Looking for vintage coastal decor ideas? Explore timeless New England decorating inspiration, thrifted finds, and creative ways to style your coastal home.
Vintage coastal decor has a way of capturing the charm, character, and calm of life by the sea. Here in coastal Maine, I’m always drawn to pieces that blend seaside nostalgia with timeless style, like embroidered lobster pillows, blue and white pottery, nautical artwork, and thrifted treasures that tell a story.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite vintage coastal decor finds, where I discovered them, and how I styled each one in our New England home. From a 1920s women’s bathing suit turned wall art to a vintage tennis umpire chair and Montauge Dawson sailboat paintings, I hope these coastal decorating ideas inspire you to add a touch of vintage charm to your own spaces.
Thrifting New England Shopping Guide: Vintage Stores, Markets & Must-Visit Stops
Join me as I explore the best vintage and thrift stores from Maine to Vermont, and even Paris and Canada. It’s your go-to guide for planning your next treasure-hunting adventure.
Vintage Coastal Decor Finds from Coastal Maine to Inspire Your New England Home
Looking to add timeless vintage coastal decor to your home? These coastal Maine finds, from whimsical lobster pillows to charming antique chair finds, offer the perfect inspiration for your next thrifting adventure. Discover where to find one-of-a-kind treasures like driftwood sailboat decor and how to style them with relaxed New England charm.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Embroidered Lobster Pillows with Vintage Coastal Decor Style
What I Found: These whimsical embroidered lobster pillows are one of my favorite vintage coastal decor finds from Maine. With their crisp red stitching and nautical flair, they add just the right pop of seaside charm to any space. Readers ask me about these all the time, and I can see why!
Where I Bought It: I found these lobster pillow gems years ago at HomeGoods in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. While I don’t stop in often, it’s one of those places I love to browse when I’m on the hunt for cozy coastal bedroom accents, pillows, throws, or blankets, especially during a seasonal refresh at our Maine home. Shop lobster pillows
How I Styled It: I styled these embroidered lobster pillows in the guest bedroom of our coastal Maine home, one of my favorite rooms to decorate. Layered over my mother’s vintage quilt and surrounded by blue and white accents, antique furniture, and seaside touches, they create a look that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly coastal. You can explore more of this space in my full Coastal Maine Guest Bedroom Decorating Guide.
Explore Vintage Bedroom Decor Guide
Ready to give your bedroom timeless character and charm? Explore my Vintage Bedroom Décor Guide featuring 50+ cozy styling ideas using antique furniture, vintage linens, and heirloom accents—all inspired by our Vermont and Maine homes.
Vintage 1970s Yacht Curtains with Retro Nautical Coastal Decor Style
What I Found: This rare and fabulous set of vintage 1970s yacht curtains features a bold red and blue sailboat print that’s pure vintage coastal magic. Originally custom-made for a yacht, these retro coastal drapes are packed with one-of-a-kind nautical charm. The moment I spotted that graphic sailboat pattern, I knew they were something special!
Where I Bought It: I discovered these vintage yacht curtain gems at the York Antiques Gallery in York, Maine, one of my favorite coastal spots for vintage coastal decor. One of the many reasons I love this shop? They actually let me take the curtains home first to test them in my living room before buying. How amazing is that? Shop Vintage Nautical Curtains
How I Styled It: The set included three pairs, just enough to dress our living room windows in Maine. These bold, patterned vintage yacht curtains may not be for everyone, but I absolutely adore them. They’re a true conversation piece and bring that unmistakable vintage coastal decor charm to the space. I can easily imagine an interior designer falling in love with this rare yacht fabric for a standout seaside retreat. You can see more in my full post: Coastal Curtains: Custom Yacht Drapes in Maine Home post.
Ready to Embrace Vintage Decorating?
New to vintage collecting? This beginner’s guide will walk you through how to start collecting vintage home decor, what to look for, where to shop, and how to style your favorite finds with confidence.
