Sharing the best coastal paint colors to bring the calming essence of the sea and surroundings into your home!

This post was originally published July 12, 2024 but has been updated today with additional content and images. This post also contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
The Best Coastal Paint Colors for Your Home
When it comes to transforming your home into a serene coastal retreat, choosing the right paint colors can make all the difference. Whether you live by the sea or simply want to evoke the calming essence of coastal living, selecting hues that reflect the ocean, sky, and sand is key. Today I’m sharing some of the best coastal paint colors, complete with brand names and specific shades that capture the essence of coastal living. Here are some of the best coastal paint colors (with examples of each shown further down in the post):
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Snowbound
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
- Sherwin Williams White Duck
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
- Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
- Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
- Sherwin Williams Topsail
- Farrow & Ball Parma Gray
- Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue
- Benjamin Moore Yarmouth Blue
- Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge
- Benjamin Moore Providence Blue
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Sherwin Williams Naval
I share real-life examples of each of these paint colors in the next section below. With the exception of a handful of these colors, I’ve used every single one of these paint colors in a project or our home. Below, I’ve also included samplings of the colors listed. Tap any of the colors for more info, and if you want to order a large, pre-painted sample from Samplize. Their large peel and stick samples are made with real paint (not dyed to mimic the color) so it can definitely help narrow down your top picks.
Real-Life Examples of the Best Coastal Paint Colors
Creating a coastal-inspired home is all about capturing the essence of the seaside and bringing it indoors. Whether you prefer the calming blues of the ocean, the crisp whites of coastal cottages, or the warm beiges of sandy shores, these paint colors will help you achieve a serene and stylish space that evokes the tranquility and beauty of coastal living. Here are some of my favorite coastal paint colors!
Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams Pure White is a bright, neutral white that pairs perfectly with other coastal colors, offering a versatile option for walls, trim, and ceilings. You can see it below on the shiplap and trim at Hola Beaches, paired with Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. You can also see SW Pure White further down in the post, as it’s on the exterior of Hola Beaches, as well.
HOLA BEACHES LIVING ROOM SOURCES: Similar Sectional | Navy Blue Swivel Chairs | Coffee Table | Rug | Faux Greenery | Vase | Linen Pillows
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
With its slight gray undertone (and a bit of red), Sherwin Williams Snowbound is a versatile cool white paint color that pairs well with other gray-influenced colors. It’s the color we chose throughout our current home and I couldn’t be happier with it!
LIVING ROOM SOURCES: Sofas (read my full review here) | Chairs | Coffee Table | Indoor/Outdoor Striped Rug | Linen Pillows | Patterned Pillows | Oversized Baskets | Vase | Similar Grapewood Branch | “Surf Tribe” | “Joie” | “Summer to Summer” | Ceramic Urchin Catchall
Benjamin Moore Simply White
The slightest hint of warmth makes Benjamin Moore Simply White a clean, crisp white favorite to use anywhere in the home. In fact, we used it throughout most of our Omaha home because we loved it so much. We used the color in an eggshell finish on our walls and a semi-gloss on our trim and doors.
LIVING ROOM SOURCES: Sofas (read my review here) | Leather Chairs | Coffee Table (similar here) | Gallery Frames (look for less here) | Console Table | Faux Palm Branches | Vase | Linen Pillows | Striped Pillows | Patterned Pillow
Sherwin Williams Greek Villa
We used Sherwin Williams Greek Villa on the exterior of our current home and love it so much! It’s described as a sunny white that comes to life in natural light.
Sherwin Williams White Duck
Sherwin Williams describes White Duck as a cool white that is creamy and bright. It is paired with Sherwin Williams Pure White throughout all of Hola Beaches Casita, shown below, and is the perfect color combo for a beach house!
BEDROOM SOURCES: Upholstered Bed | Nightstands | Lamps (similar here) | Euro Shams | Brushstroke Pillow Covers | Rug | Paper Mache Coral Art
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray is a warm beige with subtle undertones of gray, resembling sun-kissed sand. It’s one of our go-to neutrals because it works well with so many decor styles and color palettes. But, it also happens to be one of my favorite coastal paint colors, as well! We used it, paired with Sherwin Williams Pure White, at Hola Beaches.
HOLA BEACHES LIVING ROOM SOURCES: Similar Sectional | Navy Blue Swivel Chairs | Coffee Table | Rug | Faux Greenery | Vase | Linen Pillows | Similar Lamps
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
A soft, muted green-gray with a hint of blue, Sherwin Williams Sea Salt resembles sea foam and coastal mist. I personally feel this color looks its best when paired with crisp white trim (like Sherwin Williams Pure White). Despite it being more colorful than some of the other choices, it can absolutely still act as a neutral in a coastal space!
Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue is described as an easy, genteel blue-green with a subtle gray cast. It’s one of my favorite color options for a front door or shutters, particular when paired with shaker shingles or other neutral exteriors! I shared the below home about 13 years ago in this post, and it’s still a favorite!
Sherwin Williams Topsail
The color Sherwin Williams Topsail is a blue-green pastel shade that feels serene and coastal.
Farrow & Ball Parma Gray
Farrow & Ball Parma Gray is a soft blue-gray that captures the misty, ethereal quality of coastal mornings. It’s elegant and understated, and also happens to be a color that Serena & Lily uses at most of their stores and in their catalogs frequently!
Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue
Benjamin Moore describes Santorini Blue as being as refreshing as it is cool, this sophisticated blue features a touch of gray. We used it in our Omaha pool house on the island and it was the perfect accent color for the coastal decor we used throughout the space. It is paired here with Benjamin Moore Simply White.
POOL HOUSE KITCHEN & BAR SOURCES: Basket Pendant Lights | Aged Brass Star Sconces | Striped Runner Rug | Backless Counter Stools | Cabinet Ball Knobs | Drawer Bin Pulls | Faucet | Counter Depth Fridge | Beverage Fridges | LVP Floors (color: Dusk Cherry) | Blue Serving Board | Seagrass-Wrapped Glasses | Seaglass Bowl | Similar Faux Fan Palms | Blue Vase | Cabinet & Wall Color: BM Simply White | Island Color: Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue |Countertops: White Macaubas Quartzite
Benjamin Moore Yarmouth Blue
Benjamin Moore Yarmouth Blue is a coastal paint color that is classic airy blue that can instantly freshen up the room. It’s also a beautiful option for exteriors, including siding, shutters or front doors!
Benjamin Moore Water’s Edge
Benjamin Moore describes Water’s Edge as an elegant Old World blue that also works well in more contemporary spaces. I would describe it as one of the more perfect blue-gray paint colors out there! We used it on our Omaha front door and still love it to this day! Most of that home has a ton of natural light, so if you find it too dark for your home, I also have many more blue-gray paint color recommendations.
ENTRYWAY SOURCES: Faux Palm Branches | Tall Dipped Vase | White Raffia Chest | Mirror | Woven Tray | Indoor/Outdoor Striped Rug | Lantern Light Fixture | ‘It Is Well’ Art
Benjamin Moore Providence Blue
We used Benjamin Moore Providence Blue on our kitchen island in our Omaha house. The paint brand describes this coastal paint color as a cool-toned slate blue with dark gray undertones. We had it paired with Benjamin Moore Simply White and loved the pairing!
KITCHEN SOURCES: Striped Runner Rug | Basket Pendant Lights | Bistro Counter Stools | Faux Palm Branches | Vase
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
One of my personal favorite coastal paint colors is Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, number HC-154, is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular paint colors for good reason! It is a rich, true navy blue paint color and can essentially be used as a neutral in your home because it pairs well with so many other paint colors. Benjamin Moore describes it as a use-anywhere shade of navy with a classic maritime feel. It’s truly one of those colors that goes with nearly everything since it’s an excellent balance of warm and cool tones! It also works well with so many different decorating styles.
I’ve used it in a number of projects that you can see here. In our Omaha den, shown below, you can see our Benjamin Moore Hale Navy board and batten grid wall paired with Benjamin Moore Simply White on the perimeter walls.
DEN SOURCES: Sectional (read my review here) | Coffee Table (also available here) | Scallop Light Fixture | Gallery Wall Frames(look for less here) | Art: Personal Vacation Photos | Linen Blackout Drapes | Cast Iron Curtain Rod | Woven Cordless Shades (color is Tuscan) | Mineral Blue Linen Pillow Cover | Midnight Linen Pillow Cover | Palm Pillow Cover | Faux Greenery | Vase | ‘Surf Tribe’ Book | ‘Great Escapes Italy’ Book | ‘Mykonos’ Book | Recycled Glass Beads | Tripod Lamp | Carpet (color is Beach) | Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore Hale Navy and Simply White
Sherwin Williams Naval
We used Sherwin Williams Naval in a renovation we did in Omaha. It’s a deep blue, with a cool gray-green undertone, and brings a meditative serenity to your space. It pairs beautifully with gold or brass hardware too!
