Sailing Into Style

How to Create a Nautical-Inspired Home with Maritime Decor

If you’re someone who’s captivated by the ocean’s vast beauty, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the timeless allure of seafaring adventures, nautical decor is the perfect way to bring that coastal touch into your home. Whether you're near the beach or simply love the serene and adventurous spirit of maritime life, nautical-inspired design can transform your space into a refreshing and stylish retreat.

When accessorizing or designing with nautical elements, you don't need to fill your home with sea creatures, anchors or overly obvious boat themes. Instead, focus on timeless, subtle pieces that evoke the essence of the sea—like portholes, seaglass floats, ship lights, telescopes, oars, trunks, sea-worthy lanterns, nautical flags, and maritime accessories. These elements can work together to create a cohesive coastal look that’s both sophisticated and whimsical.

Here’s how you can incorporate these classic maritime items into your decor for a home that feels like a gentle sea breeze, no matter where you are.

Portholes - Window to the Sea

I. Portholes

Portholes are one of the most iconic symbols of nautical decor, offering both practical and aesthetic appeal. These circular, often metal-framed windows are a nod to the maritime world and immediately transport you to the decks of ships or ocean liners.

Porthole Mirrors: Perhaps the most popular way to integrate portholes into your home is through mirrors. The circular shape and the industrial-style metal frame make porthole mirrors a standout feature for any room. Whether hung above a console, in a bathroom, or as a focal point in your living room, they instantly evoke the feeling of being aboard a ship. The reflective surface also makes them functional, amplifying light and opening up space.

Porthole Accents: Smaller decorative portholes can be incorporated as accent pieces on the wall, or you can use them to frame photographs or artwork, adding a touch of maritime history to your personal photos. These accents add instant nautical charm to any wall.

Portholes offer both vintage and modern nautical charm, bridging the old-world allure of seafaring vessels with contemporary interior design.

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Seaglass

II. Seaglass Floats: Coastal Color and Texture

Seaglass floats are not only a beautiful reminder of the ocean, but they’re also an incredibly versatile decor item. These glass spheres, once used by fishermen to keep their nets afloat, are now treasured as coastal artifacts that bring a touch of color and history to your home.

Hanging Seaglass Floats: Hanging seaglass floats from twine or ropes can create a magical, sea-inspired chandelier or accent piece for any room. The translucent glass balls capture and reflect light, creating an enchanting, ethereal effect when placed near a window.

Seaglass Beads or Glass: Fill a clamshell with small glass floats, seaglass beads or loose seaglass to create a textured, colorful centerpiece.The smooth, frosted pieces in shades of green, blue and white can brighten up a coffee table, bookshelf, or dining table. For an added touch, combine the seaglass with candles for a peaceful, glowing ambiance that mimics the natural beauty of the beach.

Seaglass Decor Accessories: Some designers offer seaglass-inspired lamp bases, bowls are more. These pieces add a coastal pop without overwhelming the room.

With its soft, weathered look, seaglass floats are an effortless way to infuse your home with coastal vibes and tranquility.

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Vintage Oars

III. Vintage Oars

Oars are the perfect way to bring a sense of timeless maritime history into your home. Whether you’re decorating a coastal cottage, or whimsical beach ouse or simply love the rustic charm of vintage items, oars are versatile decor pieces that add both character and function to any space. From oars with a weathered wood-look or vintage replicas, the unique craftsmanship and connection to adventure make them ideal for creating a nautical, outdoorsy vibe.

Single Oar: A single oar above the fireplace or on a blank wall creates a simple, streamlined aesthetic. This works particularly well in a modern coastal or minimalist-style home, where the oar’s rustic quality adds texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Multiple Oars: For a more dynamic look, arrange several oars in staggering heights as artwork. This arrangement gives the space a feeling of the crew's gear lined up and is reminiscent of a boat cutting through the water.

An Oar Rack: Arrange your oars by number or style with a custom oar rack for display. This adds a neatly arranged nautical vibe to any room in a coastal-inspired home.

