Tile for Every Style: Coastal Chic

Ever since the first conch shell was centered on the wall shelf of a seaside cottage, humans have strived to achieve the perfect beach vibes. While the coastal style has evolved from shells and anchors to cool blues and rope and wooden decor, modern “coastal chic” probably encompasses more than you think. Everything from bright blues to cool greys to warm sandy beige will provide the base for this seaside aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for ideas to spruce up your California coast cabin or your landlocked Wyoming ranch, these ten tile ideas will give your space the laidback, naturally beachy look of your dreams.

1. Abstract Shore-line Patterns

Named for the famous California coastline, the Big Sur tiles–available in Off the Hook (blue) and Sea Spray (green)–are the newest tiles in designer Jeffrey Alan Marks’ West Coast-inspired collection. The vibrant-colored abstract glossy pattern is set atop a cream-colored matte base. While these tiles are meant to mimic the look of glazed pottery, they also invoke a wave washing into a sandy shore. Pair this tile with neutral accessories (like the woven shades on the wall sconces in this stylish, modern bathroom) to highlight the uniquely expressive patterns.

2. Sandy Shades

Capture the warmth of a sunny beach and embrace a neutral color palette, with elegant beige tile. Relaxed sandy shades are the perfect base for your coastal aesthetic and can be accentuated with colorful details, nautical nicknacks or left bare for an elegantly minimalistic look like this calming bathroom. We love how the curved edges of the Wave Old Cream tile embodies both the sandy hue and the relaxing movement of the ocean. Shop our full assortment of beige tile to find the perfect warm-toned backdrop for your space.

3. Bright Sea Tones

Coastal style doesn’t mean you’re limited to pastels. Celebrate the sea of hues that make up the oceans with brilliant turquoise and deep blue. This vibrant kitchen features the Zellige Turquoise Gloss tile. Formed, painted and glazed by hand, this artisanal tile features perfectly imperfect variations in surface texture and tone for a look as beautifully expressive as the sea. If this vivid shade embodies your coastal aesthetic, shop our wide selection of turquoise tile.

4. Sun-Kissed Patterns

The Summerland collection by Jeffrey Alan Marks perfectly encapsulates those easy, breezy, sun-soaked summer days. The faded linen pattern star pattern–available in Rincon, Toro and Miramar (shown here)–mimics the look of soft embroidered fabric. This bathroom demonstrates how to style this tile to achieve an earthy coastal vibe. The neutral Tribeca Gypsum White tile complements the blue-and-white patterned tile and the woven and wooden accessories add to the tactile, organic feel of this space.

5. Cool Cloudy Neutrals

Not every day on the beach is sunny. Embrace the many moods of the sea with cool neutral grey tones. This bathroom features the Verona Gray, an elegant stone-look porcelain wall tile. The natural appearance of the shade variation creates a sense of movement evoking a cloudy sky. On the floor, the Laura Ashley Wicker Dove Grey tile showcases a white blossom star pattern, adding interest to the space. While the white flowers are charming, the coastal appeal of this space could easily be turned up a notch with the inclusion of some woven, wooden or blue accessories. Shop grey tile to find your perfect cloudy neutral vibe.

6. Stunning Stripes

Nothing invokes the nautical aesthetic quite like stripes, but if your aim is coastal chic, not coastal kitsch, elevate your striped pattern with beautiful sand-colored neutrals like this stunning shower designed by Timber Trails. The elegant white San Dona marble tile is complemented by the Legno travertine tile’s soft beige tones. The delicate veining in these stone tiles creates subtle movement that elevates this space and evokes the organic appeal of a sandy shore.

7. Nautical Nods

All hands are on deck in this elegant bathroom designed by West Bay Homes. The Decora Redondo tile features a chic nautical-esque pattern. The crosses and stars in elegant greige invoke the high-seas iconography of a nautical helm, without being overly kitsch. We particularly love how modern this bathroom is with its styled with the decorative blue coral, a stylish twist on classic coastal decor.

8. Pale Blue Accents

Blue is the staple of the coastal chic aesthetic, and when you think coastal hues, the shade you probably conjure is probably a pretty pastel sky blue. For this coastal-inspired living room, Timber Trails began their design with the Laura Ashley Wicker Sea Spray tile as the centering design element. The blue of the fireplace is repeated in the pillows, but the rest of the room remains white, keeping this space elegant, but subdued. Read all about how Timber Trails designed this blue-themed house.

9. Saturated Ocean Blues

If you’re in love with blue, there’s no need to relegate it to your accent pillows. A brightly-hued, saturated blue space fits right in with the coastal chic style book. In fact, why not go all-in with blue in one room, and add dabs in another. This beautiful laundry room designed by West Bay Homes is coastal elegance to the max. While the decorative Decora Ornament Blue tile is giving us more French Mediterranean than Cali-coast vibes, the color palette and minimal, earthy accessories keep this in coastal territory.

10. Warm & Sunny Neutrals

Brighten your space and your day with warm, sunny neutrals. This creamy-toned beverage station features the handmade-look Riad White tile. The undulating surface tone and texture creates movement as the light reflects at different points in the tile, mimicking the look of light reflecting off water. This space is warm and inviting, and if you swapped the floral prints with seaside views, you’d have a perfectly chic coastal space.

Ready to turn your space into a coastal chic oasis? Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I'm Eimile, Marketing copywriter. What I love about working at The Tile Shop is getting to see all the new design trends. I especially love bright, bold colors and retro designs. When I'm not writing copy, I'm usually reading a novel or taking a walk around my Minneapolis neighborhood.

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