Coastal Theme Lighting | Ideas for a Cosy Seaside Cottage

Using a coastal inspired focal point can instantly transform your space into a relaxing oasis. Think shell filled vignettes, nautical motifs, and a soothing color palette of blues and whites. This design approach can be applied to any room in your home, from the living room to the bedroom.

By incorporating natural elements such as driftwood, seashells, and woven textures, you can infuse your home with the breezy atmosphere of a beach getaway. Whether you opt for a statement piece of artwork or a carefully curated collection of beach finds, a coastal-inspired focal point will capture the essence of seaside living.

Get ready to dive into a world of coastal inspiration and create a focal point that will transport you to the beach every day.

A Large Fisherman’s pendant light in seaspray could set the coastal theme..

Before we delve into the specifics of coastal inspired focal points, let’s first understand the importance of having a focal point in your overall design scheme. A focal point serves as the anchor of a room, drawing the eye and creating a sense of visual interest. It provides a point of focus, around which the rest of the design elements revolve. Without a focal point, a space can feel disjointed and lacking in cohesion.

When it comes to a coastal inspired design, a focal point becomes even more crucial. It acts as the gateway to the beachy vibes you’re trying to evoke. It sets the tone for the entire room and encapsulates the essence of seaside living. Whether it’s a stunning piece of artwork or a carefully curated collection of beach finds, your focal point will transport you to the ocean every time you step into the room.

As with all design, start with focal point, maybe a view or an item of furniture, or coastal theme lighting as the starting point. The colours should reflect the bright tones, traditionally using blues, but chalky white or silver will work too. If you are adding a nautical look to emphasis that seaside feel, then using brass in antique or polished finish will underline the design.

Go back to your focal point, if you are using a piece of furniture or architectural feature remember to light it well, if using the view through a window or doorway, don’t forget that while the light will flood in, there are still corners of the room that don’t benefit in the same way, so subtle wall lights will remove those hidden corners and make the whole room inviting.

Use White for the walls while adding features of coral and sea greens, washed out colours look best, and the additions of driftwood features  as art objects or the frame of a mirror, instantly give you a seaside look. When using mirrors, larger is better to reflect light around the room.

1. Seashells: Seashells are a classic coastal element that can instantly transport you to the beach. Collect seashells during your seaside adventures or purchase them from craft stores. Create a seashell vase or display them on a tray to add a touch of coastal charm to your focal point.
2. Driftwood: Driftwood is another natural element that can add texture and visual interest to your focal point. Look for pieces of driftwood during your beach walks or purchase them from home decor stores. Use them to create a unique sculpture or incorporate them into a wall hanging.
3. Woven Textures: Woven textures, such as jute or rattan, can add a coastal touch to your focal point. Consider incorporating them through furniture or accessories. Use a rattan chair as a statement piece or add a jute rug to create a beachy foundation for your focal point.

By incorporating these natural elements, you can create a focal point that not only captures the essence of the coast but also adds depth and visual interest to your space. Embrace the organic beauty of the seaside and let nature be your guide.

Of course there are lots of objects you can add to the room, ornamental wooden sailing boats, (this one was handmade from driftwood from our favourite beach) or the mass of nautical shells, stones or art found in all local gift shops. 

Coastal Theme Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting your focal point and creating the desired atmosphere. By using the right coastal theme lighting techniques, you can enhance the beauty of your coastal inspired design and create a sense of warmth and serenity. Consider the following:

1. Natural Light: Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light to highlight your focal point. Position your focal point near a window or a source of natural light. The soft, diffused light will enhance the coastal elements and create a sense of tranquility.
2. Accent Lighting: Use accent lighting to draw attention to your focal point. Consider using wall sconces or spotlights to illuminate your artwork or accessories. Use warm white bulbs to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can use Fisherman’s Wall Lights to highlight an architectural feature, they work just as well indoors.
4. Ambient Lighting: Create a soft and warm ambiance with ambient lighting. Use dimmable lights with warm-toned bulbs to create a soothing atmosphere. This type of lighting will enhance the overall coastal theme and create a relaxing space. Fisherman’s Ceiling Lights can do this job, all can be fitted with economic LED dimmable bulbs, and there’s a size to suit your space; from the Standard 26cm dia. Large 30cm dia. or Extra Large 42 cm dia.

Remember to experiment with different lighting techniques to find the perfect balance. Lighting can make or break the visual impact of your focal point, so take the time to find the right lighting setup for your space.

In Conclusion: Creating a focal point for a seaside-inspired design is a creative and rewarding process. By incorporating natural elements, soothing colors, and coastal motifs, you can transform any space into a beachy oasis. Whether it’s a statement piece of artwork, a curated collection of beach finds, or a combination of furniture and accessories, your focal point will transport you to the coast every day and your coastal themed lighting will help take you there.