While February 14th is still months away, it won’t be long after the end of the holiday season before you start to see signs of Valentine’s Day in the stores and online. On the day itself, you are virtually guaranteed to see cuddling couples all around you, shops displaying special lingerie and bright heart signs dotting nearly every store front.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a drag on outdoor activities for Valentine’s Day 2021, so most people opted to stay indoors. However, 2022 is seeing a gradual return to a somewhat more normal day of festivities, though the home will remain a central venue this year.
Setting the right mood at home begins with making the right choice of decoration. Here are a couple of decor ideas that can get your home’s Valentine’s Day celebration moving in the right direction.
1. Flowers
Valentine’s day is synonymous with flowers, and all flowers – including some outstanding succulents – can also make your home more welcoming and intimate on this special day. You can place flowers anywhere in the home, as long as you do not go overboard.
While red, pink and white roses are the most popular flowers on this day, do not be afraid to step outside the norm and be a little more imaginative. There is, in fact, a wide array of flowers that can work just as well on Valentine’s day and still give your home the desired ambiance. Lilies, daffodils and hyacinths are just some excellent examples.
Remember, you know your partner best and so you are likely well familiar with their favorite flowers already, so if you are unsure about what to get, stick to what you know.
2. Romantic Lighting
When it comes to environmental factors that you can use to create a relaxing mood in your home, few things are as effective as quickly as the lighting. On this day, forget about bright lights.
Dimmed lights are the key to creating a romantic atmosphere. You can use multiple light sources at the same time, but make sure they are all dim, turned against the wall or covered with a translucent object.
Colored lights are consistent with Valentine’s Day as well. If you can find a bulb whose brightness can be adjusted as you deem fit, that is even better. Red, purple and pink tones should do the trick. You don’t have to change the light bulbs, however, replaceable paper shades in various colors can be a low-cost way to achieve the same effect.
Romantic lighting includes candles as well. What would a romantic evening be without candles? The flickering flame exudes warmth and harmony. The choice of delicate aroma could be anything from cinnamon and bergamot, to rose and jasmine. If you want something that has a more erotic air, consider sandalwood, geranium or neroli.
3. Decorative Pillows
Decorative pillows have a special place in forming a stylish and cozy interior without breaking the bank. And you don’t even need many pillows to have the right Valentine’s Day flair. Just a few large or small ones with beautiful love drawings or inscriptions are enough.
If you love craft projects, you can create your own custom covers that make the pillows not only become an accessory but a special gift as well. Go a step further and add buttons, lace, embroidery or rhinestones.
4. Table Setting
Valentine’s Day is an excellent day to set your dinner table differently. Get those thematic cutlery, tableware and textiles that reinforce the romantic atmosphere. For this to really work, you have to let your creative juices flow.
Think flowers in a vase, graceful candlesticks, rolled napkins, red lace, mugs with beautiful inscriptions and heart-shaped plates. There is no limit to the styles you can choose from to make your table unique for that special meal.
5. Great Scent
Pick your favorite essential oil blends to set the mood. You can use incense sticks but their main drawback is emitting an overly artificial aroma. Essential oils that are best suited for this day include geranium, sandalwood, lavender, cedarwood, bergamot, peppermint, tangerine and cinnamon.
If you want it to be a night when you seduce your partner in a special way, get some aphrodisiac essential oils such as jasmine.
6. Bathroom
Do you have a bathtub? You don’t have to spend the entire evening on the sofa or the bed. Use the bathtub to create another setting for the night’s memorable moments. It’s hard to go wrong with a rose-scented bath tub surrounded by candles and your favorite wine.
While you’re at it, introduce red accents through folded towels, floral arrangements and tastefully decorated boxes. Individually, each item may feel like a small addition to the room’s décor, but collectively they contribute to an unforgettably romantic setting.
7. Bedroom
The bedroom is a space you spend hours in every day. But on Valentine’s Day, it takes on greater significance. For maximum effect, try and keep your partner away from the bedroom to keep your decorations a surprise. Nothing beats that rush of excitement when they open the door and see something they were not expecting.
Decorating the room could mean using red and white bedding, as well as the timeless bed top accessory: rose petals.
Create Romance at Home
These ideas are sure to make this Valentine’s Day live long in your lover’s memory. While this is a valuable practical guide, do not be afraid of doing something different and unique to you as a couple.
Special touches are most effective when they include décor decisions informed by the knowledge of your partner’s favorite colors, styles and accessories. So make this Valentine’s Day a special day for your partner and put some thought into the details.
Many people see Valentine’s Day as an event hijacked by corporations, and there’s no denying there can be a certain pressure around Valentine’s Day. That’s why planning something special at home is a great idea, and one that will be even more meaningful than anything bought in a store.