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More Maritime Pieces

IV. Nautical Decor

While portholes, seaglass floats, and nautical flags are the core of a coastal-inspired space, there are several other maritime pieces you can add to truly complete the look:

Driftwood: The weathered, natural beauty of driftwood can add an organic, rustic touch to your decor. Use it as a shelf, a piece of wall art, or even a mantelpiece decoration. The texture and muted tones of driftwood complement other nautical elements and create an earthy balance.

Marine Lanterns: The iconic brass or copper lanterns, often found aboard ships, add a warm and atmospheric glow to your home. Whether used as outdoor lighting on a porch or placed as an accent on a side table, marine lanterns bring a vintage, functional aesthetic to your decor.

Life Preservers: A classic maritime symbol, life preservers (or life rings) can add an unexpected touch of whimsy. Hang them on the wall or use them as part of a larger nautical-themed display.

Ship Wheels and Anchors: For an even more traditional touch, ship wheels and anchor decor add a rustic, authentic feel to a coastal space. These can be displayed prominently on walls or integrated into furniture pieces like coffee tables or mirrors.

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Salvaged Ship Lights

Decorating with Authentic Salvaged Ship Lights: A Guide to Nautical Elegance and Function

Authentic salvaged ship lights are not only stunning pieces of maritime history but also unique decor elements that can infuse your space with a timeless, industrial-chic vibe. These vintage lighting fixtures, often repurposed from decommissioned ships, carry with them a sense of adventure and craftsmanship that new, mass-produced lighting simply can't replicate.

Whether you’re designing a coastal retreat, a nautical-themed space, or just love the industrial aesthetic, using salvaged ship lights in your home or business is a great way to create an atmospheric, functional, and visually striking environment.

Here’s how you can incorporate authentic salvaged ship lights into your decor for maximum impact:

1. Hanging Pendant Lights for a Maritime Focal Point

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Salvaged ship lights make excellent pendant lights, especially in kitchens, dining rooms, or entryways. Their robust, industrial style and distinctive designs instantly become focal points, bringing an adventurous maritime vibe to your space.

  • Nautical Pendant Lights: Salvaged lights with brass or copper finishes work wonderfully in a kitchen or dining room. Use a single large pendant above a dining table or island, or hang a series of smaller lights in a row to create a nautical-inspired cluster. The weathered look of the metal paired with the soft glow of the light adds a sense of warmth and history to any room.
  • Industrial Touch: Many salvaged ship lights feature exposed bulbs, mesh cages, or glass shades, which add an industrial flair to your decor. The mix of rugged materials like brass, iron, and glass can provide a bold contrast against lighter, modern decor, especially in industrial-style lofts, contemporary spaces, or urban beach homes.
  • Over an Island or Bar: If you have a kitchen island or wet bar, salvaged ship lights can be a stunning way to add a nautical theme to the heart of the home. Their bold, utilitarian look pairs perfectly with marble countertops, reclaimed wood shelving, or other coastal elements.

2. Wall Mounted Ship Lights for Subtle Nautical Vibes

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For a more understated approach, wall-mounted ship lights can bring functional, directional lighting into your space while adding character and maritime charm.

  • Wall Sconces: Install salvaged ship sconces in hallways, living rooms, or bathrooms to provide soft, ambient lighting. Their small size and vintage design make them ideal for tight spaces where you want to add a touch of history and style. In bathrooms, they work beautifully beside mirrors to create a nautical, vintage atmosphere.
  • Bulk Head Light: Many salvaged ship lights feature exposed wire cages that serve both as a protective element and a striking design feature. These cage-style sconces are perfect for a hallway or entryway, offering a rugged aesthetic while providing functional lighting.
  • Reading Lights: Install a pair of salvaged ship lights on either side of a bed or reading nook. The adjustable arms or swivel features often found on these lights allow you to direct light exactly where you need it, making them both practical and visually appealing.

