Whether you’re on the water a few times a month or every weekend, your boat is your haven—a place for you to relax and enjoy quality time with the people you love. Although your primary concerns may be maintenance and functionality, decorating the cabin will add style and comfort to your excursions. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few ideas.

How to Spruce Up a Boat Cabin

1. Layer the Lights

Although space for lighting fixtures will be limited by the size of the cabin and the layout of the electrical system, layering the cabin with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting aids functionality and enhances atmosphere.

Think of ambient lighting as substitute for natural light. Sconces and overhead fixtures brighten up an enclosed space with ambient lighting. Add task lights to cabin areas where you’ll be eating, preparing food, or reading with tabletop lamps or pendants. Accent lights highlight specific features in a cabin. If you have a decorative mirror or a painting hung on a wall, you could enhance its presence with a picture light.

2. Incorporate Plush Textures

Although sailing already instills a sense of calm, your experience on the water can be made even cozier when you bring softness into the cabin with a few throw pillows, blankets, and rugs. A neutral palette lets you focus on textures. A blend of smooth cottons on pillows and thickly knotted rugs would raise visual interest inside the cabin without competing with the views of the water.

3. Personalize the Walls 

A few family photos, prints, or small sculptures are an excellent way to inject your personality into a boat cabin. Resist covering every bare wall all at once. Start with one or two pieces. You can always add more when inspiration strikes.

McMillan Marine, based in Rochester, NY, has served residents in the Irondequoit Bay and Finger Lakes region for nearly 30 years. They offer a wide variety of sport boats, cruisers, and yachts from top brands, including like Monterey® and Yamaha®. You can preview their inventory online, and call (585) 288-2180 if you have any questions.