Coastal Accent Rugs

Find the perfect rug to go with your beach decor. Here's a preview of some of the designs - which one is your style?

Coastal Decorating With Style

What is considered coastal decorating varies depending on what area of the country one references when thinking of the coast. The United States contains rocky shores, smooth beachfronts, mountainous areas, and a combination of all on some coastlines.  Whatever the homeowner’s preference, these areas can provide inspiration when decorating.

The color schemes found in most coastal areas are white, blue, green, and brown.  All are present in varying degrees in shorelines throughout the country. They can be separated or combined throughout the home according to the decorator’s preferences.

Using light colors on the walls of rooms will lend the home an airy look.  Some prefer stark white walls throughout, but that is not necessary.  While a neutral color, white can lend an institutional look to the home, so that should be kept in mind when decorating.  Whatever color is chosen, it can always be painted over if it doesn’t come out as desired. However, making the right color choice from the start is recommended.

When selecting pieces of furniture for each of the rooms, decorators should not be afraid to use their creativity.  Some prefer the “shabby chic” look of mismatched furniture, while others like the consistency of matching pieces. The main idea is to match sure that the colors in the furniture don’t strongly clash with each other or the walls and floors.  The eye should not be drawn to a specific item in the room as an “eyesore” whenever viewing a room.  If the room will be utilized often, it is important to fill it with comfortable furniture.

Some decorators like to purchase furniture containing nautical stripes. All furniture in one room should contain stripes that go in the same direction. Too many stripes can provide a dizzying “zebra-like” effect, so that should be taking into consideration before purchasing any furniture.

If window coverings are desired, they should be kept simple and use muted colors.  Blinds fashioned from bamboo, rattan, or light-colored wood are a nice choice.  If fabric blinds are desired, they should be either white or another light neutral color.  Tropical rugs made from fabric or bamboo may be spaced throughout the room.  Many area rugs may be hand or machine-washed for easy maintenance.

Potted plants add a nice touch to any coastal-themed room.  Plants in the palm family provide that beach-like feeling.  Simply flowering plants such as orchids also add a nice touch when placed in the proper lighting.  Designer magazines frequently showcase cattails in a large jar in many featured homes. Garden stores can recommend additional foliage that will look appropriate and follow the coastal theme. 

As far as room accents go, select those that correspond with the room’s theme.  Small row boats, ship’s wheels, and ship lights are appropriate for nautical-themed rooms.  Rooms with beach themes may be accented by shells, sand dollars, or coral.  The possibilities are endless and vary with the decorator’s style, but all will yield an end result that is pleasing to the eye and creates a relaxed atmosphere in any home.

Creating A Coastal Atmosphere In Your Home With Tropical Rugs

Using tropical area rugs can dramatically alter the mood of a room. It may seem like a small thing to switch a rug, but it can be responsible for adding a sense of the tropics. While it is not the same as totally redecorating a space, the rug can have a serious impact. One needs to think about the message one sends when using such a rug.

Warmth is an obvious connection with all things tropical. A place furnished with a beach area rug may feel just a bit warmer. In a frigid place, the extra warmth may be particularly appreciated. The feel of a warmer temperature would ideally translate into a more comfortable home.

Tropical area rugs often portray visions of beaches. Adding a beach motif to a space decreases the formality and increases the comfort level. Most people enjoy the beach because they can lay around and soak up the beautiful atmosphere. If the feeling one wants for their room is a more relaxed space, the beach theme rug would be a good fit.

The tropics bring up memories of beloved vacations. If a rug conjures up memories of a favorite vacation, it will definitely make an impact on the mood of a space. The rug can make one feel ready to take a break and enjoy life. It might help create a space where one would like to lay back and remember fond moments. This would not work well for a work space created for completing tasks efficiently, but it could be just the right decor for a relaxing spot at home.

Tropical climates are home to the rain forests. The rugs often portray thick plant growth and green trees. A few live or silk plants carefully placed in the space with the rug can strengthen this theme. It can give a mood of earthiness and power to a room. A room can feel bursting with lushness and life.

Beyond just the rain forests, the tropics are often connected with water. One finds beautiful beaches and immense oceans throughout this area. A beach area rug could be especially appropriate to counteract an environment that receives little rain by bringing thoughts of a wetter climate.

A connotation of the exotic often comes with a coastal rug. One can make their home a little more adventurous and exciting with an image from a far away place. It might not fit well in a very traditional space, but in a space that can embrace something new and a little different it could be a good fit. It can add interest to a dull area.

Because of the size and patterns, tropical rugs can quickly grab attention and become a main theme for a space. Going with a tropical choice can alter the atmosphere and formality of any space. The ambiance created by the rug can be a jumping off point for even more items, such as paint, chairs, house plants, etc. to continue the beach house decor feel of a room.