Nautical Wall Art: Going Nautical without Going Overboard

The delicate colors of shells, sea anemones, star fish and sand dollars are wonderful accents in a nautical space. Cluster them in glass cylinders or bowls, alone or surrounding a candle. Sea life and seascapes in paintings, quality prints and framed multi-dimensional wall art can make a pleasing arrangement on a focal wall. With a pale neutral palette, it's natural to let the simple beauty of the seaside dominate your space. For example, an abstract metal art depicting waves and dunes, while neutral in color, is visually compelling yet genuine. In pale neutral spaces, multi-dimensional pieces have greater impact. A shadow box can hold a myriad of sea treasures, from shells to glass to polished stone.

If you prefer brights instead of neutrals, a white background will let bright colors will pop. Try colorful fish and sea life to provide oceans of color in small, vivid doses. For example, in a white kitchen, a school of bright ceramic fish can draw attention to the space beside a table or counter, or above the cook top. In a bathroom, colorful nautical tiles can be placed randomly in a white tiled shower or floor, or place a few tiles under glass atop a wicker dressing table for a fun, funky look. Acrylic wall art is another way to bring a burst of color to a nautical room.

1. Keep accessories in tune with the theme. Brass lamps and candle lanterns, whether freestanding or wall lanterns, are reminiscent of seafaring vessels and captain's quarters. Clear or colored glass lamp bases and vases can help punctuate a room with color repetition.
2. Decorative metal wall decor in burnished metal finishes suggests the ruggedness of the sea in the shape of ships, fish, waves or more abstract images.
3. Blue and white pottery is an ideal accent in any nautical room. Group it on a mantel or bookshelf, or open kitchen cabinets or shelves.
4. Add a little history to your nautical space with antique nautical prints. An old map, portraits and paintings with a nautical twist, or a piece of art that is tied to your geographic local, is a great way to add local color to your home.