Beach House Décor Ideas for a Coastal Fall Escape
When fall arrives, our beach house experiences a beautiful transition. The cooler weather brings a sense of coziness, inviting us to reimagine our coastal spaces for the season.
There’s something undeniably magical about beach houses. With their sun-bleached colors, airy spaces, and the sound of waves as a constant backdrop, they embody a kind of tranquility that makes it easy to unwind and relax, especially in the fall. Whether your home is at the beach or not, a coastal fall vibe is perfect for almost any home.
Beach House Décor Ideas for a Cozy, Coastal Escape: How to Make It Work for Fall
Fall doesn’t mean you must relinquish that relaxed, coastal vibe. Blending beach house décor with the coziness of autumn can create the perfect retreat—a cozy coastal escape that feels warm, inviting, and still inspired by the sea.
I also made these decoupage pumpkins with paper napkins. I couldn’t find decorative pumpkins that I liked, so I made my own. This DIY took me less than an hour, plus drying time.
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How to Make Your Home (or Beach House) Feel Like the Perfect Escape for Fall
Embrace a Warmer Coastal Color Palette
Beach house décor is often known for its classic blue-and-white palette, reflecting the sky and sea. For fall, however, you can update this palette by incorporating warmer tones that complement the season while maintaining that coastal essence. Think sandy beiges, soft grays, warm creams, and muted golds. These colors still evoke the beach but also bring a sense of warmth, perfect for cooler weather.
In our beach house, I’ve incorporated warm golds and soft oranges into the fall decor to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. These tones, paired with natural textures, make the space feel like an extension of the outdoors, even when it’s too cool to spend much time on the beach.
Consider swapping out summer accessories like bright turquoise cushions and crisp white linens for richer, warmer tones. Add pillows and throws in shades of ochre, burnt orange, or even deep navy for a cozy yet coastal feel. These subtle changes will transition your space seamlessly from summer to fall.
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Add Layers of Texture for Comfort
Layering textures is one of the best ways to create a cozy, coastal atmosphere as the weather cools. Soft, tactile materials like knits, wool, and linen can instantly warm a space. And while summer may be all about light, airy fabrics, fall gives you the perfect excuse to add in heavier textures that invite you to curl up and relax.
I love using chunky knit throws and soft wool blankets on the sofa. They add both texture and warmth, perfect for chilly fall evenings. Consider adding a few extra pillows in velvet or boucle to enhance that cozy vibe further.
Another way to bring texture into your beach house is through rugs. Opt for natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal, which still feel beachy but add a sense of groundedness and warmth. A plush rug in a neutral tone can also help anchor your living space and make it feel more fall-appropriate.
Bring the Outdoors In with Natural Elements
One of the defining features of beach house décor is its connection to nature. Whether through driftwood, seashells, or sea glass, beach houses often feel like a seamless extension of the outdoor environment. Incorporating natural, seasonal elements can beautifully carry this connection into fall.
Think of incorporating fall foliage into your coastal décor—dried pampas grass, eucalyptus branches, and even driftwood centerpieces can bring the beauty of autumn into your home without sacrificing that coastal vibe. In our home, I’ve used eucalyptus in a rattan basket as a table centerpiece, blending the textures of fall with the airy, natural feel of the coast.
You can also incorporate pumpkins or gourds in a coastal palette. White or pale green pumpkins paired with driftwood and natural fiber baskets can make for beautiful, understated fall decorations that feel fresh and coastal. The key here is to keep it subtle—earthy, natural, and effortlessly elegant.
Create Cozy Nooks for Relaxation
The shorter days of fall naturally invite us to spend more time indoors, and what better way to enjoy the season than by creating cozy little nooks in your beach house? Whether it’s a reading corner by the window, a comfy spot by the fireplace, or a comfortable chair with an ocean view, creating small, intimate spaces for relaxation is key to achieving that cozy, coastal escape.
I love creating a cozy reading nook near the window to enjoy tea and watch the waves roll in, even when it’s too cool to sit outside. A comfortable chair, a soft throw blanket, and a few cushions are all you need to create a space that feels like a little retreat within your home.
To make these nooks feel even cozier, consider adding ambient lighting. A floor lamp with a warm glow or well-placed candles can create the perfect atmosphere for curling up with a book or simply enjoying a quiet moment. Keep the lighting soft and warm, avoiding harsh overhead lights, which can detract from the tranquil vibe.
Warm Up Your Outdoor Spaces
Just because fall brings cooler weather doesn’t mean you must abandon your outdoor spaces entirely. Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the crisp air, especially when you make your outdoor areas cozy and inviting.
