Simple and Elegant Valentine’s Day Decorating Ideas

Are you looking for a great way to decorate your living room for Valentine’s Day? I want to share some subtle and elegant Valentine’s Day Decor. 

For me adding some subtle Valentine’s Day decorations to our winter cozy home decor, typically includes some pink throw pillows, pink hearts, and fresh pink flowers.

pink roses in a flow blue pitcher for elegant Valentine's Day decor

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Subtle and Elegant Valentine’s Day Decor

Some of the Valentine’s Decor that I’ve found is just a bit too cheesy for my taste so while I’m not much of a DIY gal anymore, this is a time when I make a few cute things to celebrate the day of love.

When our kids were young plenty was going on before Valentine’s Day and of course, the excitement of Valentine’s making happening at our kitchen table.

Yes, I was that Mom who made homemade Valentine’s Cards and always included some kind of special treat. After all, isn’t that what room moms are supposed to do?

If “Handy” had his way it would just be another day. I however really like adding a pop of color to our home through lots of fresh flowers to make it a special day.

Valentine’s Day Tablescapes

While I’m not big on Valentine’s Day decor, creating a pretty holiday table in the dining room for Valentine’s Day is something that I enjoy doing.

You can also make any dining table just a little bit more romantic by adding taper candles to your table. Another good idea would be to set up a small table for two in front of the fireplace for dinner. 

Valentine's Day tablescape with flow blue dishes and rose petals

Making a lovely meal is also a simple way to say I love you to your Valentine(s).

My friend Leslie from “My 100 Year Old Home” is the best at creating beautiful tablescapes.  She also has amazing simple Valentine’s Day decor ideas. If you don’t already have a copy, be sure to get her book “A Home to Share“.

beautiful cranberry tablescape by Leslie Saeta of My 100 Year Old Home. Every elegant Valentine's Day decor ideas on her blog.
Photo courtesy of @My100YearOldHome
a overhead view of pink tulips on a Valentine's Day tablescape

Valentine’s Day Garland

Making garland to hang from your mantel, shelves, or curtain rods is a very simple way to add some Valentine’s Day spirit to your home.

You can make heart-shaped cut-outs (I used small heart-shaped cookie cutters to trace) from vintage sheet music, vintage Valentine’s Day cards, vintage book pages, or old love letters. I found all of these items at a local vintage store.

Once you have all your paper hearts cut out, punch holes in the top portions of the hearts and then use twine to gently tie each heart to the strand. I used double the lengths of twine I needed for the garland so that I had plenty for tying. You can always trim off the ends. It’s one of those easy ways to add something special to your home.

When I was vintage shopping, I also had my eye out for any vintage treasures, like pink vases or pitchers that could be used for Valentine’s Day. I didn’t see anything this time but maybe next year. 

a beautiful flower bouquet to brighten up a snowy Valentine's Day

More Subtle Valentine’s Day Decor Ideas

My sweet friend Diane at South House Designs has made the sweetest pillow covers out of IKEA Pillow Covers and chunky thick yard. Aren’t these just perfect for February decor? They are just an elegant look that you can use all year long.

For those of you who still have your Christmas Tree up, have you ever thought of taking the Christmas decorations off the tree and adding simple Valentine’s decorations against the twinkly lights? It’s the perfect holiday for that transition time of year when you want a fresh look. 

a white ironstone pitcher with a sweet pink bouquet of flowers for simple, subtle, and elegant Valentine's Day decor

Don’t forget to add a little romance to your bedroom. Flowers and a candle can make a huge difference. If you missed my recent post on a cozy bedroom. You can find it HERE.

Valentine's Day vignette with vintage valentines

Galentine’s Day Party

Have you thought about celebrating Valentine’s Day with your close friends? The middle of winter is a great time to entertain.

Make it simple with appetizers and some rose petals sprinkled on your table. Or be more extravagant with an after-work sweets and champagne buffet.

Don’t forget to have a few bowls of candy hearts scattered around the house. 

the movie Valentine's Day

You could also make it a movie night with “Valentine’s Day”. It’s a fun Rom-Com for the occasion. Pop some popcorn and have everyone bring their favorite beverage.

Conclusion

And “Handy” keeps trying to tell me it’s a holiday made up by Hallmark! If you ready the “frequently asked questions” below you will find out how Valentine’s Day really was started.

Basically, he just doesn’t want to buy a card and flowers. The truth is, I’m fine with that. I think cards are expensive and certainly not necessary for me to know someone cares about me. Choosing my flowers for myself is preferable to anything that “Handy” would bring home.

He’s a great guy but flowers are not his thing 🙂

However you choose to celebrate the day, I hope you all have a great time. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Peace and Valentine’s Love,

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the True Meaning of Valentine’s Day?

It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

Why is Valentine’s Day about Love?

Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to spare their husbands from war. It is for this reason that his feast day is associated with love.

Why is February 14th Valentine’s Day?

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Pope Gelasius I decided to replace Lupercalia with the Feast of the Purification. He changed the date to February 14 and named the day in honor of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy, and beekeepers.

Meet Me

I’m an Interior Designer, Professional Organizer, and Party Planner who lives in the suburbs of Chicago in a 1,300 sq., ft., home with my “Handy” husband, Keith.

I’m an open book about my life on my blog. Find out more about me by tapping the button below.

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3 Comments

  1. I’m widowed and have grown sona so, no one is really around for Valentines Day. I put my little stuffed hearts I’ve made and that’s about all. I do love seeing how others decorate, thanks and happy Valentines Day.

    1. Hi Marlene –

      I don’t decorate much for Valentine’s Day but you have encouraged me to try some new fun things. The decor in the store is pretty cheesy so I’m going to work on making a few fun things myself. Even if we are only decorating for ourselves, it can put a smile on our faces when we see what we have done.