10 Coastal bathroom ideas to turn your washroom into a nautical hideaway designed for escaping

You can’t beat the gentle sound of waves lapping on the shore, seagulls calling and the calming colour palette of the coast. Our coastal bathroom ideas will give you a breezy style that's easy on the eye and easy bathroom ideas to create.

Not for maximalists, the feel is generally quite pared back and features key elements like raw wood, rope and sailcloth accessories, stripes and nautical pieces like bulkhead lights.

‘Blue and white is a classic colour scheme to create a coastal look in your bathroom. For a more sophisticated feel, add depth by combining different shades of blue into your design through flooring, walls and accessories.

'Consider the materials that you introduce into the scheme, touches of wood – be it painted or unfinished, rattan and nautical motifs will help to create that coastal vibe,’ says Jemma Dayman, hard flooring buyer, Carpetright.

1. Consider organic shapes

When it comes to sourcing the right sanitaryware for your bathroom, look to the coastal landscape you love the most for inspiration.

‘Choosing a bath that has soft curves is perfect for a coastal bathroom as curves are naturally found in nature, especially by the coast – think soft curved pebbles and even waves. Curves are very much about a softer, more relaxed feel to a space, which is what we’re often wanting to create in coastal bathrooms,’ says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs.

Barrie Cutchie

Started in 1999 by British designer, Barrie Cutchie, who has been at the forefront of bathroom innovation and design for over thirty years, BC Designs has become a well respected design house that offers beautifully crafted products in all areas of the bathroom market. In 2020 Barrie won an award at The Designer Awards for his contribution to the bathroom industry.

2. Choose sage green

Blue is a common bathroom colour scheme chosen to inspire a coastal theme, but it isn't always the right choice. Shades from navy to sky blue lend themselves well to a washroom but if you struggle with natural light, a warmer, more earthy shade like sage green will help to create a cosy atmosphere.

It has a slightly more contemporary feel that still evokes feelings of serenity and nature - perfect for a coastal design.

3. Position a bath tactically

While we won't all have the luxury of a sea view like in this bathroom shown above, the positioning of your bath help to replicate the soothing quality of a waterfront wash space.

When planning your coastal bathroom, think about positioning a window beneath a window so that when you're relaxing in the tub, you can enjoy a view of blue skies. Finish it off with an equally nautical bathroom window dressing idea such as wooden shutters.

4. Scout for vintage gems

The great thing about a coastal bathroom idea is that it doesn't need to cost a lot to achieve a quintessential look. If you're looking for a budget bathroom idea that still delivers coastal appeal, keep an eye out for wooden finds in charity shops or antique fairs that add a rustic touch.

This peg board can be used anywhere around the home but looks especially at home in a coastal bathroom - perfect for hanging a loofah.

5. Be inspired by Spanish colours

Although we automatically link blue and green with the coast there are plenty of colours in other parts of the world that depict the wonderful shades that the shoreline can offer.

‘While palettes of blues, greens and greys instantly evoke a fresh, coastal feel, sandy pinks and coral tones can work brilliantly too. Take inspiration from the warm roses and golds of dappled beaches and windswept dunes, and add elements such as sun-bleached textiles, weathered woods and softly flowing fabrics to create a beautifully layered and relaxed coastal look,’ says Colin Roby-Welford, creative director, Fired Earth.

6. Incorporate rattan accessories

A coastal bathroom provides the ultimate opportunity to experiment with lots of different textures. Our favourite, rattan, is a bathroom trend that never seems to date and adds a classic touch to a wash space.

Whether it's a rattan lampshade for a wall light or smaller accessories positioned on a vanity unit, this material adds a warm and tactile touch.

7. Add a seafaring feel with painted panels

Reminiscent of the wood panelling in ships, this is a great DIY application if you want to add some character to your coastal bathroom.

Again, look to nature for colour inspiration, if blues and greens aren’t your bag then look at pebbles, there are many shades of grey that will give your bathroom wall panelling an authentic look. Team with antique brass accessories and if you have beams keep them in their natural state.

8. Embrace the sandy tones of yellow

‘Yellow can offer a breezy freshness, especially our pretty Gervase Yellow from the archive, in fact, most clean pastel colours will work a treat and it will lend a dose of sunshine to a coastal space, no matter the light!’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador, Farrow & Ball.

The other advantage of yellow is that it looks wonderful with white, use it to break up the scheme and add in patterned curtains and prints on the walls.

Patrick O'Donnell

Patrick O’Donnell has been bringing his impeccable eye for colour to Farrow & Ball since 2012. Over that time, he has been a Showroom Manager, Global Colour Consultancy Manager and now Brand Ambassador. However, he is best known as the much-loved face of Farrow & Ball on social media.

9. Use textures galore

Walking along the coast will offer a myriad of inspiration for your coastal bathroom, not least the sheer amount of textures that adorn the shoreline. Raw wood offers a unique texture that conjures up the key aspects of the seaside – boats, chalets and washed up treasures.

Using it on your walls will give that authentic touch that you can use as a starting point for your coastal bathroom scheme. Mix it with enamel wall lights and a touch of brass to finish the look.

10. Introduce a Mediterranean style with pattern

A coastal bathroom doesn't just have to take inspiration from UK coastlines. Be inspired from shores further afield with a Mediterranean touch.

‘The key to designing a beautiful coastal bathroom scheme is creating a calm and relaxing feel. This doesn’t necessarily mean opting for white or neutrals, you can tap into the latest design trends whilst still maintaining a tranquil feel,' says Jemma Dayman, hard flooring buyer, Carpetright.

'Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective way to bring a coastal look to your bathroom and is the perfect way to introduce colour and pattern. From geometrics though to plains and playful motifs in soothing blue tones, the latest luxury vinyl products help to create a classic tiled look that will bring a Mediterranean style feel to your bedroom with ease.'

Shop coastal bathroom accessories

FAQs

What are the best coastal colours for bathrooms?

'Sandy and warm neutral tones are perfect for adding the coastal vibes to a bathroom without being cliché. If you’re wanting to bring in other shades, pale blues work well with sandy colours and instantly feel like you are by the sea,' says Barrie Cutchie, design director, BC Designs.

'Whilst an all white bathroom often feels appropriate, another ‘never fails’ scheme is blue, especially in the mid-spectrum. Our elegant grey-tinged Parma Gray will offer a clean, sharp look whilst having an empathy with the coastal setting, or try a mid-clean green such as our recent addition Whirlybird. Both colours will sit happily with classic white sanitaryware. For added punch in your bathroom, look no further than Arsenic, this wonderful saturated green aqua will work wonders,’ says Patrick.

How can I make my bathroom look beachy?

'Texture and pattern are a great way to achieve that beachy feel which can be easily achieved with vinyl flooring. Both practical and stylish, vinyl is waterproof, slip resistant, and easy to maintain.

If you’ve got a more generous budget, luxury vinyl is a great alternative. It offers the same benefits as vinyl, but with a high-end look and feel. From wood flooring styles through to stone effect designs, they are incredibly realistic and hard-wearing. Opting for a wooden finish will create a beach hut feel.

Tile effect patterns, such as our Retro Star flooring, are a lovely way to create a decorative flourish in the bathroom and can work in both traditional and contemporary schemes,’ says Jemma Dayman, hard flooring buyer, Carpetright.

'If you’re wanting to add some texture, consider timber cladding up the walls which can help to create a beach-house vibe. Painting these can soften the wood while still remaining in keeping with the coastal look,’ adds Barrie.