19 Extremely Cute Beach Coffee Table Decor Ideas 2024

This post is all about the best beach coffee table decor ideas.

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Photo by: @caistaginganddesign

A coffee table can be cute on its own, but it is definitely not complete until you decorate it with your favorite coastal decor. And, we all know that picking out beach coffee table decor is one of the best parts about decorating your living room.

There are so many decor styles to go with including coffee table books, candles, garland beads, vases, rattan trays, and more. So, my best recommendation would be to choose at least three different decor pieces that have staggered heights as a whole.

What do I mean by this? For example, you could go with a coastal coffee table book as the center piece, then add aqua glass garland draped over the book, and lastly add a salt & sea scent diffuser or vase with dried flowers to add some height. 

P.S. if you are going for a surf shack aesthetic, then you are going to love these surf coffee table books.

Beach Coffee Table Decor Ideas

1. Gray Malin: Coastal Hardcover Coffee Table Book

Get carried away with these stunning aerial beachscapes from around the world with Gray Malin's latest coffee table masterpiece, Coastal. This hardcover book features 208 pages filled with captivating photographs showcasing vibrant coastlines, hidden gems, and iconic beaches from around the world.

P.S. I was browsing around Anthropologie the other day and I came across this stunning "Sea Pools" book that would make a perfect coffee table centerpiece as well.

Styling Ideas:

• Pair with natural textures like woven coasters, baskets, or driftwood 
• Stack with coastal-inspired coffee table books or magazines
• Add seashells to keep the book open to your favorite pages

2. Natural Scallop Shell Candles

More than just candles, these cute little shell candles are little pieces of coastal charm. Hand-poured into real scallop shells, each one brings a touch of the seashore right into your home.

Tip: Before lighting, place on a larger dish to catch any dripping wax.

Styling Ideas:

• Cluster with candles in varying shades and sizes for dimension
• Combine with shells and smooth pebbles for a natural, layered look
• Pair with a scented reed diffuser or candle since these shell candles are unscented

3. Marble Tray with Marble Seashell Figurines

This marble tray with seashell figurines is a super cute and unique coffee table decor piece! I love the sleek and modern aesthetic that these marble seashells add to any space. Everyone always has the typical bowl of real seashells, so going with the marble look will make your coffee table stand out.

Styling Ideas:

• Place this marble dish set on top of a couple surf themed coffee table books for a more elevated look
• Center it on your coffee table with some driftwood pieces or a vase full of pampas
• Place on your bathroom counter, entryway table, nightstand, kitchen counter, and more

4. Air Plant Terrarium

This cute terrarium kit brings a touch of beachy serenity to your living room. What could be better than a low-maintenance air plant nestled in a little bit of sand to remind you of a day at the beach? Just add a few seashells for a little slice of the shore right on top of your coffee table.

Styling Ideas:

• Place on your coffee table for a calming focal point or cluster with drift wood and sand dollars
• Be sure the terrarium gets a little sun for the air plant - don’t forget to mist with water weekly
• Surround with fairy lights for an added glow in the evening

Related Post: 17 Unique Coastal Coffee Tables For Beach Homes

5. Pearls With Gold Oyster Shell Décor

These unique oyster shell decorations will add a touch of coastal elegance to your coffee table. Each shell is hand-selected and painted with pretty gold trim, which contrasts beautifully with the pearlescent shell.

The charming solitary pearl in the middle makes this cute little dish perfection. Shells come in various sizes and shapes, so each piece will be unique.

Styling Ideas:

• Use it to keep your rings and bracelets when you're ready to relax after a long day
• Group with other natural shells for a little pop of surprise
• Combine with some coral, starfish, or sea glass on a wooden tray

6. Round Rattan Tray: Bring the Beach Vibes to Your Coffee Table

Dreaming of sandy shores and ocean breezes? This handwoven round rattan tray can help you create a mini beach escape right in your living room. It's natural texture and warm tones instantly evoke a coastal feel, making it the perfect foundation for your beachy coffee table decor.

Styling Ideas:

• Use your tray as a backdrop for decorative books, coasters, and candles
• Highlight your collection of beach finds by artfully arranging seashells, driftwood, or sea glass
• Add a touch of life with small succulents, air plants, or faux greenery in a vase

7. Coastal Ombre Vase with Neutral Dried Flower Arrangement

Level up your coastal style with this striking sea-inspired ombre vase. The beautiful ombre glaze from warm gold to cool blue reminds us of an ocean sunset, while the neutral dried flower adds a touch of coastal casual without feeling overdone.

