Beach style interiors are anything but dark and stuffy. To achieve beachy looking surroundings at home, you’d have to incorporate lighter, inviting colors that mirror the outdoors.
Dark furniture is quite formal, especially leather sofas, and it does not create an airy and open concept that is required to bring a coastal feel to your home.
If you’re aiming to pull off such a design, you’re most probably wondering if your dark furniture can fit into this equation. The good news is that there’s no need to go shopping for new furniture to accomplish this look.
However, the question that remains would be how can one create this beachy look with dark furniture? There are many ways to do that, and I will cover them in this article.
While it is not the go-to color for furniture when designing your home in a coastal style, you can still make dark furniture look beachy by painting it. Otherwise, combine it with this type of décor by pairing it with suitable lighting, wall art, floor and window coverings, accessories, or plants.
Find a way to arrange the furniture pieces strategically around the room and, if they’re paired with the right setting, your home will take on a brand new, beachy feel.
Add ambient lighting with overhead lights and lamps to brighten spaces and balance the heaviness of dark furniture. More light = more coastal vibes.
Bright cushions and patterned throws contrast dark furniture beautifully. Think light blues, greens, and coastal prints.
Use bright curtains, light shades, or bamboo blinds to soften dark furniture and create a breezy, beach look.
Hang bright, detailed artwork and decorate with seashell vases, glass jars, or coastal ornaments to shift focus from heavy furniture.
Coastal-style rugs (patterned or solid) create balance. Whites, off-whites, or soft colors pair best with dark furniture.
Paint walls in light neutrals like white, beige, turquoise, or warm blue to brighten interiors and reflect natural light.
Add real or artificial plants in light pots to liven up the room. A fiddle-leaf fig or tabletop greenery works wonders.
Balance dark bed frames and dressers with coastal bedding — light colors or sea-inspired patterns work best.
Install light-colored hardwood or bamboo flooring to contrast with dark furniture and enhance the airy beach look.
Add wicker or rattan accent furniture (armchairs, side tables) to balance dark tones and add coastal texture.
DIY paint dark furniture with washed-out hues or a faded coastal finish. Use primer, white paint, a glaze sealant, and sand for texture.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — experiment with lighting, rugs, art, and accessories until your interior achieves the right beachy vibe. Dark furniture isn’t the enemy — it can shine in a coastal setting with the right contrasts.