The increasing demand for sustainable materials underscores the importance of innovative solutions aligned with circular economy principles. Coatings, widely used across industries, present environmental challenges, particularly concerning resource depletion, end-of-life disposal, and ecological impact. This paper explores how the safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) framework can support the development of circular coatings. The study employs an integrative methodology, combining a literature review on SSbD, circular economy strategies, and life cycle assessment (LCA) of coatings to identify environmental hotspots. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed to design coatings that adhere to SSbD principles while promoting circularity. Valuable contributions emerged from the development of LCA as a step towards integrating SSbD, supporting and advancing the objectives of the EU Green Deal and the circular economy. The hotspot analysis showed the influence of VOCs and NOx gases on coatings in general, and the application of SSbD principles should aim to reduce these problems. The conclusions emphasise the need for future research into the practical application of these guidelines across sectors. The proposed approach demonstrates the potential of SSbD as a strategic tool for improving the sustainability of coatings, addressing critical life cycle challenges, and promoting innovation in the design of circular materials.