How to Add Romantic Ambiance to Any Room

Finding time for romance and connection can be challenging when you're busy with work, chores, and responsibilities. Adding some heart to your hearth can help remind you that romance can be found in every moment, in any room of your house. To design the perfect space to celebrate Valentine’s Day, or just to have that romantic vibe all year-round, some special touches and small changes can make any room inviting and romantic. Creating romantic ambiance is easy with these few simple tips.

Create Intimate Spaces for Conversation or Cuddling

You can make your living room, den, movie room, or any other area in the home more romantic by creating intimate nooks and spaces that are conducive to talking, laughing, and getting close. Use existing furniture or pick up affordable pieces to add to your collection that feel warm and inviting. Place cozy chairs close to one another to encourage sitting by one another and talking about your day. Turn a love seat so it’s facing the fireplace or a great focal point in the room to invite your loved one to cuddle up. Add ottomans or benches that can be easily moved near other sitting areas to take turns giving each other foot massages. A small amount of imagination can go a long way to create a snug, romantic spot in your home.

Add Accents That Evoke Romance

Think of all the home decor and objects that make a space feel romantic to you — this could be anything from a soft, sweet throw blanket to a specific color like rose or pink. Then add accents in the colors and textures that appeal to you and your sweetheart to make it feel like an extension of your shared love. Ideas include:

• Cozy throw pillows and cushions (update with cushion covers in neutrals or pastels for a romantic touch)
• Throw blankets done in soft fabrics like sherpa or fleece
• Loveseats, sofas, and chairs with inviting furniture covers in muted tones
• Accent furniture with soft edges or draped with fabric covers or runners
• Home decor with lace, warm rustic themes, or luxurious accents

Romantic Ambiance Through Lighting

Harsh, bright lights aren’t very conducive to romance, so consider lighting adjustments for more romantic spaces. Install dimmers in living rooms in bedrooms, or add three-way lamps to allow you to adjust the lighting. Add accent lamps to tables or decorative furniture that creates smaller pockets of light as an option rather than the main overhead lighting. Try light bulbs designed to have a warm or daylight effect for a softer, more romantic feel.

Include Romantic Scents Throughout the Home

Scents can be powerful, so stock up on ways to make the home smell wonderful on Valentine’s Day and all year. Wax warmers, potpourri, scented oil plug-ins, and room sprays in fresh, floral, or delicious scents can make it feel romantic. Rose, vanilla, cinnamon, amber, violet, white gardenia, and many other scents can evoke romance. If there is a certain scent that is meaningful to you and your honey, that might also mean romance for you. For example, if you met while skiing, a fresh outdoor scent could remind you of the moment you met. If your first date was at a coffee shop, an apple-pie scent could be a romantic one for the two of you.

Recreate the Bedroom

Add new touches to the bedroom like curtains or drapes, soft knit sheets, and new cozy bedding. Place framed pictures of you and your sweetheart throughout the room, and add special touches like floral decor or fluffy throw pillows. Keep the bedroom free of clutter, extra electronics, and anything that would make it stressful.

The Magic of Romantic Candles

Candles are synonymous with romance, so stock up on ones that can be used in any room of the home for an instantly romantic atmosphere. You can combine scented and unscented versions of romantic candles to have the perfect balance of lighting ambiance and fragrance. Larger pillar or jar candles are good for spaces that you use frequently, like living rooms and bedrooms, while smaller or taper candles can be used for less frequent areas like entryways or dining rooms. The soft flicker of light from candles can feel magical and romantic, transforming any space.

Adding Romance in Unexpected Places

You can create a romantic feel anywhere in the home, even in the places you least expect. Make the bathroom more romantic with scented soaps and lotions, fluffy new towels, and soft bathrobes. Update the entryway with soft-colored rugs and sweet-scented candles for a romantic way to welcome your sweetie home. With a little imagination, you can spark romance anywhere throughout the year.