Nautical Lamps

The beach, ocean and maritime industries draws much love and interest for many people.  So much that nautical or coastal themed decoration becomes the pride and joy of peoples homes. Some will simply pick up something that has a nautical theme because it catches their fancy. While other people really are collectors of anything that has a nautical or maritime theme.  What ever your fancy these following tips will help you create the nautical theme you’re looking for or help improve your existing theme.

Blue and White as the Main Colors

A great idea is to use traditional Chinese export porcelain vase in blue and white and pair it with a shell-framed mirror against furniture or walls of midnight blue.

Varying Height

By varying the height of different objects in the theme. This adds interest and keep the eyes moving around.

Breaking up the Color

Remember to add other colors as a spice. Like a hint  of red to keep the color scheme from being too predictable and boring.

Lamps to Accent

Lighting is a must in any room, add a couple of nautical lamps to highlight an aspect of the room like a sail boat or wall painting.

Adding Colors with Style

Try to maintain a simple color palette within your theme, drawing in navy as a with dashes off white and tempering it with khaki,  echoed with natural materials such as sea-grass rugs, woven window shades, raffia pillows, and wicker chairs and of course, a table lamp.

Texture to Add Dimension

Bringing lots of textures into the mix, examples like, an old wooded chest, vintage suitcases, Life saver novelty clocks and sea-grass chairs  all give a neutral corner depth and dimension.

Mixing The Formal with The Casual

Mixing up by dressing up the theme with art and accessories, by including a few English and Asian pieces. The formal style of the dining room table and chairs can be contrasted comfortably with the more casual-looking basket of shells  and some bordered linen draperies.

Add a dash of Boats and Anchors

Set of 2 Wood Anchor Wall Hooks – Nautical Decor – New
Buy New: $15.99

Add sophistication with boat and anchor accessories. But dont over do it,  just one piece of each is enough. Have one boat model (an antique would be nice)  in the house, and it’s an important piece.  Anchors on display elegantly on the wall can add to the finishing touches.

Art Prints to Inspire

Gathered prints of shells, coral, and sea life, then unified each grouping with matching frames.  By having a different image for each room the theme appears fresh because every grouping features a different context, size, and scale.

Adding Pillows to the Theme

Look for accent pillows that take a classic, elegant approach to sea-theme design. Find pillows are patterned or embroidered  with boats, fish, and shells.

Integrate Shells

Shells and coral gathered from the beach are very decorative when displayed on the coffee table or in silver trophy cups and glass urns on end tables, bureaus, and bookcases. Gluing shells to mirror boarders, lamps, and boxes are great ways to give a nautical or beach theme to your plain household items.

Stripes are the way to go

Whether it be thin pinstripes or wide railroad ones, contrasting bands adds that sailor feeling.

Vary your proportions

An example of this is, a navy pillow knocks out a dominate white slipcovers in the living room, while navy walls create a rich envelope in the master bedroom.

Contrast Upholstery with Frames

Piece together white slipcovers against ebony wood, or navy together with natural wicker, make a dramatic combination.

Photos by – Articaltropical & Jennifer Leigh