18 Mermaid Decor Ideas – How to Bring Mermaid Inspiration Into Your Home
Are you a mermaid at heart? If you’re drawn to popular tropical hues like light blues, teals and corals and palm leaf wallpaper and if you think everything looks better with a touch of shimmer, chances are there’s a mermaid somewhere inside you.
Mermaid decor has made a splash in homes across the country, and we’re about to show you why we love it. In this roundup, you’ll find mermaid decor that goes all out with scale patterns and tails, and of course, more subtle ideas as well. Whether you’re hoping to find bedroom decorating ideas, create a nautical-inspired bathroom, or simply add a nod to your favorite mythical sea creature, read on for 18 fresh ways you can bring the best of this sea-style home.
1. Create a color scheme.
The California home of @tropicali_haven is full-on mermaid, featuring splashes of some of today’s hottest tropical colors. She’s even incorporated unique furniture pieces and wall decor to round out the look.
2. Wrap a piece of furniture.
We simply can’t get enough of this shimmery chest of drawers from @kookiwood. It’s wrapped with mermaid-inspired paper for a one-of-a-kind item that would work perfectly in a room decked out in mermaid decor.
3. Make an ocean-inspired ombre wall.
Going for a mermaid vibe? You can’t go wrong with a blue ombre feature wall! This one, from @kellysamlalsingh features shades of ocean blue with a surfboard propped against it.
4. Add spray effects.
This hallway, from @renewpds was professionally painted to add a shimmering effect to a light blue ombre wall. The result is mermaid perfection.
5. Set a palette.
A mermaid-inspired decor scheme doesn’t mean restricting yourself to a space filled exclusively with scaled tails and figurines. Employ the hues found under the sea and deck your space with a palette of pastels and iridescent accents. The dwellers of this tropical UK-based apartment did just that and transformed their desk area into a color-fueled oasis for working from home.
6. Add mermaid art to a gallery wall.
If a subtle dose of mermaid-themed decor is what you want, it’s what you can get. Something as simple as a small art print, like the one we spotted in this Chicago loft, is a whimsical, high impact detail that may even get your guests talking when they see it.
7. Decorate with coral.
Whether you take the directive to add coral to your home literally or figuratively, we’ll leave it up to you. But we’d follow in the footsteps of this maximalist LA home and revamp a bedroom or powder room with a coat of coral paint. Take things one step further by adding a mural with shapes inspired by sea kelp, much like the one in this captivating kitchen, to the mix.
8. Add some shell pillows.
Consider seashell throw pillows the undeniable “it” decor accent of a mermaid-themed room. This bright, Bohemian bedroom takes on the motif with effortless cool, pairing these luxe, velvet decorative cushions with simple white bedding, a rattan bed frame. and an ultra-soothing, pink-on-pink wall paint treatment that’s pure perfection.
9. Try whimsical wallpaper.
Given that mermaids spend their lives underwater, it’s only fitting to incorporate them into your bathroom, just as blogger Camila Pavone did. Often the lone spot in a home where we’re willing to take decorative risks, the bath or powder room is an ideal locale for experimenting with a whimsical wall covering like this one that features mermaids, octopi, and starfish. Finish off the room with textiles that pull their colors from the wallpaper.
10. Channel the beach.
Deck your space out with a subdued color palette that’s grounded in shades of blue. From a graphic wallpaper to cozy throw pillows and nightstands, when it comes to this soothing hue, more is always more. Beach and ocean art will really drive the idea home as well.
11. Rethink your tile.
Mermaid scales look fab in the bathroom, as proven by the bathroom in Emily Henderson’s former home. While Henderson’s space wasn’t meant to evoke a mermaid scheme, it still managed to subtly reference it. Think of this as a great way to dip your toes into the concept and still keep your overall bathroom feeling classic and charming.
12. Scale up.
Capiz shell accessories and lighting are a foolproof way to tackle the mermaid-themed look without being too literal. Give your entry or bedroom (or the bathroom, if you’re feeling bold) an extravagant refresh with a capiz chandelier that beautifully mimics the iridescent characteristics of a mermaid tail.
13. Run with it.
Quinne Myers was not about to shy away from fully adopting a mermaid-themed decor scheme in her candy-colored Brooklyn studio. She sourced a statement-making mermaid side table and used hits of aqua and pink to evoke the look of a mermaid grotto.
14. Make It subtle.
Blogger Eva Martino wanted to create a mermaid and sea-inspired bedroom for her toddler without going too over the top with the theme, and she managed to do just that with a handful of thoughtful elements. A nautical rope mirror is a timeless touch her daughter can use for years to come, and the octopus chandelier is bound to delight.
Ready to try your hand at mermaid decor? These five design-forward finds will help you embrace the concept with all the flair.
15. Add some vintage mermaid art.
This charming illustrated piece would look just as lovely hanging aside the crib in a nursery as it would in your living room gallery wall. Its subtle palette, speckled with pops of shine, brings on all the good vibes.
Buy: Vintage Mermaid Art Print, $24 from Rifle Paper Co.
16. Try a mermaid accent piece.
Your little one will cherish this splurge-worthy mermaid lamp, complete with its stunning gold base. Its vintage-inspired look also makes it the perfect complement to a modern, more grown up space.
Buy: Emily & Meritt Mermaid Lamp, $179 $88.99 from Pottery Barn Kids
Velvet Shell Pillow
If you prefer to take the understated route, consider this retro classic cushion your way in. From its earthy mustard tone to its luxe material, it’s a no-brainer option for giving your space a hit of color and style.
Buy: Amber Velvet Shell Pillow, Starting at $51.95 from Etsy
17. Use mermaid-inspired storage.
Staying organized never looked this good! Form meets function with this charming basket, which features a delicately embroidered mermaid on a beautiful green background.
Buy: Embroidered Mermaid Mini Toy Bin, $28 from Anthropologie
18. Keep it classy and understated.
Give your bookshelves the nautical treatment and make your display look a little more organized with this beautifully detailed pair of bookends. The rustic, chipped white paint finish makes them seem like they’ve been around forever.
Buy: Mermaid Bookend Pair, $68.79 from Jubilee Gift Shop