DIY Beach Themed Decor Ideas

Even though I live over an hour from the beach, it’s always in my heart so you’ll find many nature inspired beach details around my home. That being said, beach decor can range from classy and sophisticated to… not so much. One of the keys to keeping it upscale is using organic, natural elements with a trendy twist. After returning home from the beach earlier this summer with a treasure trove of driftwood and shells, I scoured blogs, Pinterest, and my favorite catalogs and found a few gorgeous nautical decor ideas and projects I wanted to try to DIY. Which led me to the photos and projects below– some have tutorials, and others are meant to inspire your own versions of beach and nautical decor adventures. Enjoy!

DIY Driftwood Mirror

Finally, a good use for all the bits of driftwood I’ve picked up over the years! Use a craft store mirror and this project will cost just a few dollars total.

Source: a la mode

Gold Spray Painted Shell Display

Let’s see… would you rather pay $500+ for this piece of art, or use a collage frame (minus the glass) to highlight a few shells you picked up free on the beach and then spraypainted gold? Me too. If you can find a collage frame you like, have a frame shop custom cut the matting for you. It’ll still be WAY cheaper than $500.

Source: Project Decor

DIY Gold Shell Necklace

Another simple DIY idea from Shannon over at Madigan Made, capture a memory from a favorite beach vacation with a painted shell necklace.

Source: Madigan Made

Large Spraypainted Shells

What’s your favorite metallic color? Grab a can of spraypaint in that color, and go to town on a few large shells. Impressive beachy decor for just a few dollars.

Source: Houzz

Gold Shell Candles

Mixed metallics are a hot trend right now. The key is to have one predominant color, and mix in a little of the other. Make these sweet candleholders using spraypainted shells and try this trend on for size yourself.

Source: Under the Table and Dreaming

Oversized Gold Interior Clamshell

Oversized clamshells are another hot decor item at the moment. Why not throw in a curveball by painting the interior gold?

Source: Z Gallerie

Oyster Shell Salt and Pepper Cellars

These require no prep other than a good scrubbing. Find oyster shells, scrub, and use to hold salt and pepper for a seafood dinner. Or, use as placecards for a casual meal.

Source: Country Living

Capiz Shell Art

Those are actually faux capiz shells, a little easier to work with than the real thing. Can you guess what they’re made from?

Source: The Country Chic Cottage

Tiered Shell Table Display

Tiered display pieces have many uses during the holidays, but put them to work during the summer to display your shells too. They’re not just for cupcakes anymore!

Source: My Romantic Home

Oyster Shell Candle Holder

I love how this looks like a huge pinecone. But it’s not. It’s oyster shells. Oh nature, how you fool me!

Source: Completely Coastal

Mason Jar Shell and Candle Holders

Mason jars are another hot trend right now (all things old are new again, right?) so I had to include this one. Simple as can be, for all you mason jar lovers out there! {although, that jar says Atlas. Is it still a Mason jar?} :: ducks canning rings being tossed by the Mason jar lovers at my ignorance::

Source: Confessions of a Plate Addict

Oyster Shell Table Runner

So, yah. The tutorial for this shell table runner is neither simple or quick. But oh, how I want to wrap myself in it’s pearly luster!

Source: Confetti Day Dreams

DIY Beach Glass Mosaic Tray

I just have a thing for beach glass. Perhaps it’s the long journey it took to reach your hand, and how very rare it can be. Perhaps it’s because some of it is so OLD. In the Outer Banks, you can find bits of transferware from shipwrecks in the 1800’s. Or, perhaps it’s because I’m such a sucker for pale blues and greens. Anyway, Kim at Sand and Sisal shares a DIY project to use and display it.

Source: Sand & Sisal

Aren’t those amazing ideas? Which one did you most love and are ready to tackle? And does anyone want to pack me in your bag for your next vacation to the beach?