Source: Whispers Of The Heart
In holiday home decorating, I particularly enjoy Valentine’s Day: the heart patterns, pink & red accents, and romantic candles are just some of the things I adore. Since I also love retro decorating styles, I decided to write a post about vintage Valentine decor. According to Elizabeth Nelson, an expert on 19th-century pop culture, the commercialization of Valentine’s Day in the United States dates back to the 1840s, so there’s plenty of vintage to go around.
In this blog post, I will take a look at the key elements of the charming old-fashioned Valentine’s Day decorating style and provide some tips on how to incorporate it into your home.
SUBSCRIBE
AND GET THE FREE NEWSLETTER
The main idea of vintage Valentine decor is to evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless charm. This is achieved through the use of very particular colors, craft techniques, fabrics, and nostalgic (very often kitsch) old-time knickknacks.
Source: Paper Moss
First, think about the color palette. Traditional Valentine’s colors such as red and pink are always popular choices, but neutral colors such as white, cream, and beige are also key in achieving a nostalgic vintage vibe.
Source: Wings Of Whimsy
Remember that vintage Valentine’s colors aren’t vivid and sparkly. The pinks and reds are more muted, so stick to a toned-down color palette.
Some shades of pink to use when implementing retro Valentine’s Day home decor are:
While the recommended shades of red for vintage Valentine decor are:
The above colors can and should also be matched with the previously mentioned beiges and creams for an ultra-vintage feel.
Source: Kathy Jacobson
Next, think about the materials you will need to achieve vintage home decor for the holiday of love♥️. Vintage Valentine decorating often incorporates:
Source: Déco d’Elise
Source: Welch House 1900
When it comes to retro Valentine’s Day decorations, the main thing is textures achieved using:
Browse flea markets, antique shops, thrift stores, and online marketplaces to find your favorite gems and incorporate them into your home’s vintage Valentine decor.
Source: Whispers Of The Heart
With vintage Valentine decor, there’s no limit on retro kitsch, so go for as many over-the-top decorated candy boxes and ornaments as you wish.
Let’s talk about how to actually incorporate vintage Valentine decor into your space, going room by room.
In the living room, you can add Valentine-themed patchwork quilted or embroidered throw pillows, or (my favorite) – red and white French toile pillows.
If you have a mantel, decorate it with a vintage Valentine’s garland. If there is no mantel, don’t worry, a garland can be used anywhere – on a shelf, on the wall, around the windows, framing the entry doorway, or any door in your house.
Source: vintage_square_
Speaking of a Valentine’s Day garland, it can also be made using a piece of string, laundry pegs or clips, and just about any vintage Valentine cards you find (I love the Elvis Valentine down below!).
Printable wall art is a budget-friendly way to create a DIY vintage Valentine’s Day curated gallery in your living room (but it will also work elsewhere in your home). This set of 8 vintage and antique Valentine’s Day printables is affordable and features unique love-themed prints, perfect to create a vintage backdrop for your Valentine-themed party.
Place vintage Valentine’s Day cards on your living room table, end table, dresser, and other furniture.
Source: Resolviendos La Incognita
Add pink and red vintage books anywhere you can. Stack them on top of one another and top them with vintage candle holders and flower vases with roses. Or pair them with romantic white or gold classical mini sculptures.
In the bedroom, vintage Valentine decor will take on more of a romantic side. Add lace and textile accents, and decorate with vintage love-themed art.
Source: Welch House 1900
Another great option is to use vintage Valentine’s Day candles and, of course, roses. A bouquet or two of pink and red roses is timeless, and they will look stunning in a vintage flower vase. I am totally obsessed with this antique frame DIY cupid project by Larissa from the Welch House.
Source: Dreamy Whites
Those willing to go the extra mile can also replace their current curtains or shades with a pair of romantic white or pink lace curtains. Add a vintage three-arm candelabra for an ultra romantic vibe. And, again, red and white French toile patterns are welcome too!
When it comes to the kitchen, I would utilize the fridge and stick vintage Valentine’s Day cards all over it. Both Etsy and Amazon have a huge selection of those.
Source: Le Cultivateur
In the kitchen, you can hang up a vintage Valentine wreath on a cabinet or the window and I absolutely love this DIY one by Le Cultivateur!
Source: Old Porcelain Passion
Dining room/area decorating is my favorite as we can add Valentine-themed table settings and dinnerware. It’s a great idea to decorate with:
Further down below I will share some vintage Valentine’s inspiration from the web, so stick around!🏹
To go even further, let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding vintage Valentine decor.
Vintage Valentine decor refers to decorations that are inspired by or reminiscent of the styles and designs from past eras, typically from the early to mid-20th century. This type of decor is characterized by a romantic, nostalgic, and charming aesthetic that is perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day.
To incorporate vintage elements into your Valentine’s Day decor, you can use lace doilies, vintage heart garlands, old-fashioned postcards, pink lace curtains, fresh roses, vintage red and white scenery plates, and quilted and embroidered pillowcases. You can also add a vintage Valentine’s tablecloth to dress up your dining table. When it comes to textiles, focus on textures: quilts, embroidery, knitted patterns, and patchwork.
Some popular vintage Valentine’s Day symbols and motifs include cupids, hearts, roses, doves, and lovebirds. Vintage-inspired typography, images, postcards, and prints are also popular.
To add a touch of vintage charm to your Valentine’s Day celebration, you can create a romantic atmosphere with candlelight and play vintage love songs. Set the dinner table with vintage pink glasses, red/pink and white plates, and gold-tone utensils. You can also place rose bouquets in vintage vases and include a vintage brass candelabra. Serve vintage-style treats, such as jam-filled heart-shaped sugar cookies or a classic chocolate fondue.
Those who have plenty of time can browse thrift shops and antique stores for Valentine’s Day decorations. However, an easier (and just as good) option is to skim through online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon. They offer plenty of vintage Valentine’s Day decor items.
There is something so romantic and nostalgic about the vintage Valentine’s Day theme. Whether romanticized thanks to movies and 1950s love songs, one thing is for sure – incorporating vintage-inspired Valentine’s Day decorations into your home on February 14th is a foolproof way to set the right mood.
I hope this post will inspire you to turn your home into a vintage Valentine’s Day capsule this year. Happy Valentine’s Day!💌
