Spin That Ship Wheel in a Different Style Direction

The trend: It's an oldie but a goodie. Vintage ship wheels as well as those made just for decorating purposes add nautical style to coastal and coastal-style homes.

The problem: The style is great for getting a nautical look, but once you add a ship wheel, you may not know when to say when and go over the top. Think of the style of a restaurant with "Captain" in the name, where one expects to see Homer Simpson eating his way through the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet.

The solution: Let the ship wheel be a focal point but don't let it dictate a bunch of nautical flags, anchors and other ship details. It can still add a touch of kitsch without making your room kitschy.

Why it works here: White walls. One often thinks of ship wheels as part of decor that includes dated 1970s paneling, captain's chairs and lots of other dark wood furniture. Drywall or light-colored painted planks let the wheel stand out as a sculptural object.


Why it works here: Restraint. The ship wheel will always work well in a child's room, where you can go very theme-y if you want. This nursery is crisp and well edited, which keeps the look fresh.


Why it works here: Symmetry. Instead of the wheels being the focal point, they embellish the centered window.


Why it works here: Industrial chic. The reclaimed accent wall, factory table and metal cage pendant lights work well with the wheel's weathered finish.


Why it works here: The mix. The oversize wheel's brass and carved details work well in this eclectic mix of modern elements, antiques and exposed brick.


Why it works here: Clever arranging. The tiny decorative ship wheel is part of a well-curated coastal modern composition.


Why it works here: The material palette. Well-placed wheels create interest up the staircase, playing off the wood of the railings and stair runs.


Why it works here: Again, the wheel's wood is a beautiful match for this gorgeous spiral stairway. The photographer's lamp and black metal spindles provide contrast to all of that dark wood.


Why it works here: The kids love it. The wheel is a playful touch for the kiddos on the "gangplank" balcony of this home, which combines contemporary elements like concrete and steel rails with coastal traditional elements like shingles and warm wood accents.


Why it works here: Curb appeal. Propping the wheel up against the coastal-colored shingles reminds visitors where they are. Also, its large scale stands up to the size of the entryway, which keeps the wheel from looking like a piece of clutter.


Why it works here: Balance. This is a great example of how to create a themed room without its looking cartoonish. The wood ceiling is a nod to ships, the nautical flags are cleanly framed against white walls, and the nautical pillows and rug are a punch of accent color within an understated color palette.


Why it works here: Arg! I could not leave this wheel out of the story. This pirate-theme bedroom goes for the theme, and it goes big. It's a child's dream.


Where to find ship wheels. If you don't have the time to scour coastal antiques shops, shop for wheels in the Houzz Products section. Or search online for "antique maritime wheel," "captain's wheel" and "ship wheel." Nautical sellers and eBay are chock-full of beautiful vintage wheels.

Next: More ways to go coastal

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