Decorating
Spotted! Homes Awash With Shell and Coral Displays
Put your favourite beachcombing finds on display to create a chic and relaxed holiday vibe year-round
Shells are a wonderful way to add natural elements and a variety of textures to your home, and they shouldn’t just be saved for all-out coastal schemes and beach shacks either. The rooms below prove that a few sea treasures can go a long way in bringing the ocean’s enduring appeal to your interiors, whatever your style.
If you were lucky enough to get to a beach this summer, chances are you foraged a few shells to take away with you as a memento. If not, keep your eye out next time, using these stunning decor ideas as motivation.
If you were lucky enough to get to a beach this summer, chances are you foraged a few shells to take away with you as a memento. If not, keep your eye out next time, using these stunning decor ideas as motivation.
Being greeted by your favourite travel mementos will have you in holiday mode the second you walk through the door. Introduce colour by adding artwork to the mix – perhaps a framed photograph from a cherished holiday spot.
An ABC of arranging vignettes
An ABC of arranging vignettes
Delicate and intricate, coral makes for eye-catching artwork. A soft sea fan set against a simple white background will bring natural beauty to any wall in your home.
Adorn an untapped nook
An all-white palette makes displaying your beach finds a breeze. Sit them along a nook or windowsill for a subtle touch of coastal style, introducing warmth and colour through textiles in natural materials.
An all-white palette makes displaying your beach finds a breeze. Sit them along a nook or windowsill for a subtle touch of coastal style, introducing warmth and colour through textiles in natural materials.
Pair with textural tones
Shells offer many unique and interesting textures, and pairing them with natural materials that are equally tactile can make a room warm and welcoming – think rattan, linen and timber touches.
Shells offer many unique and interesting textures, and pairing them with natural materials that are equally tactile can make a room warm and welcoming – think rattan, linen and timber touches.
Hang them up
While a bold light fixture calls for attention in any room, a chandelier made from shells will bring a truly special touch to your home. Paired with a monochrome palette, this white creation quickly becomes the focal point in this Scandinavian-style dining room.
Browse more Scandi-style dining rooms
While a bold light fixture calls for attention in any room, a chandelier made from shells will bring a truly special touch to your home. Paired with a monochrome palette, this white creation quickly becomes the focal point in this Scandinavian-style dining room.
Browse more Scandi-style dining rooms
This tiered, off-centre chandelier is a dreamy addition to a beachy, bohemian home. Paired with bright, natural light and a neutral palette, the soft and calming combination makes for a relaxed reading room you won’t want to leave.
DIY idea: Driftwood is the perfect complement to your beach finds, and you’ll likely come across a piece or two on your next sandy stroll. Spend an afternoon making a decorative driftwood garland or wind chime that will evoke the sounds of the sea every time you pass by.
Make a clam centrepiece
Oversized clam shells make an ideal table centrepiece – use them to hold fruit, candles, a pot plant or other miscellaneous items.
Oversized clam shells make an ideal table centrepiece – use them to hold fruit, candles, a pot plant or other miscellaneous items.
In this bathroom, a giant clam shell evokes an island luxe feel with a contemporary pairing of crisp white and dark timber.
DIY idea: Make your own moveable succulent garden using a clam shell. Tuck in a few air plants, add some pebbles and you have a unique seashell planter that makes a beautiful table centrepiece. This also works well with a large conch.
Create a cabinet of curiosities
Keep your scavenged finds in order by storing them in various vases and glass jars – pick your favourites from the collection to single out under a cloche.
See more ways to decorate with beach finds
Tell us
Do you forage for beachcomber finds? How have you decorated with them at home. Share your photos and tips in the comments.
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Keep your scavenged finds in order by storing them in various vases and glass jars – pick your favourites from the collection to single out under a cloche.
See more ways to decorate with beach finds
Tell us
Do you forage for beachcomber finds? How have you decorated with them at home. Share your photos and tips in the comments.
More
Read more decorating stories
Like most treasured collections, shells look best when grouped together. Bring a holiday feel to your hall stand or mantelpiece with ocean treasures in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Tip: Never remove coral from a reef, and always ensure when you’re buying natural specimens that they’re from a sustainable supplier. Sea treasures are already a gift, so don’t be greedy.