In short
Surf house style is based on three elements: visible solid wood, a palette of sand, cream, and natural wood with a single accent color, and at least one signature item—most often a decorative surfboard hung on the wall. Hang it 145-150 cm from the floor (center of the board) on a free wall, or 40-50 cm above the back of a sofa. Starting budget to lay the foundations: €100 to €200.
Sand in the entrance, light skimming the walls, a board propped up like a trophy. Surf house style is more than just blue and two seashells: it's a way of living, relaxed and generous, where every object has been touched by an artisan's hand. Here's how to recreate it at home, even 800 km from the ocean.
What is surf house style?
Surf house style is a decorative trend that emerged in Californian and Australian surf houses in the 60s. It favors raw materials that can withstand salt and sand, open spaces, and objects that are actually useful rather than just decorative.
It differs from classic "seaside" decor in three ways:
- Solid wood replaces lacquered white: oak, ash, walnut, visible grain, oiled finish.
- The gliding line: long curves inspired by board shapes, instead of figurative marine motifs.
- Conviviality: a surf house is made for entertaining. An extendable table, a game corner, no object too precious to be used.
The 5 elements of successful surf house decor
| Element | What it brings |
|---|---|
| Solid wood | The basic material. Unvarnished, oiled, it develops a patina over time. |
| Light palette | Cream or linen on the walls, natural wood for furniture, a single accent color. |
| Wall-mounted board | The signature object that structures an empty wall and sets the tone for the room. |
| Tableware | Visible cutting and serving boards, no visible plastic. |
| Game corner | Foosball, darts, cornhole: what creates movement and memories. |
How to hang a decorative surfboard on the wall?
A decorative surfboard can be hung horizontally above furniture, or vertically on a free wall—in an entryway or stairwell. The guidelines that work:
- Height — center the board about 145-150 cm from the floor on a free wall. This is the average eye height, typical for gallery hangings.
- Above a sofa — leave 40 to 50 cm between the top of the backrest and the bottom of the board. Any less, and the arrangement will look cramped.
- Centering — center on the furniture, never on the wall. This is the most common mistake.
- Plasterboard fixing — at least two anchor points with plugs suitable for the weight, or dedicated wall mounts that distribute the load. Always check the weight before choosing your plugs.
Discover decorative surfboards
How many to hang? Just one, unless you intentionally create a gallery wall. Three boards of different sizes, aligned by their central axis and spaced 15 to 20 cm apart, work very well in a large room. More than that, it starts to look like a shop.
Kitchen and table: the surf spirit right up to aperitif time
The kitchen is the heart of a surf house. It's where extended aperitif platters are prepared, those that last all afternoon. A surfboard-shaped cutting board plays a dual role: utensil at lunchtime, decorative object leaning against the backsplash the rest of the time.
See Surf cutting boards — solid oak or thermo-treated ash, from €49
The right approach: two formats rather than one. A 40 cm board for cutting in the kitchen, a 50 cm board that arrives garnished at the table. This avoids serving on the board where garlic has just been cut.
Room by room: where to start
- Entrance — a decorative board hung vertically and a wooden wall mount for keys. The tone is set as soon as you walk in the door.
- Living room — a large wall, a horizontal board, a solid oak shelf, two candles. Nothing more.
- Kitchen — visible cutting boards, wooden trivets, open storage.
- Terrace — the real playground: outdoor foosball, wooden furniture, low string lights. This is what transforms decor into a living space.
3 mistakes that break the surf house effect
- The total thematic look. Three anchors, a fishing net, and a rudder: it turns into a restaurant setting. Only one strong marine reference per room.
- Light wood everywhere. Without contrast, the whole thing falls flat. Mix at least two species — dark oak against light ash, for example.
- Objects never used. The surf house spirit is based on use. A cutting board must cut, a skateboard must roll.
Our selection to get started
- Decorative surfboards — hand-painted, the centerpiece of a wall.
- Surf cutting boards — solid oak or thermo-treated ash, from €49.
- Wooden wall mounts — to hang cleanly, without damage.
- Squête Skateboards — solid ash, hand-painted and assembled in northern France.
At Wooderna, every piece is designed in France and crafted from solid wood by selected European artisans, with an oiled finish free of chemical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what height should a decorative surfboard be hung?
Center the board approximately 145-150 cm from the floor on a free wall. Above a sofa or console, leave 40 to 50 cm between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the board.
Can you create a surf house decor in a city apartment?
Yes, and the contrast works in your favor. Focus the effort on a single strong wall and on materials—solid wood, linen, ceramics. The style doesn't require volume, just consistency.
What budget should be planned for surf house decor?
Count on €100 to €200 to lay the foundations: a decorative board, two tableware items, and a wall mount. Structural pieces like an outdoor foosball table come later.
What colors for a surf house style interior?
A cream or linen background on the walls, natural wood for furniture, and a single accent color—jade green, terracotta, or washed-out pink—carried by a strong object. Generalized navy blue should be avoided: it weighs down the space.
Will a decorative surfboard hold on plasterboard?
Yes, with plugs suitable for the weight and a minimum of two anchor points. Dedicated wall mounts distribute the load and prevent any tipping.
