Nautical DIY: Sailors Valentine

Nautical DIY: Sailor's Valentine

Try your hand at an age old coastal tradition, the Sailors Valentine. Purchase a kit or try it on your own design for a unique, one of a kind coastal valentine.

SUPPLIES:

• Glue
• Cardboard Box- Octagon shape is classic Sailor's Valentine but any shape you like will work
• Picture Hanging Hooks

The secret to a creating a nautical sailors valentine are repetition and symmetry. Most of the space in your sailor's valentine will be taken up with shells of similar shape and size but of course you be able to highlight special seashells or seashore treasures that remind you of a beach vacation you and your loved one took.

Using any type of glue , lay out a design with your seashells, radial symmetry is a good choice if you’re using the traditional octagonal base. Traditional sailors valentines cover all the available space with shells, filling all the spaces and even layering them for a special effect.You can even sketch out a design right on the cardboard before you glue on your seashells.

After your design is complete, set your sailors valentine aside for at least 24 hours so that the glue can fully cure.

Once the shells are dry turn over the valentine and write a note on the back. Maybe mention the beach vacation you found the seashells on or a romantic note.

Your sailors valentine can be hung on the wall if you like by using picture hanging hardware. Or you can opt to sit yours on the table.

Choosing the right accent chair for a beach house is about more than style — it’s about comfort, durability, and how the piece works within a relaxed coastal space. The best accent chairs combine soft, livable materials with timeless design, creating seating that feels effortless and easy to use every day.
This guide covers how to choose accent chairs for a coastal home, what materials work best, and how to create a cohesive living space using pieces that are both functional and elevated.

What You'll Learn in This Guide:

• What makes a great accent chair for a beach house
• Which materials work best in coastal homes
• How to choose the right style and size
• How to pair chairs with sofas, rugs, and tables
• Which accent chairs work best for everyday living
  

What Makes a Great Accent Chair for a Beach House?

A well-chosen accent chair should feel comfortable, durable, and visually balanced within the space.

Look for:

• Soft, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton
• Durable construction for everyday use
• Neutral or coastal-inspired tones
• Shapes that feel relaxed rather than overly structured
  

The goal is a chair that looks beautiful but is also used daily.

Slipcovered Accent Chairs

Slipcovered chairs are one of the best choices for coastal homes because they are:

• Comfortable and relaxed
• Easy to maintain and clean
• Ideal for homes with kids, pets, and everyday use
  

Woven & Natural Material Chairs

Chairs made from rattan, wood, or woven materials add texture and depth.

• Adds natural, organic feel
• Works well in layered coastal spaces
• Pairs beautifully with neutral palettes

Upholstered Coastal Chairs

Upholstered chairs in soft fabrics provide:

• Additional comfort
• More structured seating
• A polished coastal look

How to Style Accent Chairs

Accent chairs should feel like part of the room — not an afterthought.

Pair with:

• Coastal rugs to ground the seating area
• Driftwood tables for natural texture
• Coastal lighting to add warmth and dimension

This combination creates a space that feels layered and complete.

How to Choose the Right Size

• Ensure the chair fits proportionally within the room
• Leave enough space for movement
• Pair with the right scale of sofa or sectional

One oversized chair often works better than multiple small pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing style over comfort
• Selecting materials that don’t hold up to daily use
• Going too small for the space
• Overmatching instead of layering textures

Shop the Look

• Slipcovered Seating
• Driftwood Coffee Tables
• Best Selling Coastal Rugs
• Coastal Lamps

Why We Love It

Accent chairs are one of the easiest ways to complete a room.

• Adds comfort and flexibility
• Creates balance in seating areas
• Introduces texture and personality
• Works across casual and more refined spaces