If your soul feels most at peace by the sea, why not bring that calming energy into your workspace? Whether you’re running a business from home or just want to spruce up your study nook, a coastal style home office blends comfort, calm and creativity – no sand between your toes required!
From Hamptons chic to relaxed beach shack vibes, coastal decor is all about light, texture and those oh-so-soothing ocean tones. In this post, we’ve gathered 30+ stunning ideas to inspire your coastal home office setup, whether you’re working with a spare room, a corner of your living space or a full-blown studio.
So grab a cuppa, put your feet up and let’s dive in.
1. Start with a Serene Colour Palette

Think soft whites, sandy beiges, seafoam greens and ocean blues. These tones help create a sense of calm and clarity – perfect for productive days. You could keep things neutral or lean into deeper navies for a bolder coastal look.
Pro tip: Paint your walls a soft white (with a hint of warmth), and add colour through decor and accessories.
SEE ALSO This year's trending colour schemes for your home office →
2. Coastal Artwork

Bring the ocean indoors with prints of waves, boats, beaches, coral or sea creatures. Large-scale wall art can make a bold statement, while smaller framed prints work well on shelves or gallery walls.
Bonus idea: Look for artwork by Aussie coastal artists or even DIY some with your own beach snaps!
3. Natural Timber Desk

Choose a desk in a light oak, ash or whitewashed timber to bring that organic coastal feel. Avoid anything too bulky or dark – go for a breezy, open design.
4. Rattan or Cane Chair

Swap your standard office chair for one made of rattan, cane or even bamboo. Pair it with a comfy seat cushion in a coastal fabric and you’ve nailed the look (and comfort).
5. Linen Curtains

Heavy drapes? No thanks. Keep it light and floaty with linen or cotton curtains in white or soft neutrals. They let in loads of natural light and feel effortlessly beachy.
6. Nautical-Inspired Lighting

Try pendant lights with rope detailing, driftwood bases or shell accents. Or go modern with a matte brass lamp – it still nods to the sea without going overboard (pun fully intended).
7. Woven Storage Baskets

Forget plastic tubs. Use woven baskets to store paperwork, tech accessories or extra stationery. They’re functional and stylish – the coastal way.
8. Shell or Driftwood Decor

A little goes a long way. Pop a few shells, pieces of coral or driftwood onto your shelves or desktop. Instant beach vibes.
9. Striped Soft Furnishings

Navy and white stripes are a coastal classic. Think cushions, rugs or even a fabric pinboard for a subtle nautical touch.
10. Coastal Scented Candles

Fill your office with the scent of sea salt, coconut, or eucalyptus. Choose candles in glass jars or textured vessels that double as decor.
11. Whitewashed Furniture

Mix in a whitewashed bookcase, side table or drawer unit to add that beach shack charm without feeling too rustic.
12. Sea Glass Accents

Sea glass brings in colour, texture and a touch of magic. Use it in candle holders, jars, or even a lamp base.
13. Blue and White Pottery

Classic and calming. A few pieces of blue and white ceramics – vases, mugs, planters – can tie the space together beautifully.
14. Light Timber Flooring

If you’re renovating or redoing your floors, go for light timber, engineered oak or whitewashed laminate. It makes your home office feel open, bright and connected to the coast.
15. Coastal Printable Wall Art

Add instant charm with printable coastal quotes, ocean-inspired calendars or productivity planners. (Hint: we’ve got some gorgeous ones in our Etsy shop – perfect for downloading and printing at home!)
16. Plants, Plants, Plants

Greenery makes any space feel more alive. Choose easy-care options like snake plants, monstera or even a mini indoor palm for those tropical vibes.
17. Surfboard Decor

Not just for the waves – vintage surfboards can be propped up in the corner or hung as art. It’s a relaxed, cool nod to Aussie beach life.
18. Rope Accents

Subtle rope detailing on baskets, mirrors, or drawer pulls adds texture and a nautical twist without screaming “pirate ship”.
19. Ocean-Inspired Rug

Anchor the space (see what we did there?) with a rug in wave patterns, ocean blues or beachy neutrals. Jute and sisal are fab for texture.
20. Beachy Pinboard

Keep your inspo visible with a cork or fabric-covered pinboard. Go for linen, stripe or seagrass material to match your coastal look.
21. Coastal Books & Magazines

Display your favourite beach reads, design books or even surfing mags on a shelf or side table. It’s stylish and totally on theme.
22. Light, Layered Textures

Mix and match cotton, linen, jute and seagrass across cushions, rugs, throws and wall hangings for that layered, lived-in coastal feel.
23. Breezy Open Shelving

Ditch the clunky cabinets and opt for open timber shelves to store books, candles and beachy decor. Keep it neat to avoid visual clutter.
24. Weathered Wood Accents

A little distressed timber goes a long way. Think reclaimed wooden trays, vintage photo frames or a repurposed drawer unit.
25. Woven Wall Hangings

Macrame, seagrass or woven wool pieces add a crafty, textural element to your walls – especially if you’re avoiding too many photos or prints.
26. White and Wood Combo

When in doubt, white + natural wood is the ultimate coastal combo. It keeps the space feeling fresh, clean and unfussy.
27. Ocean-Inspired Mood Board

Create a corkboard or magnetic board with swatches, fabric samples, photos and quotes inspired by the sea. Great for creativity and mood-lifting!
28. Calm Coastal Playlist

Okay, not a decor tip, but music helps set the vibe. Curate a playlist of acoustic beach tunes, gentle waves or lo-fi chill for focus with seaside feels.
29. Textured Wallpaper

Consider a subtle wallpaper in grasscloth, linen-look or shiplap for added depth and dimension without going overboard.
30. Light-Filled Layout

If you can, set your desk up near a window. Natural light boosts mood, productivity and makes that coastal theme really shine.
31. DIY Shell Garland

Get crafty and string together shells, driftwood and beads for a sweet hanging piece above your desk or window.
32. Beach-Inspired Stationery

Treat yourself to some cute ocean-themed notebooks, pens or desk pads. Functional doesn’t have to be boring.
33. Coastal-Inspired Calendar

Stay organised in style with a printable coastal wall calendar – think sandy hues, beach quotes and monthly motivation. It’s a must-have for keeping your workday flowing.
34. Minimal Clutter, Maximum Chill

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and keep your workspace tidy and intentional. A clean coastal space = a clear coastal mind.
Final Thoughts: Your Coastal Office, Your Rules
The beauty of coastal style is that it’s super versatile. You can go all-out with the beachy details or just add a few subtle touches to lighten up your space. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a calm, beautiful spot where you feel happy and productive.
Even just swapping out a few key pieces – your chair, rug, lighting or artwork – can totally transform the vibe. So don’t stress about perfection. Start with what you’ve got, add in a few breezy elements, and let your creativity set sail.
P.S. Want to Coastal-ify Your Organisation Too?
We’ve got a range of printable planners, calendars and desk accessories in our Etsy shop that pair perfectly with a coastal-style home office. Designed right here in Melbourne, they’re made for folks who love good vibes and getting stuff done.
Ready to bring the beach to your desk?
Check out our Etsy store and let’s get coastal!