Why I Started Shooting Coastal Prints
I've spent years chasing light along the Victorian coast with a camera in hand. And honestly, the number of times someone has asked me where they can get a print of their favourite beach for their wall is what got me into this whole thing. People don't just want any beach art. They want their beach. The one where they learned to surf, or where they take the dog every weekend, or where they spent summers as a kid.
So here's what I've learned about choosing coastal wall art that actually works for your space, not just what looks good on a screen.
Start With the Room, Not the Print
I know it's tempting to pick the prettiest image and figure out the rest later. But trust me, start with where it's going. A big open living room with high ceilings can handle something epic. A bedroom or hallway? You've got more flexibility.
The wall colour matters too. Light walls let you go bold with darker ocean tones. If your walls are already doing something interesting, a softer print with more white space works better. I shot Barwon Heads Art Print I on a hazy golden hour afternoon, and the soft tones mean it sits nicely even in rooms with a bit of colour already happening.
And measure your wall space before you fall in love with a print. I've got a size guide that shows exactly what each size looks like in a real room, which helps more than you'd think.
Framed or Unframed? Here's What Actually Matters
Unframed prints are great if you've already got a frame you love, or if you're on a budget and want to frame it later. But most people go for framed because it's ready to hang the day it arrives.
I offer a few different frame options. Classic framed prints are clean and simple. Framed canvas has more texture and depth. Shadow box frames add a bit of space between the print and the glass, which gives it a gallery feel. And if you want the clearest glass going, the premium shadow box with Tru Vue glass is as good as it gets.
All my frames are FSC certified timber, so they're sustainably sourced. It's a small thing, but it matters.
Pick a Print That Means Something
This is the bit that actually makes a difference. A print you have a connection to will always work better than something you picked because it matched the couch.
Maybe it's a beach you grew up near. Maybe it's where you got engaged. Maybe it's just a stretch of coast that makes you feel calm when you look at it. I've had people buy Point Addis Art Print I because they proposed there, and others grab it because they surf there every weekend. Same print, completely different reasons, both totally valid.
If you've never been to the location, that's fine too. But at least pick something that reminds you of a feeling or a memory. Beach prints work best when they're more than just decoration.
Take the Coast Home
Every print I shoot is a real place I've stood at, usually very early in the morning or right on sunset when the light does that thing it only does at the coast. I print them to order here in Victoria, frame them in FSC timber, and ship them free anywhere in Australia.
They're designed to let you relive a moment or a place, not just fill a gap on the wall. And they're ready to hang the day they arrive, so you're not mucking around with hardware or tradies.
FAQ
What size wall art should I get for a living room?
For a standard living room with a couch, go for Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) as a single statement piece above the sofa. If your ceilings are high or the wall is particularly big, the EPIC size (100x150cm, which is 1.5 metres wide) makes a serious impact. Smaller sizes like Medium work well in pairs or as part of a gallery wall.
Are framed beach prints better than unframed prints?
Framed prints arrive ready to hang and protected, which is why most people go for them. Unframed prints are a good option if you already have a frame or want to organise custom framing later. Framed prints also tend to look more finished and polished straight out of the box, especially if you're not confident with DIY framing.
How do I choose between canvas and paper prints?
Canvas prints have more texture and depth, which works well for larger sizes and more casual spaces. Paper prints in a classic or shadow box frame give you sharper detail and a more gallery-style look. If you want the clearest, most detailed print possible, go with paper and a premium shadow box frame with Tru Vue glass.
What's the best coastal wall art for a beach house or Airbnb?
Pick something that reflects the actual location or region where the property is. Guests love seeing a print of a nearby beach or landmark, it makes the space feel more connected to where they are. Go for Medium or Large sizes in high-traffic areas like living rooms, and choose framed prints so they're durable and low maintenance.
Pick something that reminds you why you love the coast, and it'll work.
