25 Best Lake House Decor for a Serene Home

By Wendy Lemos

Lake house decor should feel relaxed and connected to the water without being overly nautical or beachy – think natural wood, soft blues and greens, vintage boat touches.

The serene setups bring the outdoor setting inside through materials and colors, keeping the space comfortable and livable instead of themed.

1. Find A New Place For Your Skiis

Find A New Place For Your Skiis

This decorating concept is straightforward. Just change where you store your water skis, and you’ll create a distinctive focal point in any room.

Prop them gently against a wall – the ambiance shifts and you get an instant vacation feel.

2. Two Sizes Of Oars Into Your Bedroom

Two Sizes Of Oars Into Your Bedroom

If you have fond memories of rowing, old oars make charming bedroom decorations. Use oars of different sizes to hint at the ages of those who once used them.

Their colors work with a water theme and perfectly complement framed artwork of aquatic life.

3. White And Navy Blue In The Living Room

White And Navy Blue In The Living Room

When choosing a color scheme for a lakeside interior, this idea is an excellent guideline. Nautical blue, crisp white, and natural wood blend beautifully, instantly connecting the space to the calming water.

4. Reclaimed Wood Mantle Over White Paneling

Reclaimed Wood Mantle Over White Paneling

The pristine white paneling of a fireplace benefits from a relaxed touch that highlights its authentic character. A substantial piece of wood above the hearth adds personality and rustic elegance.

Its cracks and grain textures are intentionally left visible, bringing a sense of nature’s peace indoors and creating a balanced atmosphere.

5. Crown Molding For A Cozy Lake House Fireplace

Crown Molding For A Cozy Lake House Fireplace

Every lake house needs a fireplace – perfect for warming up chilly evenings and setting a romantic mood. This design is a classic choice, with plenty of room for firewood and a cozy feel.

It features grey subway tiles for fire resistance and easy upkeep. The white hearth contrasts beautifully, completing the fireplace’s classic look.

The mantel is generously sized, ideal for displaying lake house ornaments and natural items.

6. Rustic Chest For Extra Storage And Decoration

Rustic Chest For Extra Storage And Decoration

Give an old chest a fresh coat of white chalk paint. Distress the edges and add a knotted rope to the lid.

This rustic piece is part of your decor. It also doubles as storage – perfect for blankets, throw pillows, bedding, and more.

The top of the chest gives you a practical display area for other lake house decorations.

7. Farmhouse Dining Room

Farmhouse Dining Room

Lake houses aren’t just for family getaways. They often become wonderful venues for holiday celebrations with friends or special gatherings.

So making sure the dining room has plenty of seating is always a thoughtful choice.

Farmhouse benches are durable and long enough to seat at least three people comfortably. The dining table should match the benches’ size.

You can make one from reclaimed wood and refresh it with white paint.

8. Light Teal Blue Tiles For A Lake House Bathroom

Light Teal Blue Tiles For A Lake House Bathroom

The soothing blue shades in this bathroom blend beautifully with the natural wood texture of the vanity and the gold accents of the fixtures. The aquatic blue tone brings to mind the tranquility and cleanliness of water.

The entire bathroom features teal blue tiles – subway shapes on the walls and floor tiles that mimic a woven pattern.

9. Ombre Colored Fish Decoration In A Frame

Ombre Colored Fish Decoration In A Frame

This small decor item brings the natural surroundings indoors. It’s a wooden frame with a barn wood backing, with three fish cutouts attached.

Each fish is painted a distinct color so it stands out, while a nautical color scheme ties them together for a striking interior accent. A glass jar filled with river stones fits right in with the framed art’s theme.

10. Repurpose Your Hobby Into Decoration

Repurpose Your Hobby Into Decoration

Like beach themed accents, lake house interiors welcome repurposing hobby equipment as decor. Worn water skis that are no longer lake-ready can be turned into balusters.

If you don’t have enough skis to replace all the wood balusters, place them in the middle section of your staircase for a unique look. Secure them with ropes to strengthen the lakeside aesthetic.

11. Chest Repurposed Into Coffee Table

Chest Repurposed Into Coffee Table

An old chest can become a porch coffee table. For a classic beach themed look, apply a light, nautical colored coating to the wood surface.

A “beach house” inscription on the top ties it to the theme nicely. The inside of the chest can store outdoor items like throws, cushions, and pillows.

12. White Rope Instead Of A Handrail

White Rope Instead Of A Handrail

This idea works well for staircases with walls on both sides. A long, thick rope acts as a handrail on one side, beautifully complementing the striped stair treads.