TUDOR KITCHEN & PANTRY SOURCES: Moravian Star Pendant Lights | Cabinet Knobs | Cabinet Pulls | Similar Range Hood | White Subway Tile | Blue Subway Tile
Tips for Choosing Paint Colors
When selecting a coastal paint color for your home, consider the natural light in each room and how the colors will complement your existing decor and furnishings. Cool blues, soft greens, and sandy neutrals are popular choices for creating a coastal ambiance. Remember, the right paint color can transform your space into a relaxing oasis that echoes the beauty of the sea and sky. Additional tips for choosing the right coastal paint color:
- Consider Natural Light: Coastal homes often have abundant natural light. Opt for colors that enhance this brightness and create an airy feel.
- Coordinate with Coastal Elements: Incorporate colors that harmonize with beach-inspired decor such as driftwood, seashells, grass, and nautical accents.
- Sample Before Committing: Paint samples on walls and observe how they look throughout the day under different lighting conditions to ensure they evoke the desired coastal ambiance. If you’re wanting to try large, pre-painted samples, I’d definitely look into Samplize for picking the perfect coastal paint color for your home! Their large peel and stick samples are made with real paint (not dyed to mimic the color) so it can definitely help narrow down your top picks.
At the end of the day, the colors in this post are just recommendations for starting points. Each home is unique and lighting conditions vary, so if one of these colors doesn’t feel quite right in your home, don’t panic! Just use this as a guide to steer you in the right direction, and then make adjustments for what feels best in your space.
Additional Coastal Paint Color Ideas To Consider
Not seeing the perfect coastal paint shade for your home or project above? Consider looking into some of these other popular coastal paint color options:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (used on the exterior of our Omaha home)
- Benjamin Moore Sea Star
- Benjamin Moore Beach Glass
- Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
- Benjamin Moore Smoke (shown below in our dining room)
- Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
- Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay
- Sherwin Williams Tidewater
- Sherwin Williams Niebla Azul (the current color of our front door – shown below)
- Sherwin Williams Dockside Blue (the exterior color of Hola Beaches – shown below)
- Valspar September Fog (the color in our Omaha primary bedroom)
Here is an updated look at our current dining room painted Benjamin Moore Smoke. It’s such a beautiful mid-tone blue! Benjamin Moore describes it as a versatile grayed hue softened with attractive blue-green undertones.
DINING ROOM SOURCES: Dining Chairs | Dining Table | Rug | Chandelier | Abstract Art | Vase | Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Smoke
Here is a look at Sherwin Williams Niebla Azul on our exterior front door, paired with our SW Greek Villa painted house!
SOURCES: Gas Lanterns | Wreath | Door Mat | Striped Outdoor Rug | Fluted Planter | Door Color: SW Niebla Azul | House Color: SW Greek Villa
Lastly, here is Hola Beaches, painted in Sherwin Williams Dockside Blue, a cool slate blue. It’s such a great exterior blue paint color for a beach house! The trim is Sherwin Williams Pure White.
Additional Paint Color Inspiration
If you’re looking for even more paint color inspiration, be sure to check out these other posts by clicking on their titles below:
- The Best Blue Gray Paint Colors
- The Best Blue Green Paint Colors
- The Best Navy Blue Paint Colors
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- The Best Black Paint Colors
- The Best Brown Paint Colors
- The Best Green Paint Colors
- The Best Gray Paint Colors
- The Best Warm Gray Paint Colors
- The Best White Paint Colors for Interiors
- The Best Exterior White Paint Colors
- Whole House Paint Colors & Printable Paint Color Organizers
- How To Pick the Perfect Paint Color and My Top Five Neutral Paint Picks
- Paint Colors In Our Home (and Every Color We’ve Ever Used)
Free Paint Color Organization Printables
If you frequently paint your home like I do, it can sometimes be difficult to keep all your colors (and paint cans) organized! I recently created a free paint color organization printable set that I think you will all love!
Here’s how I use each of the pages:
- Page 1 – I print on white cardstock to complete and keep handy around our home or near where we store our paint.
- Page 2 – I print on these labels and add them to the paint cans for easy identification.
- Page 3 – I shrink to fit on an index card to keep in my purse, or print as is and fold up to carry with me at all times. I simply add a drop of paint and the room name.
Simply complete the form below and I’ll email the PDF files over to you to start using today! It will also subscribe you to my email list, however, you can easily unsubscribe at any time if that isn’t your thing.
I hope you found these ideas and the best coastal paint colors helpful! Any other colors you’re on the hunt for?
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