17 Home Décor Pieces That'll Help You Achieve the Coastal Grandma Style

Rachel Sanoff, Wendy Rose Gould

July 14, 2022 at 9:00 AM·8 min read

Interior designers share the neutral jute, ceramic, and linen coastal grandmother decor items to translate this viral style in your own space.

<p>Courtesy of Crate & Barrel, Wayfair, Pottery Barn</p> — Courtesy of Crate & Barrel, Wayfair, Pottery Barn

In March 2022, Lex Nicoleta went viral on TikTok when she coined the term "coastal grandmother aesthetic"—a specific style of neutral, earthy décor often seen in the homes of Nancy Meyers' romantic-comedy heroines.

"Characteristics of a coastal grandmother's home include open kitchens, slip-covered sofas, white accents, fresh flowers, linen curtains, coastal art, rustic textiles, bowls of lemons, and large windows that allow natural light to pour in," says Nicoleta. "It's impeccably clean, yet warm and inviting—somewhere you instantly feel at home."

Best of all, you don't have to be an actual grandmother who lives seaside to channel the coastal grandma style. You just need to the right pieces of furniture and coastal grandmother decor items that fit the aesthetic.

How to Nail the Coastal Grandma Style

Before you make a single purchase, interior designer Shay Holland suggests honing in on this imagined character's lifestyle—what would her home look like?

Opt for Coastal Colors

"Think light, breezy, nature-inspired colors," says Holland, noting that whites, blues, ivory, taupes, and muted greens are colors you'd associate with water, seagulls, sand, and dunes.

Choose Simple Patterns, Finishes, and Fabrics

Since the coastal grandmother style "communicates ease, avoid jarring patterns, super glossy finishes, and formal fabrics, like silk, that are too delicate to curl up on with coffee and a book," says Holland, who recommends pieces in straightforward cotton and linen, instead. Speaking of coffee and novels: Strategically placed mugs and stacks of books are part of the coastal grandmother aesthetic, too.

Embrace Natural Fibers and Textures

The "coastal" aspect of this design style relies heavily on textured natural fibers and materials. "Think rope, driftwood, and jute," says Jade Joyner, the co-founder and principal designer of Metal + Petal. "It's a clean and classic look."

Joyner also recommends playing with a combination of wood tones that lean from natural to black—no shiny lacquers or gold finishes needed. "It's luxe in the most subtle way," she explains. "It's high-end design, meets cottage-core, meets a nod to nautical."

What to Consider When Shopping for Coastal Decor

Both smaller accents and larger pieces of furniture can help you translate this design aesthetic in your home. What you choose to incorporate mostly depends on your budget and the space you have available.

Should you prefer to work with smaller details, Holland suggests placing jute or wool rugs on your floors and swapping in linen or cotton duvets or comforters in bedrooms; doing so will anchor (pun, intended!) both areas. Then, accessorize with handmade pottery, rattan items, baskets, books, and potted plants in vintage blue-and-white vessels (think Dutch delft or ginger jars) and terracotta pots.

If you feel committed to this style and want to invest in larger-scale furniture, Holland says to shop for items with well-worn finishes; pieces should be inspired by nature, which is why she suggests sticking to materials like natural wood and rattan. Upholstery in cozy, soft palettes (think cream or taupe) "fits perfectly into the aesthetic," Holland adds.

While these tips should help you identify pieces that fall into this design category, we went a step further and asked interior designers to share the essential home items they recommend for achieving the coastal grandmother style.

Our Favorite Coastal Grandmother Decor Finds

While these tips should help you identify pieces that fall into this
design category, we went a step further and asked interior designers to
share the essential home items they recommend for achieving the coastal
grandmother aesthetic.

Pottery Barn Branching Coral With Clear Glass Base

<p>Courtesy of Pottery Barn</p> — Courtesy of Pottery Barn

A pale, textured coral statue blends brilliantly into the coastal style. This one has a clear base that makes it easy to prop up and display as an art object on a bookshelf or windowsill. Or try it as a paperweight at your desk.

Price at time of publish: $69

Two's Company Wicker Weave Photo Frames

<p>Courtesy of Amazon</p> — Courtesy of Amazon

These wicker photo frames serve as a simple and functional way for you to infuse that neutral coastal texture into your space. Prop one up on your nightstand, set it atop a bookcase, or nestle it on your desk. The fact that you can fill it with a cherished memory makes it that much sweeter.

