Coastal Paint Colours
Coastal colour isn't only blue and white stripes. Look to the real British shoreline: sea-glass blues and greens, sandy neutrals, pebble greys and seaweed greens. These shades feel airy and calm, whether you live by the sea or just miss it. Every shade is available as a 60ml sample.
The best coastal colours come from the landscape: sand, shingle, sea glass and seaweed. Soft blues and blue-greens feel airy, sandy neutrals warm them up, and pebble greys or deeper sea blues add depth. Pair them with natural textures rather than anchors and rope for a coastal look that isn't a cliché.
At a glance
- Start here
- Colour from the shoreline. Coastal colour works best when it comes from the landscape: sand, shingle, sea glass and seaweed.
- North light
- Sandy neutrals. Sandy neutrals. Cool north light can make blues feel chilly. Warm sandy neutrals keep a north-facing coastal room soft.
- South light
- Sea-glass blues and greens. Sea-glass blues and greens. Warm, bright light keeps soft blues and blue-greens airy and fresh.
- East light
- Fresh mornings. Fresh mornings. Bright morning light suits sea-glass shades. Check them in the cooler afternoon too.
- West light
- Golden evenings. Golden evenings. Warm evening light softens blues and pebble greys beautifully.
- Pairs with
- Linen, rattan and driftwood. Natural textures make coastal colour feel authentic: linen, rattan, weathered timber and stoneware.
- Avoid
- Nautical cliché. Skip the anchors, rope and strict blue-and-white stripes. Let the colours of the shore do the work.
- Sample tip
- Check every change of light. Move your sample between walls. Check it in morning and afternoon daylight, then under the lights you use at night.
Tap any tile to read more.
Sea-glass blues and greens
Airy blues and greens straight from the shore.
Best in south-, east- and west-facing rooms
Soft, watery blues and blue-greens recall sea glass and shallow water. They feel airy and calm, especially in bright rooms.
Best in south-, east- and west-facing rooms, where warm daylight keeps them fresh rather than cold.
Sand and shell neutrals
Warm sandy neutrals to soften the blues.
Best in north-, south-, east- and west-facing rooms
Sandy neutrals warm up a coastal scheme and stop blue rooms feeling chilly. They are the safest coastal choice for north-facing rooms.
Cameron Stone™ and Lisle™ suit any direction; Tatters™ and Beeston™ suit north-, east- and west-facing rooms; Liberty™ prefers south-, east- or west-facing light.
Pebble greys and deep sea blues
Shingle greys and deep blues for depth.
Best in north-, south-, east- and west-facing rooms
Pebble greys and deeper sea blues add weight to a coastal palette. They are lovely on woodwork, kitchen cabinets and front doors.
Knapper™ suits any direction. Market Slab™, Framebreaker™, Panhard™ and Bobber™ prefer south-, east- or west-facing light.
Sample it the way we would
Step 1
Paint your peel-and-sticks
Each £5.99 sample comes with three paintable peel-and-sticks. Give them two coats and let them dry fully.
Step 2
Stick them around the room
Put them on two or three walls, including the wall opposite the window, at eye level and lower down.
Step 3
Live with them for a day or two
Look in the morning, the afternoon and under your evening lamps. Move them around until you are sure.
Your questions, answered
What are coastal paint colours?
Colours taken from the shoreline: sea-glass blues and greens, sandy neutrals, pebble greys and deep sea blues.
How do I make a coastal room feel less clichéd?
Take colour from the landscape rather than nautical props, and pair it with natural textures such as linen, rattan and weathered timber.
Do coastal colours work in north-facing rooms?
Sandy neutrals do. Cool blues can feel chilly in north light, so keep them to south-, east- or west-facing rooms or use them as accents.
Keep exploring
Calming Paint Colours
Soft, muted and light. The colours research links with feeling relaxed.
Bathroom Paint Colours
Steam, small windows and bright mirror lights. Choose a colour that copes with all three.
Teal Paint
Blue and green at once, and brave in all the right ways.
Neutral Paint Colours
Quiet colours that are never as simple as they look.