Simple decorating ideas to give your laundry room a fresh coastal look you’ll actually enjoy spending time in. Table of Contents: Doing laundry may never be exciting, but the space you do it in can be. A modern coastal laundry room adds personality with wallpaper, patterned rugs, woven baskets, and fun details that make the room feel cheerful and pulled together. Below are several decorating ideas that show how you can turn a practical space into one that feels inviting, organized, and genuinely enjoyable to be in. Modern Coastal Laundry Room Decor Ideas This post uses 3D room mockups for inspiration. Items are styled digitally and may vary in real life. Ceiling LightHydrangea WallpaperLaundry HamperArea RugFaux Potted PlantScalloped BasketRoman ShadeWall CabinetsWasher and Dryer Related: See My Favorite Coastal Home Decor and Fashion Finds Key Decorating Elements in a Modern Coastal Laundry Room A laundry room might be one of the most used rooms in your home, so it deserves more than bare walls and plastic baskets. Adding wallpaper, a great rug, or better storage can completely change how the room feels. When a room is finished in a way that brings you joy, your routine tasks can feel less mundane. Creating a modern coastal laundry room doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs a few carefully chosen details that make you happy every time you walk in. Browse My Curated Coastal Decor Collection on Amazon Save These Modern Coastal Laundry Room Decor Ideas Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to these modern coastal laundry room decor ideas for your home. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Modern Coastal Laundry Room Decor Ideas to Inspire Your Space Which of these coastal laundry room ideas would make you enjoy doing laundry a little more?

Vintage-style pieces perfect for a coastal cottage or seaside New England home. I’ve always loved vintage nautical decor that feels authentic and has been collected over time, the kind of pieces you find in antique shops and local thrift stores near the coast. But as this style has grown in popularity, those true vintage finds have become harder to come by. Sometimes years pass between good discoveries, and when something special does show up, the price can feel completely out of reach. I’ve learned that the next best approach is curating a mix of genuine vintage nautical pieces and well-made, vintage-inspired nautical finds. Together, they bring the same depth, character, and personality to a coastal home for anyone with an appreciation for nautical history. Shop my curated selection of vintage-inspired nautical decor below. Vintage-Style Nautical Decor Shop my curated nautical decor collection here, including these pieces and more. Decorating with vintage-inspired nautical decor is an easy way to add character to a coastal home or beach house. A few well-chosen accent pieces can make a room feel cozy and lived-in while still keeping a light, coastal look. If you live by the water or just love the style, these pieces help create a home that feels timeless rather than trendy. Related: The Ultimate Guide to Coastal Nightstands Save These Vintage-Inspired Nautical Decor Finds Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to this timeless nautical decor with a vintage feel. And follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Do you decorate with nautical touches year-round, or just in the summer? Share your thoughts in the comments.

A small DIY linen closet upgrade for a more organized home. Table of Contents: When we moved into our home by the beach, there was a small hallway linen closet, but it wasn’t finished. There were only three rough, unfinished shelves, with extra boards left on the floor, as if someone had started building it and never came back. With so few shelves, everything had to be stacked high. Sheets and towels shared the same spaces, piles were unstable, and pulling one thing out often meant the whole stack could tumble. It worked well enough to get by, but it wasn’t functional or organized. Part of creating a relaxed coastal lifestyle, at least for me, is making sure my home actually works day to day. When storage functions better, everyday routines feel easier. This small closet project ended up making a bigger difference than I expected. Scroll to see how this unfinished linen closet came together, from the original shelves to the finished result, plus the supplies we used to complete it. Supplies used The wood and paint materials came from a local hardware store, but I’ve linked what can easily be ordered online below. How this DIY linen closet shelving project came together Installing additional linen closet shelves created a layout that made better use of the vertical space. BEFORE When we moved in, the linen closet had only three unfinished wood shelves, with extra wood boards sitting on the floor (not pictured), as if the project had been left half done. MEASURING + PLANNING We measured the space and rethought the shelf spacing so the closet could actually function better. The existing shelves were 2 feet apart, so I decided to add three additional shelves so there would be six shelves, 1 foot apart. INSTALLING SHELF BRACKETS Using the same style of wood shelf support brackets already in the closet, we installed new brackets for the three additional shelves along the sides and back walls using a brad nailer. We painted these white before installing them. Here’s what the closet looked like after all shelf support brackets are installed. FILLING NAIL HOLES, PAINTING, + SANDING Once all the brackets were in, we filled the nail holes and prepped the shelves for painting. Then we painted the shelves and wall brackets. This took around a week with letting multiple coats of paint dry and sanding the shelves in between coats for a smooth finish. AFTER After painting and installing the shelves, the closet finally felt finished and far more usable! What was once an awkward, half-finished closet is now organized and functioning in a useful way. Bath towels, sheets, bedding, and beach towels finally have a place that makes sense. Why this small project made everyday life better Now that the shelves are finished, the linen closet actually works the way it should. Everything has a place, nothing is stacked too high or shoved in, and getting things in and out of the closet is noticeably easier. This wasn’t a dramatic renovation, but it made everyday life better. For me, this kind of update is part of living my ideal coastal lifestyle. A relaxed coastal home isn’t just about how it looks, it’s also about how it functions. When storage is thoughtful and clutter is reduced, everyday routines feel easier and less stressful, supporting a slower, more relaxed coastal way of living. If you’re updating your home too, this is a good reminder that small, practical projects can have just as much impact as bigger design changes. Looking for more simple home projects that make everyday life feel better? You can find all of my easy DIY home updates here.I’m sharing my small home updates and DIY projects as we slowly make this house feel like home. If you’re also looking for coastal home decor inspiration, I share modern coastal finds, furniture, and decor ideas. Save this DIY linen closet shelving project for later Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to this DIY built-in style linen closet project if you’re interested in adding linen closet shelving, improving your linen closet organization, need more linen closet storage, or are looking for linen closet ideas. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home and beach lifestyle inspiration. What’s one small home update that’s made everyday life feel easier for you? Share it in the comments.

A curated roundup of Amazon furniture that looks like designer pieces without the designer price. I’m always drawn to furniture that looks elevated and considered, but still fits a realistic budget. This roundup pulls together Amazon furniture finds that give a designer look for less, from accent chairs and nightstands to side tables and rugs. Each piece proves you don’t have to compromise on style just because you’re on a budget, and they’re all versatile enough to fit classic, coastal, neutral, grandmillennial, or beach house interiors. Here’s the full roundup of some of my favorite Amazon furniture finds that look elevated and stylish. Amazon Furniture That Looks Designer Row 1: Blue and White Area Rug // White and Gold Nightstand // Scalloped Rattan Side TableRow 2: Seagrass Nighstand or Side Table // Navy Nightstand // Ivory Swivel ChairRow 3: Light Blue Swivel Chair // Round White End Table // Scalloped Jute RugRow 4: Rattan and Glass Side Table // Rattan Rolling Cart // White Console Table All of these pieces are easy ways to elevate your interior style without committing to designer pricing. When you’re furnishing a living room, bedroom, entryway, or a vacation home, these are versatile furniture pieces that can be styled in a coastal, beach house, or grandmillennial direction. Amazon furniture doesn’t have to feel basic, and these finds prove you can get pieces that look expensive without overspending. If you’re looking for furniture that looks designer but is practical, accessible, and easy to order, this roundup is a great reference. More Curated Furniture & Decor Roundups Modern Coastal Mirrors to Brighten and Open Your SpaceThe Ultimate Guide to Coastal Nightstands25 Neutral Coastal Accent Chairs Under $500 to Complete Your RoomThese Beach Picture Frames Are Perfect for a Coastal-Inspired HomeFavorite Coastal Home Decor and Fashion Finds12 Stylish and Budget-Friendly Neutral Area Rugs for a Coastal Home Save This Coastal Amazon Furniture for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can continue to refer back to this roundup of expensive-looking coastal furniture from Amazon. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more more coastal lifestyle, DIY projects, and beach house inspiration. Coastal Furniture From Amazon That Looks Much More Expensive Which of these budget-friendly coastal furniture finds is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.

A simple lighting change that softened my home without giving up energy efficiency. When we moved into our home, many of the light fixtures already had cool LED bulbs installed. Nothing was technically wrong, but the house always felt a little harsh, especially in the evenings. The lighting just did not match the calm, relaxed feeling I wanted at home. This small project became the first in my Coastal Home Project series, where I share realistic DIY updates that make my home and everyday living feel better. These aren’t major renovations, just simple changes that have a noticeable impact. Below, I’m sharing the exact warm white LED bulbs I use in my home, along with a simple visual comparison so you can see the difference for yourself. Why I switched from cool to warm white LEDs I wanted to keep the energy savings and long lifespan of LED bulbs, but with the softer glow of traditional incandescent lighting. Warm white LED bulbs, often labeled as soft white, felt like the right balance. For a long time, it felt like you had to choose between cozy incandescent light or lower energy bills with harsh LEDs. That’s not true anymore. You can get LED bulbs that give the same warm glow as traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, LEDs can last many years longer than a traditional bulb. What warm white lighting changes After swapping out the bulbs, the difference was immediate. The house now feels cozier and more inviting at night. The lighting no longer feels stark or clinical, especially in living spaces and bedrooms. The bulbs I use After researching different Kelvin temperatures of light bulbs, I chose soft white LED bulbs that give off a warm, cozy glow without looking too yellow or dim. These are the same bulbs used throughout my home, including in my table lamps: Switching to warm white lighting was one of the easiest home updates I’ve made, and it completely changed how my home feels in the evenings. It’s a small detail, but one that affects how you experience your home every single day. If your home lighting feels a little too harsh at night, or you want to make the swap from traditional light bulbs to LEDs for energy efficiency and longevity, this is an easy place to start. Save These Light Bulbs Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can continue to refer back to the light bulbs I use for cozy, warm light in my home. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more more coastal lifestyle, DIY projects, and beach house inspiration. Why Switching To Warm White LED Bulbs Made My Home Feel Instantly Cozier Have you made the switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs? I’d love to hear why or why not.

These 2026 planners can help make everyday life feel calmer. Table of Contents: The start of a new year always makes me want to slow things down and focus on being the best version of myself. I want a calmer, more organized life that feels intentional instead of chaotic. One of the simplest ways I do that is by choosing a physical planner that feels good to use. Color matters. Layout matters. And when a planner fits your lifestyle and aesthetic, you’re more likely to stick with it. I pulled together a collection of coastal-inspired planners in soft blues, aquas, greens, and classic patterns like gingham, hydrangea flowers, watercolor backgrounds, and even one that reminds me of sea glass. They feel calm, inviting, and inspiring to use. Coastal-Inspired Planners for a Calm, Organized 2026 These planners are practical, but they also feel peaceful. They’re the kind you want to open every morning. Related: Favorite Coastal Home Decor and Fashion Finds You Don’t Want to Miss How to Choose the Right Planner for You If you’re deciding between styles, here are a few things to consider: The best planner is the one you’ll actually use consistently, not necessarily the one with the most features. The Benefits of Using a Physical Planner in a Digital World So much of daily life now happens on screens. Our phones manage our schedules, remind us of appointments, and constantly compete for our attention. A physical planner creates a small but meaningful shift away from that digital noise. Writing things down by hand naturally slows you down. It encourages you to be more intentional about how you plan your days, weeks, and months. A physical planner becomes a quiet place to think, reflect, and organize without interruptions. For me, coastal living is not just about living near the water. It’s about creating a calm, organized life that supports a slower lifestyle and more thoughtful routines. Using a physical planner fits into that mindset. It’s a simple habit that helps me stay focused on what’s important. Just like a walk on the beach or a quiet morning at home, a planner supports slow living in a very practical way. It helps bring clarity to busy days, reduces screen time, and makes everyday life feel more intentional and manageable. Save This List of Planners for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest so you can refer back to this roundup of coastal-inspired planners. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal home decor and beach lifestyle inspiration. Organization: Coastal-inspired planners for a calm, organized year Do you prefer a daily planner or a weekly layout? I’m always curious how others like to plan their days. Share your preferences in the comments.

A collection of the most interesting objects I came across on the beach this year. I live close enough to walk to the beach, so I spend a lot of time wandering the shoreline and beachcombing for shells, sea glass, driftwood, and other interesting finds. Along the way I always end up spotting odd and unexpected objects mixed in with the sand and seaweed. Some of them are funny, some feel a little strange, and some are just plain puzzling, but they all make me pause and look twice. I started photographing these unusual beach finds last year (click here to see last year’s post) as a way to document them and remind myself of the stories they might carry. It always makes me wonder where each item came from. Was it left behind after a day at the beach, carried in by the waves from somewhere far away, or pulled out to sea during a storm and returned again? I will probably never know, but the mystery is part of why I love noticing and capturing them. Here are some interesting found objects from my walks on the beach over the past year. My Strangest Beachcombing Finds of 2025 I’ve never found a propeller on the beach before, so this one definitely made the my of strangest things I came across while beachcombing this year. Maybe it came from a small watercraft, although I’d hope they usually use metal instead of plastic. This was probably my weirdest find of the year, a dinosaur mask washed in with the tide. I can’t imagine the story behind how it ended up in the ocean in the first place. This was a new one for me, a lightbulb on the beach. I can’t help wondering about its story and how it ended up here, whether from careless dumping or from storm damage somewhere along the coast. I’m surprised the bulb wasn’t broken even though it looks like it’s been in the water a while. I had no idea what this was at first and ended up doing an image search. I wondered if it was some kind of deep-sea plant, but it turns out it’s an Osage orange (also called a hedge apple) that actually grows on trees, not in the ocean. How it wound up washed onto the beach is still a mystery, especially since I’ve never seen them growing anywhere around here. Related: Best of Beachcombing: My Favorite Shells, Sea Glass, and Beach Pottery Finds I did a little research and learned this is a Big Turbo Wheels police truck. I found it in winter, so it had probably been in the water for quite a while before washing ashore. Finding a ball on the beach isn’t unusual. Finding this many in one day is. These four were part of at least thirty sports balls washed up in just the small stretch of beach I walked that day. I still can’t make sense of why so many appeared at once. I found a shocking number of plastic Easter eggs again this year. I’m not sure how they all end up in the ocean, but seeing so many washed up has completely changed how I think about them. Related: 6 Beautiful Beach Sunset Color Palettes This baseball cap brim really took me by surprise. I often see forgotten clothing and stray shoes on the beach, but never just a brim. It must have been in the water a long time for it to separate from the rest of the hat. I really enjoyed gathering these unusual beach finds over the past year. Whenever something unexpected caught my eye while I was walking, I snapped a photo and saved it for this project. I ended up with far more than I could reasonably include here, so this is just a selection of some favorites. I also take part in several organized beach cleanups each year and do many on my own, so a lot of the objects you see in these photos were removed from the shoreline rather than left behind. All photos in this blog post are my original photography. Feel free to repost them uncropped, but please credit me with a link back to this blog. Thank you! Save This Beachcombing Photography of Unusual Found Objects Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the photographs in this collection of unusual beachcombing finds. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Photography: The strangest things I found while beachcombing in 2025 Have you found an unusual object on the beach? Share your strangest beachcombing finds in the comments.

Easy ideas for storing ornaments, wreaths, trees, lights, wrapping paper, and decor to make next year stress-free. Table of Contents: Getting organized after Christmas is not always fun, but it makes next year so much easier. The right Christmas storage containers help you pack away ornaments, wreaths, lights, and trees in a way that actually protects them. Using the right Christmas storage bins and Christmas storage boxes means your favorite pieces are not crushed, tangled, or broken when you pull them out next season. It also keeps everything cleaner and keeps critters out while decorations are stored in an attic, basement, or closet. In this post, I’m rounding up the best ideas for Christmas tree storage, ornament storage, wreath storage, wrapping paper storage, lights storage, and general Christmas storage solutions for holiday decor. The goal here is simple: make it easy to put decorations away now and even easier to take them back out next year. Scroll through the sections below to find what you need. Ready to start organizing for next year? Browse the Christmas storage ideas below and click to shop the containers that will work best for your home. 1. Christmas Tree Storage Solutions A. Christmas Tree Storage Bag // B. Rolling Christmas Tree Storage Bag // C. Upright Christmas Tree Storage Bag // D. Christmas Tree Storage Bag 2. Christmas Ornament Storage Solutions A. Christmas Ornament Storage Box // B. Ornament Storage Box With Dividers // C. Christmas Ornament Storage Container With Trays // D. Ornament Storage Case 3. Christmas Wreath Storage Solutions A. 3-Pack Wreath Storage Organizers // B. Large Christmas Wreath Bag // C. Large Wreath Storage Bag // D. Sturdy Plastic Wreath Storage Container (comes in a 1 or 2 pack) 4. Christmas Wrapping Paper Storage Solutions A. Christmas Wrapping Paper Storage Container (more colors) // B. Christmas Wrapping Storage Container With Wheels // C. Over the Door Wrapping Paper Organizer // D. Wrapping Paper Organizer Container 5. Christmas Lights Storage Solutions A. Christmas Light Storage Bag // B. Christmas Lights Storage Bag With Metal Reels // C. Christmas Lights Storage Reels // D. Christmas Lights Organizer Reels and Storage Box 6. Christmas Decor Storage Solutions A. 4-Pack Clear Christmas Storage Bins // B. Nutcracker and Figurine Storage Box // C. Heavy Duty Holiday Storage Bins // D. 4-Pack of 12 Gallon Christmas Storage Bins More Christmas Ideas & Inspiration A little planning now makes a big difference when the next holiday season arrives. The right Christmas storage containers save time, prevent damage, and help to make decorating feel fun instead of overwhelming. You’ll know exactly where everything is, your lights won’t be tangled, and your sentimental ornaments will be protected inside organized ornament storage boxes. Christmas tree storage bags, wreath storage containers, and Christmas storage bins help keep dust, tangles, and critters away while everything is packed up for the year. Your future self will be very glad you took the extra step to organize things well now. Save These Christmas Storage Solutions for Later Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to these Christmas storage solutions and ideas. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Christmas Storage Solutions to Keep Your Holiday Decor Organized What part of holiday decorating is the biggest headache for you to store, and what kind of Christmas storage solution are you looking for this year? Share your thoughts in the comments.

What helped me when my gastritis and acid reflux was at its worst. Table of Contents: When my acid reflux and gastritis were flaring, I spent a lot of time searching for anything that could make meals and daily routines feel a little easier. These are the products that helped me the most, all based on my own experience. Everyone’s triggers and symptoms are different, so this is not medical advice. It’s simply what worked for me during a rough stretch, and you should always check in with your doctor if you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms. Living with acid reflux has meant adjusting the way I cook, eat, sleep, and even my lifestyle. Over the years, I’ve tried so many products to make things feel more manageable. Some were helpful, others weren’t, but a handful truly made a difference for me. I’m sharing them here in case you’re looking for ideas and want to see what worked in my own day-to-day life. This isn’t medical advice, of course. I’m just sharing my personal experience. Everyone’s situation is different, so always talk with your doctor before trying anything new. Below are the Amazon finds I used daily or weekly, the things that made living with acid reflux and gastritis a bit more manageable. 8 Amazon Items That Supported Me Through Acid Reflux, GERD and Gastritis In addition to the gastritis treatments I was trying with my doctor, these Amazon finds helped me manage daily life with acid reflux, GERD and gastritis. Now that my conditions are under control, I still use some of these items. 1. My Blender for Daily Low-Acid Smoothies Smoothies became my go-to breakfast, snack and even dessert at various times. A good blender made it easy to throw together a low acid mix of oats, banana, non-dairy milk and protein powder. I used my blender every single day during flare-ups, sometimes twice. If smoothies are part of your acid reflux routine, having a reliable blender is worth it. 2. Hemp Protein Powder Most flavored protein powders made my symptoms worse, so I switched to plain hemp protein. It blended well, kept my smoothies filling and didn’t bother my stomach. It has a mild, earthy taste that works with simple ingredients. I used less than the serving recommended, for my personal taste preferences. 3. Pea Protein Powder This was another gentle option that became part of my rotation. Pea protein has a neutral taste and mixes smoothly into low acid smoothies. I liked having two protein powder choices so I could switch things up. 4. A Wedge Pillow That Helped Reduce Nighttime Reflux Sleeping on a slight incline helped me feel more comfortable on nights when reflux tried to set in, especially at the beginning of my gastritis healing journey. A wedge pillow kept me elevated in a way that regular pillows never could. If reflux tends to bother you at night, this type of pillow can make a noticeable difference. Again, just my experience, but it helped. 5. Garlic-Free and Onion-Free Chicken Broth Finding a broth without onion or garlic is surprisingly difficult, which matters when your stomach is sensitive. I used this broth for soups, simple rice bowls and meals that didn’t upset my medical conditions. It became a grocery staple for me and Amazon made it easy to keep it in stock. 6. A High-Quality Nonstick Pan I relied on this nonstick pan so I could cook with very little oil. Oily or greasy meals were a problem for me, so this pan helped me keep my food simple. It made it easier to sauté vegetables, cook eggs or warm up leftovers without adding a lot of extra fats, which was essential in my healing. 7. The Gastritis Book I Read This book helped me understand what might be contributing to my gastritis and acid-related stomach issues and gave me useful ideas for cooking and grocery shopping. I read it in one sitting and referred back to it constantly. It wasn’t a full cure and it shouldn’t replace medical guidance, but it helped me feel more informed and supported. 8. A Book I Read to Learn About Acid Reflux I read a book on acid reflux and GERD to better understand how diet and lifestyle can affect symptoms. I didn’t follow the program in the book, but it gave me helpful ideas and guidance for low-acid meals, and helped me feel more informed about what might work for me. Everyone’s experience is different, so this is just something I found useful to learn from. These are the things I’ve reached for again and again. They don’t “fix” anything on their own, but they helped me feel more comfortable in my day-to-day life. If you’re making changes or trying new products, definitely talk with your doctor because everyone’s needs are different. But I hope seeing what helped me gives you a few ideas to discuss with your doctor if you’re navigating the same things. This post is based on my personal experience living with acid reflux, GERD and gatritis. It isn’t medical advice. Always check with your doctor to make sure something is right for your situation. Read more about my gastritis journey here: How a Custom Gastritis Diet Helped Me Overcome Chronic Gastritis and GERD Save These Amazon Finds for Acid Reflux, GERD and Gastritis Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to the items that helped me manage my acid reflux, GERD and gastritis. My favorite Amazon finds that helped me manage acid reflux, GERD, and gastritis. Share your experience: which gastritis treatments have you tried, and what acid reflux remedies have helped from your personal experience?

What I learned while choosing bamboo shades for my beach house. Table of Contents: I almost skipped ordering shade samples When I started decorating my beach house, I knew I wanted bamboo shades in my kitchen. They’re timeless, neutral, and instantly add the relaxed coastal look I love. But I almost made one big mistake before ordering: assuming the online photos were enough to go by. Spoiler: they weren’t. Luckily I decided to order samples for seven bamboo shade styles to take a closer look first. When the samples arrived, I lined them up in the order I thought I’d like them best, based on what I saw online. But as soon as I held them up to the window, my opinions completely changed. The colors, textures, and even the level of privacy looked totally different in person, and the shade I thought would be perfect ended up not even being in my top three favorites. Why bamboo shade samples are worth the extra step Ordering samples might feel like an unnecessary delay when you’re eager to decorate, but it’s the only way to really know what will work in your space. Bamboo shades especially can vary widely in texture, color, and weave. Some have a tighter weave that offers more privacy, while others have a loose, open weave that lets in more light, and offers much less privacy. When I compared them in person, I was shocked at how big the difference was. Some of the samples that looked like a “medium” tan color online were much darker in my actual room lighting. Others looked practically see-through when I held them up to the window. And one light, neutral sample that I’d almost dismissed on the website ended up being my favorite by far. That lighter shade had a tighter weave, just enough texture, and the right balance between privacy and the beach house decor look I was going for. It feels calm, coastal, and perfectly cohesive with the rest of the room. This is why you should always bring samples into your home before ordering 1. This is the order I thought I liked the bamboo shade styles in when I viewed them online. I was sure I’d go with a medium tone, until I saw them in person… 2. This is the order I ended up liking them in once I saw them in my space. Totally different from what I expected! Online photos don’t tell the full story… 3. When held up to the window, some weaves were so loose they offered almost no privacy (left). The one I liked most (right) is woven much tighter… and ended up being a lighter color, too. 4. Always test samples in person. It’s the only way to see texture, transparency, and how it really works in your space. Related: 12 Stylish and Budget-Friendly Neutral Area Rugs for a Coastal Home Tips for choosing the right bamboo shades for your coastal home If you’re in the middle of choosing shades for your own space, here are a few quick takeaways from my experience: Final thoughts Decorating a coastal home or beach house is all about layering textures that feel natural and effortless, but details like window treatments can make or break the look. I’m so glad I took the extra time to order samples before committing, because it completely changed my mind about what worked best for my space. If you’re choosing bamboo or woven wood shades, don’t skip the samples. They’re inexpensive (and often free), and seeing them in your own lighting and room is the only way to know for sure if it’s what you’re looking for. You won’t regret taking this extra step. It’ll save you time, money, and frustration later. Related: Modern Coastal Counter Stools for a Stylish Kitchen Island Save these coastal decorating tips for buying bamboo shades Pin this graphic on Pinterest, or bookmark this page, so you can continue to refer back to these tips about shopping for bamboo shades or woven wood blinds for your coastal home or beach house. And don’t forget to follow Stars & Anchor on Pinterest and on Instagram for more coastal lifestyle and beach inspiration. Coastal Decorating Tips: Why You Should Always Order Samples for Bamboo Shades Have you ever ordered something for your home that looked totally different once it arrived? I’d love to hear what surprised you most in the comments.