Price at time of publish: $60

Crate & Barrel "Addison" White Flange Slipcovered Dining Chair

<p>Courtesy of Crate & Barrel</p> — Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

"Layering is the most important element to communicate this design style," says Anastasia Harrison, the interior architect behind AHD & Co. This makes slipcovered furniture "a great foundation." Nicoleta agrees; she considers slipcovered furniture to be one of the most high-impact purchases you can make to achieve the coastal grandmother aesthetic.

Harrison recommends this elegant dining chair, which features a full-length white coverlet that gives the furniture a relaxed, deconstructed silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $419

Topfinel Buffalo Check Plaid Throw Pillow

While most patterns affiliated with the coastal grandmother aesthetic are subtle, gingham is the exception: The upbeat, but traditional print is fair game. So, consider stocking up on a series of gingham throw pillows in a mix of checked styles; we love this gray-green, earthy set.

Price at time of publish: $22

Martha Stewart "Isla" Accent Chair

Martha designed a furniture line that speaks to this relaxed, laid-back style. We love this earth-toned chair, complete with cane wings and a subtle striped cushion—it's refined and elegant, which means its perfect for your coastal grandmother-inspired home.

Price at time of publish: $480

Parachute Home "Nomad" Lumbar Pillow Cover

<p>Courtesy of Parachute Home</p> — Courtesy of Parachute Home

Trying to achieve the coastal grandmother look means "naturally leaning towards a laid-back, pared down aesthetic," Holland says. A large pillow in a neutral colorway suits this sentiment perfectly; Holland recommends this handcrafted lumbar piece, which will bring relaxed texture to your bed.

Price at time of publish: $79

Textured Stoneware Mug Sets

<p>Courtesy of West Elm</p> — Courtesy of West Elm

These ribbed ceramic mugs in an ivory shade have the texture and tone that is key to the coastal grandmother style, says Holland.

Price at time of publish: $44

HD Buttercup Luna Tall Dresser in Natural Mango

You're not a coastal grandmother if you don't have pieces made from rattan or natural wood in your home. We're partial to this neutral dresser; with its woven cane drawers, straight lines, and earthy brown color, this piece provides storage while easily blending with the rest of your neutral décor.

Price at time of publish: $1,196

Birch Lane Krauss 1 - Light Dimmable Bath Sconce

<p>Courtesy of Wayfair</p> — Courtesy of Wayfair

"I recommend library lights either as floor lamps or as sconces," Joyner says. Even better if you can find iterations in coastal grandmother-approved colorways—which is where this light blue piece comes in. With its subtly nautical and simple, almost utilitarian design, this sconce brings breezy minimalism to a bathroom or small entryway.

Price at time of publish: $52

West Elm Mini Pebble Wool Jute Rug

Natural fiber isn't only a key component of the coastal grandma aesthetic—it can transform other aspects of your space. "Add a natural fiber rug underneath your area rugs to elevate the room," Joyner says. She recommends this handcrafted jute rug from West Elm for its durability and bobble texture.

Price at time of publish: $49 - $1,099

Sand and Stable Quenton 24'' Tall Drum End Table

Bring the natural world indoors with a unique end table. A mosaic of broken coconut shells arranged on distressed wood provides texture and a perfect spot to place magazines, cups, and vases.

Price at time of publish: $252

Jonathan Y Set of 2 Cottage Table Lamps

These blue-and-white lamps are the kinds of antique-inspired pieces that would fit into a cottage as nicely as they'd fit into a coastal grandmother's living room. What's more, they come with energy-saving LED bulbs, so they can shine brighter for longer.

Price at time of publish: $160

Winston Porter Filipek 22'' Tall End Table

Remember: Embracing the coastal grandma aesthetic means avoiding glossy finishes and shiny lacquer. This rustic wooden end table, inspired by the simplicity of sawhorses, has the natural look you need. Plus, the shelf beneath the main tabletop provides ample room for stacks of books—another key aspect of coastal grandma décor.

Price at time of publish: $72

Sand and Stable Hermosillo 19.5'' Tall Solid Wood Pedestal End Table

Place flower-filled vases, cups of coffee, and your favorite reads on a sustainably sourced munggur wood side table. The exposed ends of branches spotlight the natural beauty of the table materials, creating a modern, but rustic feel that feels distinctly coastal.

Price at time of publish: $150

Sullivans Ceramic Vase Set

These distressed ceramic vases are perfect homes for freshly-cut flowers purchased at the farmer's market. Since they come in a set of three, use them to tie a room together by placing them in multiple spots.