Bringing the spirit of the open seas into your home décor can be an exciting way to add a touch of adventure and wanderlust to your living space. Incorporating hardware and accents inspired by sailing and maritime themes allows you to infuse any room with a sense of exploration. From door handles and drawer pulls to lamps, mirrors, and wall art, sailing motifs like anchors, ships wheels, cleats, and signal flags can serve as sculptural and striking design elements. With the right blend of furnishings and finishes, you can create a relaxing retreat that conjures images of majestic tall ships, tranquil harbors, and refreshing ocean breezes.
Selecting Sailing Hardware for Doors, Drawers, and More
When looking to include sailing hardware in your home, consideration should be given to both form and function. Nautical-themed hardware not only makes a bold decorative statement but also must serve a practical purpose by adorning handles, knobs, pulls, and hinges throughout the home.
Door Handles and Knobs
A sailing-inspired door handle or knob serves as an eye-catching accent while providing an essential function – the ability to open and close doors. Options range from subtle shapes with lightly engraved compass motifs to intricate ship’s wheel designs and bold metal anchor pulls. Front doors, pantry doors, and bathroom doors all present excellent opportunities to install maritime door hardware. Opt for finished like antique brass, rubbed bronze, or rustic iron to complement your overall décor.
Drawer Pulls
For kitchens, dressers, cabinets, and any other furniture with drawers, nautically themed pulls offer both form and function. Search for pulls in the shape of ships’ wheels, anchors, knots, and cleats for seamless incorporation of sailing motifs. Varying lengths and finishes like aged copper or antiqued nickel allow for coordination with your existing hardware. Pay attention to the mounting style of drawer pulls to ensure they properly align and function with your drawers.
Hinges
Door hinges rarely draw much attention, but sailing-inspired designs can turn a standard hinge into a decorative focal point. Hinges shaped like anchors or sea creatures add subtle oceanic flair. If opting for ornate hinges, be sure they don’t visually compete with the door handle or other hardware.
Hooks and Coat Racks
Entryways and mudrooms are ideal spaces for hooks, coat racks, and shelves with a sailing motif. Anchor hooks provide both form and function for hanging coats, hats, and bags. A driftwood coat rack or shelf evokes the sensation of being seaside. Storage benches or cubbies can incorporate subtle nautical patterns or be decorated with oars, portholes, and other sailing imagery.
Creative Incorporation of Sailing Themes in Home Décor
Beyond hardware essentials, there are many decorative ways to interject sailing accents into a room’s décor and design. Careful selection and placement of wall art, mirrors, lamps, and accessories can heighten the nautical ambiance.
Wall Art
Gorgeous seascapes and images of majestic sailing vessels are perfect for adorning home walls. Classic navy and white color schemes exude nautical charm. Black and white ship photography and vintage maritime maps offer another way to display sailing motifs. For a modern twist, abstract wall art featuring knots, waves, anchors, and other sailing imagery can be an intriguing addition.
Gallery walls grouped with coastal and maritime art prints make a bold statement. Individual canvas pieces like a dramatic lighthouse scene or a close-up of a weathered hull spotlight sailing subjects. Even basic frames showcasing old nautical charts or dictionary pages for words like “adventure” help strengthen the sailing theme.
Mirrors
The right mirror can reflect and enhance the sailing motif within a room. Porthole mirrors immediately conjure images of being aboard a ship, especially when grouped together in unique configurations. Antiqued mirrors with barnacle and sea creature frames seem right at home atop a dresser or media console. For seating areas, oval or round mirrors with thick rope frames make smart additions.
Lamps and Lighting
Good lighting sets the perfect mood – something accent lamps with sailing themes can accomplish. Sculptural wood and metal lamps modeled after ships’ wheels make eye-catching statement pieces. Chandeliers and pendants with maritime motifs like crabs, shells, and nets offer ambient twinkling light. Table lamps with porcelain or statuary bases shaped like lighthouses or posed sailors make fun and functional additions to end tables and nightstands.