Already have a collection you love? Don’t miss my favorite vintage collections display ideas with stylish, creative ways to decorate with what you’ve found.
Vintage Balancing Whale Toy: A Whimsical Coastal Collectible
What I Found: One of my most treasured pieces is this vintage balancing whale toy, a playful and whimsical coastal collectible full of charm and character. It was a heartfelt gift from one of my dear readers, and it instantly became a favorite in our home.
Where I Bought It: This special piece was mailed to me as a surprise after I connected with a reader over our shared love of Bernese Mountain Dogs. It’s moments like these that make decorating with vintage coastal decor feel so personal and meaningful. Shop Vintage Balancing Toys
How I Styled It: This whimsical toy has floated from our sunroom to the living room, always finding a place of honor. Whether perched on a shelf or styled on a console table, it adds a lighthearted touch of coastal nostalgia. If you’re decorating a beach house or simply love vintage coastal decor, these balancing toys are such fun to hunt for! Look for variations shaped like whales, sailors, or ships, many of which pop up on eBay from time to time. You can read the full story in this post: Vintage Balancing Toy Whale with a Meaningful Story.
Top Vintage Decor Ideas & Thrifted Finds You’ll Love
Explore my most popular vintage decorating posts filled with personal stories, styling tips, and lessons learned from years of thrifting across New England and beyond.
7 Thrifted Finds I Regret Not Buying (And What I Learned)
9 Thrift Store Finds I Always Buy for Vintage Styling
9 Vintage Decor Pieces I’ll Never Part With
10 Vintage Decor Ideas I Spotted at Vintage Market Days Vermont
Antique 1920s Women’s Bathing Suit: A Vintage Coastal Keepsake
What I Found: This rare antique 1920s women’s bathing suit is a true vintage coastal keepsake. With its classic navy blue hue and charming period details, it’s one of those unique vintage fashion finds that tells a story and adds timeless character to any coastal home.
Where I Bought It: I discovered this gem at the York Antique Center in York, Maine, one of my favorite vintage stops for one-of-a-kind pieces that capture the spirit of New England coastal living. Shop Antique Women’s Bathing Suits
How I Styled It: I had the bathing suit professionally framed, and it now hangs proudly in our master bedroom in Maine. It creates a bold, nostalgic focal point and always sparks conversation. This piece feels like a tribute to our local coastal history, especially Bette Davis, who was the first female lifeguard in nearby Ogunquit. There’s a well-known photo of her in a similar bathing suit, and this display reminds me of that iconic era. You can see more in this post: Coastal Wall Decor Ideas: Framing a 1920s Bathing Suit post.
Thrifting with the Gals
Love the thrill of the hunt? Thrifting with the Gals is a blog series packed with secondhand scores, vintage styling ideas, and real-time thrift adventures you won’t want to miss.
Antique Jenny Lind Bed: A Timeless Treasure for a Vintage Attic Bedroom
What I Found: At a local tag sale, I found a beautiful antique Jenny Lind bed that had been cleverly repurposed as a quilt holder. For just $100, I brought home this vintage gem in remarkable condition. The seller even helped reassemble it for me, with all the original spindles and rails intact. It was truly an incredible find I couldn’t pass up.
Where I Bought It: A charming neighborhood tag sale right here in Maine. Proof that antique gold can still be discovered close to home. Shop Antique Jenny Lind Beds
How I Styled It: This charming Jenny Lind bed came home with us from a coastal Maine yard sale and is now tucked into one of the attic bedrooms in our Maine home. We just wallpapered this space, and while I haven’t shared those full room reveals yet, I couldn’t resist giving you a little sneak peek of this antique Jenny Lind bed testing out my favorite Seersucker Bedding. What do you think?
If you’ve ever passed up an antique or vintage bed because you weren’t sure you could find a mattress to fit, don’t let that stop you! We ordered a custom-sized mattress from MattressInsider, and it couldn’t have been easier. I simply sent in the bed’s measurements, and they created a high-quality mattress that fit like a glove, all for under $400. It was such an affordable and stress-free way to bring this 100-year-old beauty back to life.
