Here comes Valentine’s Day! The holiday that epitomizes the celebration of love and affection provides the absolute perfect opportunity to create a romantic ambiance right at home. There’s no need to book a fancy (and expensive) hotel suite for the night: you can DIY this and DIY it well.
All you have to do to plan a cozy night in with your partner is transform your space into a romantic retreat. And it doesn’t have to be in honor of Valentine’s Day—you can do this any day of the year! Our guide will walk you through creating the perfect lovey-dovey atmosphere at your abode, making this Valentine’s Day, or any night you choose, an unforgettable and intimate affair for two.
Set the Scene
Before anything else, you need to set the scene! It’s not a big job or hard to do by any means; just follow the tips below.
Lighting
The right lighting can instantly set a really romantic mood. Dim those lights (if you don’t have dimmer lighting, toss a scarf over a lamp), and you know those candles you have everywhere? Light them and let the flickering flames take center stage.
Pro Tip: Use unscented or less fragrant candles to avoid overpowering fragrances (do not use 13 different scents of Bath & Body Works candles; all of those strong scents mixed might give you a migraine). The safe scents are lighter ones, like sandalwood or vanilla. Do you have strings of Fairy lights? Untangle those and drape them around the room—they’re magical.
Color Scheme
Add the traditional colors that are associated with evoking love and warmth, like shades of red, pink, and white, but don’t be scared to stray off the beaten palette path! Tailor the palette to what feels romantic to you and your romantic partner. Soft, muted tones also do double duty in creating a calming, intimate atmosphere.
Flowers
Flowers have always been synonymous with romance, so buy and arrange a bouquet of red roses, or for a more personalized touch, pick flowers that your partner loves or that have a special meaning to your relationship. You can also do the whole scatter-the-rose-petals thing, starting at the door leading your partner to the romantic space you have created for an added touch.
Engaging the Senses
The scene is set! Now it’s time to seize the senses with music, aromas, and textures.
The Soundtrack
Music is a powerful tool in setting a romantic tone. Create a curated playlist with songs that are meaningful to your relationship or tunes that are generally soft and soothing. Think classical music, ambient genres (like Sufjan Stevens or Sigur Ros), jazz, or acoustic versions of your fav songs.
Aromatic Ambiance
We covered candles above, but if you aren’t a big wax burner, you can use aroma diffusers, which are less overpowering but have the same effect. You can also use incense to fill the air with a scent that you both love. Scents like lavender, jasmine, or sandalwood are known for their relaxing and sensuous (oh la la) properties.
Tactile Textures
Comfort is always important in any romantic setting, so use the plushiest of plush cushions, soft, cozy throws, and silky fabrics to make your space romantic and comfortable. The physical comfort of sinking into a comfy seating arrangement will help both of you relax and focus on each other.
Planning the Romantic Evening
The scene is set, your senses are engaged, and now it’s time for the final touches of the night. What are you going to eat for your romantic dinner? And what are you going to do after you dine?
Dining In
An uber-romantic dinner is the center of any Valentine’s Day celebration. You two can cook together, or, if you aren’t into that or don’t want to clean up a messy kitchen, order takeout from your fav restaurant. And for dessert? The possibilities are endless, but we recommend the old standby of chocolate-covered strawberries or a decadent chocolate lava cake.
Personal Touches
If you really want to impress, you can go the extra mile and personalize your home with things that hold a special place in your relationship. It could be your favorite photos of the two of you through the years, a souvenir from a trip you took together, like a snow globe placed on the table while you dine, or anything sentimental to your partnership. These items will add an extra romantic flair to your romantic setting.
Activities
Look, we know what most of you are going to do after a little wine and a delicious meal, but that’s between you and your partner—you don’t need any tips from us! But you can also plan things that you can enjoy together, like watching a rom-com, playing a risqué card or board game, or just chill out in the romantic environment for a bit. The main thing is to spend quality time together.
Takeaways
It’s easy to create a romantic atmosphere at home for Valentine’s Day or just because you want to—you don’t need a holiday as an excuse or reason to do it!
It’s a time to celebrate your love, enjoy each other’s complete attention, and strengthen your bond. With these tips, you can transform your home into a super romantic retreat that perfectly captures the heart of Valentine’s Day!
