Designing a nursery is one of my favorite parts of preparing for a new arrival. There’s just something so joyful about creating a space that feels both cozy and imaginative. If you’re like me and drawn to soothing blues, soft whites, and little touches of seaside whimsy, then you’ll love today’s post. I’m sharing my favorite simple nautical nursery ideas that can transform a basic baby room into a serene little coastal retreat.
I always find that a nautical theme feels timeless and refreshing, and it works beautifully whether you’re decorating for a boy, a girl, or keeping it neutral. From rope details to lighthouse lamps, these creative tips will help you bring in the maritime magic without going overboard. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just adding some finishing touches, these are 20 beginner-friendly ways to style your nursery with charming seaside flair.
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1. Anchor the Room with a Soft Blue Wall Color
Start with a calm “ocean” color palette that sets the tone.
A pale sea-blue wall color will make a room feel peaceful and spacious. This is the first step you can take for a nautical themed nursery. Choose shades like sky blue, seafoam, or misty gray-blue for a gentle, coastal vibe that’s perfect for a baby’s room. Want something more playful? Try a navy-and-white striped accent wall behind the crib for a subtle boat-deck feel.
2. Add Rope-Wrapped Shelves for Coastal Texture
Use natural rope details to tie the whole theme together.
Rope is such an easy way to bring in that boat-inspired texture, and it works especially well around storage elements. Try wrapping the brackets of floating shelves in jute rope or hanging wall bins with thick rope loops. It adds visual interest and ties in with classic nautical themes like anchors and ships.
Rope adds contrast against smooth painted walls and soft textiles and this small detail helps to pull the entire look together.
3. Choose a Crib with a Clean White or Weathered Wood Finish
Let the crib be your coastal centerpiece.
When choosing furniture for your nautical nursery, go for a crib that feels light, breezy, and coastal. A white-painted crib looks crisp and coordinates with blue or gray accents. Or if you want a driftwood-inspired look, opt for a weathered oak or whitewashed finished crib.
These tones mimic the sun-bleached boards of a seaside cottage and feel warm without overpowering the room.
4. Hang a Ship Wheel or Lifesaver Above the Crib
Bring in that statement piece that says “nautical” at first glance.
A decorative wooden ship wheel or a white lifesaver ring above the crib instantly sets a coastal theme. These items can be thrifted, painted to match your color palette or even personalized with your baby’s name. They serve as a bold visual anchor without feeling too childish.
Position them at safe heights and pair them with framed coastal prints or starfish-shaped wall hooks to round out the area.
5. Use Navy and White Striped Curtains for a Bold Touch
Window decor should never be overlooked!
Navy and white stripes are a nautical classic, and using them for curtains helps elongate the room visually while also adding contrast.
Curtains are obviously practical as they block out bright daylight during naps but they also look beautiful against light blue or neutral walls. If full stripes feel like too much you could try linen or net style curtains instead!
6. Incorporate Marine-Inspired Lighting
Image Credit: Disnaily
Lighting is often overlooked when creating coastal rooms.
Switching out a basic light fixture for something with coastal charm is a quick win. Lantern-style pendant lights, small rattan lamps, or fixtures that mimic nautical hardware are all ways of adding coastal charm.
For a softer option, try a whale-shaped nightlight or a ceramic lighthouse lamp with a warm glow. These details don’t just fit the theme, they help create a calming environment for bedtime routines. Plus, they photograph beautifully if you’re documenting baby’s first room.
7. Decorate with Whales, Boats, and Sea Creatures
Nothing feels more cute and coastal than a wall of playful whale decals, sailboats, or jellyfish art. You can decorate nursery walls with wall decals, stencils or wall art.
These elements keep the space feeling lighthearted and baby-friendly while still staying true to the nautical nursery ideas aesthetic. Use just a few per wall to avoid crowding the space, and mix in soft textures like a sea turtle plush or an octopus pillow on the glider.
8. Add Storage Baskets with Rope Handles
Keep the room tidy while adding more coastal texture.
If you are a new mom then you know that storage is a must in any nursery! That is why using woven or rattan baskets with rope handles is both practical and on-theme. They’re perfect for storing extra blankets, toys, or diapers and can be easily moved around the room.
Look for seagrass or cotton rope baskets in soft neutrals or nautical navy. This not only keeps clutter at bay, it also layers in texture and keeps everything feeling intentional and relaxed.
9. Lay Down a Soft Rug in a Wave or Ocean Pattern
Image Credit: Etsy
Ground the room with something plush and playful.
A nursery rug should be soft, easy to clean, and visually interesting. Try a wave-patterned rug or something in a soft ombre blue that mimics the sea and helps tie in your walls. You can also choose a simple cream rug with a subtle anchor or sailboat motif for a classic touch if you want something more minimalist.
Rugs help ground the room and give baby a cozy spot for tummy time. Choose something that feels gentle underfoot and coordinates with the crib bedding for a cohesive look.
