Discover stunning coastal curtains repurposed from custom yacht drapes, now elevating coastal decor in our Maine home with timeless nautical charm.
When I stumbled upon these custom yacht drapes in a charming antique store, I knew they were destined to bring a delightful coastal look to our Coastal Maine home.
Now hanging as stunning window treatments, these beach curtains sway gently with the ocean breeze, and I can’t wait to tell you their story!
Coastal Curtains for A Coastal Look
Coastal curtain panels with a touch of nautical style from days gone by can instantly transform an old home near the ocean into a haven of charm and character.
Choosing vintage or retro window curtains in soft blues or timeless patterns brings a sense of history and coastal style that’s hard to replicate with modern styles.
A common mistake is overlooking the impact of long curtains, which not only frame your windows beautifully but also enhance the airy, breezy feel of an oceanside retreat.
Thrifting for Nautical Curtains Window Treatments
One day, while out Thrifting with the Gals in Maine, I came across these fabulous coastal curtains in a booth at the York Antiques Gallery in York, Maine.
The coastal vibe, the red and blue colors, and this fabric!!
Oh my, was I taken back by these coastal curtains!
Three pairs were selling for $150 a pair.
A bit pricey, yet absolutely fabulous.
I hadn’t seen anything like these in all my thrifting travels.
I decided to leave the curtains behind, but when I returned home, I couldn’t stop thinking about these retro coastal curtains for the living room and how amazing they would look on the windows of our Coastal Maine Home.
Or not?
I was either going to love them or hate them…
Why Vintage Coastal Curtains Beat Modern Options
While modern curtains from high-end stores or custom designers can be undeniably beautiful, there’s something magical about the charm and character of vintage coastal curtains.
Hunting for unique finds like these custom yacht drapes takes patience, but the reward is unmatched—a room-transforming, showstopping piece that tells a story.
With their retro materials, nostalgic patterns, and history steeped in days spent by the beach, these curtains become more than just window treatments—they’re a conversation starter and a true reflection of coastal living with a timeless twist.
My New Found Retro Custom Yacht Coastal Curtain
I knew these retro coastal curtains would be a sure statement piece for any room they were lucky enough to be a part of.
So, I needed to be sure they would be right for our home.
York Antique Gallery was kind enough to let me take a pair of these drapes home to try out overnight before I committed to three sets for our living room.
Within the first five minutes of hanging these coastal curtains in the living room, I knew it was time to embrace this nautical design style with these remarkable drapes.
Coastal Curtains: A Nautical Story
When I brought the coastal curtains home with me, I had the opportunity to chat with the vendor, the owner of the curtains.
She then explained to me that these coastal curtains were originally custom-made for a yacht in the 1950s.
I knew I had to have them.
I’d never find coastal accessories like this again.
Coastal Curtains for Living Room
I was so excited to return the following day and pick up the other two pairs of coastal curtains waiting for me.
I am very grateful to York Antiques Gallery for allowing me to do this.
How I cleaned these nautical curtains
Once back home, I washed the drapes on a gentle cycle in the washing machine with soap and cold water, then hung them on the clothesline to dry.
Pro Tip
You may also find in inspiration in this Red Decor Home Decorative Objects post.
Smelling all fresh and clean, I applied Spray, Starch, and hot iron to press the drapes.
One of the window treatment panels was torn and in need of repair.
One thing about inheriting a family home is you have access to so many little things that can mean so much and bring back so many memories.
I found this sewing kit with tennis racquets in our pantry closet, which I used to fix the torn coastal drape.
Pro Tip
You may also enjoy the post, 10+ Best Coastal Bedding Ideas For Your Beach House.
How to Hang Old Coastal Curtains
To hang the coastal curtains in our living room, which did not have a rod pocket but pinched pleats, I purchased metal shower curtain rings in place of drapery hooks and attached them to the hooks that came with the drapes on top of the curtain panels.
The shower hooks also fit like a charm around our large custom wooden dowel curtain rods that already exist in this space.
The heavy weight of the fabric and the coastal aesthetic of these nautical drapes make me so happy!
I adore the color and character they add to our old colonial-style living room, and the coastal curtains pair so beautifully with the classic linen sectional by Four Seasons Furniture.
Now, I realize these drapes may not be for everyone… However, being here in coastal Maine and with the style of our home, I feel like they were meant to be.
And I consider myself so fortunate to have found three exact pairs to fit in our living room space.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this Bamboo Shades, No Drill Cordless Cozy Window Shade post.
These nautical-style curtains make our living room super cozy while accentuating the home’s antique qualities.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this How to Fold and Hang Tie-Up Valance Curtains. post.
Summer’s End
As summer turns into fall, the backyard winterberry bush begins to produce its red winter berries. A few cut branches in an antique chamber pot on the coffee table add to the room’s coziness for fall.
Pro Tip
You may also enjoy this Embracing Summer’s End post. Where we say goodbye to summer and welcome in our favorite season of fall back at our home in Vermont.
Before and after, which is your favorite?
Let me know in the comments section below.
Most Common Questions Asked About Coastal Curtains
What kind of curtains make a coastal living room?
Curtains that make a coastal living room shine are often light, airy, and inspired by the colors of the ocean, like soft blues, sandy neutrals, or crisp whites. Adding vintage or nautical-style panels, such as custom yacht curtains or retro patterns, brings a unique charm and character that perfectly complements a seaside aesthetic.
What are coastal curtains?