Even lampshades can incorporate nautical patterns with stripes, sailboats, signal flags, seashells, and rope trim. Swapped onto existing lighting, themed shades quickly deliver a sailing accent.
Rugs and Pillows
Rugs and pillows present easy opportunities to incorporate sailing motifs through their colors, patterns, and designs. Opt for pillows with vintage maritime map or nautical flag designs. Blue and white pillows with striped or embroidered anchor motifs heighten the sailing vibe. For rugs, abstract watercolor waves, knot motifs, or selections woven in combinations of navy, ivory, and neutral sea tones all exude a sailing aesthetic.
Accessories and Decor
Fun and functional accessories provide the finishing touches for a sailing-inspired space. Sculptures and statuettes of ships, lighthouses, anchors, and sailboats make excellent decorative objects. Stacked books on maritime history, coastal wildlife, and famous seafaring stories strengthen the room’s personality. Tabletop displays of shells, sea glass, game pieces, and found objects like driftwood and fishing net add character through creative curation.
For walls, grouped assemblages of oars, life rings, paddles, and mounted fish or shark jaws make smart displays. Sailing décor can be as bold or subtle as you desire. Even small touches like shell-adorned doorknob hangers, sailboat bookends, or a decorative lifebuoy hung by the hearth help reinforce the sailing motif.
Crafting a Cohesive Look with Sailing Hardware and Décor
When designing a space to incorporate sailing hardware and décor, consider the cohesive look you wish to achieve. Are you aiming for a crisp and clean aesthetic with subtle nautical references? Or is maximalism the goal, with bold colors, striking shapes, and vibrant patterns coming together to create an immersive maritime environment?
Regardless of the look you prefer, maintain balance in how you blend and display your nautical-themed elements. The surrounding furnishings, paint colors, window treatments, and overall style will all play a role. Keep proportions and placement in mind – a large ship’s wheel mirror could overwhelm a small entryway but anchor the look of a spacious living area.
Aim to create comfortable spaces where sailing motifs enhance, rather than detract from, their overall function and flow. A breakfast nook benefits from an artful anchor pendant above the table while remaining inviting and accessible. Incorporate sailing themes in careful concert with the existing architecture, layout, color scheme, and lighting design.
With a cohesive approach, sailing hardware and décor can transform any indoor space into a rich, textural oasis with salt-washed inspiration. Aim to craft an environment evoking the spirit of maritime adventure with a calming and inviting sense of home.
Sailing Hardware to Set the Mood in Key Rooms
Certain rooms lend themselves especially well to the inclusion of sailing motifs through hardware and decor. Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways are ideal for creative incorporation of nautical accents.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms present wonderful opportunities to instill relaxing sailing vibes. Aged brass ship’s wheel drawer pulls on an antique dresser pair nicely with a set of vintage maritime map prints above the headboard. White and navy accent pillows with rope trim and striped patterns evoke the feeling of lounging aboard a schooner.
A standing floor lamp with a metal base and rope detailing makes a perfect bedside night light. Accessorize with stacked books on historic sea battles or coastal wildlife. A set of round wall mirrors framed to resemble portholes reflects natural light and maritime charm.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms benefit from sailor-inspired hardware and décor designed to evoke refreshing ocean scenes. Adorn mirrors and medicine cabinets with frames embellished with seashells, starfish, or anchors. Sculptural wall sconces that resemble ships’ masts with lanterns make artistic light fixtures.
Soap dispensers and toothbrush holders featuring classic sailor imagery or encased in materials like aged bronze or weathered driftwood blend style and function. Even shower curtains with vintage maritime map or compass designs set the sailing mood.
Kitchens
Galley-inspired kitchens beg for sailing motifs. Antiqued bronze cabinet pulls shaped like anchors and cleats provide both form and function. Open shelving lined with stacked enameled pots, woven baskets, and whitewashed servingware conjures the sense of being in a ship’s kitchen.
