How to Decorate for Valentine's Day Beyond Just Pink and Red

Go Luxe with Rich Colors and Textures

Let’s be honest—cartoonish, bubblegum pink doesn’t exactly scream “romance.” But as Giulia Giancola, the senior event producer at Sofia Crokos Events & Lifestyle, points out, a lot of other colors do. Best of all, they’re on-trend and perfect for this time of year, especially if you layer different textures.

Giancola shares that since Valentine's Day is a winter holiday, the decor should include rich textures reminiscent of the season. “Mixing different textiles in coordinating colors like burgundy, plum, and gold will send your design in a more luxurious direction," she says. "Soft and ample candlelight is a must for Valentine's day—it will make your space much more romantic and on-brand for the holiday.” 

Soften the Traditional Palette

If you’re working with a more neutral space, adding a bunch of jewel tones might be a bit too dramatic for your taste. Stefanie Mullen, interior designer and co-founder of JJandStefanie.com, prefers a different approach: incorporating soft neutrals in conjunction with pinks for a more tonal look. She suggests mixing beige with different hues—reds, purples, and more—to create a subtle Valentine's palette.

Keep the Scale Small

Another tasteful way to incorporate Valentine’s Day into your decor is to keep it fairly subdued, according to Mullen.

“I prefer hints of color over traditional red and pink hearts,” Mullen says. “Think vintage glass candlesticks with ivory candles, brass candlesticks with burgundy candles, blush pink flowers in amber vases, and patterned pillows with hints of beige, burgundy, and pink.” 

Stimulate All the Senses

While pink can be a visual cue that love is in the air, it doesn’t have to be the only cue. Jordan Neman, the creative director of L.A.-based home decor company, House of Leon, tells us that one of the best ways to prepare for Valentine’s Day is to think outside the color wheel entirely. 

"Pink has become synonymous with Valentine's Day as the color of love, but to many, the color does not even evoke an emotion," Newman says. "Instead, focus on what will stimulate the senses."

We're taking Newman's suggestions to heart and creating an ambiance with lighting, candles, florals, and scents. Turn off your overhead lights and embrace ambient lighting for a cozier feeling.

Say It With Flowers

If all else fails, stock up on the candles and go big on your Valentine’s Day flower arrangements. Light some candles to set a romantic tone, and heed Newman's other suggestion to break the traditional standard: buy bouquets with soft greens and flowers you know your partner will love, rather than the standard dozen roses.

"Include lots of flowers in your decor, because Valentine's day isn't complete without them," Giancola adds. "My favorite Valentine's day florals include garden roses, ranunculus, and anemones.” 

Know It's Okay to Still Be Kitschy

If kitsch is your thing and you love Valentine's Day pinks and reds, then go all-out in your home. Mullen herself is a proclaimed sucker for cheesy conversation hearts, and if a classic Valentine's Day tentpole appeals to you, incorporate it wherever you want.