East Coast vs. West Coast Style: Which Coastal Wallpaper Fits Your Vibe?

Coastal style is not a one-stop shop. Whether it’s breezy dunes of the Hamptons or sun-soaked cliffs of Malibu, “coastal” takes on a different meaning depending on where you’re drawing inspiration. Today we’re focusing on two specific coastal color palettes — East Coast and West Coast – and sharing wallpaper choices from Wall Artifacts to pull off each look with style and authenticity.

Let’s dive in 🏖️

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🌊 The East Coast (Hamptons-Inspired) Aesthetic

Mood: Crisp, refined, timeless.

Color Palette: Soft whites, navy and ocean blue, sea-foam greens, sandy neutrals.

Signature Materials: Whitewashed wood, shiplap, natural linen, polished brass.

Design Principles

• Clean and polished: Trimmed walls, upscale detailing.
  

• Classic shapes: Hourglass-and-wicker furniture.
  

• Layered neutrals: Crisp whites softened with pale blues and beiges.
  

• Light and airy: Reminds you of breezy Hamptons mornings.

Sandy Shores Wallpaper

Why it works: Toile-style sailboats and palm trees in sand tones give your entryway or powder room graceful coastal drama—subtle yet impactful.

💡 Styling Tips:

• Use on a single accent wall behind a white console or slim mirror.
  

• Complement with white beadboard, matte brass sconces, and natural-fiber rugs.
  

• Pair with navy-striped pillows or beach-themed art to lean into the Hamptons palette.
  

Ocean Gems Wallpaper

Why it works: Delicate seashell and sea urchin motifs in soft blues and grays make for an elegant accent in bathrooms or bedroom nooks.

💡 Styling Tips:

• Pair with stone vessel sinks and pale gray cabinetry.
  

• Accessorize with shell dishes and glass jars to enhance coastal charm.
  

• Add green sprigs like eucalyptus for visual freshness.
  

Shoreline Charm Wallpaper

Why it works: This wallpaper combines sea-life textures with soothing sea-foam hues—perfect for bathrooms or entry foyers.

💡 Styling Tips:

• Mount with white trim and polished nickel fixtures.
  

• Use glass storage and woven baskets to balance the palette.

• Include framed marine art or amber glass décor for refinement.

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🌴 The West Coast (Malibu-Inspired) Aesthetic

Mood: Relaxed, sun-washed, artistic.

Color Palette: Sandy beiges, driftwood grays, soft turquoise, leafy greens, sun-washed lavender.

Signature Materials: Driftwood, rattan, raw concrete, textiles in natural fibers.

Design Principles

• Effortlessly eclectic: Balances earthy, bohemian finds with casual modern pieces.
  

• Soft contrast: Sand and rock tones warmed with wood and terracotta.

• Organic textures: Warm, rustic, inviting.
  

Lagoon Tranquility Wallpaper

Why it works: Featuring gentle palms and sailboats in soft gray-blue tones, this wallpaper brings a dreamy, laid-back landscape perfect for small alcoves, laundry rooms, or cottages.

💡 Styling Tips:

• Use alongside driftwood or raw oak vanities.
  

• Add rattan pendant lamps and jute rugs for an earth-touch.
  

• Layer with linen curtains and leafy plants to evoke coastal shade.

Coral Reflection Wallpaper

Why it works: Lavender and periwinkle coral silhouettes on white evoke dunes and desert bloom—think plaid Malibu sunsets and artful restraint.

💡 Styling Tips:

• Apply to a bedroom accent wall or a reading nook alcove.
  

• Pair with mid-century lounges, washed-out wood accents, and brass-back lighting.
  

• Add linen throws and terracotta planters for texture.

Tropical Tide Wallpaper

Why it works: The botanical marine pattern captures a leafy surf lounge vibe—richer than beach house décor, fresher than jungle tropes.

💡 Styling Tips:

• Perfect behind a bathroom vanity or laundry area.
  

• Choose soft cement vessel sinks, black matte plumbing, and sculptural ceramic accessories.
  

• Add rattan baskets and driftwood-framed mirrors for a whimsical beach escape.
  

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Matching Décor Elements

Once you’ve picked your coastal wallpaper, infuse the space with complementary touches:

 

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Design Principles That Work for Both Styles

These style rules hold true for either coastal mood:

Accent Wall Impact
Use wallpaper on one wall to create focus without overwhelming the space.

Warm Lighting Is Key
Choose bulbs in the 2700–3000 K range to enhance coastal tones and textures.

Prioritize Texture over Theme
Woven rugs, seagrass baskets, and linen add depth without theming.

Match Undertones Thoughtfully
Light sand tones pair best with brass; cool blues ask for nickel or black hardware.

Bring in Natural Greenery
East Coast rooms glow with fiddle leaf figs; West Coast spaces benefit from succulents and shoreline grasses.

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Quick Mood Board Mini-Concepts

East Coast Powder Room
Wallpaper: Sandy Shores
Warmth: Matte brass sconces + round mirror
Accents: Driftwood soap tray, striped hand towel, white rug

West Coast Laundry Nook
Wallpaper: Coastal Crawlers
Shelving: Raw oak with seagrass bins
Accents: Navy towels, ceramic crab dish, simple lighting

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FAQs

Can these wallpapers go in bathrooms?
Yes—Wall Artifacts offer peel-and-stick and vinyl-coated options suited for moisture-prone spaces.

I’m renting; can I remove them later?
Absolutely. The peel-and-stick versions are designed for easy removal and minimal residue.

Can I coordinate rooms with the same theme?
Definitely. Use complementary palettes or shared textures (like linen or sea-blue accents) across rooms to create cohesion without repeating the same pattern.

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Final Thoughts

Are you a coastal style fanatic but can’t pick a side between East Coast and West Coast? From New England to the beaches of LA, coastal wallpaper will make your coastal style preference look legit. Colors may range from crisp whites to bleached neutrals, but each coastal wallpaper style will have its own coastal tale to tell. 

Choose the right coastal wallpaper and layer in complementary furniture and textures to create a coastal space that is perfect for you. It should be effortless too and always welcome you home.

Shop the full Coastal Wallpaper Collection at Wall Artifacts. We have peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper styles for every coastal aesthetic.