Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching.  This is the perfect time of year to consciously add a little bit of romance to your decor.  There are several areas of your home in which you can add a little bit of romantic lighting.  A neighbor once stepped inside my front door for the first time and commented, “Wow, your home is so romantic!”  I had never heard a comment like that about my decor.  I asked her in what way? She immediately pointed to my lighting.  She commented on my large, tear dropped crystal chandelier in the entry way and the crystal sconces lighting the way up my staircase.  The more I contemplated her comments, the more I recognized how right she was!  Lighting can be sooo romantic!  Here are 7 ways to add some romantic lighting to your home decor.

1. Crystal chandeliers.  The light from the bulbs reflects off the crystals and creates beautiful shadows.  It sets the tone just as guests enter your home for a warm, romantic space.

2.  Lamps. Lamps come in all shapes and sizes and are the perfect way to add a little ambience to a room when the main lighting is off.  When we have guests in the house I always leave a few lamps on in the evening hours to light the way for our guests to feel welcome to wander and get settled. 

3.  Wall Sconces.  Sconces are a another beautiful example of romantic lighting.  The sconces on my staircase wall are gorgeous during the evening hours when the house is dim and you can see a little sparkle lighting the way up the stairs.

4.  Candles.  Candles are the epitome of romance when it comes to lighting.  They are so affordable, readily available at most stores, and come in every shade and size imaginable.  They can be used for candlelit dinners, be a show piece in a powder bath, create a peaceful atmosphere surrounding a bubble bath, etc.  Here is one of my most favorite recent candle finds.  

It is a battery operated candle.  The unique capability of this candle is that the imitation wick dances back and forth amidst a light creating the look of an authentic candle light.  The best part about this candle is that because it is flame less  it will not start a house fire like traditional candles may.  (Remember we own a restoration business, so I am always thinking about fire prevention!)  Another amazing feature of this candle is that it has a 5 hour timer option.  I set the timer for 4 pm.  So every late afternoon my candle turns on and then automatically turns off at 9pm.  This one is just like mine- Boston Warehouse Mystique Flameless Candle, 5-Inch, Ivory   You can read more about these great candle options here.  The mercury glass vase just adds even more romance!

5.  Dimmable Lights.  This feature can create romance with a touch of a button.  Nothing calls out romance like dim lights in the evening.  Dimmer switches can be fairly simple and inexpensive for a handy man (or handy husband) to install.  They add so much flexibility to your lighting and allow you to control the atmosphere of the room.  A great investment for every light!

6.  Fireplaces.  Nothing beats the light from a roaring fire in the fireplace.   During these chilly months of winter, a warm fire creates the perfect environment for a romantic evening.  A blanket, board games, dessert and wine, movie watching, or just a snuggly lounge on the sofa are all perfect ideas for a romantic evening in front of a fire.

7.  String Lights.  There are so many amazing string lights on the market currently.  I have some Room Essentials Target brand string lights on our outdoor pergola.  I love how they add the perfect amount of light to our pergola to allow us to linger on the outdoor sofa as we watch the kids play in the evenings.  It is even more romantic to sit under the sparkling lights strung above us in the pitch dark of the evening.   I purchased some turquoise ones on clearance in late summer and spray painted them gold.  It was a great way to pick up some at a low price and execute the look I envisioned.  Next, I plan to purchase these Edison bulb lights to string back and forth over our back patio off the main house.   These lights are a fantastic way to create a beautiful atmosphere under the stars with your love- what is more romantic than that?!

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show love toward everyone that enters your home.  It’s a time to shine a light on the love that exists there.  Make a point to identify all the things about your home and the people that live there that you are grateful for and love.  I hope these ideas have inspired you to shine the light of love in your home this Valentine’s day!