Vintage Valentine Decor – All You Need To Know💌

When it comes to 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. But what about setting up your home with vintage Valentine decor? Combining the vintage style with the holiday of love can bring amazing results, introducing a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere into our home. 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.  

Charlotte

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 our home.

Key Elements of Vintage Valentine Decor💝

Though “vintage” may encompass many different time periods and it’s never strictly defined, in this post I will take a general look at the idea of vintage we all have – something that’s reminiscent of the past and holds aesthetic value. 

When it comes to vintage Valentine decor, there are several key elements to keep in mind. 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 can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere (more on colors further down below). 

Next, think about the materials. Vintage Valentine decor often incorporates lace and textiles, as well as wood and metal accents.

When it comes to retro Valentine’s Day decorations, the main thing is textures achieved using:

• knitting
• beadwork 
• weaving 
• sewing 
• quilting
• patchwork stitching
• embroidering
• couching.

Incorporating Vintage Valentine Decor into Your Home💘

Now let’s talk about how to actually incorporate vintage Valentine decor into our space. 

In the living room, you can add Valentine-themed patchwork quilted or embroidered throw pillows or, 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, around the windows, framing the entry doorway, or any door in your house. Your imagination is the limit.

In the bedroom, you can add lace and textile accents, and decorate with vintage love-themed art. 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. 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.

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.

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:

• pink and white vintage plates
• romantic utensils 
• pink or red vintage glasses
• romantic white candelabras
• vintage-style tablecloths, table runners, napkins, and placemats
• a cage (or cages) with pink & red bouquets
• vintage-style Valentine’s Day centerpieces.

Further down below I will share some vintage Valentine’s inspiration from the web, so stick around!🏹

Mixing and Matching Vintage Valentine Decor💕

One of the best things about vintage Valentine decor is that it is versatile and easy to mix and match. It’s possible to combine different vintage Valentine’s styles, such as classic and rustic, to create a look that is truly unique and personal to you. You can also add a personal touch by incorporating elements that reflect your own tastes and preferences, such as vintage photos or sentimental keepsakes. Pretty much, anything that’s pink/red and looks vintage will work.

When it comes to mixing and matching vintage Valentine’s decor, it’s all up to the person decorating. Minimalists will go for the more modest and limited look and maximalists will want to go all the way, and that’s fine.

What Are Vintage Valentine’s Day Colors?❤️

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:

• Ashes of Roses
• Dusty Rose
• Rouge
• Spanish Pink
• Cameo Pink
• Old Rose
• Charm Pink
• Solid Pink
• Rose Pompadour.

While the recommended shades of red for vintage Valentine decor are:

• Cranberry
• Madder 
• Crimson Red
• Cardinal 
• Poppy Red
• Carmine
• Rusty Red
• Rosewood.

The above colors can and should also be matched with the previously mentioned beiges and creams for an ultra-vintage feel.

Vintage Valentine Decor – FAQ

To go even further, let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions regard