Styling Ideas:

• Highlight the ombre finish by placing on a mirrored tray 
• Pair with a woven seagrass or jute placemat to play up the natural feel
• Stack on decorative books for a dramatic centerpiece

Related Post: 12 Trendy Beach Living Room Area Rugs That Will Level Up Your Beach Home

8. Decorative Lace Coral

I love adding coral to my home decor. It reminds me of tropical beach getaways and snorkeling adventures. Coral always adds an interesting texture to your coffee table decor, especially when combined with smooth objects like seashells or glass.

Plus the pure white makes it a striking standalone piece or you can easily mix and match it with other decor elements. 

Styling Ideas:

• Combine with seashells, driftwood, and glass floats in a curated collection
• Group with other coral pieces in varying sizes, colors, and textures for a mini coral reef display
• Pair with a white ceramic tray and geometric candles for a more contemporary look

9. Natural White Starfish

Introduce a touch of nautical charm with these real white starfish. Sun-dried and naturally beautiful, each one has unique variations in shape and size, adding a touch of authenticity to your coffee table decor.

Whether displayed as is or painted to match your theme, these cute little starfish offer endless styling possibilities.

Styling Ideas:

• Arrange a cluster of starfish on a sand-filled tray or woven basket
• Combine with seashells, driftwood, and glass buoys in a wooden bowl or half clam shell
• String starfish on twine to create a decorative garland 
• Paint the starfish in contrasting colors or metallic accents to match your existing decor

10. Handmade Wood Bead Garland with Aqua Glass Beads

This versatile garland is like a refreshing ocean breeze for your living room decor. The natural wood beads add a beautiful organic touch to your coffee table, and the aqua glass accents are reminiscent of crystal clear Bahamian waters. The contrast between the smooth glass and textured wood is an easy way to create great visual interest.

Styling Ideas:

• Drape the garland over a stack of coffee table books for a relaxed look
• Let the garland cascade over the edge of your coffee table for a carefree beachy vibe
• Wrap the garland around a decorative mirror or picture frame

11. Boho Seagrass Wicker Candle Holder

Bring a touch of rustic charm and coastal vibes to your coffee table with this boho seagrass wicker candle holder. Handwoven by skilled artisans, its intricate patterns create a warm glow when lit, adding a nice ambiance to your living room.

The versatile size accommodates various candle types, while the inner glass cup keeps hot wax from dripping.

Styling Ideas:

• Place the candle holder on a stack of woven coasters or a jute placemat
• Combine with a macrame table runner and woven baskets for a relaxed bohemian feel
• Group this candle holder with other candles in varying heights and sizes for a soft, romantic ambiance

12. Display Box For Treasured Beach Finds

Showcase your beach treasures in style with this handcrafted glass display box. Featuring clear beveled sides and a hinged lid, this vintage piece is a sophisticated way to display your seashells, coral pieces, or other unique finds.

Styling Ideas:

• Fill the box with a curated selection of your most prized beach treasures, like seashells, sand, and sea glass
• Place the box on a decorative tray or stack of books to make it a focal point
• Let the box stand alone where it can capture the light and shine as a centerpiece
• Add LED lights inside the box for a soft glow

Related Post: The Most Beautiful Tropical Decor For Living Room 2024

13. Natural Woven Seagrass Coasters

Beautiful and functional, these handcrafted natural woven seagrass coasters add a touch of beachy boho charm to your coffee table. Their natural finish and round, woven design blend seamlessly with a classic coastal aesthetic while protecting your coffee table from spills and scratches.

Styling Ideas:

• Use these coasters to display candles or vases
• Tie a small piece of twine or ribbon around each coaster with a seashell or starfish
• Stack the coasters together as a neutral background to elevate other decor pieces

14. Coastal Inspired Hand-Carved Whitewashed Bowl

Featuring a charming whitewash finish with subtle coastal-inspired stripes, each bowl is hand-hewn for a one-of-a-kind character. Fill it with decorative objects like moss balls or seashells to create a personalized centerpiece that reflects your beachy style.