Framed artwork showing vintage food labels or dining scenes aboard historic ships make charming additions. Decorative signs or plaques with wise sailing proverbs, maritime poetry excerpts, or inspirational quotes evoke adventure on the high seas.
Entryways
Entryways make strong first impressions, so sailing accents can immediately establish a coastal home’s personality. Coat hooks and racks featuring oars, paddles, and driftwood instantaneously set the maritime mood. A painted mural, metal wall sculpture, or framed photo of an iconic lighthouse provides a dramatic artistic focal point.
For shelving or storage benches, woven baskets and ceramic jars decorated with rope motifs make attractive displays. Even simple touches like a sailor’s knot doorstop or an anchor-adorned welcome mat convey nautical charm.
Achieving Specific Aesthetics with Sailing Hardware and Decor Choices
Certain styles of sailing motifs pair well together when aiming to create a specific look and feel. Traditional, modern, rustic, minimalist – maritime accents can be blended to convey varied aesthetics.
Traditional
The traditional approach pairs classic maritime motifs like ships’ wheels, compasses, and signal flags. Timeless combinations of navy, ivory, and brass maintain an elegant and timeless vibe. Think antique maps, polished brass hardware, striped accent pillows, and curved embellished furniture.
Modern
For contemporary spaces, abstract modern art prints make bold statements. Geometric mirrors, sleek metal sculptures, and clean-lined furnishings provide contrast when paired with natural textures like rope, driftwood, and woven accents. Crisp white walls allow bright accent colors to pop.
Rustic
Rustic sailing décor relies on weathered materials and neutral tones. Items like worn oars, driftwood shelves, and aged metal lanterns play up textures. Accent walls showcasing reclaimed wood planks or white stone complement oversized nautical wall art and sun-faded linen furnishings.
Minimalist
To convey sailing motifs with minimalism in mind, focus on clean lines, plenty of white space, and subtle maritime references. Crisp white bedding and curated coastal artwork create relaxing spaces. Pops of color come from striped throw pillows, live plants, or small decorative objects like stacked glass floats.
Recommended Places to Shop for Sailing Hardware and Decor
Several retailers provide wide selections of nautically inspired hardware and décor to suite a variety of styles and budgets.
Anthropologie
Known for globally inspired and curated home goods, Anthropologie offers sailing-themed accents like rope basket pendant lamps, driftwood candleholders, patterned ceramic vases, and embroidered lumbar pillows.
Crate & Barrel
This lifestyle brand provides classic, contemporary, and modern home furnishings and décor including striped throw blankets, driftwood dining chairs, rustic lanterns, and Savings printed canvas art.
Marine Chandlery Shops
Specialty marine supply stores carry authentic boating gear like life rings, ships’ wheels, navigation tools, lighting, and hardware that make ideal home accents.
World Market
Eclectic coastal finds like shell-shaped serving platters, wall art featuring vintage sailor imagery, jute poufs, and woven baskets await at World Market.
West Marine
From rope-wrapped ottomans and anchor door knockers to model sailboats and vintage buoy décor, West Marine stocks functional and decorative maritime finds.
Etsy
The online handmade marketplace offers one-of-a-kind nautical décor like driftwood wall hangings, custom signage, upcycled furnishings, hand-painted seascapes, and more.
Enhance Interior and Exterior Spaces with Sailing Motifs
Home spaces both inside and out provide prime opportunities to weave in hardware and décor with sailing themes. Patios, covered porches, balconies, and yard spaces beg for details echoing the freedom and adventure of life on the water.
Front and Back Doors
Make a bold first impression by installing oversized front doors featuring reclaimed wood, antique glass, and wrought iron hardware with nautical motifs. Adorn the entryway with a large compass sculpture, hanging lanterns, or a unique piece of driftwood art.
