You’re a surfer, we get it, and you want to bring a surf-theme into your home environment. There’s a fine line between tacky surf decor and introducing a theme that actually looks cool. Surfboard-shaped furniture and ornaments usually belong on the tacky end of the scale, but they don’t have to. Short of actually hanging a surfboard on the wall, you can show how much you love riding waves through strategically designed shelves, surfboard coffee tables and even a surfboard wine rack.
Get inspired below.
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Surfboard coffee table
The original and best coffee table for surfers is without doubt a Salty Furniture creation. They regularly collaborate with people like Kai Lenny to produce elegant furniture that will turn your living room into a masterpiece.
Surfboard light panel
A perfect fixture for the beach house. Rustic and subtle, you can play your ukulele under faux-lanterns that cast a surfboard-shaped shadow on the ceiling above.
Surfboard shelf
Ah, the surfboard shelf. When done badly they are an eyesore, but this longboard pairing actually looks good. Definitely suits beach house chic rather than a modern design. As always, make sure the shelves are properly mounted. You don’t want to ding that shelf or break your fake cactus.
Surfboard bar
If you really want to make a point, you could always build a surfboard bar. Probably more suited to an actual commercial bar, but if you’re going to have a home pub then why not repurpose an old longboard for your counter. It certainly makes the statement that you dig surfing, just make sure your cocktail skills are up to par. No point inviting friends to your beach bar and then only offering beer and wine.
Surfboard coffee table
The ubiquitous surfboard coffee table. We’ve seen them made out of real surfboards and carved into all manner of wood. Sometimes a design that suggests surfing is better than one that exactly replicates the shape of a shortboard. The coffee table below is a stylish tribute to the shortboard, without a rocker and fins.
A tribute to the summer fish, this coffee table actually looks good. Constructed of dark wooden panels the table will suit most rooms, even those with a more modern design. Be wary of those sharp edges on your shins.
Surfboard wine rack
You love surfing and you love wine. Why not bring the two together? This wine rack makes the cut purely for innovation. Please just make sure your own surfboard wine rack doesn’t fall over. That thing needs to be attached securely to a wall.
Surfboard bottle opener
If you don’t have thongs (flip-flops, sandals) that feature a bottle opener in the sole (yes, this exists in Australia)), then why not make an outdoor bottle opener that catches the eye. Cracking open a cold one on this contraption may also serve as a reminder that you should be surfing, not drinking beers in the sun.
Surfboard wall hooks
The surfboard fin: what a versatile and useful device. Especially when turned upside down and used as wall hooks from which you can hang bags, coats and hats. Again, best suited to a proper beach house these are a unique way to express surf creativity. We can imagine them in an Airbnb house by the ocean.
Surfboard cutting board
If you’re slaving away in the kitchen, why not be reminded of what you love the most. This surfboard cutting board is perfect for a rustic or modern interior and makes a great conversation piece, without forcing the fact that you love surfing down your guests’ throats. Or, maybe, not…
Surfboard towel holder
Hey surfboard-lover here’s your fluffy white towel. This ornamental surfboard is functional but poorly designed. Notice the fin pointing in the wrong direction. Damn you wannabe surf ornament designer. Get one of these for your run-down beach shack and feel happy the towels are not on the floor. For long.
Surfboard-shaped canisters
You want to keep sweets somewhere safe and cute? Well maybe these little surfboard jars are what you’ve been looking for. They’re kind of tacky but can be excused if you put something delicious – think Lindt Lindor dark chocolate balls – inside. Definitely for granny’s beach house.
Surfboard chair
You’ve probably got a mullet and some tribal tattoos. Go all out and get a surf chair to compliment your surfboard bottle opener. Hey you might as well get a surfboard bar counter as well. This chair is creative but not beautiful. Decorate your garden with it at your own risk.
Surfboard basin holder
This looks downright dangerous – and what a waste of a perfectly good board. But if mounting your basin upon a 9-foot mal floats your – um, sink – then, by all means, go ahead. It is functional and will give you plenty of space for bathroom essentials but whether it is beautiful is for you, dear reader, to decide.
Surfboard shower
If you run a surf retreat in some tropical idyll then please, please build an outdoor shower mounted upon a surfboard. It’s a small touch that will put a smile on your guests’ sunburnt faces. Would you build this into your home? We suspect not.
Surfboard mirror
Does my bum look big in this… surfboard mirror? Not only is this mirror shaped like one of Dane Reynold’s surfboards, it also features three sneaky shelves. Points for ingenuity and home craftsmanship. Definitely for the beach shack, it’s a great way to introduce a surf theme while providing a reflective surface for gazing at your beauty. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the best surfer of them all?
Surfboard wall decor
If all else fails, go on and mount an actual surfboard on your wall. It needs to be done with care. Don’t hang a crappy old shortboard, just because there’s nowhere else for it to go. Best suited for prime position is a classic longboard, a Timbertek Firewire, or a purely decorative board that simply looks great. The example below works due to colour-matching and the high-mounted position. We think it is sad for a surfboard to spend its life on a wall but it is your house after all, so hang wisely. You can buy functional wall mounts for your hard-working surfboards, but these are best suited to the garage unless you run a surf school.
What kind of surfboard-themed ornaments and furniture do you own? Have you made something that should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below.