Styling Ideas:

• Place on a woven tray or bed of sand surrounded by coral pieces, air plants, or miniature sailboats
• Fill the bowl with decorative twine balls, glass fishing floats, or a dried floral arrangement
• Keep it simple with just a few large shells or a single piece of driftwood 

15. Gilded Oyster Shell and Bead Garland

This oyster garland is giving total Coastal Grandmother vibes. Crafted with hand-selected oyster shells and finished with gold leafing, each blue and white decoupaged shell is a treasure of its own. Strung on natural jute twine with hand-painted white and gold wooden beads, this garland will definitely give your coffee table an elevated look.

Styling Ideas:

• Drape the garland across the center of your coffee table, weaving it between seashells, starfish, and candles
• String fairy lights through the garland for an airy ambiance 
• Arrange casually in a wooden bowl to offset the garland’s polished beauty

Related Post: Top 10 Most Beautiful Driftwood Coffee Tables

16. Salt and Sea Reed Diffuser

Even when you can’t be close to the ocean, you can still immerse yourself in the tranquility of the seaside with this handcrafted Salt and Sea Reed Diffuser.

Infused with notes of sea salt, citrus, musk, and amber, this diffuser fills your space with the scent of salty sea air that instantly transports you to the beach.

Styling Ideas:

• Combine this diffuser with other coastal elements like a woven basket, a framed seascape painting, or a collection of vintage nautical bouys
• Place with other scented candles featuring complementary ocean-inspired scents like coconut or fresh linen
• Place the diffuser inside a clear sea glass vase filled with sand or pebbles for coastal inspired look

17. Abalone Shell with Spiritual Smudge Kit

Even if you’re not into meditation or spiritual cleansing this smudge kit is a fun way to bring the calming energy of the ocean to your home and help you find your own inner zen. The beautiful abalone shell shimmers like the sea, and the aromatic White Sage smells just like the California coastline.

Styling Ideas:

• Display the abalone shell on its included tripod to invite positive energy
• Surround the kit with other natural elements like crystals, feathers, or small plants
• Swap the sage for shells or sand dollars for a more classic coastal vibe

18. Desktop Miniature Beach Zen Garden

Escape the stress of your day with this charming miniature beach zen garden. Filled with natural white sand and complete with miniature beach accessories, this set allows you to create your own miniature beach scene right in your living room, even if you’re miles away from the coast.

Styling Ideas:

• Add some of your favorite beach finds for a more personal touch
• Change up the decor with the season with some miniature pumpkins for Halloween or Easter Eggs for Spring
• Place next to a miniature tabletop fountain for even more relaxation

19. Large White Decorative Clam Shell

Crafted from eco-friendly resin, this clamshell replica brings the beauty of the sea to your coffee table, and no marine wildlife were harmed in the making! It's perfect for displaying beachy finds, floral arrangements, or decorative garland. It's a blank canvas, so you can let your imagination run wild.

Styling Ideas:

• Fill with seashells, pebbles, and sea glass for a classic beachy look
• Fill with sand and pillar candles
• Layer in netting with shells and starfish

20. House Number Buoy - Latitude/Longitude Buoy

These charming, handcrafted lobster buoys add a touch of New Englad nautical flair and personalized style to your home. Each buoy is made from locally sourced wood and individually weathered for a vintage look.

You can customize it with your latitude and longitude or home address to remind yourself that wherever you sail, you can always come home.

Styling Ideas:

• Prop buoys on a stack of books, surrounded by seashells, coral, or driftwood
• Pair the buoys with metal lanterns, galvanized trays, and greenery for a more modern take
• Use a large buoy as a decorative catch-all for keys, mail, or small trinkets, keeping your coffee table organized and stylish

FAQ

Should you decorate your coffee table?

If you want to have a more elevated look to your living room, then it is always recommended to decorate your coffee table. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant, just a few small items can make a major difference. You can start with a book, candle, and small tray table.

How do you get the coastal look?

Typically, coastal inspired spaces rely on light, airy, neutral color palettes that create a bright and welcoming setting. For decor, you will want to choose ocean themed pieces such as coastal books, seashell candles, rattan tray tables, oyster garland, coral pieces, and more.

What should I put in the middle of my coffee table?

You can put a variety of knick-knacks including vases, candles, books, coasters, garland, trays, bowls, succulents, and more. The key to making the space feel complete is to use 3 different decor pieces - preferably each of a different height. This will create a staggered look that will give the space some character. For example, you could pair together a vase, coffee table book, and candle!

Written by: Jenna Stenderup