From party decor to day-to-day living, the right theme can really pull a space together! And the ocean and everything it contains offer endless inspiration for decorating your home inside and out.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a vibrant addition to a children’s play area or the right piece of artwork for a contemporary living room.
These under the sea decorating ideas are sure to point you in the right direction and help you achieve your dream design aesthetic.
30+ Under the Sea Decorating Ideas for Your Party or Home
1. Sleek Hanging Surfboard
You don’t need beachfront property to justify decorating your home with ocean-inspired items. For a modern seaside aesthetic, try incorporating a surfboard into your living space.
You can mount the real deal on a wall or invest in an artistic rendition of this classic ocean accessory.
2. Nautical Bunting
While bunting is a popular option for parties, it can also be used as permanent decor in the home. String ocean-themed bunting along an empty wall or between exposed rafters.
Or hang bunting over your patio before your next outdoor get-together.
3. Classy Ocean-Themed Table Setting
Themed parties aren’t just for kids! Whether you’re celebrating a beachfront wedding or just getting together with old friends, try recreating this beautiful oceanic table setting for your next shindig.
4. Backyard Dining Table Decor
You can breathe life into even the simplest dinner by sprinkling a few undersea decor items into the mix. Just look at how charming this fishing net centerpiece is. Decorative bobbers and seashells off a finishing touch.
5. DIY Ocean Creatures
Home decor can be expensive. If you have a crafty side to you, why not take on some of the creative process yourself?
Crocheted sea creatures like this adorable octopus make excellent party decor. When the celebrations are over, you can easily display them on a shelf.
6. Fishy Dinner Plates
So many homeowners are afraid of decorating with a theme because they fear the end result will be tacky. Instead of avoiding any and all thematic decor, take a minimalist approach.
This table setting — the fish-shaped side plate is the star of the show — is a perfect example of how you can embrace your sea-loving side while maintaining a curated home.
7. Decorative Seashells
Seashells are by and large a neutral addition to most spaces. Select high-quality shells — bigger is better — and invest in the right display setup to get the most out of your undersea decor.
8. Nautical Baby Nursery
No room begs for a theme quite like a nursery. Nearly all undersea decorating ideas will work in a young child’s room. And committing to a theme will make it easy for loved ones to buy matching toys and decor!
9. Modern Coral Decor
If you subscribe to the idea that less is more when it comes to home decor, conveying a theme can feel near impossible.
But this example proves that you don’t need bright colors or over-the-top designs to give your home a dose of oceanic charm.
10. Beachside Guest Room
Don’t be afraid to utilize abstract elements in your designs. This adorable guest bedroom is both simple and contemporary.
Yet the wave-like wallpaper and hanging sand dollars make you feel like you’ve been transported to the ocean floor.
11. Pop-Up Cruise Ship
With a few basic supplies and a bit of DIY-savviness, you can recreate this charming cruise ship for your next party. It would also make a great addition to any nautical children’s bedroom.
12. Fun Anchor Play Rug
Conveying an aesthetic within your interior design can be as simple as picking up a few appropriately themed textiles. This fun area rug is just one example.
Perhaps the best thing about this design strategy is how quick and easy it is to change up. Rugs, bedding sets, and similar items can instantly transform a room with zero long-term commitment.
13. DIY Votive Candles
If you love party decor that also doubles as favors, try your hand at making some beachy votive candles like these. You can find the necessary supplies (including decorative shells) at most craft retailers.
14. Reclaimed Beach Garlands
For those of us lucky enough to live near or on the ocean, things like shells, pieces of driftwood, and beach glass are a dime a dozen. Put your collection to good use by creating decorative garlands or wind chimes.
Hang your DIY creations indoors or outside in your garden or patio space.
15. Simple Nautical Trinket Tray
This trinket tray is a wonderful example of how to decorate a guest space without overwhelming your future visitors with custom decor. It’s also a great way to make several small decor items feel cohesive rather than cluttered.
16. Draped Fishing Net
Draping a fishing net from a rafter or pergola is a creative way to decorate for any under-the-sea-themed party. Or it could be an enchanting addition to a nautical bedroom or bathroom.