These attic bedrooms are still very much a work in progress, but this cozy nook, with its spindle bed and blue-and-white seersucker bedding, already feels like the start of something special.
Adding Meaningful Touches to Our Attic Bedroom Makeover
And look at these sweet vintage-style curtains I found tucked away in the pantry, hand-sewn by my mother years ago. The delicate floral print matches the new attic bedroom’s wallpaper beautifully, as if they were always meant to be part of this cozy space. More to come on these coastal attic bedrooms…
You may also find more vintage coastal decorating ideas in this Red Decor Ideas to Decorate Any Room with Style post. I love adding a pop of red to my vintage-inspired rooms.
Pro Tip
If you ever come across a Jenny Lind or antique iron bed at a yard sale and hesitate because of the unusual mattress size, don’t let that stop you. A custom mattress can make it work beautifully, allowing you to enjoy vintage bedroom styling while giving new life to a timeless piece of history.
Driftwood Sailboat Door Decor: Coastal Charm with Weathered Style
What I Found: I found two handmade driftwood sailboats, each crafted from a single piece of driftwood with a center mast and simple white canvas sails. These charming nautical accents instantly caught my eye for their coastal simplicity and timeless design.
Where I Bought It: I picked them up at Breakaway Design & Antiques in Wells, Maine, one of my favorite stops for one-of-a-kind handmade decor and vintage seaside treasures. Shop Driftwood Sailboats
How I Styled It: I’ve hung these driftwood sailboats on our front doors at our coastal Maine home for several summers now, and they’ve weathered beautifully. Their natural textures and understated charm offer the perfect welcome, a quiet nod to nautical life. While these were handmade, they’d make an easy DIY coastal craft, just grab a piece of driftwood, a small wooden dowel, and a few sail-shaped canvas triangles. Simple, breezy, and oh-so-Maine.
Vintage Anchor Door Knocker, A Thoughtful Coastal Gift
One of my favorite vintage coastal decor additions to our Maine home came as a heartfelt gift. A dear friend’s daughter recently stayed with us and left behind the most charming brass anchor door knocker, found at an antique shop in Portland, Maine. This thoughtful coastal treasure now graces our front door, perfectly complementing our driftwood sailboat door wreath. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of her kindness and the nautical charm that defines our New England-inspired coastal style. Thanks Julia!
Vintage Home Decorating Guides and Styling Inspiration
Are you curious about vintage decor but don’t know where to start? These cornerstone guides are packed with seasonal styling tips, how-tos, and inspiration to help you confidently decorate with charm and character.
Vintage Montague Dawson Sailboat Paintings: Soft Coastal Style in Pastel Hues
What I Found: I’ve become smitten with collecting vintage Montague Dawson sailboat prints, especially those in soft pastel hues with golden or weathered wooden frames. These dreamy nautical prints often feature classic sailing ships and capture that breezy, relaxed Montague Dawson charm. Best of all? I’ve scored several for around $30 each, which is a rare find when it comes to vintage coastal decor and framed nautical artwork.
Where I Bought Them: I’ve found these sailboat prints all across coastal Maine and Vermont, including:
- A sweet auction find from my friend Molly in Maine in Downeast, Maine
- Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick, Maine
- Stone House Antique Center in Chester, Vermont
- Anytime Antiques in Wells, Maine
How I Styled It: These framed nautical prints have added such charm and softness to our coastal Maine home. I’ve grouped three in our living room, styled another in the hallway, and placed one more in the dining room. The delicate pastel color palettes and vintage frames bring a serene, nostalgic feel to every space. I’m always on the lookout for more and would happily fill every wall with these beautiful vintage sailboat scenes.
In My Mother’s Maine Home
Step inside our inherited coastal Maine home where antiques, thrifted treasures, and family memories come together. Explore the full series for room-by-room decorating ideas, restoration updates, and the story behind this special place.
