I've spent years shooting coastal scenes around Australia, and I've learned just as much from helping people choose prints for their homes as I have behind the camera. The most common question I get isn't about which beach or what size. It's this: how do I actually style beach prints so they don't look like a dentist's waiting room?
Good news. It's easier than you think, and it doesn't require an interior design degree or a massive budget. Here's what actually works.
Start With the Right Print for Your Space
Before you worry about styling, you need a print that actually fits your room. I'm not just talking about physical size, though that matters too. I mean the vibe.
If your living room gets flooded with natural light and you've got pale walls, you can go bold with something like the Point Addis Art Print I. The deep blues and that sweeping coastline work beautifully in bright spaces. They won't disappear into the background.
Got a smaller room or a cosy corner? Softer tones work better. Something like the Barwon Heads Art Print I with those peachy sunset hues creates warmth without overwhelming the space.
Size matters too. A common mistake is going too small. If you're filling a wall above a couch, you want something substantial. Medium starts at 42x59.4cm, Large is 59.4x84.1cm, and XL hits 84.1x118.9cm. When in doubt, size up. Check out our size guide if you're unsure.
Frame It Properly (Or Don't Frame It at All)
Here's where people overthink things. Framing isn't complicated, but it does change the whole feel of a print.
Unframed prints work if you're going for a relaxed, gallery style look or you've already got frames at home. But if you want something ready to hang that looks polished straight out of the box, go framed.
I offer a few options. Classic framed prints have a clean, simple timber frame. Framed canvas prints have more texture and depth. Shadow box frames create a floating effect, and if you want the absolute best, premium shadow box with Tru Vue glass cuts glare and protects the print long term.
All my frames use FSC certified timber, so you're not trashing the planet to hang a picture of it on your wall.
Create Balance With Other Elements
A single coastal print looks great on its own, but you can level it up by thinking about what's around it.
If you've got a print with cool blues and greens, balance it with warm timber furniture, linen textures, or some indoor plants. Coastal art doesn't mean you need to fill your house with driftwood and rope. Keep it simple.
Avoid matchy matchy. If your print shows a beach scene, you don't need shell ornaments and a lighthouse lamp on the same wall. Let the print do the talking.
And here's a tip: hang your print at eye level, not up near the ceiling. The centre of the artwork should sit around 145-150cm from the floor. That's average eye height, and it makes the room feel more grounded.
Use Coastal Prints to Anchor a Room
One large print can set the tone for an entire space. I've had customers tell me they chose paint colours, cushions, even rugs based on the tones in their print.
That's not overthinking it. That's smart. A good coastal print pulls together colours you already love. Ocean prints bring in blues, greens, sandy neutrals. Sunset shots like Barwon Heads add warmth. Rocky coastlines bring drama.
If you're decorating from scratch or giving a room a refresh, start with the art. Everything else flows from there.
Take the Coast Home
Every print I sell is a photo I've taken myself at a place I actually know and love. I'm not licensing stock images or shooting random beaches for the sake of it. These are real locations around Australia, from the Surf Coast to the Gold Coast to Port Douglas.
People buy my work because it reminds them of a holiday, a morning surf, or a place they want to visit. It's not just decor. It's a memory on the wall.
All prints are made to order here in Victoria and ship free anywhere in Australia. You get them ready to hang, no trips to the framer or hardware store required.
FAQ
What's the best size for coastal wall art in a living room?
It depends on your wall space, but most living rooms suit a Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) print. If you're hanging it above a couch, aim for something around two thirds the width of the furniture below it. Go bigger if you're filling a large blank wall. Our size guide has room mockups to help you decide.
Should I get a framed or unframed print?
If you want something ready to hang straight away, go framed. Unframed prints are great if you've already got a frame you love or you're after a specific custom look. I'd recommend framed for most people because it's easier and looks polished right out of the box.
How do I stop my beach print from fading?
Avoid hanging prints in direct sunlight for long periods. If your room gets heaps of sun, consider a premium shadow box frame with Tru Vue glass. It cuts UV rays and glare, so your print stays looking good for years.
Can I mix different coastal prints in the same room?
Absolutely. Stick to a similar colour palette or framing style to keep things cohesive. You could do a gallery wall with a few smaller prints from the same region, or pair two large prints on opposite walls. Just avoid overcrowding. Give each piece space to breathe.
Styling coastal art isn't about following a formula. It's about choosing something that feels right for your space and actually means something to you.
