15 Unique Summer Living Room Decor Ideas You’ll Love

Ready to give your living room a summer refresh? Summer living room decor is all about creating a light, relaxed vibe that captures the essence of the season. Whether you’re lounging with a book or hosting friends for a casual get-together, these summer living room decor ideas will help you transform your space into a breezy, airy retreat. The best part? You don’t need to break the bank or tackle complicated DIY projects. From swapping out textiles to adding natural elements like plants and coastal accents, these 15 ideas are simple, practical, and easy to source online or in stores.

In this article, you’ll find everything from light linens and pastel throws to creative touches like indoor herb walls and driftwood displays. Each idea is designed to brighten your living room and make it feel like a summer sanctuary. Let’s dive in!

Swap Heavy Throws for Linen & Cotton Pillows

What & Why

Light fabrics like linen and cotton are perfect for summer living room decor. They instantly brighten the room and keep things cool, even on the hottest days. Soft pastel colors—like blush pink, sky blue, or mint green—add a fresh, summery touch without overwhelming the space.

How to Implement

Toss a few textured linen or cotton pillows on your sofa or armchairs. Look for pillows with subtle patterns or embroidery for extra flair. You can find affordable options at stores like Target, H&M Home, or even Amazon. Pro tip: Mix and match different sizes and shapes for a cozy, layered look.

Layer a Seagrass Rug Over a Bright Sisal Mat for Beachy Summer Living Room Decor

What & Why

Natural textures are a staple of summer decor ideas for the living room. Seagrass rugs add a beachy, organic feel, while a colorful sisal mat underneath brings a playful pop of color. This layered look creates depth and contrast, making your living room feel more dynamic and inviting.

How to Implement

Start with a neutral seagrass rug as your base (IKEA has great budget-friendly options). Then, layer a smaller, brightly colored sisal mat on top. Choose a mat in a summery hue like coral, turquoise, or sunny yellow. This simple trick adds texture and color without cluttering the space.

Install Hidden “Ocean Glow” LED Accent Strips for a Coastal Summer Living Room Ambiance

What & Why

Want to bring a coastal vibe indoors? LED accent strips can mimic the soft glow of the ocean, creating a serene, summary ambiance in your living room. Plus, they’re energy-efficient and easy to install.

How to Implement

Tuck color-changing LED strips behind furniture, along the baseboards, or under shelves. Set them to a soft blue or green hue for that ocean-inspired glow. You can find affordable LED strips on Amazon or at home improvement stores like Home Depot. Bonus: Many come with remotes, so you can adjust the color and brightness to suit your mood.

Create a Rattan Fan Wall Gallery

What & Why

Rattan fans are a fun, tropical decoration that also works as wall art. They’re lightweight, affordable, and add an airy, summery feel to your living room. It’s a great way to incorporate natural materials and create a focal point without needing a lot of space.

How to Implement

Arrange a few rattan fans in a grid or asymmetrical pattern on an empty wall. You can find vintage fans at thrift stores or new ones on Etsy. For a cohesive look, stick to fans in similar sizes and tones. This DIY project is quick, easy, and instantly elevates your summer decor.

Add an Indoor Herb Planter Wall for Fresh Summer Living Room Greenery

What & Why

Fresh greenery is a must for summer living room decor, and an indoor herb planter wall is both functional and stylish. Not only does it bring life to your space, but it also provides fresh herbs for cooking. Plus, the scent of basil or mint can make your living room feel even more refreshing.

How to Implement

Mount small pots or a vertical planter on a sunny wall. Fill them with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, mint, or thyme. You can DIY this with wall hooks and small pots from Home Depot or buy a ready-made vertical planter from stores like West Elm. Water regularly, and enjoy the natural, summery vibe.

Mix Driftwood & Air‑Plant Centerpieces for Rustic Summer Living Room Decor

What & Why

Driftwood and air plants are the ultimate low-maintenance duo for summer decor. They bring a coastal, organic feel to your living room without the need for constant care. Air plants don’t require soil, making them perfect for unique displays.

How to Implement

Place a piece of driftwood on your coffee table or mantel, then nestle a few air plants into its crevices. You can find driftwood at craft stores or even collect it from the beach (just be sure to clean it first). Air plants are widely available online or at garden centers. This centerpiece is simple, striking, and screams summer.

Hang Sheer, Light‑Filtering Curtains for Breezy Summer Living Room Decor

What & Why

Heavy drapes can make a room feel stuffy in the summer. Sheer, light-filtering curtains, on the other hand, soften sunlight and create an airy, open feel. They’re perfect for letting in natural light while maintaining privacy.

How to Implement:

Choose white or beige sheers for a clean, summery look. Walmart and Target offer affordable options, or you can splurge on linen sheers from Pottery Barn for a more luxurious feel. Hang them high and wide to make your windows (and room) feel larger.

Paint a Chalk‑Paint Palm Frond Mural for Tropical Summer Living Room Decor

What & Why

A palm frond mural is a bold, tropical statement that’s perfect for summer. Using chalk paint makes it easy to change or remove when the season ends. This DIY project adds a fun, artistic touch to your living room without the commitment of permanent paint.