Vintage Tennis Umpire Chair: A Coastal Maine Antique with Sporty Charm
What I Found: This vintage tennis umpire chair was one of the most unexpected and playful coastal Maine vintage finds from my summer thrifting adventures. Its tall silhouette and classic form make it a true standout, perfect for anyone who loves vintage sports decor with a bit of personality and charm.
Where I Bought It: I spotted it at Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick, Maine, a favorite stop along my coastal Maine antiquing trail. This shop is filled with unique treasures, but this chair was a true standout that I knew I had to bring home. Learn more in this Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick, Maine: A Vintage-Loving Local’s Guide to What You’ll Find & Love post.
How I Styled It: I styled the chair at the end of our dining room, where it pairs beautifully with a tall antique wooden desk that looks like it belongs in an old New England college hall. I added a vintage rotary telephone, draped a classic coastal tote over the back, and leaned a vintage tennis racket nearby. The result is a whimsical nod to summer that adds a sporty, nostalgic layer to our vintage coastal decor.
Love vintage tennis finds? Be sure to check out my post on decorating with vintage tennis rackets for even more ways to style sporty summer decor with vintage charm and character.
Explore Antique Chair Styles: 15 Timeless Vintage Finds for Your Home
Love vintage furniture? Don’t miss my guide, Antique Chair Styles: A Decorating Guide to 15 Timeless Vintage Finds, where I share classic designs and styling ideas.
Antique Apothecary Cabinet with Coastal Charm
What I Found: This antique apothecary cabinet was a showstopper find, covered in layers of chippy green and blue paint, it instantly spoke to my love of coastal vintage decor. With dozens of tiny drawers, it offers not just charm but loads of character and styling possibilities.
Where I Bought It: I found this gem at the Americana Workshop in Kennebunk, Maine, one of my favorite antique stops along the Southern Maine coast. It’s a must-visit if you love one-of-a-kind vintage storage pieces. Shop Vintage Apothecary Cabinets
How I Styled It: Today, this antique apothecary cabinet sits proudly in our dining room, where it’s a true conversation piece. I styled the top with a vintage wrought iron whale weathervane, a few stacked antique books, and some of our personal family photos to keep it meaningful. And in a recent twist of fun, I added a collection of brass whale knife rests I found at Apré Vintage in Wilmington, Vermont, a quirky nautical touch that ties it all together. The coastal colors, layered patina, and endless drawer details make this one of my all-time favorite vintage finds for our Maine home. Explore more on this apothecary cabinet’s story and styling ideas in this Apothecary Cabinet: Vintage Style, Antique Charm, and How to Choose Yours post.
Vintage Bookshelf Decor Ideas You’ll Love
Looking for creative ways to style your shelves through the seasons? From cozy neutral built-ins to colorful spring styling and vintage collections, this guide is full of inspiration for every decorating style.
More Coastal Maine Vintage Finds I Love
Not every treasure made it into the top nine, but these honorable mentions still brought a smile to my face. From unexpected roadside gems to charming coastal antiques, these vintage finds helped make this season’s thrifting adventures in Maine even more memorable.
Browse the posts below to see how I styled each piece in our cozy coastal home, and gather more vintage decor ideas filled with timeless New England charm.
Want to go thrifting in Maine yourself? Be sure to check out my vintage shopping guide: Best Thrift Stores in Maine (And My Favorite Vintage Shops Too), where I share all my favorite antique stores and hidden gems along the coast.
Vintage Coastal Decorating Ideas Rooted in New England, Loved Everywhere
Vintage coastal decor is more than just seashells and sailboats; it’s about capturing the relaxed, timeworn beauty of life by the water. Rooted in New England charm but loved in homes everywhere, this style blends secondhand treasures, nautical accents, and soft, natural textures to create a warm, welcoming space.
Whether you’re decorating a beach cottage, lakeside retreat, riverside mountain home, or suburban nook, vintage coastal decorating ideas offer timeless inspiration that feels both collected and coastal.