3. Incorporate Ship Lights Into a Coastal Bathroom

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Salvaged ship lights are perfect for adding nautical charm to bathrooms, especially in coastal homes or beach cottages. Their durability, ruggedness, and maritime history make them ideal for this often moisture-heavy space.

  • Above the Vanity: Mount a pair of salvaged ship lights on either side of your bathroom vanity for a classic nautical look. These fixtures can be used as both task lighting and ambient lighting, especially when paired with mirrors.
  • Shower Lighting: For a unique touch, use a small, waterproof salvaged light fixture in the shower area. The maritime aesthetic, coupled with the light's durability, gives your shower a spa-like, coastal feel while still being functional and long-lasting.
  • Nautical Wall Lanterns: Consider using vintage wall lanterns on either side of the mirror or as part of a shower stall. Many ship lights are designed with glass or open designs that help disperse light evenly, making them excellent choices for soft illumination in the bathroom.

4. Create a Maritime Focal Point in the Living Room

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In the living room, a salvaged ship light can act as both a statement piece and a conversation starter. Whether you choose a vintage industrial hanging light or a more delicate wall sconce, these authentic fixtures add texture, history, and warmth to your home.

  • Statement Lighting Above a Sofa. Flanking Art: Hang a large, bold ship light above the sofa to create a focal point that draws attention while complementing your overall decor. Whether it's two passageway lights flanking a piece of art or Fox Light pendant, this addition can add a distinct maritime touch that enhances your room's atmosphere.
  • Rustic Touch: Pair the salvaged ship light with reclaimed wood furniture, brass accents, or other nautical-inspired decor, like ship wheels or compasses, to create a complete maritime look. This blend of vintage lighting and rustic materials evokes a sense of adventure and exploration.
  • Accent Lighting: If you want something subtler, consider small ship lights mounted on the wall or inside a bunk bed nook. These provide task lighting for reading, creating a cozy ambiance while maintaining the maritime theme.
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Nautical Accessories

Transform Your Home with Authentic Coastal Decor: Unique Pieces with Timeless Charm

At Our Boat House, we offer an eclectic collection of coastal-inspired decor that brings the spirit of the sea into your home. From vintage lobster traps to handcrafted faux coral, brass cleats to delicate sea glass balls, model ships, anchors, and more - our carefully curated selection is designed to help you create a space that’s as unique as the coastline itself. Whether you’re outfitting a beach house, a lakeside cabin, or simply want to bring a touch of nautical charm into your home, our collection of maritime treasures will elevate every room with texture, history, and a sense of adventure.

Each Piece Tells a Story

What makes our collection stand out isn’t just the quality or aesthetic—it’s the stories behind every item. Each piece has a past, often salvaged from coastal towns around the world, with textures, patinas, and finishes that have been shaped by years of exposure to the elements. These items embody the rich history of the sea, bringing a sense of timeless charm into your home. From the weathered surfaces of vintage lobster traps to the brass gleam of nautical cleats, every object carries with it a narrative waiting to be part of your stor

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Bringing the Ocean Home

Nautical-inspired decor can instantly infuse your home with the breezy, adventurous spirit of the sea.

By thoughtfully incorporating maritime elements like portholes, seaglass floats, ship lights and other coastal treasures, you create a space that feels light, airy, and connected to the timeless beauty of the ocean.

The key to successfully decorating with nautical items is balance. While it’s tempting to dive headfirst into a maritime theme, focus on adding a few key pieces that speak to you—like a seaglass float or a porthole mirror—and build your design from there. Mix these nautical elements with neutral tones, natural materials, and light textures to evoke the feel of being at the shore, even if you live far inland.

So, if you’re ready to set sail with your decor, let the gentle winds of the sea guide you to a space that’s as relaxing as a day on the beach. Your coastal paradise awaits!

Ship Passageway Lights - 90 Degrees in Brass Finish - Our Boat House

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Belfast Brass Piling/Dock Light - Our Boat House

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