Secure shells, fishing lures, and other knick-knacks to the net for added dimension. You can also weave string lights through the net for late-night illumination.
17. Neutral Seashell Centerpiece
This style of centerpiece is incredibly versatile. You can use it for a party or as full-time decor in your kitchen, dining room, living room, and beyond.
It coordinates with several popular decor styles, including trends like modern farmhouse and industrial. Even though it’s ocean-themed, it won’t clash with or overwhelm the rest of your decor.
18. Magical Kids Play Room
Under the sea decor is easy to adapt and update as children grow. It’s the ideal choice for almost any nursery or bedroom. And it’s not limited to one gender or another.
Include a touch of fantasy with mermaids and other mythical creatures alongside more realistic decor and playthings. You can incorporate some of your child’s favorite undersea characters or keep the space brand-free if desired.
19. Plush Sea Critter Mobile
This sea creature mobile is a great gift for any ocean-loving baby. But there are also countless other ways you could use an item like this in your home design.
20. Fish Scale Backsplash Tiles
Fish scale tiles are quite popular right now, and are the perfect excuse to infuse your home with undersea style.
While shades of blue and green are the most authentic choices, you can easily customize this design idea to suit any color palette.
21. DIY Sailboat Headboard
Here’s an incredibly simple DIY project that will transform a children’s bedroom or play area in a matter of hours (or less!). You could also use this crafty sailboat motif as the background to a photo shoot or party decor.
While this makeshift sailboat appears basic from an adult’s point of view, you’ll be amazed by how quickly your child’s creativity takes over!
22. Seashell Jewelry Tray
Half of a seashell can make an elegant tray for rings, necklaces, and other small valuables. Use this decor idea to add a luxurious touch to your master or guest bathroom.
Alternatively, you can use a seashell as a soap tray. This is a wonderful idea for a powder room or similar space.
23. Nautical Pendant Light
Transform a traditional glass pendant light with rope for a decidedly nautical aesthetic. Utilize this DIY idea anywhere in your home. It’s also a relatively simple way to decorate a room for an ocean-themed event.
24. Starfish and Shell Wreath
This beachy wreath is a charming alternative to traditional flowers or evergreen branches. By hanging a wreath like this one on your front door, you can set the tone for the rest of your interior decor.
If you live in an apartment or would rather hang the wreath somewhere you can enjoy it more, feel free to display it indoors instead!
25. Oceanfront Welcome Sign
Another great option for decorating your entryway is this nautical welcome sign. Again, you can mount it to your front door or display it inside the home.
If you can’t find an undersea-themed welcome sign that suits your style, this is a fairly easy DIY project you could take on yourself.
26. Modern Aquarium Display
While you should never build an aquarium for the aesthetic alone, there’s no better choice of underwater-inspired decor. Make your aquarium the centerpiece of the room by proudly displaying it on a table or shelf.
Invest in fish-friendly lighting to draw attention to and illuminate your aquarium even when the lights are dimmed.
27. Pink Sailboat Bed
Sailboats aren’t just for boys. If you have a girly-girl in your family who loves the ocean, consider showing them this darling bedroom design.
28. Rippling Artwork
If you think photos of lighthouses and schools or fish are too on the nose, check out this subtle piece of wall art. It’s perfectly suited for a contemporary living space like the one pictured here.
29. Ocean Blue Living Room
Color is extremely important in any interior design project. Painting your space a deep ocean blue is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your home feel like an undersea oasis.
Include ocean-themed artwork — literal or abstract — to complete the look.
30. Whale Wall Mural
While there’s a time and place for more subtle decor, a children’s bedroom is rarely that. You can make your loved ones’ ocean-themed dreams come to life with a bold wall mural.
Unless you’re handy with a paintbrush, vinyl wallpaper is probably the best way to recreate this design idea.
31. Air Plant Jellyfish
Air plants are quirky specimens that thrive without any soil at all. While there are many ways to display these houseplants, one of the most creative ways is by hanging them from dry sea urchin shells.
If you select an air plant variety with long leaves, the end result will resemble a jellyfish hanging from the ceiling!