Our Home, Featured in Country Sampler Magazine
In 2024, our coastal Maine home was featured in Country Sampler Magazine—a true dream come true! It was an unforgettable experience, and I’ve shared all the behind-the-scenes moments, vintage styling, and emotional details in this special post.
Coastal Grandmother Style: Vintage Coastal Decor with Effortless Charm
Coastal Grandmother style is the cozy cardigan of vintage coastal decor, easy, breezy, and effortlessly charming. It’s all about soft layers, weathered textures, blue and white everything, and a home that feels lived-in, loved, and never overdone. Rooted in classic New England style but adored everywhere, this look is perfect for anyone who loves decorating with thrifted treasures, fresh-cut hydrangeas, and a little seaside nostalgia. Want to get the look? Check out my full post: Coastal Grandmother Style: Vintage Decor Ideas from a Summer in Maine for all the dreamy details.
Coastal Decor Color Palette: Soft Tones and Vintage-Inspired Hues
The right color palette can completely transform your coastal home, and with vintage coastal decor, soft tones and subtle hues are your best friend. In New England homes, especially where wood beams and floors often set the tone, keeping your colors light and breezy helps balance the richness of antique materials. Whether you’re decorating indoors or out, here are my favorite color combinations to bring timeless, relaxed charm into your space.
Indoor Coastal Colors for a Light and Airy Vintage Look
If you love vintage coastal style but want to avoid a heavy or dated feel, stick to soft pastels and airy tones that brighten your space. In our early American New England home, I lean into light blues, seafoam greens, and pale mauves to soften the darker wood beams and floors. Light blue pillows, pastel throws, and red-and-white vintage quilts are staples in our living room and bedrooms. And a pop of red, from an embroidered lobster pillow to a vintage lantern, adds personality and a touch of nautical whimsy without overwhelming the space.
For more inspiration, check out my posts on Red Decor Ideas to Decorate Any Room with Style, vintage quilts, and 7 Vintage Coastal Decor Finds to Start a Charming Guest Bedroom Makeover.
Outdoor Coastal Colors with Classic New England Charm
Coastal decor isn’t just for interiors. When it comes to outdoor color palettes, nothing says New England like Essex Green, a deep, historic shade used on doors, shutters, and trim throughout Vermont and coastal Maine. Paired with white clapboard or weathered cedar shakes, it instantly creates a timeless coastal look. Learn more in my Essex Green Benjamin Moore New England House Trim post.
Green-and-white striped sun shade sail awnings are another favorite, they’re practical, affordable, and add instant charm to porches or patios. I also love the natural warmth of teak furniture, whether you let it weather to a soft gray or keep it sealed and rich in tone, it’s a classic New England coastal choice that holds up beautifully in every season. Don’t forget vintage wrought iron planters and driftwood sailboat decor for added personality.
Recommended Reading
Explore how we made this stone patio for our outdoor teak table set in this How to Build a Pea Gravel Patio: Easy Weekend DIY Project. It’ll save your lawn, I promise!
Patriotic Vintage Coastal Decor Ideas for Summer Holidays
There’s just something about vintage red, white, and blue that feels right at home by the coast. Whether it’s our VW Fastback decked out for the 4th of July, a lobster-themed table setting, or handmade spindle flags flying from a blue pitcher, these patriotic coastal moments are some of my favorites to style each summer. Blending Americana charm with seaside New England touches brings a nostalgic warmth to holidays spent at home.
Patriotic Vintage Decor Guide
Looking to style your home with red, white, and blue this summer? Explore 12 creative vintage-inspired patriotic decor ideas—from DIY flags and alfresco tablescapes to guest bedroom accents and porch displays. Perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and all your summer styling needs.
Vintage Coastal Decor Finds to Collect, Style, and Love in Every Season
Collecting vintage coastal decor is one of my favorite ways to bring timeless seaside charm into our coastal Maine home. From old weathered trunks and Maine clam rollers to nautical lanterns and antique framed bathing suits, these pieces tell a story that feels rooted in New England, but loved anywhere. Whether you’re styling a summer patio, a cozy winter nook, or a beachy tablescape, these vintage coastal finds work beautifully in every season and space.
