Do you know when you go into a beach house and everything just breathes? When the walls breathe. The air feels lighter. Your shoulders drop two inches without you even realizing. That, my friend, is the quiet power of coastal style. And guess what? You don’t need to live on a cliff in Cornwall or own a Hamptons bungalow to channel that coastal calm. Sometimes, all it takes is one small, soft, squishy thing: coastal cushions.
But here's the tricky part: how do you style coastal cushions without making your living room look like it was sponsored by a gift shop in a touristy beach town? Let’s dive in (yes, pun intended).
1. Start with a Sand-Colored Canvas
Think of your sofa like the shore—it’s where everything begins. If it’s already neutral (cream, beige, soft grey, oatmeal), you’re golden. That sandy base is the perfect stage for your coastal cushions to shine. If not, don’t stress. A neutral throw or slipcover can calm things down without a full redesign.
Picture this: a linen blend sofa, an airy cotton throw, and a cluster of luxury coastal cushions in soft ocean tones layered on top. It’s understated, beachy elegance—like sipping wine in your beach robe without actually being on vacation (though mentally, you are).
2. Mix and Match Like the Tide
Forget symmetry. Coastal design is about effortless layering, not precision. The ocean doesn’t do matchy-matchy, and neither should your cushions.
Blend textures: a faded linen here, a chunky woven jute there. Add a cotton stripe next to a watercolor coral print. Don’t be afraid to mix embroidered text (yes, even the cheesy “sandy toes & salty kisses”—embrace it) with clean solids. The best coastal cushions are like seashells—no two the same, but somehow it all works together.
My go-to combo? A washed-out navy anchor print with a soft ivory velvet and a canvas lumbar cushion that looks like it’s been sun-bleached. Trust your eye, not a rulebook.
3. Stick to the Colors of the Coast
Here's a trick: If the color seems to have come from a postcard on the beach, it's on your couch. Think of soft sky blue, exercise grace, Come Greener, Sandy beggars and pearls. High, porous color tones- Avoid cost vibes whisper, do not shout.
I love layering in gradients. Start with pale neutrals at the back (think ivory or oat), build forward with dusky blues and sage greens, then finish with a pop—maybe a coastal cushion in muted coral or glassy teal. The overall effect is gentle, breezy, and ridiculously calming.
Also: if you ever feel stuck, picture sea glass. That palette never steers you wrong.
4. Texture is the Secret Ingredient
Visuals aside, how a cushion feels matters. You want that tactile, sink-in softness mixed with a touch of rustic charm. Luxury coastal cushions often shine here, blending cozy materials like linen, cotton, and boucle with thoughtful details—think frayed edges, rope piping, or raw buttons that feel handcrafted.
Try this: place a rougher jute-trimmed cushion next to a buttery-soft cotton knit. Add a velvet one with subtle embroidery. Boom—instant “I casually styled this, but actually I obsessed over it for three hours” energy.
Texture is what keeps your coastal setup from falling flat. It’s what makes people actually want to sit down.
5. Style with Intention, Not Just Stacking
Okay, real talk—there is such a thing as too many cushions. (I say this as someone who once lost her phone for three days under a pillow mountain.)
So, strategy matters. If your sofa’s generous, go for five or six coastal cushions—play with size and shape. Use large squares as a base, layer in medium accents, and throw in a lumbar or bolster cushion for dimension.
In a smaller space? A trio does the trick. Maybe one solid, one stripe, one printed. And cushions aren’t just for sofas—style them on an armchair, a window seat, or even on the floor for casual hangouts. One of my favorite summer rituals? Watching golden hour spill through the window while curled up on a pile of cushions with a cold drink. Pure therapy.
6. Coastal Cushions and Throws: A Love Story
Here’s the thing: coastal cushions and throws are better together. Like iced tea and lemon. Or Jane Austen and rainy Sundays.
Throw a soft cotton or knit in a coordination color a marine strip, a yellow sea green or a classic sea blue. Kill it over your armrest, bend it in a basket, or give it carelessly next to the pillow. The goal is not perfection; This is an invitation. Your living room should feel that it embraces.
Pro tip: Layer a striped throw behind solid cushions for visual interest, or vice versa. Balance is everything.
7. Sprinkle, Don’t Saturate
This might sound ironic, but going full “coastal” doesn’t mean you need an anchor in every corner. (Unless you want to, in which case, you do you.)
Instead, add one or two thoughtful accents to support your coastal cushions. The idea is to hint at the beach, not recreate it. Think less “gift shop,” more “beach house chic.”
8. Let the Vibe Do the Work
This is probably the most important part: the coastal style is not the way it looks. What does it feel like light. Breezi. Simple. As if you are barefoot, even when you wear socks.
Your coast pillow should reflect that energy. Whether you bend towards a relaxed beauty, a sharp hepton vib, or a little more surfing knuckle, put the tone to the pillow. And the best part? You can change them seasonally - or when Vanderalst kicks again.
Ever walked into someone’s house and immediately thought, Wow, this place just feels like a hug? Yeah. That’s the vibe FatFace cushions give off.
Them casually styled in a friend’s flat—windows cracked open, kettle whistling, the whole “British seaside meets Pinterest board” dream. But these? These are the real deal. They're soft in that “curl up with tea and a book” way, but still chic enough to make your space feel grown-up.
The textures are unreal. We’re talking nubbly linens, sun-washed hues, and nautical patterns that whisper summer without screaming beach house Barbie. Whether you're redoing your space or just want that breezy, effortless charm—FatFace gets it right.
So if your living room’s been feeling a little stale—or if you just want to bring in that barefoot-on-a-pier energy—start with something simple. A coastal cushion, thoughtfully placed, can shift the entire mood of your space. Add a throw, mix in textures, play with colors, and let the ocean breeze in (even if it's just in spirit).
Style with heart. Live with comfort. And never underestimate the power of a good pillow.
