How to Choose the Perfect Art for your Beach House
By carefully selecting art that reflects the coastal environment, personal preferences, and overall decor of your beach house, you can create a beautiful and serene retreat that embodies the essence of seaside living. Here are some tips to help you select art that will enhance the coastal vibe of your beach home:
1. Focus on Coastal and Marine Themes
El Cayuco Tulum, 60” x 38” Photo Print Under Acrylic Glass, Tulum - Mexico, By Bahar Kural © 2024
Seascapes: Look for stunning photographs of the ocean, beaches, sunsets, and waves.
Marine Life: Prints featuring dolphins, whales, sea turtles, starfish, and other sea creatures.
Beach Activities: Art depicting surfing, diving from the cliffs, beachcombing, or sailing adds a dynamic element that reflects the activities you enjoy at the beach.
2. Use a Light and Airy Color Palette
Lake Salda, 60” x 40” Photo Print Under Acrylic Glass, Lake Salda - Turkey, By Bahar Kural © 2023
Soft Blues and Greens: Mimic the colors of the ocean and sky.
Neutrals and Whites: Reflect the sandy shores and bring a sense of calm and openness.
Pops of Bright Colors: Incorporate coral, turquoise, or sunny yellows to add energy and interest to the space.
3. Focus on Size and Space
Large Statement Pieces: A large, bold piece of art can serve as a focal point in a living area, on an entry wall or above a living room couch.
Position statement pieces in your space - such as the photography print of the Algar de Benagil Cave above - to create the illusion that the beach is part of the room.
Hierapolis, 48” x 37” Photo Print Under Acrylic Glass, Hierapolis - Turkey, By Bahar Kural © 2023
Entryway: Welcome guests with a beautiful beach print that sets the tone for the rest of the home. Make your guests wonder where the unique location is. Maybe from your last vacation in the Mediterranean?
Hillside, 60” x 40” Photo Print Under Acrylic Glass, Fethiye- Turkey, By Bahar Kural © 2018
Living Room: Create a focal point by placing a large beach print above the sofa or fireplace.
Bedroom: Hang calming beach scenes above the bed or on a feature wall to create a serene atmosphere.
Dining Area: Use prints to enhance the dining space, making it feel inviting and relaxed.
Hallways and Staircases: Brighten up these transitional spaces with a series of smaller prints.
Bathrooms: Create a spa-like retreat by adding tranquil beach prints to the bathroom walls.
Outdoor Spaces: If you have a covered patio or sunroom, consider displaying weather-resistant prints to extend the coastal theme outdoors.
4. Create Gallery Walls
A Gallery wall is a collection of smaller pieces that complement each other and tell a story. You can create a striking gallery wall using:
Mixed Sizes: Combine prints of various sizes and orientations for a dynamic display.
Themed Groupings: Curate a collection of prints that tell a story or share a common theme, such as different times of the day at the beach, beach activities or various coastal landscapes.
Symmetrical Layout: Arrange prints in a grid pattern for a structured, harmonious look.
5. Consider Different Art or Photography Styles
When Water Dreams, 36” x 33” Solid Wood Frame With Passe-partout, NYC - USA, By Bahar Kural © 2022
Abstract Beach Photography: Close-up shots of shells, sand patterns, or water reflections.
Aerial Views: Unique perspectives of the coastline from above.
Cultural and Historical: Prints showcasing the local culture, historical landmarks, or traditional coastal activities.
Panoramic Shots: Wide-angle photos that capture expansive beach views.
Minimalist Beach Landscapes: Simple compositions with vast skies and open water.
6. Frame and Display Options
Acrylic: Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading from sunlight exposure. Acrylic gives a vivid quality to beach prints, making it look like you can touch the water waves or feel the sand in your hand.
Aluminium Dibond: Select materials such as dibond that can withstand the higher humidity levels often found in coastal homes.
Natural Wood Frames: Frames made from natural wood enhance the beachy feel.
Floating Frames: Create a contemporary look that can make prints appear to be floating on the wall.
Matting: Use white or light-colored mats to give the prints a clean, polished appearance.
7. Use Personal Touches
Serenity, 48” x 36” Solid Wood Frame With Passe-partout, Fethiye - Turkey, By Bahar Kural © 2018
Local or Recognizable Spots: Use prints featuring local or recognizable international spots, places you visited on your vacations or famous beaches.
Stay True to Your Style:
Consistent Style: Ensure that the style of the prints matches the overall décor of your home, whether it’s modern, rustic, or eclectic.
Personal Touch: Choose prints that resonate with you personally and evoke happy memories of the beach.
8. Incorporate with Other Décor Elements
Complementary Accessories: Use beach-themed accessories like seashells, driftwood sculptures, and nautical items to tie the room together.
Textiles: Incorporate coastal-themed pillows, throws, and rugs that echo the colors and themes of the prints.
Lighting: Use soft, warm lighting to highlight the prints and create a cozy ambiance
By carefully selecting art that reflects the coastal environment, personal preferences, and overall decor of your beach house, you can create a serene and visually pleasing retreat that embodies the essence of seaside living.