Soft Blues
COURTESY OF BEHR
Soft blues are some of the most popular coastal hues out there, which is probably why this category received an overwhelming number of recommendations from the paint color experts we polled. The gray-green turquoise of Behr's Ocean Boulevard conjures images of clear blue skies and sparkling ocean waves.
For a deep blue accent color, consider the brand's Compass Blue. “An inky navy that evokes the spirited adventure of navigation and wanderers, it is infinitely bold and harmonious,” says Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at Behr.
Wall Paint Color: Ocean Boulevard (PPU-13-10) by Behr
Table Paint Color: Compass Blue (MQ5-54) by Behr
Soothing Gray Blue
COURTESY OF DUTCH BOY
If you’re taking your coastal theme to the exterior, Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at Dutch Boy, urges homeowners to steer away from the all or nothing mentality. “You don’t need to paint the entire home exterior in a color to emphasize a coastal theme,” she explains. “Instead, you should paint doors and furniture pops of color for a more personalized and balanced look.” Dutch Boy's Silenced Blue, a soothing gray blue, works nicely as an accent and pairs well with warm neutrals.
Paint Color: Silenced Blue 339-2DB by Dutch Boy
Creamy Coastal White
COURTESY OF SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
White isn’t necessarily the first color that comes to mind when it comes to the coast, but consider how this palette cleanser can play with other more vibrant shades to really bring them to life. “[Greek Villa is] the perfect creamy off white for any project,” Meacham says. “This paint lands more on the warmer side, but can really be used with anything.” When she uses a fun color on exterior shutters, the designer likes to use Greek Villa on the rest of the exterior to make them pop.
Paint Color: Greek Villa (7551) by Sherwin-Williams
Light and Bright
COURTESY OF BEHR
For a shade that will make your space appear lighter and brighter, Woelfel suggests Behr Watery (HDC-CT-26). “Watery is a chilled, pale hue that effortlessly harmonizes blue and gray,” she explains. It's subtle enough to be used as an exterior paint color, but can also be used indoors to make a small space feel less cramped.
Paint Color: Watery (HDC-CT-26) by Behr
Whitewash Stain
COURTESY OF MINWAX
Whether you’re working with wood cabinets, wood floors, or moldings, a stain might be better suited to create your coastal aesthetic. “Minwax White Wash adds a weathered and sun-bleached appearance to wood that is reminiscent of coastal cottages and beachfront homes,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Minwax. “This stain allows the natural grain of wood to shine through, allowing the imperfections and knots in the wood to become part of the design and add authenticity.”
Paint Color: White Wash by Minwax
Cool Gray
COURTESY OF FARROW and BALL
For a cool, blue-gray, try Parma Gray from Farrow and Ball. “Nothing makes us think of the sea and sky more than this fun shade,” Meacham says. The Marian Louise Designs team is fond of using a variety of blues to create one cohesive color story. This cool blue-gray shade can act as the primary shareholder while other tones are brought in through upholstery fabric and decor accents.
Paint Color: Parma Gray (No. 27) by Farrow and Ball
Peach Hues
COURTESY OF BEHR
The peachy tones of Behr's Seaside Villa are reminiscent of sandy shores in tropical destinations, but it can just as easily add a breath of fresh air to landlocked homes in need of a coastal influence. If you're hesitant to commit to bright blue walls, opt for a subdued peachy tone and accent with grays and blues.
Paint Color: Seaside Villa (S190-1) by Behr
Deep Navy Blue
Deeply saturated Naval (SW-6244) is a navy blue with gentle gray undertones. “We most recently used this in a project to add a pop of color to the front door,” Meacham says. “It really helps add a ‘wow’ factor before you even get in the home and creates the most classic nautical vibe.”
Paint Color: Naval (SW-6244) by Sherwin-Williams
Sandy Beige
COURTESY OF BEHR
For a sandy hue that reads more true beige, Woelfel suggests Even Better Beige (DC-010). “[It’s] a versatile neutral that brings a warm and distinctive feeling into any space,” she says. While beige can sometimes read a bit boring, creating distinctive pairings, playing up complementary hues, and introducing visual interest and texture can go a long way in bringing your beige to new heights.
Paint Color: Even Better Beige (DC-010) by Behr
Pale Green
COURTESY OF SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
For a breezy feel, opt for a soothing pale green like Sherwin-Williams' Sea Salt. The soothing shade is reminiscent of seafoam and gentle waves. According to Meacham, pale green is a great match for coastal beiges and crisp whites.
Paint Color: Sea Salt SW 6204 by Sherwin-Williams
Warm Gray
COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE
Warm gray and beige undertones lend Revere Pewter a versatility that enables it to work with a host of color schemes, including coastal-inspired shades. “This color is the perfect background for any aesthetic you’re trying to achieve,” Meacham says. “It pairs wonderfully with blues, greens and natural materials often found in coastal spaces.”
Paint Color: Revere Pewter (HC-172) by Benjamin Moore
Vintage Blue Stain
COURTESY OF MINWAX
For an alternative to paint, Minwax's Vintage Blue stain draws its inspiration from beach glass without taking too literal a stance. “When thinking of coastal colors, the classic baby blue shade is often the first to come to mind, but Vintage Blue is a spin on that with a green-teal undertone that feels more understated and sophisticated,” Kim says. “This shade pairs well with dark, richer brown tones.”
Paint Color: Vintage Blue (MW288) by Minwax
Watery Blue-Green
COURTESY OF DUTCH BOY
Blues inspired by the ocean can take your coastal aesthetic a long way while also imparting a sense of tranquility. Because ocean water is typically a mix of blue and green, the watery hue of Quiet Breeze is perfect for any coastal decor scheme. Pair it with crisp white and light wood tones for a light and breezy feel.
Paint Color: Quiet Breeze by Dutch Boy
Coastal Green
COURTESY OF MINWAX
“Coastal style is evolving with modern and organic styles to capture more simplicity and an appreciation of natural material,” Kim says. Opt for a stain like Minwax's Gentle Olive, an organic green with a nod of gray that creates a feel of tranquility and warmth.
Paint Color: Gentle Olive (MW1017) by Minwax