How to Create a Modern Coastal Gallery Wall

This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here

Hi! This Modern Coastal gallery wall post is part of the Style Guide series of home decor posts that will help you identify your signature style. Is modern coastal decor for you? See if you identify with these 8 signs!

Previously: Boho Decor (style guide + gallery wall) & Minimalist Decor (style guide + gallery wall)

Now that we’ve discussed what Modern Coastal decor looks like, and how to achieve that look, let’s get to the heart of the matter: What the heck should you put on your walls?

I got pretty detailed here, with six gallery wall examples, but keep in mind this is a starter kit. You may like some ideas and not others. Mix and match till you find your true style.

Let’s get started!

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall

First, I’ll briefly go over 8 key elements that drive a Modern Coastal gallery wall, and why.

Remember, this isn’t your typical tourist beach decor. We are using familiar themes, for sure, like sailboats and mermaids and beach imagery, but we’re putting a more modern, edgier spin on it.

1. Coral and Vintage Shell Illustrations

Why this works: These kinds of illustrations, usually from old science textbooks or emulated by current artists in that same style, add a little bit of interest to your wall, especially if it is juxtaposed by modern furniture. Try a set like these vintage shell prints up against a couch with clean navy and white stripes, for example.

Search for: Vintage shell prints on Etsy; Amazon: vintage shell art print

2. Sailboats + Ships

Why this works: It doesn’t get more coastal than boats. Be careful, though. Nothing too watercolor or cutesy. Think architectural blueprint (new or vintage) or black-and-white photography. Dark backgrounds like this one can be interesting.

Search for: Etsy: Boat blueprint print, b&w boat print; Society6: B&W boat; Amazon: nautical blueprint

3. Ocean aerial view photography

Why this works: Drones make everything possible! The overhead shot is very in right now, and it looks great scaled large. Note: Will induce even more beach daydreaming.

Search for: Etsy: aerial beach print, aerial ocean print; Society6: aerial ocean print; Amazon: aerial ocean print; Gray Malin

4. Ocean paintings

Why this works: Oil and acrylic ocean paintings never go out of style. I would caution against watercolors unless you want to feel like you’re living in a hotel room. Some of the best paintings can be found discarded at thrift shops, or you can splurge on work from current artists, including Brynn Casey, whose work is impeccable.

Search for: Etsy: vintage ocean painting, ocean painting; Minted: ocean painting

5. Vintage & B&W Surfing

Why this works: Vintage-inspired surfing related illustrations and vintage b&w surf photography is like California Style 101. Modern Coastal decor is heavily rooted in this style, so it makes sense to continue the surfer vibe on the walls. Anything by Nick Kuchar.

Search for: Etsy: surfboard art print; Society6: surf photo

6. Abstract seascapes

Why this works: Super modern vibes. What’s great about abstracts is that they give you the feel for the thing without actually being the thing, which helps cut down on ocean-related overload in a Modern Coastal home.

Search for: Etsy: abstract ocean print, abstract modern coastal; Society6: abstract modern coastal; Minted: beach abstract

7. Palm trees

Why this works: Another stronghold of the casual California style. Palm trees can be literal or abstract, closeups or distant shots. They are extremely versatile.

Search for: Palm tree art on Etsy, Society6 and Minted

8. Sea Animals

Why this works: Who doesn’t love a certain sea animal? You can get as specific as you like with this. It’s all about your personality, after all.

Search for: Some more popular ones right now include whales (Etsy, Society6); mermaids (Society6); and octopus (Etsy, Society6)

Next, let’s put these into practice, shall we?

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall #1

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall #2

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall #3

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall #4

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall #5

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall #6

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall Frames

Finish off your modern coastal gallery wall with white or even driftwood-distressed white wood frames and matting. Why? The frames should blend into your crisp white walls and let the art shine.

Modern Coastal Decor: Resources

Modern Coastal Gallery Wall: Pin Me for Later

P.S. More gallery wall inspiration here.
P.P.S. See all home style guides so far. Which style suits you best?