As the scorching heat of summer sets in, many people’s thoughts turn to the beach – a haven from the sun’s warm rays. For me, there’s something truly special about spending a balmy summer day by the ocean. The sensation of walking on the fine, powdery sand between your toes is almost surreal, while the vibrant turquoise waters lap gently at the shore.
And then, of course, there are the treasures that can be found along the beach – shells of every shape and size, each one a unique souvenir from the day’s adventure.
35+ Creative DIY Shell Project Ideas that are Easy to Create
Transforming your home into a coastal retreat doesn’t require a beachside address. By repurposing seashells collected during your vacation, you can create unique DIY projects that will leave your guests impressed. From shell picture frames to succulent planters and wind chimes, the possibilities are endless. This guide is designed to spark creative ideas for incorporating seashells into your home décor.
Browse through the suggestions below and find inspiration to bring a touch of the beach into your daily life.
Oyster Shell Decorative Catch-All Dish Trays
At the end of a long day, who wouldn’t appreciate having a designated spot to corral those pesky small items? A dresser or nightstand isn’t complete without one of these humble hubs. Elevate this functional space by adding an oyster shell, imbuing it with a touch of whimsy and wonder. As you prepare for bed, these iridescent treasures will effortlessly guide your fingers to the spot where loose change, buttons, and jewelry pieces await, making bedtime routine a breeze.
Spectacular Shell Encrusted Planter Nautical Decor
Transform your planting scene with a stunning shell-encrusted masterpiece! Take an ordinary planter and surround it with a vibrant array of seashells to bring new life to your decor. This unique creation effortlessly combines your love of the ocean with your home’s interior style, making it a beautiful addition to any corner.
Seashell Heart on Pallet Wall Art
Bring the serenity of the sea into your home with a unique piece of coastal-inspired wall art. Crafted from natural seashells collected from the beach, this rustic pallet heart is the perfect addition to any room. Hang it proudly and watch as family members gather around to point out their favorite shells, marveling at the beauty of nature transformed into a work of art that’s sure to become a treasured family heirloom.
Split Clam Shell Wood Wall Art
The simple yet striking combination of delicate shell and wood wall art is a true masterpiece. A beautifully split clamshell serves as the centrepiece, nestled on a plain wooden board that adds a touch of warmth to any room. This DIY project allows you to personalise your space with a cherished memory, reminiscent of a special vacation or treasured moment.
The end result is a unique piece that not only adds visual interest but also tells a story, making it a thoughtful addition to your master bedroom or any other area where you’d like to evoke the feeling of serenity and calmness.
Chain Linked Oyster Shell Lamp Shade
As you’re stuck at home and can’t answer the call of the ocean, bring a touch of its unique beauty indoors with this oyster shell lamp shade. This one-of-a-kind piece features four rows of shells artfully arranged to create a stunning conversation starter. Whether you’ve spent the day exploring the shoreline or simply need a coastal-inspired pick-me-up, crafting this lampshade is the perfect way to unwind and add some oceanic charm to your room.
My Heart Belongs to the Beach Art
Within its simplicity lies a profound beauty and depth. This meticulously crafted shell art is an ode to love, cleverly incorporating various shapes, sizes, and styles of shells to form the symbolic heart shape. The combination of delicate shells within a black-framed box, mounted on a blank canvas, commands attention and creates a striking visual effect. It’s a charming bedroom decoration or thoughtful gift for someone who shares your passion for the beach.
Gorgeous Ocean Beauties Shell Cork Stoppers
Imagine the soothing sound of crashing waves as you gaze upon these charming shell cork stoppers, designed to beautifully contain your cherished sand and shells within a decorative glass jar. To create an unforgettable display, place multiple stoppers on a raised tray and surround them with larger beach treasures. This stunning centerpiece is sure to delight your guests and set the tone for a memorable summer gathering.
Grapevine and Shell Coastal Country Creation Wreath
Elevate your ordinary grapevine wreath by infusing it with coastal charm. Simply adorn the wreath with an assortment of seashells and starfish to create a unique, beach-inspired design. The finishing touch is a wide nautical ribbon that serves as the wreath’s hanger, adding a pop of color and elegance. This effortless yet stylish shell wreath makes for a wonderful welcome at your front door or a lovely accent piece in any room, bringing a touch of the ocean into your home.
Decorative Glass Jar for Seashell Displaying
Transform your prized collection of seashells into a stunning centerpiece by displaying them in a large, glass jar that showcases their vibrant colors and textures. A lid-featured jar ensures your treasures remain dust-free and easily accessible for admiring. The 360-degree views offered by the large glass container allow you to appreciate the beauty from every angle.
Once cleaned, your seashell collection can be proudly displayed on a kitchen island or any other area of your home where you want to add a touch of coastal charm.
Bright and Bold Tropical Fish Shell Craft
This delightful fish shell craft is sure to captivate kids of all ages! Not only does it provide a fun and engaging summertime activity, but it also doubles as a unique decorative item for adults. With the added touch of gluing a magnet on the back, kids can proudly display their creations on the refrigerator, while adults can incorporate them into their garden or use them to add a pop of color to a plain picture frame.
Imagine hanging these vibrant and fun pieces around a treasured beach photo or amidst your favorite blooms – it’s a wonderful way to bring the joy of summer indoors!
Unique Decoupage Scallop Shell Dish Decoration
Transform your tropical bathroom into a serene oasis with a unique DIY soap dish that combines the beauty of nature and creativity. Start by crafting a decoupage scallop shell, where the natural shape provides the foundation for your artistic expression. Whether you opt for a vibrant fish design or an intricate pattern, the result is sure to be a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personal style and adds a touch of elegance to your space.