13. Hanging Wicker Chair To Admire A Great Landscape

Hanging Wicker Chair To Admire A Great Landscape

Hanging chairs have become a popular indoor furniture choice because they bring a sense of relaxation and vacation. The wicker material is perfect for a lake house, connecting indoor comfort with the natural surroundings.

Placement is key – make sure the view from the chair lets you fully unwind.

14. Lake House Master Bedroom Sign

Lake House Master Bedroom Sign

You can add a lake house vibe to your master bedroom with a simple sign. It’s made from wood slats with a weathered texture.

A lake house scene is printed on the wood as a backdrop for a personalized inscription. The sign shows the family name and the year it was established.

The lake house sign fits right in with the bedroom’s decor, echoing the atmosphere of serenity, privacy, and calm.

15. Lake House Decal

Lake House Decal

This decor idea is an easy way to bring the lake house theme indoors. It’s a vinyl letter sign framed by two paddles.

Its dark brown color beautifully highlights the distressed elements of the couch headboard and other room details.

Etsy Teal Button

16. Distressed Sign Leading You To The Lake

Distressed Sign Leading You To The Lake

This large wooden sign points you to a place where you’ll feel completely at home: the lake. The sign takes up a good portion of the wall above the sofa, adding rustic character and a unique touch.

It’s made from a distressed wooden board with large, bold letters that spell “LAKE.” An arrow sits next to the text, making the direction unmistakable.

17. Modern Grey Sign In The Lake House Theme

Modern Grey Sign In The Lake House Theme

The sign’s color makes it easy to fit with different interior styles. Its smooth grey finish covers the wood base, creating a balanced canvas for the lettering.

This sign makes a great gift for lake house owners or newlyweds dreaming of their own lakeside home.

18. Lake Rules Sign

Lake Rules Sign

This sign is so charming! It’s made of nine vertical slats, each with a unique distressed paint and wood grain finish.

The rules for lake house living are written on the slats – a daily dose of positive inspiration and a reminder of the comforting feeling of being home by the lake.

19. Black Oars Into Wall Decor

Black Oars Into Wall Decor

Lakeside decorations can dress up your entryway, making it inviting, charming, and distinctive. A personal touch in your interior will be noticeable from the moment guests arrive.

The black oars create a striking contrast against the white wall and work well with the rustic seating.

20. Water-Themed Slat Sign

Water-Themed Slat Sign

This sign hangs from white ropes and lists destinations where you can enjoy the soothing sounds and views of water features. It sits right above a rustic bureau, complementing its blue chalk painted surface.

Looking at it offers a nice little escape from home office demands.

21. Lobster Cage Into Pendant Light

Lobster Cage Into Pendant Light

This pendant light is truly unique! It’s a simple DIY project – turn an old, rusty lobster cage into a new fixture.

As part of a lighting setup, the lobster cage becomes a focal point that brings a distinct ocean look indoors.

22. Attic Bedroom With A Letter Sign

Attic Bedroom With A Letter Sign

This bedroom’s decor is simply delightful. The striped fabric bedding adds a cheerful, sweet accent to the room.

The natural wood flooring, with white shiplap on the walls and ceiling, keeps the space feeling open and relaxed. A set of four wooden squares spells out “LAKE” to form a distinctive sign.

Placed in the center of the blank wall opposite the door, it anchors the vacation atmosphere in the room.

23. A Headboard From Weathered Oars

A Headboard From Weathered Oars

Here’s another brilliant idea for turning old oars into a unique decor piece. Weathered wooden oars are lined up on a thick wood board to create a textured headboard for a lakeside bedroom.

The oars’ faded colors are kept, forming a visual tribute to their past. Bedding accents match the oar colors and keep things comfortable.

24. A Watercolor Art Over The Mantel

A Watercolor Art Over The Mantel

To bring an ocean theme into your living room, try one simple addition: a large painting. The artwork should clearly remind you of the beach.

It could be a printed image of a lake or ocean landscape, an illustration, or an abstract watercolor. When placing it, make sure the wall is bare, or if other decorations are there, they should be in neutral colors and textures that don’t compete with the art.

25. Striped Fabric In Pale Colors And Rattan Furniture

Striped Fabric In Pale Colors And Rattan Furniture

To boost the lake house interior style, add small, budget-friendly accents. These could be throws, pillows, wall art, and simple rattan furniture pieces.

If you don’t want bold navy blue, a lighter shade of blue works well. Paired with white, it will certainly create a striking look.