Adding warmth is one of the easiest ways to extend your outdoor space into fall. Whether built-in or portable, outdoor fire pits are perfect for creating a cozy focal point on chilly evenings. Imagine sitting outside with a blanket, enjoying the sound of the ocean and the warmth of a crackling fire—the perfect coastal escape.
Consider adding outdoor blankets and throws to your seating area so you and your guests can stay warm as the temperatures drop. Add outdoor cushions in warm fall tones, and drape blankets over outdoor chairs or benches for extra coziness. A simple update can transform your deck or patio into a cozy fall haven.
You can also bring fall touches into your outdoor décor with lanterns, string lights, or seasonal plants like ornamental grasses or mums. These small touches will make your outdoor space feel as inviting in the fall as in the summer.
Incorporate Coastal Artwork with a Fall Twist
Artwork is a great way to carry the coastal theme into fall while adding a layer of coziness. Look for pieces that evoke the calm and serenity of the ocean but in a way that feels right for the season. You might consider landscapes with misty beaches, stormy seas, or fall sunsets that feature warm, golden tones.
If you already have beach-themed artwork in your home, you don’t need to change it entirely. Instead, you can complement it with other fall elements like driftwood-colored photo frames or display it alongside seasonal décor like pumpkins or dried flowers. This way, you maintain the coastal feel and give your home a subtle fall update.
Scent the Space with Fall-Inspired Fragrances
Finally, scent is one of the simplest and most effective ways to create a cozy, coastal escape in the fall. Candles and diffusers can instantly set the mood and make your beach house warm and inviting.
Choose scents that evoke the season without overpowering the coastal vibe for fall. Think vanilla, sandalwood, or sea salt mixed with hints of amber or musk. These fragrances are perfect for fall but feel fresh and connected to the beach.
I love using candles with scents like eucalyptus and sea salt or amber and vanilla in our beach house. They help create a serene atmosphere that’s both cozy and coastal, making the transition from summer to fall feel effortless.
Pumpkin Decopauge DIY
I looked everywhere for decorative pumpkins to add to our decor and couldn’t find a style that fit our fall beach house decor. I made these with paper napkins, and they turned out perfectly.
Materials Needed to Make This Pumpkin Craft
- faux pumpkins
- glossy mod podge
- paper napkins (or guest towels)
- paint brush
Almost any size pumpkin will work. I used four different sizes of pumpkins.. And just so you know, I only used four napkins to make all these pumpkins. So you will have a lot left over to use later!
I looked at many different napkins on Amazon but decided to go with these because of the style and colors. I think they look amazing!
How to Make This Pumpkin Craft with Decoupage Napkins
I have one important tip to share before you get started. Since the Modpodge is thick, I suggest you add a few drops of water to thin it. If it is too thick, it might tear the napkin. (If the napkin does tear, just cut a small piece of the napkin, place it on top of the area, and apply more Modpodge. No one will notice!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- one – Prepare the napkins. Cut off any border around the outside of the napkin and then peel off the backing. Start at the corner and separate the layers of the napkin. Gently pull the two sections apart and discard the backing.
- two – Divide the napkin and snip off a bit in the center. (This allows space for the stem.) into quarters (most are already folded this way) and cut one line to the center of the napkin.
- three – Refold the napkin into quarters (most are already folded this way) and cut one line to the center of the napkin.
- four – Lay the napkin on top of the pumpkin to get a feel for how much the napkin will cover. If there is excess, cut it off. Cover the pumpkin with Mod Podge. Place the napkin on first and position it around the stem. Bring the open sides together and gently add the Mod Podge to the napkin with a brush.
- five – Continue to cover the entire surface with Mod Podge. Be gentle and use lots of Mod Podge to avoid tearing the napkin.
- six – Let the pumpkin dry. Flip it over and cut another piece of the napkin to cover the underside. Attach with Mod Podge. Let dry. Cover with clear sealer, if desired.
Beach house decor may be synonymous with summer, but it can be just as beautiful—and cozy—in the fall. By embracing warmer colors, adding layers of texture, incorporating natural elements, and creating comfortable, inviting spaces, you can transform your home into the perfect fall retreat.
Whether snuggled up with a blanket indoors or enjoying the crisp autumn air outside, these beach house décor ideas will help you create a cozy, coastal escape that feels just right for the season.
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My Favorite Warm & Cozy Fall Decor
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Love your glass pumpkins. Thank you for showing how to decorate pumpkins to match any decore.
Aren’t they so fun?! I love them too. You’re so welcome- so fun and easy to make.
Loved how you just shifted to “warmer” in your decor for fall. Hope you do a piece on Christmas decor for the beach house!
Kept looking for a photo of the sofa with pillows and such…
I got your message and I tapped on it and nothing happened. I need to get it my inbox so I can save it to My 100 Year House space