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Article: Bringing Coastal Charm Home

Illustrated coastal-style living room with white panelled walls, wood-burning stove, blue and white striped armchair, pale blue sofa, framed artwork, coffee table with potted flowers, and a floor lamp featuring a blue-and-white octopus lampshade.
Blue & White

Bringing Coastal Charm Home

HOW TO STYLE OUR CLASSIC BLUE & WHITE LAMPSHADES

From the moment Cream Cornwall opened its doors in 2012, our blue and white drum lampshades have been at the heart of everything we do. Printed, trimmed and assembled in our Penryn studio on heavyweight archival paper, each shade is made to order so it arrives in flawless condition. Drawing on Cornish harbours, rockpools and fishing villages, our classic designs have graced homes for more than a decade. 

There’s something timeless about the pairing of crisp white and deep ocean blue.

Whether you’re updating a single corner or refreshing an entire room, here’s how to style our blue and white lampshades in every part of your home.

A TRANQUIL BEDROOM RETREAT

In the bedroom, a statement lampshade can do more than just provide light — it sets the mood and adds personality. This illustrated space shows how our bold jellyfish lampshade becomes the anchor of a calming, coastal-inspired scheme. The rich navy design brings depth and detail, while the soft sky-blue wallpaper and natural-toned headboard keep the look serene and balanced. It’s the perfect blend of bold and tranquil.

To enhance the restful feel, we’ve added a wool-mix throw in mustard for warmth and a pop of earthy colour. A whitewashed mirror above the bedside table reflects light gently across the room, creating an airy, open feeling that makes the most of the space. The simple, vintage-style table grounds the scene with a touch of traditional charm.

This look is all about thoughtful restraint — and letting one beautiful piece do the talking.

Styling Tips
• Let the shade take centre stage by keeping the rest of the room calm and cohesive
• Avoid overcrowding with pattern — choose one key motif and build around it
• Use texture and layering (throws, cushions, rugs) to add depth and softness

A beautifully styled bedroom starts with just one standout piece.

Illustrated bedroom featuring a scalloped mirror, pale blue patterned wallpaper, a bedside table with a white lamp and a blue-and-white octopus lampshade, and a bed with a cream headboard and mustard throw.
Cream Cornwall

A Bright Coastal Landing

Hallways and landings are often forgotten spaces when it comes to interior styling, but they’re full of potential — especially when it comes to making a lasting impression. In this illustration, our shell and seahorse lampshade is used as a ceiling pendant, adding instant character to a bright, neutral landing. Suspended above the stairs or placed in front of a window, its bold navy print draws the eye and brings a sense of coastal charm into an otherwise transitional space.

The striped runner anchors the area with classic maritime style, while framed nautical maps on the wall add detail and depth without overwhelming. A potted blossom in the window softens the look and brings a natural, seasonal touch.

Because hallways are often larger, open-plan areas, they can handle bolder design choices — which makes them the perfect place to experiment with scale and pattern.

Styling Tips
• Hallways are big spaces and can take bold lampshades with confidence
• Use vertical or horizontal stripes to elongate and create the illusion of more space
• Keep the palette tonal with soft, cool hues and let statement accessories do the talking

It’s a simple way to turn a pass-through into a moment of design delight.

Illustrated hallway with a white stair railing, navy and white striped runner, round window with a potted blossom tree, two framed coastal prints, and a ceiling light with a blue-and-white seahorse and shell lampshade.
Cream Cornwall

A Cosy Cottage Living Room

There’s nothing quite like a snug or sitting room to showcase personality — and our octopus lampshade brings a touch of seaside playfulness with just the right amount of drama. Set against soft, white panelled walls and pale-toned upholstery, it becomes an eye-catching statement that still feels relaxed and welcoming. This space is all about balance: bold design elements softened by cosy textures and natural finishes.

Here, we’ve styled the lampshade alongside a log burner , collected artwork, and an inviting mix of cushions — each with their own nod to the coast. The mix of framed maritime prints, a ship model, and timeworn wooden furniture adds charm and history to the space. Nothing is too matchy or polished — and that’s exactly the point.

Styling Tips
• Layer in vintage finds and quirky touches to give your living room true character
• Incorporate wooden furniture or log baskets for natural warmth and texture
• Embrace an eclectic mix of prints, textiles, and accessories to reflect your personality

The result is a space that feels loved and lived-in — the perfect spot for curling up with a book or entertaining by the fire.

Illustrated coastal-style living room with white panelled walls, wood-burning stove, blue and white striped armchair, pale blue sofa, framed artwork, coffee table with potted flowers, and a floor lamp featuring a blue-and-white octopus lampshade.
Cream Cornwall

A CHARACTERFUL HOME OFFICE

Your home office is more than just a place to work — it’s a space to think, create, and reflect your own sense of style. Injecting personality here can make all the difference, and our maritime lampshade does just that. Featuring an intricate ship design, it sits proudly on our Porth glass lamp base , adding a sense of heritage and quiet drama without overwhelming the space. It’s a statement piece that encourages focus while nodding to adventure and the spirit of the sea.

In this look, we’ve paired it with a classic wooden desk , a rich navy Roman blind, and a bold chair that picks up the graphic energy of the lamp. The result is a workspace that feels both creative and grounded , balancing function with visual interest.

Styling Tips
• Don’t be afraid to be bold in smaller spaces — a striking shade can bring life to a quiet corner
• Add a pop of colour (like a book, blind or desk accessory) to keep things playful
Mix patterns and stripes for visual energy — just stay within a complementary colour palette for cohesion

Even a small workspace can feel like a destination when styled with purpose.

Illustrated home office with a wooden desk, white and navy upholstered chair, large window with blue Roman shade, bookshelves, and a navy table lamp featuring a blue-and-white sailing ship lampshade.
Cream Cornwall

Whether you’re drawn to the wild beauty of our octopus, the delicate elegance of a seahorse, or the timeless romance of a tall ship sailing into the horizon, our blue and white lampshades offer more than just light — they tell a story. Each design is inspired by Cornwall’s coastal heritage and crafted to bring a sense of calm, character, and charm into your home.

These shades are more than decorative objects; they’re conversation pieces. Whether placed in a peaceful bedroom retreat, a lively family living room, a hallway that needs a lift, or a home office where creativity flows, they become a defining feature of the space. Their classic navy and white palette makes them effortlessly versatile — working just as beautifully in traditional interiors as they do in more modern, eclectic settings.

By combining striking illustrations with thoughtful styling, you can transform everyday rooms into spaces that feel personal, curated, and full of coastal soul. Just one well-placed shade can add texture, depth, and that unmistakable Cream Cornwall spirit.

Explore the full collection and let the coast come home — one room, one story, one shade at a time.

Rebecca & Allison 

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