Embracing Nautical Nostalgia: The Best Vintage Coastal Art Prints

Vintage art has long been one of my favourite resources for adding charm, character and a sense of nostalgia to our home. While I typically lean towards countryside scenes, the chance to remodel our family cottage last spring allowed me to explore the beauty of coastal art. I carefully curated a selection of coastal art prints, each chosen to evoke the timeless charm and character of days gone by.

I hope to incorporate a handful of authentic vintage pieces into our cottage over time. These handpainted originals hold an appeal that’s hard to replicate, yet they often are hard to find or come with a hefty price tag. So in the meantime, I rely on inexpensive art prints to capture that same aesthetic within our cottage.

Selecting, Printing, and Framing Vintage Coastal Art Prints

Scouting the Perfect Spot

Before I even choose my art, I carefully scout for the ideal spots to display each piece.

Choosing the perfect spot to hang art involves a mix of practicality and aesthetics. Begin by considering the room’s layout, focusing on areas where the art will complement furniture and decor without overwhelming the space.

During our cottage remodel, I waited until all the furniture and window treatments were in place. This allowed me to identify the areas in each room that could benefit from an added touch. Additionally, I considered the size of each space to determine whether a single piece or a curated grouping of art would work best.

Curating the Collection

Next comes the art selection process. I carefully curated a collection of vintage coastal art prints from Etsy and Amazon, ensuring they complemented the colour palette and aesthetic I envisioned for our cottage. Avoiding dark or stormy prints, I favoured those that felt nostalgic, tranquil, and serene.

Bringing the Prints to Life

Printing is a crucial step, and I opt for textured canvas paper to give the prints an authentic feel. While I print most of our art at home, there are a lot of options available if you’re printing large-scale pieces.

Framing with Character

When it comes to framing, authentic vintage frames are my go-to choice. They infuse each piece with added character and charm. Luckily, I had quite a collection already on hand to choose from, sourced from yard sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. If you’re interested, I’ve shared all my framing tips using vintage frames in detail here.