Style Guide

East Coast Vs. West Coast. The Coastal Decor Battle.

The Havenly Team ·
Bright East Coast coastal living room with crisp white shelving, natural wood furniture, and blue patterned accents

Pinning East Coast decor against West Coast decor is similar to watching a battle of style between The Hamptons and Malibu. Is one better than the other? Hard to say. Both have very distinct coastal vibes. One is more refined and cozy while the other is more free and relaxed. The thing to remember: This ain’t no boat race! They’re equally winning style. Choosing one over the other (or a mix of both) truly depends on your style preferences.

Your Choice: East Coast Class Or West Coast Vibes

East Coast Pillows & Seating

In an East Coast home it is crucial to have a navy and white stripe somewhere in the house. Whether it be a pillow, a rug, or a great accent chair. It says coastal and nautical without being cliche. To bring the whole room together, a mix of blue and white prints can tie up loose ends. Adding textiles in ikat, floral, or more stripes will keep the room from feeling dull. A navy sofa or loveseat will really make a statement in the room. Layer on a cable knit throw, and you’re good to go!

Blue and white striped linen pillow with classic nautical aesthetic

Crisp stripes in blue against a natural background, this throw pillow lends a nautical vibe to your indoor space.

Create a cozy and cohesive decor style by adding this exquisite throw pillow covered in ikat-inspired pattern in blue and white.

Ingallil Ikat Pillow – [$55](https://app.havenly.com/products/view/5660422/18539)

Blue and cream damask patterned pillow with traditional coastal elegance

Ilithya Floral Pillow – [$55](https://app.havenly.com/products/view/5700500/67336)

Cream pillow with vintage blue floral print evoking timeless seaside charm

Surround your indoor space with this beautiful decor pillow. Featuring a lovely floral pattern in blue and grey on a white background, this accent pillow provides an understated elegance to any room.

Comfort, durability and ease all come wrapped in the graceful silhouette of the Beckett Slipcovered Loveseat.

Deep navy upholstered sofa with classic coastal living room appeal

West Coast Pillows & Seating

On the West Coast, they are more interested in the free form block print or African mudcloth. This is done by hand with inks and block. It’s a stamp for fabrics. Mudcloth also sounds like what it is. It is fabric dyed with fermented mud, and all patterns are created by hand. Each textile is unique, but it makes a room feel loved. On the West Coast, they keep it simple by mixing and matching different block prints while keep the rest of the fabrics fairly neutral.

Navy knit pillow with white geometric dots and stripes in modern coastal style

This special pillow with unique stitching and panels deserves a special place in your home.

Antique African mud cloth textile with organic patterns and color variations help this pillow hit that balance of subtlety and extravagance.

Leanne Pillow – [$195](https://app.havenly.com/products/view/5660422/18539)

Deep blue pillow with white boat and dot motifs reflecting nautical tradition
Mid-century modern wooden chair with light blue upholstery and angular frame

This iconic chair is comfortable, durable and comes equipped with a lifetime of style.

East Coast Coffee Tables

On the East Coast a great brass and glass coffee table with do the trick in any space. It’s elegant, it can be casual, and it doesn’t take up much visual space.

Light and elegant, the London Coffee Table is designed with a sophisticated hourglass frame that goes from traditional to modern with timeless style.

Brass and glass rectangular coffee table with curved legs in contemporary style
Round brass and glass two-tier coffee table with minimalist modern design

Doesn’t get much more organic and coastal than a section of a root sitting in your living room!

West Coast Coffee Tables

On the West Coast, a live-edge coffee table is key. This type of coffee table can be very expensive, but it really feels like you’re bringing a piece of the outside in.

![](https://app.havenly.com/products/view/5397159/18539) It doesn’t get much more organic and beachy than having a section of tree trunk in your living space!

East Coast Lighting

For the most part, East Coast lighting is fairly traditional. It is classic in shape and style. Sometimes a great antique lamp will have a cool new lampshade with a fantastic fabric.

East Coast coastal elegance: blue and white chinoiserie lamp with cream shade

A classic silhouette in timeless blue and white. The Round Table Lamp Base is crafted of ceramic with flowing floral motif. A clear acrylic base adds a light, modern note.

West Coast Lighting

On the West Coast, lighting is often kept sleek and simple – a combination that’s hard to go wrong with.

The Brushed Gold Task Lamp from Nate Berkus has a simple metal base and shade. The clean lines of this desk lamp fit well with many decors.

Mid-century modern task lamp in brushed brass with minimalist architectural lines

East Coast Decor

When it comes to styling a coffee table or a bookshelf, choosing decor is crucial because it is what brings out the personality of the people that live in that space. East Coast decor is classic with inlaid bone boxes, rattan knick-knacks, nautical books, and hydrangeas from the garden.

Serene mother-of-pearl inlaid box in soft cream and neutral tones

The Isla Box is design to take advantage of the shells’ stunning glossy quality. Rectangular pieces of lustrous shells are applied to the box to add a natural organic element to your decor.

A striped, textured shell handle lends ocean-inspired appeal to these nickel-finished magnifying glasses, a handsome accent for desktops or side tables.

Rope & Shell Handled Magnifying Glasses – [$14.99](https://app.havenly.com/products/view/5660422/18539)

Coastal charm magnifying glasses with rope and shell-wrapped handles
Classic yacht book evoking New England nautical heritage and tradition

Celebrating more than eighty-five years of the prestigious yacht company, Hinckley Yachts traverses decades, oceans, and seas, capturing the joy, excitement, and serenity of the ultimate boating experience.

West Coast Decor

On the West Coast decor is used sparingly. It is meant to be jewelry to the room, but it is understated and always unique.

Minimalist white sculptural abstract art with organic flowing forms

A slice of the natural world brings grace and authenticity to the table. The modern vibe can be interpreted in a variety of ways making this a versatile art object.

These clever little Calais Tealights are decoupaged glass votives wrapped with fresh blue and white designs.

Calais Tealights – [$8.00](https://app.havenly.com/products/view/5660422/18539)

Blue and white striped ceramic vessels evoking coastal beach house aesthetic
Warm natural wood bowl with sculptural curved silhouette and organic finish

Made of teak, a hardwood prized for its strength and distinctive grain, this bowl will bring nature’s elegance to a tabletop tableau or serve as a striking catchall.

Claim Your Style

If you’re looking to update your space so that you can live in either a Nancy Meyer’s movie, or a surf shack-vibed dwelling, there’s a [Havenly designer who can take your room from bland to beachy with packages starting at only $79](https://www.havenly.com/online-home-design-by-havenly)!

![](https://app.havenly.com/designers/details/ann.flanagan)[Ann F.](https://app.havenly.com/designers/details/ann.flanagan)

These coastal decor ideas were created for you by Havenly designer Ann F., who loves designing Contemporary and Classic spaces that are cozy and welcoming. If you like Ann’s style, book her today and get decorated!