Published August 2022 | Updated January 2025
Nautical design draws inspiration from coastal living and classic maritime details. Defined by crisp color palettes, natural textures, and relaxed elegance, it brings a timeless, breezy feel to interiors—especially when paired with the right rug. In this post, we explore what defines nautical style and how to choose rugs that complement the look.
What is Nautical Style?
Nautical style celebrates all things seafaring in its decor, from ships and sailors to ocean life and mythical sea creatures. Although similar to coastal design, nautical design focuses more on maritime objects or motifs.
Key Elements of Nautical Design
- SOOTHING COLORS Both deep colors and neutral backgrounds are allowed in nautical design. Aim for a color palette that includes ocean-deep blues, combined with white-washed wood and comfortable furnishings. Additionally, neutral-colored upholstery and linens, like whites and tans, layered with navy blue or gleaming red pillows, blankets, or other accents are standard nautical style.
- DECOR Add decorative objects like anchors, monkey fist knots, oars, glass buoys, tripod lamps, and telescopes to evoke the sea. Also, accent pieces like artwork with ships, skiffs, sailboats, and sea life—both mythical and real—naturally fit in with a nautical-inspired decor.
- STRIPES Cabana stripes and embroidered linens bring to mind first class ocean sailings and make a classy addition to a nautical theme.
- METAL ACCENTS If possible, choose hardware in brushed brass or copper, or find treasures like round porthole-esque mirrors with exposed rivets or protective lighting cages to evoke the golden era of ocean travel.
Rug Styles That Complement Nautical Style
Deep Blue Sea Colors
Shades of the dark, deep ocean and the blue hue of water make perfect accents or foundations for a nautical style decor. Sisal area rugs edged in delightful blue hues make a casual but playful impression, while nautical-inspired rugs finished with cloth borders add a stately air.
Materials That Work Well for Nautical Rugs
Nautical design style be unfurled inside a landlocked home, on house boats as well as outdoor spaces. Inside, look for wools and natural fibers. Outside, modern woven vinyl and polypropylene rugs are available in a range of colorways and textures, so finding a nautical style area rug is easy. These anywhere weaves are durable and UV-resistant, while our woven vinyls are also slip-resistant.
Quick Tip For Achieving A Nautical Look
The addition of deep sea treasures or maritime artifacts thoughtfully placed throughout your home is a simple way to navigate nautical decor. Be careful not to go overboard with nautical-themed trinkets—this style can dive toward kitschy quickly.
Want to explore more design styles?
Head over to our post How to Choose the Right Rug for Each Design Style to discover different design styles and unforgettable rugs.
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