Valentine’s Day Decor For A Romantic Night In
By
6 days ago
Everything’s coming up roses
While many couples will be flocking to some of the city’s best restaurants this Valentine’s Day, others are bringing the celebrations home – literally. If you’re in the latter category, you’ll no doubt be looking for ways to impress your date this year. The first thing to consider? Your space. Now’s the time to give your home some romantic wow factor – think vases filled with flowers, richly scented candles and (if you’re thinking that far ahead) fresh sheets on the bed. Let the wooing commence; here’s our ultimate guide to elevated Valentine’s Day decor.
A Guide To Valentine’s Day Decor
The clock is ticking down to 14 February – and the Valentine’s Day hubbub has arrived faster than you can panic-buy a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates on Deliveroo.
The best place to wine and dine your date this year? Contrary to popular belief, a high end dinner reservation isn’t the only way to someone’s heart – a relaxing night in can earn you just as many, if not more, brownie points. With a killer menu, the right playlist and some Valentine’s Day decor ticked off the list, you’re golden.
‘The perfect Valentine’s set-up is all about creating warmth and generosity,’ Laura Hart, co-founder of Wildflowers and Bar Flor, told us in our tablescaping guide. ‘Anything done en masse feels luxurious and generous, so don’t hold back. Whether it’s flowers, candles or fruit, more is more when you’re decorating for someone you love; it’s never too much on Valentine’s Day.’
So, where to start? Let’s take things room by room.
Oliver Bonas
Living Room
The starting point of date night is, typically, the living room. This is where first impressions are made, so it’s worth taking the extra time to clean up and refresh the space – fluff the cushions, pull out a fresh throw blanket, light a candle and set up a good playlist.
But the most important thing to take note of, say the experts, is the lighting. ‘I recommend skipping the main switch and opting for candlelight and floor lamps to create a soft, golden glow that flatters both the room and everyone in it,’ says Chloe Barrow, Interior Expert at Laura James. ‘Mixing different shapes and sizes of candles adds dimension and ties the entire room together – giving the space that all-important finishing touch.’
Dinner Table
This is where you can truly show off fo your date – and not just with your finely honed cooking skills. Setting the table for a romantic dinner is arguably just as important as the food itself; it not only sets the tone for the meal, but also provides numerous conversation starters, and it lets your date know you’ve gone the extra mile to make them feel special.
So, where to start – or rather, where not to start? ‘Filling a table with plastic hearts and confetti can make a space feel cluttered, rather than considered,’ warns Chloe. ‘I always recommend swapping out traditional plastic decorations with textures like velvet or delicate glassware as this can enhance the overall aesthetic. Even simple elements like tying ribbons around glass stems or using a textured table runner can give a sense of romantic luxury without looking like you’re trying too hard.’
For more top tips on Valentine’s Day tablescaping, see our guide here.
Rebecca Udall (photo by Rebecca Hope)
Bedroom
The, ahem, climax of the evening, as it were. It’s in this room that you can really set the tone and carve a space for romance. Many of the above rules still apply: don’t touch the big light, avoid any gimmicky decor and pay attention to the small details. (And while it may seem like a classic, rose petals on the bed just aren’t practical – leave them on the stem, in a vase.)
You want the bedroom to feel welcoming and sensual, something that will cocoon you and your lover for the evening. This means, sadly, that the bold, bright reds and pinks you find on the Valentine’s Day display in the supermarket just won’t cut it.
‘One of the biggest mistakes people make is sticking to a flat traditional red, which can often feel dated,’ confirms Chloe. ‘For those searching for an elevated feel, consider moving away from bright reds and lean into deep burgundies, roses and warm creams. Combining different shades can create a lovely layered look that not only feels luxe, but enhances the overall mood of the room.’ Start your colour palettes with these tones, and then build up from there. If in doubt, remember: simple is sometimes best.’
The Edit
Whether you’re after some elegant crockery, a quirky print or a classic candle, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Valentine’s decor. (And unlike gigantic balloons or heaps of rose petals, these pieces are so chic you’ll want to display them all year round.)
Without further ado, here’s the very best Valentine’s decor to shop now.
