10 Nautical Decor Bathroom Ideas: Coastal Touches for a Bathroom That Feels Like a Seaside EscapeMarina LowellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Rope Accents Everywhere2. Navy-and-White Color Scheme3. Porthole Mirrors4. Weathered Wood Elements5. Striped Shower Curtains6. Coastal Artwork7. Rope or Lantern-Style Lighting8. Anchor and Compass Motifs9. Pebble or Sand-Toned Flooring10. Open Shelving with Woven BasketsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client asked me to design a bathroom that felt like "living inside a lighthouse"—complete with a fake ship’s wheel and a porthole mirror. At first, I thought it was a joke, but it turned out to be one of my favorite projects ever. That experience reminded me that small spaces, like bathrooms, are perfect playgrounds for big creative ideas. So today, I’m sharing 10 nautical décor bathroom ideas I’ve used in real-life projects to bring a slice of the coast indoors.1. Rope Accents EverywhereFrom mirror frames wrapped in sisal to towel hooks made from boat cleats, rope is a cheap and textural way to set a nautical tone. It’s low-maintenance, but be aware: in humid rooms, natural rope can darken over time—so pick sealed finishes or indoor-safe materials.save pin2. Navy-and-White Color SchemeClassic navy-and-white stripes or tiles instantly transport you to a seaside setting. I once used deep blue subway tiles with crisp white grout—it looked incredible and reflected light beautifully. For small bathrooms, pairing this with a thoughtful bathroom layout plan makes a world of difference.save pin3. Porthole MirrorsRound mirrors framed in brass or brushed nickel give that “ship cabin” feel. They can be vintage finds or new pieces styled to look aged. The challenge is finding the right size that doesn’t overwhelm a powder room wall.save pin4. Weathered Wood ElementsThink reclaimed barn wood shelves or driftwood accessories—they bring warmth to a nautical palette. I once repurposed old boat decking into a vanity counter; it was gorgeous but needed sealing to handle splashes.save pin5. Striped Shower CurtainsBold stripes can create rhythm and height in a bathroom. The bonus? You can swap them seasonally to refresh the vibe without a full remodel.save pin6. Coastal ArtworkFramed vintage maps, watercolor seascapes, or black-and-white photos of sailboats add personal character. If you’re short on wall space, get creative with art placements above the toilet or even on medicine cabinet doors to enhance your overall room visualization.save pin7. Rope or Lantern-Style LightingCaged sconces or pendant lamps with rope detailing bring functional light and nautical style together. I recommend LED bulbs with warm tones—cool light can make the space feel sterile.save pin8. Anchor and Compass MotifsThese icons can be charming if used sparingly. An embroidered hand towel or a subtle floor inlay can make a big impression without looking like a theme park bathroom.save pin9. Pebble or Sand-Toned FlooringTextured tiles in sandy beige or pebble mosaics add a barefoot-on-the-beach feel. Just remember, natural stone needs sealing in high-moisture spots, so plan maintenance accordingly with tools like a smart interior layout guide.save pin10. Open Shelving with Woven BasketsLight, airy shelving keeps the room from feeling cramped, while baskets hide clutter. Go for whitewashed finishes or soft grey tones to tie back into the coastal look.save pinFAQQ: Can nautical décor work in a very small bathroom?A: Absolutely. In fact, minimal square footage makes it easier to create an immersive feel—just avoid overloading with too many motifs.Q: What’s the easiest way to start?A: Begin with textiles—swap your shower curtain, rugs, and towels for navy-and-white or coastal patterns.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE