summer at home: stylish and affordable decor

hi, summer!

Jul 03, 2025

Summer is in full swing and so is summer decor! I often think about the little touches that help you feel the season changing or bring a fresh vibe to your home. Changing your furniture can be costly and quite unnecessary when you simply want to incorporate seasonal elements.

That’s why I’ve put together some fun and beautiful ideas to add subtle hints of summer throughout your space.

seashell candles

Candles are a wonderful way to elevate both the ambiance and aesthetics of a space—they're decorative, but also serve a functional purpose by adding soft, inviting light. For a fun summer twist, consider swapping out your regular candles for ones made with seashells. These not only bring a charming coastal touch to your decor, but also act as unique conversation pieces that capture the relaxed, beachy spirit of the season.

Many people like to decorate their homes with bulk sets of seashells, which can create a lovely coastal vibe—but this idea takes it a step further. Seashell candles offer a more unique and eye-catching element, turning simple decor into a standout feature that naturally draws attention.

These candles are perfect for summer dinners, whether you’re hosting guests or just enjoying a quiet evening at home. Their soft glow adds a warm, cozy ambiance, and their natural beauty enhances any table setting or corner of your space.

You can DIY these candles by getting the shells, candle wax, and wicks. These materials can be found at most craft stores and are pretty affordable. Instead of spending $25 on one candle, you can make several for the same price. The bonus is that you can choose to add whatever scent you want or keep it unscented.

coastal prints

Artworks and prints are often overlooked when it comes to seasonal decorating. While we usually think of swapping out blankets, pillows, or dinnerware, updating the artwork around your home can be a simple yet impactful way to reflect the season. It’s an easy and fun way to refresh your space and bring in seasonal vibes without a complete overhaul. Just like a new throw or centerpiece, a piece of art can completely shift the mood of a room—and it’s often one of the first things people notice.

For summer, coastal or nautical prints are a perfect choice. Think ship studies, marine life illustrations, or vintage-style ocean charts—they add a sophisticated, timeless touch to your home while still capturing that breezy, summer vibe.

Watercolor artworks of the sea are also a beautiful option. Their soft tones and fluid style bring a sense of calm and lightness to any space, making them ideal for the season. Whether you're going for a refined coastal look or something more relaxed and beachy, these types of prints can instantly set the tone.

Etsy is a great place to find affordable seasonal prints, with many sellers offering digital download bundles that you can print yourself. I’ve done this before, and it’s something I really enjoy—not only is it budget-friendly, but it also gives you full control over the size and style of your prints.

Over time, you can build a collection to rotate throughout the year, making it easy to refresh your decor with minimal effort and cost. It’s a creative way to bring seasonal charm into your space while supporting independent artists.

pillow covers

Pillow covers are an easy and affordable way to refresh your space without making big changes. They can completely transform the look and feel of your living room or bedroom with just a simple swap. One of the best parts is that they’re perfect for seasonal rotation—you can build a small collection and change them out throughout the year to match the mood or season. It’s a quick update that adds personality, color, and comfort to your home without breaking the bank.

For a summery vibe, I’d recommend going with shades of blue and white. This color combination feels light, airy, and instantly brings to mind the ocean and clear skies. It’s a subtle yet effective way to introduce that fresh, coastal feel into your home.

Stripes are also a perfect pattern for summer—they’re timeless and strongly associated with nautical themes. Whether you choose bold navy stripes or soft, faded lines, they add a clean, classic touch that fits beautifully with the season.

When it comes to summer fabrics, linen and cotton are top choices for good reason—they’re breathable, lightweight, and naturally cooling. Chambray linen, in particular, is an excellent option. It’s not only durable and soft but also features a subtle cross-weave texture that gives it a refined, slightly polished look. This makes it perfect for adding a touch of elegance while still keeping things relaxed and summery.

coasters

Instead of investing in new plates or glasses with seasonal designs, coasters are a simple yet fun way to refresh your table for summer. They’re small details, but they can make a big difference in the overall feel of your space. Plus, they’re a great way to express your personal style—whether you lean toward something sophisticated and minimal, or bold and eclectic, there’s a coaster design out there for you.

While coasters are primarily meant to protect your tables from water rings and heat damage, they can also serve as charming mini artworks that elevate your entire table setup. Beyond their practical function, coasters add layers of texture, color, and personality to your space. You can get creative by stacking them on books or trays, or using them as a base for candles and decorative objects—turning ordinary surfaces into curated displays.

What makes coasters even more special is that they’re functional pieces your guests will interact with throughout their stay. Because they’re so visible and frequently used, they offer a subtle but meaningful way to showcase your personal style.

You can often find inexpensive coasters at thrift stores, but making them yourself is always a fun option. Using air-dry clay, you can shape them into classic circles or get playful with unique forms—whatever suits your style! You can press in small items like seashells for a coastal touch or hand-draw designs to give them a personal, handmade feel. Not only does this add character to your space, but it also makes your home feel more “you”.

I hope you enjoyed this list of small but fun summer decor ideas! These are great ways to bring those summery vibes into your home. Which ones would you try? Let me know in the comments!