How to Implement

Pick an accent wall and sketch out a few large palm fronds with a pencil. Then, fill them in with green chalk paint (available at Lowe’s or craft stores). Don’t worry about perfection—chalk paint’s matte finish gives it a soft, hand-painted look. When fall arrives, simply wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Display Citrus Slice Resin Coasters for Playful Summer Living Room Decor

What & Why

Citrus slice coasters are a bright, cheerful addition to any summer living room. They’re easy to make, and the vibrant colors of lemon, lime, or orange slices add a playful pop to your coffee table.

How to Implement

Buy a resin coaster kit from Michaels or Amazon, and gather some dried citrus slices (you can dry them yourself or buy them pre-dried). Follow the kit’s instructions to embed the slices in resin, then let them cure. These coasters are not only functional but also a great conversation starter.

Use Vintage Bucket Planters for Ferns

What & Why

Vintage buckets add rustic charm to your summer decor, and when paired with lush ferns, they create a fresh, natural vibe. Ferns are also great for purifying the air, making your living room feel even more refreshing.

How to Implement

Scout flea markets or thrift stores for old metal buckets (galvanized or painted ones work best). Fill them with potting soil and plant a few ferns. Place them near a window for indirect light, and water regularly. This idea is budget-friendly and adds a touch of nostalgia to your space.

Integrate a Corner Macramé Swing Chair for Boho Summer Living Room Decor

What & Why

A macramé swing or hammock chair is the ultimate cozy, boho addition to your summer living room. It’s perfect for curling up with a book or adding extra seating without taking up too much floor space.

How to Implement

Hang a macramé swing or hammock chair in a corner using a sturdy ceiling hook (make sure it’s anchored properly). You can find stylish options on Wayfair or Etsy. Add a small cushion or throw for extra comfort, and enjoy your new summer reading nook.

Layer Pastel Throw Blankets & Textured Throws

What & Why

Even in summer, a lightweight throw can add softness and style to your living room. Pastel colors and textured fabrics—like waffle knit or tassels—keep things light and airy while adding subtle visual interest.

How to Implement

Drape a pastel throw blanket over the arm of your sofa or a chair. Look for cotton or linen blends to keep it breathable. TJ Maxx and HomeGoods often have great deals on stylish throws. For extra texture, layer a couple of throws in complementary colors.

Install Wave-Patterned Static-Cling Window Film

What & Why

Wave-patterned window film adds a coastal touch while providing privacy. It’s also a renter-friendly option since it’s easy to apply and remove without damaging the glass.

How to Implement

Measure your windows and cut the static-cling film to size. Apply it directly to the glass, smoothing out any bubbles as you go. You can find wave-patterned film at Home Depot or online. This simple update adds a subtle summer vibe without blocking natural light.

Showcase a Mini Tabletop Waterfall Fountain for Serene Summer Living Room Decor

What & Why

The sound of trickling water can instantly make your living room feel more tranquil and summery. A mini tabletop fountain is a low-maintenance way to bring that soothing ambiance indoors.

How to Implement

Place a small waterfall fountain on a side table or mantel. Look for compact, affordable options on Amazon or at home decor stores. Fill it with water, plug it in, and let the calming sounds transport you to a peaceful summer retreat.

Create a Coastal Driftwood & Shell Shelf Display

What & Why

A shelf display featuring driftwood and shells is a simple way to add beachy charm to your living room. It’s also a great way to showcase souvenirs from your summer travels.

How to Implement

Arrange a few pieces of driftwood and a collection of shells on a floating shelf or mantel. You can collect these items yourself or buy them from craft stores. For a polished look, stick to a neutral color palette with whites, tans, and soft blues.

Conclusion

Summer living room decor is all about embracing light, airy vibes and bringing a touch of the outdoors in. Here’s a quick recap of the key ideas:

• Swap textiles for linen pillows and pastel throws to instantly brighten your space.
• Add natural elements like seagrass rugs, driftwood, or an indoor herb wall for a fresh, organic feel.
• Try easy DIYs like resin coasters or a chalk-paint palm mural to personalize your decor.
• Boost ambiance with LED strips, a mini fountain, or sheer curtains for a serene summer retreat.

Now it’s your turn! Which of these summer living room decor ideas will you try first? Share your summer makeover in the comments below—we’d love to see how you’ve transformed your space!

FAQs on Summer Living Room Decor

Additional Resources

• Refresh Your Space: The Ultimate Summer Home Decor Ideas 2025
  Dive deeper into trending color schemes, textures, and seasonal accents for every room.
• Top 24 Innovative Space Saving Ideas for Small Homes
  From fold‑away desks to hidden storage, explore creative solutions to keep your summer sanctuary clutter‑free.
• 29 Best Space Saving Furniture Ideas for Small Spaces
  Maximize seating, storage, and style in compact living areas with these clever pieces.