totally change the look of a room. 

Wooden beams or a wood ceiling are great ways to draw the eye up and finish the space in a surprising way. The wood brings in even more warmth and gives the space a cozy feeling. 

I hope these tips help you to create the perfect modern beach bedroom for you. 

Here are some more bedroom design ideas for you:

Farmhouse Bedroom Design Ideas and Makeover

Cute and Sophisticated Beach Themed Bedroom Decor

A Relaxing Retreat : Bedroom Decor Ideas

Beautiful Guest Bedroom Design and Remodel

Awesome Boy Bedroom Ideas

Teen Girl Bedroom Makeover

Modern Master Bedroom Ideas

Thanks for visiting the blog! Have you signed up for our newsletter?  Don’t miss out on getting all of the latest from Pink Peppermint Design delivered right to your inbox.  Click here to subscribe to our newsletter and get access to our entire library of over 50 free printables.

Come shop with me on ShopLTK everyday where I share all kinds of sales, deals and fun finds daily:

Pink Peppermint Design on ShopLTK

Come and join me on social to follow along with all of my Design, Travel, DIY, Shopping Deals and other posts.

You can find me here:

Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook  

Happy decorating!!

Tammy