Those endless Zoom calls and deadline rushes can feel so much lighter when your workspace channels those dreamy, breezy coastal vibes we all love. Imagine answering emails while feeling like you’re perched in a chic beach house, ocean waves practically whispering in your ear!

With summer hitting its stride, there’s no better time to refresh your WFH space with some coastal-inspired elements that’ll make productivity feel like a day at the beach (minus the sand in your laptop, of course!). I’ve rounded up some absolutely gorgeous coastal office ideas that’ll transform your workspace into a seaside retreat.

What You Might Need:

• Natural fiber textiles
• Blue and white décor pieces
• Seagrass or jute accessories
• Clear glass containers
• Driftwood or light wood accents
• Sea-inspired art pieces
• White paint (for DIY projects)
• Linen or cotton fabrics

Dreamy Ocean-Inspired Color Palette

Imagine being greeted by the most soothing wash of ocean blues, sandy beiges, and crisp whites. Your desk setup can pop against a soft aqua accent wall, while having cream-colored curtains at the side.

How to Recreate It:

• Choose a main wall for a soft statement color – think pale aqua, seafoam green, or a barely-there blue that mimics shallow water.
• Incorporate lots of white to create that clean, airy coastal feel – white desk accessories, shelving, or picture frames work beautifully.
• Add warm sand tones through natural wood elements, like a desk or floating shelves.
• Use navy blue as your anchor color in small doses – perhaps in a throw pillow for your office chair or a decorative storage box.
• Layer in some metallic accents in silver or brushed nickel to mimic the sparkle of sunlight on water.

Textured Natural Fiber Rug

You can opt for a chunky jute weave that adds incredible texture to your space while the neutral tone blends in with everything else in the room. It grounds your floating desk and office chair, defining your workspace while adding that unmistakable coastal texture.

How to Recreate It:

• Choose a natural fiber rug in jute, sisal, or seagrass for that authentic coastal texture.
• Size it generously – it should extend beyond your desk area to create a defined workspace zone.
• Layer a smaller, softer rug on top if you want more comfort underfoot (a small white or cream wool rug works beautifully).
• Consider a subtle pattern like a simple stripe or diamond weave for added interest.
• Look for options with reinforced edges to prevent fraying and ensure longevity.

Driftwood or Light Wood Desk

The centerpiece of your office can be a gorgeous desk in weathered driftwood or light oak that looks like it’s been kissed by the sun and salt air for years. It’s substantial yet somehow still feels light and airy. This would make your workspace feel instantly more organic and connected to nature, even if you’re replying to emails about quarterly reports.

How to Recreate It:

• Look for desks in light wood tones like bleached oak, ash, or actual driftwood if you can find it.
• If budget is a concern, consider refinishing an existing desk with chalk paint in a sandy tone and lightly distressing the edges.
• Choose designs with clean lines and minimal ornamentation for that modern coastal look.
• Pair with acrylic or rattan chairs to maintain the breezy, uncluttered aesthetic.
• Keep the surface relatively clear to showcase the beautiful wood grain – use wall storage or minimalist organizers instead of cluttering the desktop.

Glass Storage Jars Filled with Beach Treasures

Scattered clear glass jars and containers around the office, each one a miniature seaside world. For instance, one can hold pearly shells you collected on your last beach vacation, and another perhaps contains a smooth sea glass in shades of blue and green.

You can have a taller hurricane vase filled with pristine white sand and topped with a single starfish.

Having these personal treasures triggers memories of salty air and sunny days, making even the most stressful workday feel a little more manageable.

How to Recreate It:

• Collect assorted glass containers in different shapes and sizes – mason jars, apothecary jars, and hurricane vases work beautifully.
• Fill them with authentic beach finds like shells, sea glass, smooth stones, or sand (or purchase these items if you’re not near a beach).
• Group containers in odd numbers (3 or 5) for the most pleasing visual arrangement.
• Place them on floating shelves, your desk corner, or windowsill where light can shine through.
• Refresh seasonally – add tiny fairy lights to the jars during darker months for a magical glow.

Breezy White Linen Curtains

Your office window can be dressed in the dreamiest white linen curtains that filter the sunlight into a soft, diffused glow. The lightweight fabric feels luxurious yet casual, exactly like the window treatments in that amazing beach house you stayed in last summer.

How to Recreate It:

• Choose simple rod pocket or ring-top curtains in white or off-white linen or cotton-linen blend.
• Hang them high and wide to maximize your window and create the illusion of more space.
• Keep the hemline long enough to barely kiss the floor for that effortless, elegant look.
• Skip heavy liners to maintain that light, breezy quality that defines coastal spaces.
• Consider a subtle pattern like a thin horizontal stripe if plain white feels too stark for your space.

