From Shore to Shelf: Stylish Ways to Showcase Your Collected Seashells
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Time to read 4 min
Seashells have a special charm - each one a little keepsake from peaceful mornings by the shore, where the rhythm of the waves and the beauty of nature invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
But what happens when those beach treasures make it home? Instead of letting them sit in a forgotten jar, why not turn them into beautiful decor?
Today we’re sharing creative and stylish ways to showcase your collected seashells and coastal finds, so your favorite vacation memories stay front and center all year long.
Table of Contents
Create a Seashell Memory Box
A DIY beach memory box is a uniquely personal way to display collected seashells and keep your favorite seaside memories with you. Just remember the 3 P’s before adding your seashells - photos, personalization, and pouring a layer of sand.
Start with a shadow box and add a favorite beach photo, then personalize it by writing a special date or location on a sand dollar. Next, pour in a layer of sand from your trip for the perfect coastal backdrop. Once that's set, arrange your shells and add in sea glass if you wish, for a layered look.
Our Tiny Nest
Driftwood & Shell Wall Decor
You can hang this shell display on any wall in your home, but I'd love to try and style it in a tray, too. For smaller pieces, it looks really cute as part of a decorative tray display and blends in beautifully with any coastal decor.
Start with a piece of driftwood, then gather some twine and your shells (bonus points if they already have little holes in them!). Lay out your design, thread the shells onto strands of twine, and tie them to the driftwood, spacing them evenly. Add a twine hanger at the top, and there you have it - a one-of-a-kind wall decor that can be hung in your entryway, bedroom, or sunroom.
Mornings on Macedonia
A Clutter-Free Seashell Collection
Not just for kitchen drawers, a bamboo utensil organizer makes a clean, clutter-free display for your seashell collection. With its built-in compartments, you can easily sort your shells by size, color, or type, for a display that feels intentional yet elegant.
Simply place your organizer on a coffee table, an ottoman, bookshelf, or even mount it on the wall for a unique, shadowbox-style display. For an extra touch, line the bottom of each section with a layer of sand or a soft linen fabric to create contrast and make your shells stand out.
Living Porpoisefully
Stunning Shell Glass Cabinet Display
A well-styled glass cabinet transforms your treasures into a stunning display while keeping it protected and dust-free. Whether it’s a hanging medicine cabinet, a vintage china cabinet, or even a small curio case, the glass doors let you display your shells while keeping them clean and tidy.
Arrange your shells in groups or sort them by size or color for a curated feel - I’d love to blend in some driftwood or seaglass as extra coastal accents. For a more polished look, place your shells on soft fabric or elevate them by using small stands or decorative trays.
Living Porpoisefully
Baskets and Bowls for A Statement Piece
Baskets and bowls are one of the easiest ways to display your seashell collection while adding a relaxed, beachy vibe to your home. Line the bottom of your basket with sand or a linen cloth, and arrange your shells in decorative bowls, woven baskets, or a sturdy statement piece like Lobster Rope Baskets.
Place them on a coffee table, console, or bookshelf, or add in other coastal elements like a starfish or ocean-scented candles to create a warm, inviting feel - no DIY required!
A “Movable Beach”
A truly unique display, you can create your own movable beach by using a glass container and filling it with a layer of sand - this creates the perfect base for your mini beach scene. Add fresh, natural elements, such as small bundles of wheatgrass for a pop of greenery. The best part? The wheatgrass can be lightly watered while in the sand!
For a whimsical touch, glue your favorite shells and starfish to bamboo skewers, then gently press them into the sand so they stand upright, almost like little sculptures. You can even add tiny driftwood pieces or small pebbles for extra texture.
Southern Living
Seashells for Garden Decor
Add a coastal touch to your outdoor space when you display your seashells with your garden and planters. They are tough enough to handle the weather, so they will last a long time while making your outdoor area feel like a little beach getaway.
Arrange shells in a pattern around a flower bed, use large conch shells as eye-catching focal points, or scatter small shells in planters for texture and contrast. Whether you prefer to go bold with statement shell pieces or keep it subtle with scattered shells, these natural accents are the best kind of outdoor displays.
Southern Living
Seashells are more than just beach souvenirs, and I absolutely love finding ways to display them around my home. If you have a collection of shells sitting in a drawer, why not give them a place to shine? Try out a few of these display ideas and bring a piece of the shore into your own space!
Meet the Author
Karen Marsh
Karen is the owner of New England Trading Company, a coastal gift shop in Maine. Since 2009, she has enjoyed helping customers find the perfect coastal-inspired gifts and decor. Karen loves connecting with others who share her passion for all things nautical.
