The Complete Guide to Choosing Coastal Kitchen and Dining Furniture

Coastal style brings the laidback aesthetic of seaside living into your home. With its casual elegance and beachy vibe, coastal furniture and decor create a soothing retreat right in your own kitchen or dining area.

In this complete guide, we'll explore everything you need to know to choose the best coastal furniture pieces for your space. You'll learn about coastal materials, colors, textures, themes, and how to incorporate this breezy style into kitchens or dining rooms of any size.

What Makes Furniture "Coastal Style"?

So what exactly gives furniture that breezy, beachy coastal appeal? Here are some of the defining characteristics of the coastal furniture style:

• Natural Materials: Rattan, driftwood, teak, and woven wicker bring organic coastal textures
• Weathered Finishes: Distressed, whitewashed, or stained finishes resemble driftwood
• Neutral Tones: Whites, tans, light blues, and sea glass colors reflect sand and surf
• Nautical Themes: Anchors, oars, seashells, and other maritime elements
• Tropical Touches: Palm prints, bamboo, and rattan details

By combining these coastal elements, furniture takes on a relaxed, seaside personality perfect for kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

Best Materials for Coastal Furniture

The materials used to construct furniture have a big impact on coastal design. Natural, weathered materials bring an organic look and feel. Here are some top choices for achieving coastal style:

Rattan

A tropical climbing plant used to create woven furniture pieces. Rattan has a casual, beachy look. It's lightweight and easy to clean. However, it may not be as durable or sturdy as wood furniture. Ideal for smaller accent pieces like barstools.

Driftwood

Wood pieces softened by ocean waves have a beautifully weathered, coastal appeal. Salvaged driftwood brings unique shapes and colors that reflect the sea. However, it can be expensive and cracking or splitting is a potential downside. Works well for tables, sideboards, or wall shelves.

Teak

Known for its natural oil content, rich color, and water resistance. Can develop a silvery-grey patina when exposed to the elements. More expensive but very durable and low maintenance. Ideal for outdoor coastal dining tables and chairs.

Wicker

A woven style that uses materials like rattan, bamboo, and more. Alluring coastal textures but not as sturdy as wood. Best for accent decor like tabletop vases, wall shelves, or decorative trunks and hampers.

Ideal Colors for Coastal Furniture

Coastal furniture embraces light, neutral hues that evoke the seaside landscape. Here are some top color choices and how they bring coastal style:

• White: Crisp, fresh, and airy like beach cottages. Works for any size space.
• Light Blues: Soft, serene tones reminiscent of sea glass and ocean waves. Pair with whites for dreamy contrast.
• Tans: Warm and soothing like fine sand. Especially nice with wood grains.
• Greys: Heathered charcoal and driftwood greys read coastal too. Ground lighter colors.

Aim for soft, neutral shades rather than highly saturated ones for a relaxed vibe. Delicate aquas, weathered whites, and faded sky blues can't be beat.

Textures and Finishes for Coastal Look

Coastal furniture exhibits craftsmanship through beautifully weathered finishes. Here are some top treatments for achieving coastal style:

Woven and Braided

Alluring woven textures on rattan, wicker, rope, and woven woods. Loose braided edging gives a casual, undone look.

Distressed and Whitewashed

Beaten, crackled surfaces mimic timeworn driftwood. Whitewashing opens wood grains and lightens the tone.

Painted and Stained

Soft tonal stains and matte, cream finishes evoke seaside cottages. Avoid anything too glossy.

These finishes add artisanal flair and bring furniture to life in coastal spaces. Sheltering pieces from the outdoor elements helps maintain the integrity of the wood or natural fibers over time.

Incorporating Coastal Themes and Accents

Coastal furniture isn't complete without those finishing touches that really bring home the seaside theme. Here are some ways to incorporate coastal accents:

Nautical Accents

Wooden oars, anchors, ropes, and seashells make charming coastal decorative accents. Hang oars or anchor pieces on the wall or display seashells and starfish in glass vases or bowls. Just a few key accents go a long way.

Beach Landscapes

Large canvas paintings or photography prints depicting oceans, sand, and dune grass are classic. Black and white beach photography has a chic, timeless effect. Or frame kids' beach signage for a playful touch.

Tropical Touches

Palm leaf prints, woven banana leaf patterns, and rattan or bamboo embellishments bring tropical flair. Try lampshades or curtains with subtle palm motifs or tabletop decor in woven banana leaf patterned trays or planters.

Choosing the Right Coastal Furniture Pieces

When designing a coastal space, carefully choose furniture pieces that align with the breezy seaside look. Here are some top picks for key rooms:

Dining Tables

Look for weathered teak tables with woven wicker or rattan accents for coastal dining rooms. Painted, whitewashed woods also suit coastal spaces well. Incorporate driftwood, shells or glass vases of seaside flowers as tabletop decor.

Dining Chairs

Woven water hyacinth, banana leaf print, or neutral linen upholstery pairs nicely with wood frames in coastal dining areas. Layer textured throws or tasseled pillows on chairs and choose centerpieces with reeds, shells or coral branches.

Bars and Barstools

Rattan and driftwood are ideal for laidback coastal bars. Stainless steel bar carts with rattan shelving have beachy flair. And woven banana leaf, washed linen, or textured jute upholstery on barstools complements the vibe.

Buffets and Sideboards

Look for live-edge mango, acacia or teak sideboards with distressed finishes to serve coastal style. Then accessorize with ceramic vases, seashells, starfish, corals or sand dollars across the top and woven baskets or trunks below.

Bringing Coastal Style to Small Spaces

You don't need a giant dining room or kitchen to go coastal. Here are some tips for bringing seaside charm to small spaces:

• Opt for a round pedestal dining table to save space.
• Choose a bench, banquette seating, or stools instead of bulky chairs.
• Look for narrow console tables that tuck against walls.
• Multipurpose furniture like storage ottomans and nesting tables maximize room real estate.
• Mirrors or light glass-front cabinetry open up tight spaces.

With smart multipurpose furnishings and airy finishes, you can enjoy breezy coastal style anywhere.

Achieving Coastal Elegance on a Budget

You don't have spend big bucks to accomplish coastal style. Here are some budget tips for the look:

• Check out thrift stores and flea markets for secondhand woods to refinish or retro rattan finds.
• Scour discount home stores for affordable outdoor furniture to use inside. Teak is often less expensive than indoor wood.
• Upcycle retro suitcases, trunks or baskets into chic coastal side tables or storage.
• Use washi tape, paint, or decoupage to apply faux coastal finishes like woodgrain or fishscale prints.

With clever reuse of finds and faux finishes, you can enjoy breezy coastal furnishings for less.

Coastal furniture brings laidback, beach house style into any space. Natural materials, weathered finishes, and neutral tones evoke the seaside landscape. Nautical accents, tropical motifs, and ocean artwork deepen the connection. Carefully selected pieces create a casual coastal oasis right at home.

Next time you're dreaming of vacation, look no further than your own coastal-inspired space. This complete guide outlined everything from materials to finishes to help you create a breezy retreat filled with charming coastal furnishings and decor.