Shell Décor Is Trending—Here's How to Get the Coastal-Inspired Look, According to Designers

As the coastal design trend continues to take over home interiors, one motif is rising to the forefront: seashells. No longer just something you’d find in a cozy, beachfront home, shells are popping up everywhere—and they’re more luxe and elevated than ever. You can find the timeless adornment affixed to mirrors and lamps, used as jewelry dishes, printed on wallpaper, and more. 

While seashells have always been a beloved addition to coastal-inspired spaces, they’re experiencing a renaissance due to interior design trends recently popularized on social media. The coastal grandmother trend—a style focused on neutral, earthy décor—and rom-com-inspired interiors (also coined the ‘Nancy Meyers’ aesthetic) have given shells new life in the design space. 

If you have an affinity for breezy, minimalist décor and color palettes that lean heavily on sky blues and beiges, the shell décor trend is likely of interest. Even if the coastal look isn’t your preferred aesthetic, you’d be surprised at how well shells complement multiple design styles. Here, interior designers share everything you need to know about this design movement, as well as ideas for how to incorporate it into your home. 

What Is the Shell Décor Trend?

The shell décor trend involves incorporating shells and shell-inspired motifs into your home décor to evoke a sense of natural beauty and tranquility. “They are often associated with coastal environments, which can bring a relaxing and serene atmosphere to any space,” says Talia Rosen of Avakian Interiors. 

Shells can be incorporated into the home in various ways depending on your aesthetic. “Shell frames, bowls, or simple framed shore items can lighten up a place, bringing an airy sense to the vignette,” says Courtney Peters of Courtney Peters Interior Design in Jackson, Mississippi. “What could be seen as cheesy or tchotchke-like to some, this trend can result in a beautiful way to showcase an admiration for all things sun and fun.” 

Why Shell Décor Is Trending 

Beyond their peaceful nature, shells align with the coastal influence that is currently dominating interiors. “The coastal trend, which emphasizes elements inspired by beach and seaside living, has played a significant role in popularizing shell décor,” says Rosen. “Many people are drawn to the idea of bringing elements of the beach into their homes to create a calm and vacation-like ambiance year-round.” 

Shells are also extremely versatile, coming in various shapes, sizes, and colors. “They can be incorporated into different styles of interiors, from modern coastal to bohemian or even minimalist, depending on how they are used and combined with other elements,” says Rosen.

This trend can also introduce texture into your home’s décor, enhancing visual interest in a room. “Whether used sparingly as accents or as focal points in design pieces, shells can make a space feel more unique and personalized,” says Rosen. 

How to Incorporate Shell Décor in Your Home 

There are many ways to incorporate shell décor in your home, but Rosen encourages you to think outside the box when trying this trend. “While we appreciate the aesthetic qualities of sea shells, we favor a modern interpretation of the trend,” she says. “We never recommended leaning fully into any one design trend, as it can easily date a home. Our goal is to create future-proof homes that stand the test of time.” 

Use Ruffled-Shaped Décor

If you want to participate in this trend in a subtle way, Rosen suggests opting for shell-shaped décor over literal shells. “We like to incorporate ruffled bowls or baskets to capture the natural beauty of sea shells in a contemporary way,” she says. In this scene, the ruffled basket resembles the shape of a seashell while the wicker texture feels effortlessly coastal. 

Install Shell-Inspired Bathroom Fixtures 

Shell motifs are the perfect addition to smaller areas of the home, where they add dimension and detail without taking up too much space. In a powder bath, or jewel box, you can add so much texture with a subtle shell-inspired sink or cluster or of oyster shells atop of mirror, like Peters does in this space.

Add a Shell Centerpiece 

Create a focal point for your dining room table by displaying an oversized, uniquely-shaped shell in the center, like Peters did with this blue beauty. If you look close, you’ll also spot other shell-themed décor dotted throughout the room. “In larger spaces, spread your shells out,” she says. “For example, incorporate a few handfuls in a nice bowl on a console table, or frame your favorite shell in a shadow box frame and hang it in a small gallery.”

Create the Illusion of Shell Décor 

The best part about this trend is that it can be interpreted in many different ways. It’s not just about displaying a few shells from the beach throughout your home. “Shell inspiration can be found everywhere with certain selections of scalloped-edged rugs, ocean wave-inspired wallpaper, and wicker accessories,” says Peters. Of course, a few real shells doesn’t hurt—and she thoughtfully adds a brownish-orange one as the end table décor in this bedroom. 

Use Shells as Wall Décor

If you look around, you'll see that much of your home's existing décor can be updated with the addition of shells. Here, mussels and cockle shells are arranged in concentric circles to give a basic wrought-iron hanging candle sconce a beautiful upgrade. Make two sconces and situate them on opposite ends of a gallery wall to beautify blank space.

Opt for Subtle Shell Motifs 

Let the shell décor make its own statement rather than opting for pieces that skew too in-your-face. “The trick is to have delicate, understated touches of shell or coastal items so it doesn’t become overdone or too ‘touristy,’” says Peters, which she accomplishes in this space by adorning the built-in shelves with subtle sea-inspired treasures. 

Use an Oversized Shell as a Candle Holder 

Shells can be used as an elevated catchall for a variety of items. To give this shower a relaxed, soothing feel, Rosen placed a textured, oversized shell on a built-in shelf and nested votive candles inside for a spa-like experience. 

Add a Shell Statement Piece 

The shell décor trend isn’t just about small knick knacks and subtle nods to the motif. Make a statement with oversized shells, like Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design did in this beachy dining room by placing two large shells under a coastal-inspired piece of wall art. She balanced the tableau by using clean lines in the millwork and a bright, airy color palette.

Provide Comfort With Shell-Shaped Pillows 

The bedroom is a wonderful place to incorporate shell-inspired décor. For this space, Creative Tonic uses blue, velvety, shell-shaped pillows as a focal point that complements the other coastal details, like the blue lotus wallpaper and white lamps with scalloped edges.

Create a Shell Mirror 

Calling all DIYers—the shell trend gives you plenty of room to create beautiful décor from keepsakes you collected at the beach. Sand dollars give this oval-shaped mirror a makeover, but you can also use normal shells to make this fixture at home. Simply layer the shells around the border of the mirror and glue them down once you’re happy with your arrangement.