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How Do I Choose the Best Nautical Decor?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

When you are trying to decide on nautical decor, it can be helpful to find one or two large pieces to create a focal point for your room. This could include wall decor such as a captain's wheel or framed print, or it could also include large pieces of furniture such as a trunk. Once you have created your focal point, you will be able to find smaller pieces that you can scatter throughout the room. It is not necessary to choose home decorations made from the same materials as long as you select colors that complement your primary pieces.

Think about where you would like to draw your the attention of your guests whenever they visit, and then try to find an accent piece to complement that space. You could do this by hanging a clock shaped like a captain’s wheel on an open wall, and then placing smaller prints nearby. A model sailboat over top of a fireplace would be another way of doing so. You could also group several smaller items together to create a focal point, and this could be wooden lighthouses, globes, or nautical prints.

Nautical decor is often inspired by coastal structures, like lighthouses.
Nautical decor is often inspired by coastal structures, like lighthouses.

Nautical decor is sometimes painted on furniture, and some of these home furnishings can also be used to create a focal point. You could use a headboard with an ocean scene, or you may want to paint sailboats or lighthouses on a dresser, nightstand, or end table. Wooden trunks could be painted bright blue or be stamped with pictures of fish or lighthouses. Using this type of functional decor can allow you to change the focal point of your room by moving the trunk, so one of these units can be a good idea if you like to change your interior design often.

Once you have created your focal point, look for other nautical decor to match the main piece or pieces. It is fine to choose room decor made from different materials than these items, and this may give your room more visual interest. Some popular materials to consider are brass, wood, aluminum, or steel, and these can be painted bright colors or left unfinished. Try to choose some pieces that are wall decor and others that can be placed on a mantel or shelf. You may also want to consider using coordinating linens such as draperies, pillows, or rugs; this type of nautical decor could be a good choice for a kitchen or bathroom.

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    • Nautical decor is often inspired by coastal structures, like lighthouses.
      Nautical decor is often inspired by coastal structures, like lighthouses.