My Favorite Coastal Paint Colors (and Why I Love Them)

My Favorite Coastal Paint Colors (and Why I Love Them)

Posted by Val Malnar on June 05, 2025

Posted by Val Malnar on June 05, 2025

worker on laboratorium
worker on laboratorium
worker on laboratorium

With summer upon us, I thought it would be a great time to share my favorite coastal paint colors.

My favorite place to relax and decompress has always been the beach.  The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun and the sand between my toes have always made me feel at peace.  I suppose it’s natural that I’m drawn to coastal paint colors then.  Colors that remind me of soft sands, seashells and the glimmer of sun on the water.

If you’re looking to bring a some beachy serenity to your home, you’re going to want to ready today’s post because it’s all about…..

My Favorite Coastal Paint Colors (and Why I Love Them).


CHANTILLY LACE | Benjamin Moore
A bright, airy white that feels fresh. I love Chantilly Lace because it’s crisp and clean without feeling sterile. It’s the perfect bright counterbalance to soft grays, sandy beiges and watery blues.  It’s my absolutely favorite white paint color – prefect for coastal interiors.



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WHITE DOVE | Benjamin Moore
Soft and creamy, White Dove is a cozy coastal white.  Its warmth flatters almost any room and it pairs beautifully with wood tones, stone, and fabrics.



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CLOUD COVER | Benjamin Moore
If you want a whisper of gray that doesn’t feel drab, Cloud Cover is your color. It has a quiet elegance that works beautifully as a subtle, serene backdrop for the other colors in your design to stand out.


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CLASSIC GRAY | Benjamin Moore
The name says it all – Classic Gray is a timeless, barely-there greige that can really be considered an off-white. One of favorite paint colors for home interiors, Classic Gray is versatile and perfect for a sophisticated coastal aesthetic.


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DRIFT OF MIST | Sherwin-Williams
Airy, calm, and endlessly versatile. Drift of Mist reads as a warm greige in some light and a soft off-white in others. It's ideal for creating a breezy, lived-in feel throughout an entire home.


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WHITE DUCK | Sherwin-Williams
This is my go-to for a relaxed, modern farmhouse-meets-coastal look. White Duck is creamy without being yellow and gives off that "natural linen" vibe that works so well with warm and cool colors.  White Duck is as close to a no-fail color as you can get. It truly works with almost any color.


TOPSAIL | Sherwin-Williams
Topsail is probably the most predictable coastal paint color choice I’m going to make.  It’s like a breath of fresh ocean air - light, soft and has undertones reminiscent of turquoise waters. It’s ideal for bathrooms or beachy bedrooms or even throughout a vacation rental property.


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WICKHAM GRAY | Benjamin Moore
A silvery blue-gray that shifts beautifully with the light. Wickham Gray is elegant and cool but never cold—it pairs beautifully with natural textures like rattan, white oak, and driftwood.


GRAY LAKE | Benjamin Moore
This one captures the essence of a foggy morning on the coast. A quiet, refined gray-blue, Gray Lake brings depth without overpowering.

BLUSTERY SKY | Sherwin-Williams
For those who prefer more contrast in their color palette, Blustery Sky is the perfect coastal paint color to deliver.  I use this when a space needs character without going too bold. My favorite spaces to use it are on in nooks, powder bathrooms and cabinetry.


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VAN DEUSEN BLUE | Benjamin Moore
Van Deusen Blue is classic and nautical and elevated.  It’s saturated but refined - perfect for front doors, built-ins, or even a sophisticated office.


GRAYS HARBOR | Sherwin-Williams
A deep, moody blue-green-gray that adds richness and sophistication to your coastal paint color palette. I love using Grays Harbor on built-ins, cabinetry, or accent walls where a little drama still feels calm and grounded - especially when paired with white or natural wood tones.


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WIND CHIME | Benjamin Moore
A soft, muted green-gray that is subtle and peaceful. Wind Chime is a great paint color for bedroom or any other area of the home that you want a sense of calm.


GORGEOUS WHITE | Sherwin-Williams
Gorgeous White isn’t actually white, but it is gorgeous.  It’s the perfect subtle pink.  It’s blushy warmth reminds me of coastal sunsets, while it’s sunny personality  feels as good as strawberry ice cream on a hot day. Gorgeous White is perfect for bedrooms, playrooms, and vacation property rentals.


NORTH STAR | Benjamin Moore
North Star is a subtle, warm, glowy yellow that brings cheerfulness to any space.  It’s perfect for adding a touch of sunshine without overwhelming a room. Truth be told, I rarely use yellow in my designs, but this one exudes happiness without being too intense.  North Star would work beautifully in vacation rental properties, on a front door or anywhere you’d like to encourage conversation.


Final Thoughts
Color truly has the power to change how we feel in a space, and for me, coastal colors feel like home. They’re calm, comfortable and relaxing  -  like a long walk along the beach.

The colors I’ve shared are paint colors I turn to over and over again because they bring that sense of peace and connection I’m always trying to create - whether it’s for a busy family home or a quiet weekend retreat.

If you're dreaming of a space that feels light, relaxed, and pulled together without trying too hard, I hope this list of my favorite coastal paint colors gives you a good starting point.



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Ready to Create a Home You Love Coming Home To?

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Val Malnar

Orangetree Interiors

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Val Malnar

Orangetree Interiors

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Val Malnar

Orangetree Interiors

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