On back patio doors, opt for handles or pull rings shaped like ships’ wheels, anchors, or octopuses. Paint or stencil surrounding walls with waves, sea creatures, or scenes of tall ships.
Outdoor Living Areas
Patios and porches make perfect places to enjoy sunset colors with sailing inspiration all around. Incorporate an outdoor rug with navy and ivory stripes. Top a bar area or buffet station with a tile backsplash mimicking a vintage nautical chart. Display found objects like float balls, shells, glass floats, and coral in woven baskets and clustered arrangements.
Install coordinating outdoor lighting fixtures like lanterns mounted on driftwood posts or sconces with metal sea creature shapes. A hanging chair resembling a netted ship’s hammock offers comfortable seaside seating.
Backyard and Landscaping
Even in the backyard, sailing motifs can enhance the scenery. Sculptural steel silhouettes of ships, anchors, and sea creatures make striking garden art. Top garden walls and hardscaping with reclaimed wood planks in whitewashed hues. For flowerbeds, plant varieties of foliage, succulents, and bright blooms reminiscent of seaside landscapes.
Pool Areas
Turn up the nautical charm around the pool area with accent tiles mimicking waves and tides along the pool’s edge. Outfit seating areas with navy and white striped umbrellas and weatherproof pillows showcasing vintage maritime map designs. Anchor drink stations and buffets with large-scale pieces like a salvaged ships’ wheel table.
With thoughtful incorporation of hardware and décor, any indoor or outdoor space can be enhanced with sailing motifs designed to delight and inspire. Let the spirit of the sea chart the course in your design decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sailing Hardware in the Home
What are some key considerations when selecting sailing hardware?
Consider both form and function. Hardware should serve a practical purpose while also making a decorative statement. Look for high-quality materials and finishes meant to endure everyday use. Be sure hardware aligns correctly and complements existing drawers, doors, and furnishings.
How can sailing themes be included in a kid’s room?
Opt for accents like rope storage bins, ship porthole mirrors, nautical pennant wall displays, and bedding with sailor motifs. Incorporate reclaimed wood, natural fiber textures, and colors like navy and ivory for a relaxed coastal vibe. Display model sailboats, sea creature toys, and aquatic science books.
What types of exterior spaces pair well with nautical details?
Sailing themes enhance front doors, patios, porches, backyard entertaining spaces, and pool areas. Incorporate motifs on walls, walkways, fences, planters, and hardscaping. Choose weather-resistant materials like reclaimed wood, galvanized metal, concrete, tile and woven outdoor textiles.
Where can I find unique pieces with authentic maritime history?
Check marine supply warehouses, antique stores specializing in nautical artifacts, salvage companies, and online auction sites. With patience, you may discover porthole windows, vintage navigation tools, old ship parts, seabacked glass floats, and retired nautical flags and buoys.
How can I incorporate sailing themes on a budget?
Search thrift stores and online classifieds for nautical treasures at reasonable prices. Repurpose items around your home for sailing motifs – a blue/white striped blanket displayed as wall art, rope wrapped around a floor lamp base, painted seashell décor. Frame kids’ crayon drawings of sailboats and seascapes for charming art.
What design elements contradict a sailing theme?
Avoid furnishings and colors that feel more rooted inland. For example, large traditional sectionals, ornate chandeliers, heavily patterned carpets, and dark woods with carved details don’t necessarily convey relaxing, seaside charm. Keep the overall palette light, casual, and breezy.
Conclusion
Incorporating sailing motifs through creative use of specially designed hardware and decorative elements allows you to infuse home interiors and exteriors with coastal inspiration. Whether aiming for a subtle maritime accent or fully immersive nautical-themed spaces, sailing hardware and decor choices exist to suit your style. Look for high-quality, purposeful accents that enhance both form and function. With an intentional approach, anchors away to smooth sailing in crafting interior design with true maritime charm and adventure. Let your design make a statement and your décor tell a story worthy of the high seas.
