35+ Nautical Nursery Decor Ideas

Nautical nursery decor has always been a favorite with stylish parents, but this year, the look feels calmer and more grown-up than ever. The days of bold anchors and cartoon sailboats are behind us.

Now it’s all about soft, natural textures, breezy coastal colors, and subtle nods to the sea that work beautifully from newborn days through the toddler years.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving a little refresh to an existing space, a coastal theme is super versatile. You can go all in with statement pieces, or keep things simple and serene.

Picture rope-framed mirrors, whale mobiles, seagrass baskets, and beachy hues that bring that relaxed, by-the-sea vibe into your home.

Below, you’ll find plenty of inspiration—from wall art and wallpaper to storage ideas and soothing color palettes—organized to help you create a beautiful, functional nursery for baby boys, girls, or a gender-neutral space.

Pale & Beachy Nautical Nursery

Not into bold navy? A soft, beach-inspired palette is a beautiful way to do nautical. Think warm neutrals, cream-colored shiplap, and airy white curtains. Add in little coastal touches like canvas chairs or boat-patterned drapes for a breezy, seaside feel without the typical blue-and-red combo.

Minimalist Nautical Vibes

You don’t need anchors everywhere to pull off this theme. A pale color palette with sail-like wall hangings, bright white walls, and soft sky-blue details can deliver that coastal calm. Just a few well-chosen pieces can speak volumes when you’re going for a minimalist nursery.

Sophisticated Nautical Style

For a more grown-up take, pair rich textures with muted tones. A dark leather pouf, heavy navy curtains, and wood-toned furniture bring a modern edge to the classic nautical look. Subtle details—like a rope-wrapped chandelier or framed marine prints—help tie everything together.

Crisp & Clean Nautical Nursery

For a look that’s fresh and polished, try a clutter-free layout with bold statement pieces. Shiplap walls, navy whale decor, hanging oars, and a knotted rope chandelier bring texture and charm, while French blue furniture keeps the vibe soft and coastal. This combo feels both elegant and relaxed.

Blue Shiplap Accent Wall

Love shiplap? Don’t feel limited to white. Deep navy-blue shiplap adds a cozy, boat-inspired feel to a baby boy’s room. It’s bold, timeless, and adds texture without needing much else on the wall.

Pattern Mixing with Nautical Flair

You can keep things classic and still have fun with prints. This look combines different blue-and-white patterns—stripes, anchors, and geometrics—for a layered, high-end feel. It’s crisp and stylish while still baby-friendly.

Look Up — Nautical Ceiling Details

Add major wow-factor by turning the ceiling into a statement. Try wide navy and white stripes above to mimic the deck of a ship. It brings the whole nautical story to life and makes the room feel even more magical.

Nautical-Themed Rug

Sometimes all you need is a great rug to anchor the room (literally). A bold navy and white rug with an anchor or wave pattern creates a strong focal point and ties the theme together underfoot.

Nautical Nursery Wall Decor Ideas

1. Add a Shiplap Feature Wall

Nothing says coastal charm like classic shiplap. Painted in white, pale grey, or a washed-out blue, it gives the room that beachy feel while keeping things clean and timeless.

2. Hang a Vintage Ship Wheel

A wooden ship wheel above the cot or changing table instantly brings in those nautical vibes. It works as a great focal point and adds a little bit of old-world sailor charm.

3. Try Subtle Nautical Stripe Wallpaper

Introduce soft stripes in navy or muted ocean blues to one wall, or wrap the whole room for a crisp, pulled-together look. It’s a simple way to anchor the theme without going overboard.

4. Frame Coastal Art Prints

Prints of sailboats, sea creatures, or gentle lighthouse scenes in watercolors or neutrals can bring calm and interest to your walls. They’re also easy to swap out as your baby grows.

5. Add a Rope-Wrapped Mirror

A round mirror trimmed in jute or sailor-style rope works perfectly above a dresser or changing station. It’s textured, stylish, and ties in beautifully with the seaside look.

Gender-Neutral Nautical Nursery Ideas

6. Go for a Soft Coastal Color Palette

Step away from the typical blues and try softer tones like seafoam, stone grey, sandy beige, or chalky white. These colors create a peaceful backdrop that works for any baby and pairs beautifully with natural textures.

7. Bring in Woven and Wood Elements

Think rattan furniture, wicker baskets, or a driftwood shelf. These natural materials add warmth to the space and give that laid-back beach feel—without feeling overly themed.