Rope and Nautical Accents

You can add some nautical touches around the office – a desk lamp with a rope-wrapped base, a chunky knotted rope doorstop, a small decorative ship’s wheel mounted on the wall. These aren’t kitschy souvenir-shop finds, but sophisticated nods to coastal living that add character and texture to your space.

How to Recreate It:

• Incorporate rope elements in unexpected places – lamp bases, mirror frames, or basket handles.
• Choose one statement nautical piece, like a vintage ship’s wheel or antique brass compass.
• DIY some simple rope-wrapped containers by gluing sisal rope around plain glass jars or vases.
• Replace standard hardware on drawers or cabinets with rope pulls or nautical-inspired knobs.
• Balance these elements carefully – aim for “coastal chic” rather than “theme park pirate ship.”

Serene Ocean Artwork

Incorporate the most soothing ocean artwork you’ve ever seen. It could be a large-scale photograph of gentle waves lapping at a white sand beach, or an abstract painting in shades of blue and green that captures the movement of water. Whatever the style, it serves as a window to the sea, instantly lowering your blood pressure and reminding you of the world beyond your inbox.

How to Recreate It:

• Choose artwork that speaks to you – whether it’s photography, paintings, or prints of coastal scenes.
• Go oversized for maximum impact – one large piece often works better than several small ones.
• Consider framing in whitewashed wood or acrylic frames to maintain the coastal aesthetic.
• Look for pieces with predominantly blue and neutral tones for that authentic seaside feel.
• Position the artwork where you’ll see it regularly during your workday for maximum stress-reducing benefits.

Rattan or Wicker Storage Solutions

Include the most gorgeous collection of rattan and wicker storage pieces. You can use a large woven basket to hold magazines and paper files, while smaller woven trays organize your desk essentials. Have a statement rattan etagere that displays your favorite books and decorative objects. The natural texture adds warmth and interest to your space. Everything feels intentional and organized, yet with that casual, unfussy vibe that makes coastal spaces so inviting.

How to Recreate It:

• Invest in a variety of woven storage pieces – baskets, trays, magazine holders, and lidded boxes.
• Look for items with interesting weaving patterns or subtle variations in tone for added visual interest.
• Choose pieces with sturdy construction that can stand up to daily use.
• Mix in some seagrass or water hyacinth pieces for texture variation.
• Label baskets discreetly with small hang tags if you’re storing similar items that need identification.

Sea Glass-Inspired Desk Accessories

Your desk essentials can be transformed into a collection of sea glass-inspired treasures. You could have a paperweight in frosted aqua glass, and your pencil cup in a soft seafoam green would add a pop of color to your workspace.

Your stapler and tape dispenser can also be upgraded to versions in these magical, ocean-tumbled hues.

How to Recreate It:

• Look for desk accessories in frosted glass or resin that mimic the appearance of sea glass.
• Focus on a palette of aqua, seafoam green, pale blue, and the occasional clear or white piece.
• If you can’t find exact matches, DIY plain glass items with sea glass spray paint or frosted glass finish.
• Group accessories together rather than scattering them for a more intentional, designed look.
• Balance colored pieces with natural elements like driftwood or shells for that authentic coastal vibe.

Ambient Ocean Sounds

Imagine slipping on your headphones and suddenly, the gentle rhythm of waves washing ashore fills your ears. It’s not music, but it’s the perfect soundtrack to your workday – natural, soothing ocean sounds that mask distractions and create an immersive coastal experience.

As you type away, the occasional distant seagull call or buoy bell makes you smile, and you find yourself breathing deeper and working with more focus than ever before.

How to Recreate It:

• Create a playlist of high-quality ocean soundscapes – look for ones with natural variation rather than short loops.
• Invest in comfortable headphones that you can wear for extended periods.
• Consider a small tabletop sound machine if you prefer not to wear headphones.
• Set up smart speaker routines that play ocean sounds during your designated focus hours.
• Pair different sounds with different tasks – perhaps gentle waves for administrative work and more active surf sounds for creative projects.

Wrapping Up Your Coastal Office Journey

With these elements, your home office will feel less like a corporate cubicle and more like a breezy beach house retreat. The beauty of coastal design is that it’s timeless yet totally on-trend, creating a workspace that feels both fresh and classic.

You can start with the color palette and one or two key pieces, then gradually add more coastal elements as you find pieces you love. The goal is to create a space that makes you feel calm, inspired, and ready to tackle whatever the workday throws your way.

Happy decorating!