10. Create a Cozy Nook with Nautical Throw Pillows
Image Credit: Dani Spratling
Even small textiles can tie in the theme.
If you have a glider or rocking chair in the nursery, adding themed throw pillows is a great way to make it feel cozy and tied-together. Look for designs like lighthouses, ships, or even embroidered compasses. Mix soft cotton textures with a few chunky knits to make the corner feel warm and layered. These pillows are easy to swap out later if the theme changes, but for now they help reinforce your calming, sea-inspired space.
11. Hang a Fabric or Felt Garland with Nautical Shapes
Garlands add charm and softness.
String a garland of anchors, sailboats, stars, or whales across the crib or changing table for a soft decorative touch. Felt or fabric garlands are ideal for nurseries since they’re lightweight and baby-safe. You can buy them premade on Etsy or make your own with simple fabric cutouts and string. This is a low-cost idea that adds a lot of visual interest without taking up floor or shelf space.
12. Use Nautical Books and Toys as Decor
Display items you’ll actually use.
Books with ocean themes, like Goodnight Ocean or The Pout-Pout Fish, make lovely decor when stacked on a floating shelf or arranged in a basket. Add a few wooden boats or plush sea creatures to make the shelf both beautiful and functional. You’ll reach for these items often, so it makes sense to keep them out in the open as part of your nursery aesthetic.
13. Choose Nautical-Themed Crib Bedding
Image Credit: Caden Lane
Let the bedding tell part of the story.
Bedding is a big visual focal point, so opt for crib sheets and blankets that follow the theme in a subtle way. Think stripes, sailboats, or tiny fish prints in soft blue and white.
Stay away from overly bold patterns that can feel too busy in a small room. Even a simple white quilted crib skirt with a rope-trim edge can feel very high-end and coastal without going too far into novelty.
14. Frame a Nautical Map as Wall Art
A framed map of the coastline, a vintage sailing chart, or even a map of your favorite beach town can add a unique and meaningful touch. It ties into the nautical theme while bringing in a little bit of storytelling. This can also be a lovely way to honor family heritage, traditions or a favorite travel destination.
15. Bring in Whitewashed or Weathered Furniture Pieces
A changing table, bookshelf, or dresser in a distressed white or natural gray wood can help reinforce the seaside cottage vibe. Look for pieces with simple lines and open shelving. Even a metal hardware piece that resembles boat cleats can work amazingly in a nautical room. These furniture items will last well beyond the baby years and continue to look stylish as your child grows.
16. Hang a Personalized Name Banner with Nautical Details
A name banner is such a cute nursery touch, and when made with little anchors, stripes, or rope letters, it fits right into the nautical nursery theme. You could hang it above the crib, over the closet, or across a bookshelf.
Choose felt or canvas letters in navy, white, or muted red to keep it looking cohesive. This small update can instantly change the vibe of your nursery and make it feel truly “theirs.”
17. Add a Porthole Mirror for a Fun Visual Twist
Bring the sea inside with creative wall pieces.
A round porthole mirror adds both light and dimension to your baby’s nursery walls. Porthole mirrors are playful and practical, and work especially well above a dresser or near the door. You can find them in brass, wood, or white finishes to match your furniture.
This one detail really helps sell the nautical concept in a subtle, grown-up way and will transition well into a toddler room.
18. Keep a Color Palette of Three Key Coastal Tones
Image Credit: Blush Created | Showit Website
Limit your colors for a clean, curated look.
Choose three colors – like navy, soft gray, and white, or seafoam, sand, and ivory – and repeat them in every part of the room. Choosing a color palette keeps the nursery looking serene and not too busy.
It’s definitely easy to get carried away with all the cute ocean-themed options!! But sticking to one palette will make a nursery feel polished and well-designed.
19. Add Subtle Nautical Touches to the Closet
It’s all in the little touches!
Even your baby’s closet can be part of the theme. Use anchor-shaped hooks, sailboat drawer pulls, or storage bins with rope details to carry the aesthetic into every corner.
You can label shelves with coastal phrases like “Tiny Treasures” or “Mini Mariner Gear.” It makes everyday tasks like laundry or changing clothes feel a little more fun and connected to the overall design. These little touches will 100% elevate a coastal nursery.
20. Use a Sound Machine with Ocean Sounds
Image Credit: yogasleep.com
A white noise machine with ocean or wave sounds is perfect for helping baby sleep while tying into the room’s vibe. The soothing sound of waves can become part of your bedtime ritual and really deepen the peaceful, nautical atmosphere you’re creating. It’s a small, affordable item that packs a big impact when it comes to function and practicality.
If you are still undecided on a nursery or bedroom decor for your newborn or toddler, why not check out our other helpful posts 20 Toddler Bedroom Ideas and helpful ways to make your child’s room feel more luxurious.
We also have a list of helpful ideas on how to maximise your child’s bedroom storage space to make sure it stays clutter free!