8. Hang a Whale or Turtle Mobile

Mobiles made from felt or wood in soft neutrals keep things gender-neutral while still adding movement and charm. They’re calming to look at and tie into the ocean theme without being too loud.

9. Try Signal Flag Bunting

A string of nautical signal flags or mini fabric sails makes a cute and playful touch. It adds personality without leaning too babyish, and it’s an easy DIY if you’re feeling crafty.

10. Use Seagrass Baskets for Storage

Natural baskets with rope or navy accents are perfect for storing nappies, muslins, and baby bits. They’re practical, pretty, and fit seamlessly into the coastal vibe.

Nautical Nursery Decor Ideas for Girls

11. Add a Touch of Coral or Blush

Bring in soft shades like blush pink, dusty peach, or coral to warm up the space. These colors pair beautifully with creamy whites and sea glass tones for a fresh, feminine spin on nautical style.

12. Try Shell or Mermaid Accents

Shell cushions, scalloped mirrors, or even subtle mermaid prints add a whimsical, beachy vibe without going over the top. They keep things light and dreamy with just a hint of under-the-sea magic.

13. Style the Cot with Floral or Gingham Linens

Swap plain bedding for gentle patterns—coastal florals or soft pink ginghams—that layer perfectly with rattan furniture, rope details, and washed wood finishes.

14. Choose a Jellyfish or Scallop Light Fixture

A statement pendant shaped like a jellyfish or with scalloped rattan edging brings cozy lighting and a dreamy ocean glow. It adds personality while keeping the room soft and soothing.

15. Personalize with Name Flags or Lighthouse Art

Custom bunting with baby’s name or a pastel-toned lighthouse print adds a sweet, personal touch. It’s a lovely way to tie the whole theme together and make the space feel special.

Nautical Nursery Decor Ideas for Boys

16. Stick with Classic Navy and White

Start with a navy and white color scheme—it’s timeless and bold. Add hints of deep green or rich red if you want to give it a more modern, layered feel.

17. Mount Wooden Oars as Wall Decor

A pair of painted oars or paddles above the cot or dresser creates a striking focal point. It brings in texture and adds a strong nautical statement without needing much else.

18. Frame a Nautical Map or Compass Print

Vintage sea charts, compass designs, or maritime maps work beautifully as wall art. They add a bit of curiosity and adventure while keeping with the coastal theme.

19. Roll Out an Anchor Rug

A soft rug with an anchor design—or even simple blue and white stripes—grounds the room and adds comfort underfoot. Choose something plush for those early crawling days.

20. Add a Boat-Shaped Shelf

Shelving shaped like a little sailboat is both playful and practical. Use it to display books, keepsakes, or a nightlight, tying in the theme while keeping things organized.

Nautical Nursery Wallpaper Ideas

21. Go for a Soft Maritime Mural

A wallpaper mural with gentle ocean scenes, sailboats, or dreamy coastal views adds subtle movement to the room. Stick with soft watercolors or sketch-style drawings to keep things calm and not too busy.

22. Use Classic Nautical Stripes

Vertical stripes in navy, sky blue, or sea green give a timeless sailor feel. Pair them with white furniture or natural textures like rattan and jute for a balanced, modern look.

23. Try Sea Creature or Coastal Patterns

Look for wallpapers with whales, starfish, or jellyfish in muted tones. The key is to choose designs that feel more boutique than cartoonish—playful, but still stylish.

Nautical Accessories & Finishing Touches

24. Add Sailboat Bookends

Cute and functional, sailboat bookends in wood or metal are perfect for a nursery bookshelf. They add a tiny nautical nod without overpowering the room.

25. Swap in Rope Baskets for Toy Storage

Instead of plastic bins, try soft rope-handled baskets. They’re safe for little hands and blend seamlessly into your coastal nursery look.

26. Use a Lighthouse or Buoy Lamp

A lamp shaped like a lighthouse or featuring buoy-style stripes brings just the right touch of themed charm. Bonus if it has a sea glass or muted shade for soft lighting.

27. Hang a Nautical Growth Chart

Track baby’s growth with a fabric or wooden chart featuring sea creatures or compass motifs. It’s both sweet and functional—and easy to move as they grow.

28. Layer in a Linen Throw or Quilted Blanket

Finish off the space with a soft throw or quilt in ocean-inspired tones. Drape it over a chair or the cot for a cozy, pulled-together feel.