What to include:
And the best part? These vintage coastal treasures are easy to find along the New England shoreline, at local thrift shops, barn sales, antique stores, and especially summer flea markets. It’s the thrill of the hunt that makes each piece feel even more special in your home.
Thrifting New England Shopping Guide: Vintage Stores, Markets & Must-Visit Stops
Join me as I explore the best vintage and thrift stores from Maine to Vermont, and even Paris and Canada. It’s your go-to guide for planning your next treasure-hunting adventure.
Explore more vintage coastal decor finds to collect, style, and love in every season in these posts:
Coastal Decorating Decor Ideas Through the Seasons
Looking for vintage coastal decor ideas after summer? Just because the beach days are behind us doesn’t mean the coastal charm has to fade. Vintage coastal decorating is surprisingly versatile, evolving beautifully through fall, winter, and spring with just a few thoughtful styling shifts.
As the seasons change, you can swap seashells for driftwood, trade in nautical blues for cozy neutrals, and layer in textures like wool, wicker, and weathered wood. A vintage oar becomes wall art in the fall. A blue and white transferware bowl feels wintry when filled with pinecones. And those classic coastal lanterns? They glow just as beautifully beside a roaring fireplace as they do on a summer porch.
Explore more in these vintage coastal decor ideas posts:
Whether I’m decorating my coastal Maine home in July with lobster linens or layering vintage throws over wicker chairs in the fall, coastal vintage decor always feels like home. I hope you found a few ideas to bring this New England charm into your own space, wherever you are.
Thrifting with the Gals
It’s the third Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time for Thrifting with the Gals. The time when the gals and I all get together to share our favorite monthly thrifted finds with you, along with a few tips and tricks in vintage home decorating.
Bringing Vintage Coastal Decor Home
From lobster pillows and blue-and-white palettes to patriotic porch moments and year-round coastal vignettes, decorating with vintage coastal style is all about capturing that breezy, timeless charm, wherever you live. Rooted in New England tradition and thrifted with love, these coastal finds help tell your home’s story in a beautifully personal way.
💙 Have a favorite find or question about coastal decorating? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear from you! Happy Thrifting~
Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Coastal Decor
Vintage coastal decor blends classic seaside elements with timeworn, antique, or thrifted pieces. Think nautical artwork, wicker furniture, driftwood accents, and vintage textiles, all styled to reflect a relaxed, beachy charm rooted in history and nostalgia.
Start by layering vintage finds like weathered wood, blue and white ceramics, embroidered linens, and nautical prints. Pair them with natural textures like rattan, rope, and driftwood for a breezy, lived-in coastal look. Add thrifted or antique statement pieces for extra personality.
You can find vintage coastal decor at antique shops, flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores, especially in coastal towns like those in Maine or New England. Online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay also offer great options for vintage nautical art, textiles, and decor.
Soft coastal tones like seafoam, sandy beige, navy blue, crisp white, and faded pastels work beautifully in vintage coastal decor. These shades evoke the natural seaside landscape while highlighting the aged beauty of vintage finds.
Yes! Mixing vintage coastal pieces with modern elements can create a beautiful contrast. Use vintage artwork, textiles, or furniture as focal points, and pair them with clean-lined modern accents to keep the space feeling fresh and balanced.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
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My favorite are your red and blue nautical vintage curtains; they are the bomb! So fun for a land-lubber like me to see your beautiful collection of vintage coastal decorations. I thought about sharing my coastal LR today, but knew it would pale in comparison to your true blue seaside coastal decor. Loved seeing all your amazing finds! Great summertime post:)
Ann
Such a great post. Makes me wish I’d driven to Maine and could have done some serious shopping. You have so many great treasures. Maybe next time.
Thanks Rachel, well, you got a good feel for it last summer, Maine misses you!