Super Succulent Sea Shell Bowl
Transform your space with the beauty of succulents! By bringing these low-maintenance wonders indoors, you can effortlessly infuse your home with a touch of nature’s elegance. A statement piece like this impressive seashell planter makes an ideal haven for showcasing your houseplants.
Whether placed as a centerpiece on the dining or coffee table, or used as a stylish accent on the kitchen island, this natural decoration brings a welcome burst of freshness and sophistication to your home’s atmosphere.
Antique Sea Shell Studded Oval Mirror
The monochromatic design of the seashell studded oval mirror imbues it with an air of elegance, yet maintains a sense of subtlety. The shell-lined border along the rim adds a touch of texture without overpowering the rest of the piece. The shells and trim are painted in a single color, creating a seamless and continuous border around the large mirror.
This stunning piece would be perfectly at home hanging above a bathroom vanity or at the end of a long hallway, where it can be admired from multiple angles.
Beach Lover’s Coastal Tray Home Decoration
Transform your coffee table into a serene coastal retreat by upcycling a plain wooden slatted tray. Add a touch of personality by filling it with your favorite shells and stenciling a special vacation destination. This unique decoration is sure to bring the beach vibe to your home. Complete the look by pairing it with a candle, a large shell, and perhaps some ocean-inspired artwork to create a cozy atmosphere that feels like a seaside escape.
Simple Burlap Back Shell Heart Art
In the realm of love, a subtle yet powerful language has been crafted in this charming shell heart art. The rustic burlap backing provides an earthy canvas for the delicate shells to form a poignant heart shape, imbuing the piece with tactile depth and visual interest. Whether paired with other artworks or showcased solo, this square wall tile is sure to captivate the senses and warm the heart.
Budding and Blooming Beach Branch Decor
Transform your seashell collection into a stunning piece of beach-inspired home decor with a unique DIY project. By combining tree branches, hot glue, and an assortment of gorgeous seashells, you’ll create dainty buds and blossoming flowers that evoke the feeling of a seaside garden. To take it to the next level, display your masterpiece in a beautifully crafted sea glass bottle, adding an extra layer of charm and character to your summer decor.
Shell Embellished Frames for Photos and Mirrors
Transform your home decor on a budget by upcycling picture frames and mirrors with seashells. The earthy tones of the shells will bring warmth and a coastal charm to your space. To create a cohesive look, pair one of these embellished frames with white-washed decor. For an added touch, place a larger conch shell nearby to further evoke the feeling of a beachside retreat.
Fabulous Faux Capiz Shell Wall Art
While having a vast collection of shells is ideal, it’s not necessary to enjoy the beauty of shell wall art. With some creativity, wax paper circles can be transformed into stunning imitations of capiz shells, giving you the beachy vibe you love. By incorporating these faux shells into a large wooden frame with hanging rows, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece of wall art that adds a touch of uniqueness to your home’s decor.
Sand and Sea Shell with Candle Centerpiece
Elevate your home’s ambiance this summer by creating a stunning sea-inspired centerpiece that will leave you feeling beachy keen! Start by gathering a selection of seashells and artfully arranging them around a candle nestled in the sand. The rustic, natural beauty of the shells will be perfectly complemented by a sturdy glass bowl, which can also serve as a beautiful display case for your oceanic treasures.
To add an extra layer of sophistication, consider embellishing the bowl with metallic artwork that echoes the warm, sun-kissed hues of the gold-painted shells. This enchanting centerpiece not only makes for a lovely summer dinner table decoration, but it would also be an exquisite and unique wedding reception idea, perfect for exchanging vows by the sea.
Painted Canvas Shell Art Squares
Transform your space with a splash of creativity without breaking the bank! These square canvas shell art ideas are the perfect way to make a bold statement on a limited budget. By using a vibrant turquoise blue reminiscent of the ocean, you’ll instantly evoke a beachy atmosphere in your home. The pièce de résistance is the addition of a whitewashed seashell, which provides a stunning contrast and organic texture that takes this DIY masterpiece to the next level.
Sea Turtle Shell Art Home Decoration
Imagine combining some of the most iconic beach dwellers into one delightful craft project – the seashell sea turtle! As you paint a serene beach landscape, you’ll create the ideal setting for this charming creation to thrive. The resulting masterpiece is a sweet and endearing sea turtle that can swim or bask on the beach, perfect as a summer-themed addition to a child’s room or any space where you want to bring in a touch of coastal whimsy.
Magnificent Mussel Shell Flower Bloom
Transform the allure of dark and lustrous mussel shells into an enchanting flower arrangement. By layering these exquisite shells, you can create a breathtaking bloom that doubles as a beautiful decorative piece for your home or wall. The naturally occurring, deep-edged borders on each shell add an extra layer of sophistication, making this arrangement perfect for updating an ordinary wreath or using as a stunning centerpiece.
DIY Beaded Seashell Night Light
Transforming a mundane night light into a stunning piece of home decor can be achieved by incorporating beads and shells. This simple yet effective upgrade adds a touch of elegance to any room, making it perfect for hall bathrooms where you want to impress your guests. The result is a unique look that’s not only visually appealing during the day but also provides comfort and ambiance after dark.
Calm, Cool, and Collected Shell Flower Decoration
Imagine gifting a one-of-a-kind piece of art that captures the essence of Hawaii’s tropical beauty. This delicate shell flower decoration is an original work that will surely delight any woman on your list. The intricate center shell serves as a stunning focal point, providing the perfect canvas for the delicate pink and white shell petals to unfurl. Set against a rustic blue distressed wooden square, this coastal creation adds a touch of whimsy and charm to any room.
Complete with an included twine loop, it’s easy to hang and display proudly. This charming piece is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face when used to add a pop of personality to your tiered tray or other decorative space.