Coastal curtains are all about bringing the breezy, laid-back vibe of the beach into your home with fabrics that evoke the colors and textures of the sea. From soft blues to nautical patterns, coastal style curtains capture the essence of oceanfront living, making every room feel like a cozy beach retreat.
What color curtains do you need for a coastal bedroom?
For a coastal bedroom, you’ll want curtains in soft, soothing colors that mimic the beach—think soft blues, seafoam greens, or sandy neutrals. These light, airy feel hues create a serene atmosphere, perfect for drifting off to sleep while evoking the calming feel of the ocean breeze. You may learn more in this 12 Cottage Vintage Guest Bedroom Ideas To Inspire post.
Choosing vintage or thrifted coastal curtains is one of the best ways to bring a unique charm and character to your space while maintaining a clean look.
These timeless pieces not only let in natural light but also offer a sense of history and nostalgia that newer curtains can’t match.
Whether you’re diving into a home improvement project or simply adding personal touches, vintage curtains are a fantastic way to capture that breezy, coastal feel in your home.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
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Oh wow!!!! Those drapes could not be any more perfect for your home!!!!!!!!!!
Such a treasure. I’m so glad you got them;)
Thank you so much Maria❤️💙⛵️
They look fabulous!
Thank you so much Elizabeth 😃
I love the drapes!! Nice rthym to the pattern . Like the little star motif inbetween sailboat. Texture good too,
jane couser barton
Oh Jane. They are so fabulous, although not for everyone😉 you’ll have to stop by sometime. We missed seeing you this summer💙
Wonderful, they are really perfect for your home. I have a red/white heavy woven tablecloth of the same period, which I use when we have seafood for a gathering…it reminds me of my grandparents cottage and fried panfish Sunday dinners! Smiles…it isn’t about what’s the latest thing–it’s about the memories items evoke around your!
Oh Sandra, exactly my friend!!
Ann these drapes were made for your Maine home. They are such a perfect fit for the coastal feel of the home. Great score!
Thank you so much Mary. I’m so thrilled you like them😃
They look great!
Thank you Deedra😁🙌🏻
Hmm, Grandmillenial? All these years I’ve been calling my style “Early Attic”! I love your drapes! That fabric is just amazing and they look great in that room. You were in the right place at the right time, for sure. Jan in MA
Early Attic, I love it!! Ha ha
They are so pretty and look great at the house in Maine. I’m glad they were in good shape, old things sometimes bring good memories.
Absolutely Marlene I couldn’t agree more💙💙💙
The curtains are perfect for your living room. What a great find. Changing the subject here: I read one of your older posts about your Mom’s history. What a coincidence. My mother went to Oak Grove – probably very early 30’s. I grew up in Wolfeboro so am familiar with Brewster Academy. What a small world. And I love your blog! Betsy
Wow Betsy really?? My mother would have been there around 1942 at Oak Grove. That’s so awesome❤️❤️❤️
Would they work in my Ohio home? No. But they are stunning in your Maine home. It inspires me to keep searching and only buying decor with some charm.
For sure. You never know what you will uncover Kathy. And I agree. They would be awful in VT too😂😂
What a find! These look great!
I’m so glad you like them Teddee. Thank you so much😁
It is quite enjoyable to travel along with your decorating journey. I love finding those special items that bring pleasure to home life. Very cozy and warm. Of course my absolute favorite in the room is the beautiful doggo on the couch. So sweet.
That is so sweet of you to say Jillian. And yes Ella is always front and center⛵️🐾
I LOVE THESE!! And they fit perfectly in every way!
I’m so glad Casey and I just discovered they were custom made for a boat in the 1950s⛵️
Stunning! This really pulls the whole room together and gives it a cozy look. Your posts are fabulous Ann!
Thank you so much Mary. I just adore them⛵️⛵️
I love them! Great find!
I’m so glad, thank you so much Beth❤️💙⛵️
The drapes really make a statement in a good way. Glad you found them and made the splurge! I’m the grand part in Grandmillennial! I’m looking forward to all the Vermont news.
Thank you so much Debbie. I can’t wait to get back to Vermont🍃🍂👊🏻
Love the drapes and love your cabin in Maine!
Thank you so much Joan. Hope you have a fabulous weekend🙌🏻
The blue-gray in the fabric goes so well with the paint color of your trim!. They look great in that room and perfect for the area your house is in. Living in a Raeside-Dame can be a little hard to find window treatments since the ceilings are low and the windows small (often, but not always) and the rooms tend to be on the dark side (moreso in winter) but you have nailed it.
Linda, you are so right. This room can be very dark. And it was hard to capture the lighting on a dark day. They really add such a beautiful vintage statement in person too! I’m so glad you like them❤️💙
Ann , the curtains are absolutely perfect for your lovely home in Maine! I love the way they look. Living on the water and coast myself , I love nautical and the red and blue.
I’m so glad you like them Patricia. Thank you so kindly❤️💙
The curtains are perfect for your Maine house!!
I’m so glad you like them Linda. Thank you kindly❤️💙
I LOVE them! Makes the living room come alive!
That’s how I feel Hillary. And so much better in person too. I can’t believe I found them!:)
They are amazing and are perfect for your room!
I’m so glad you like them Karen! It was such a dark day here today I had a hard time getting the right photos. But they look so nice and cozy and perfect at this home❤️💙⛵️
They look fabulous, Ann! Am I a grand millennial even though I am not in my 20’s or 30’s?! 😉😉
Thank you so much Molly. I wasn’t too thrilled with the photos as it’s such a dark day and you know this room, super dark. But I’m running out of time😂