The nautical or maritime color palette is commonly associated with colors seen on boats, ships, and other seafaring vessels. It evokes feelings of the open ocean, sailing, and maritime adventures. Choosing a nautical color scheme can bring a fun, beachy look to any interior design project. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular colors used in nautical decor and design.
Traditional Nautical Colors
The most iconic colors in the nautical palette are navy blue, white, and red. This classic combination can be seen on countless boats, yacht clubs, and beach cottages.
Navy blue represents the deep blue color of the sea and is a staple nautical shade. Use navy blue on walls, furniture, and decor accessories to create an anchoring effect in a space. Navy pairs well with other nautical colors and adds a bold pop.
Crisp white is reminiscent of boat sails billowing in the wind. It lightens up and brightens any space. White has a clean, summery look. Use white on walls, floors, furniture and accents. White ceilings can make a room feel more spacious.
Nautical red adds a pop of color and energy. Originating from the red stripes on marine flags and buoys, red makes a statement. Incorporate red through pillows, artwork, ceramics and other accessories. Too much red can feel overwhelming, so use it sparingly.
Together, the classic combination of navy, white and red evokes timeless maritime style. This trio looks great in coastal living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and more.
Extended Nautical Color Palette
In addition to the main three colors, the nautical palette also draws from other maritime-inspired shades:
Beach Glass Green: Sea glass found on the shoreline inspired this soft blue-green shade. It has a soothing, watery look. Use beach glass green with other nautical colors in bedrooms, bathrooms and accent walls.
Sand: Warm, natural sand conjures images of the seashore. The light neutral adds texture and depth. Sand color can be used on walls, furniture, rugs and decor. Pair it with navy blue and white for a beach house vibe.
Rope: Natural rope and jute are commonly used on boats. This neutral tan shade provides an organic texture. Incorporate rope color through baskets, woven accents and natural fiber rugs.
Teal: Found in ocean waters, teal is a mix of blue and green. It has an invigorating, tropical feel. Use teal in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Try teal walls or tile paired with crisp white trim.
Coral: Vibrant coral reefs dot tropical oceans. This lively pinkish-orange makes a cheerful accent color. Add coral through artwork, pillows, flowers and decorative accents. It looks stunning paired with navy blue.
Tips for Using a Nautical Color Palette
Here are some top tips for effectively using nautical colors in interior spaces:
– Stick to 2-4 colors in one space. Choose one dominant color, one lighter neutral and one or two accent colors. Too many colors can feel busy and overwhelming.
– Layer different textures like suede, linen, jute and ceramic to add visual interest. Incorporate natural elements like rattan, driftwood and seashells.
– Use color blocking to divide a room into sections. Painting the upper and lower halves of a wall different colors creates contrast.
– Add navy and white stripes or patterns on pillows, rugs and upholstered furniture. Nautical motifs add maritime character.
– Incorporate weathered, whitewashed woods to evoke a coastal cottage or beach house aesthetic.
– Add subtle nautical themes through artwork, shells, maps and anchors used decoratively. Use motifs sparingly to avoid feeling overly themed.
– Consider paint finishes that complement the coastal theme like sand textures, translucent stains or shiplap walls.
– Use accent lighting to create a relaxed ambiance. Try pendant lights, sconces and natural sunlight. Incorporate blue and white glass lampshades.
Nautical Color Palettes
Here are some suggested nautical color combinations to inspire your space:
Classic
– Navy blue
– Crisp white
– Nautical red
Coastal Cool
– Beach glass green
– White
– Natural sand
– Rope
Ocean Blue
– Navy blue
– Teal
– White
– Pale blue
Tropical
– Navy blue
– Sand
– Bright coral
– Rattan and jute textures
Lake House
– Pale blue
– White
– Light wood tones
– Green accents
Seaside Cottage
– White
– Sand
– Weathered wood finishes
– Navy blue accents
Maritime
– Navy blue
– White
– Wood tones
– Rope and jute accents
Nautical Color Schemes by Room
The nautical color palette can be adapted to any room in your home. Here are some examples of how to use coastal colors in different spaces:
Living Room:
Paint the walls a soft sand or light blue. Use white trim and navy blue accents. Incorporate driftwood, woven textures and artwork with subtle nautical motifs. Add pops of coral and teal with pillows, ceramics and other decor.
Kitchen:
Use a light blue, green or sand on the cabinets. Try white countertops and backsplash tile with navy grout. Add touches of red in kitchenware and window treatments. Use rope baskets, seashells and glass container accents.
Bedroom:
Paint walls in a relaxing beach glass green or sand. Use white bedding with navy and coral accents. Add natural fiber rugs, whitewashed nightstands and driftwood lamps. Finish with artwork featuring seascapes, shells or boats.
Bathroom:
Use white subway tile with thin lines of navy grout. Paint walls teal or light sand color. Add navy and white striped shower curtains and towels. Use rope baskets, shell soap dishes and candles in crisp jars.
Home Office:
Paint walls white or light blue. Use a navy blue accent wall behind the desk. Add white shelving and driftwood desk organizers. Use ceramic desk accessories in navy, white and coral. Finish with artwork or photos in simple frames.
Kids’ Room:
Paint walls a happy coral or light blue. Use white furniture accented with red, blue and turquoise. Add builtin cubby storage and shiplap details. Use colorful striped bedding, pillows and rugs. Finish with beach artwork and driftwood photo frames.
Outdoor Space:
Paint a patio or porch ceiling sky blue. Use white railings and exterior furniture with navy blue cushions. Add pops of color with red, yellow and turquoise outdoor pillows and planters. Use natural jute or seagrass rugs.
Conclusion
The nautical color palette is a timeless and versatile choice for interior spaces. It immediately conjures feelings of ocean adventures and summer relaxation. Navy blue, crisp white and accents of red form the foundation of the classic maritime color scheme. Soft sandy neutrals, sea glass greens and bright corals expand the palette for a more varied coastal look.
Nautical colors can be adapted to suit any style, from traditional to modern. Use color blocking, natural textures and subtle maritime motifs to complete the aesthetic. With smart use of this color scheme, you can bring breezy, beachy style to any indoor or outdoor space. So embrace the soothing, adventurous spirit of the sea and sail away with nautical colors.
