What Is Romantic Style? How to Decorate With It at Home

Who doesn’t want a little more romance in their life? Particularly that elusive touch of soft elegance that comes with romantic home decor. But what is romantic style in terms of decor and design aesthetic?

Below, design and art experts describe what the romantic style entails—and how you can emulate the subtle, feminine style in your own space. Whether you want to add a soft, vintage-inspired flair to your home or create a romantic-inspired space to retreat to, this primer will help set you on the right foot.

A Brief History of Romantic Style

The romantic style dates back to the Romantic Era in Europe at the end of the 18th century—think  Louis XV and his court's canopied beds and detailed floral wallpaper. However, today's modern, comfortable, romantic style is more closely related to the revival of soft, feminine clothing design at the end of World War II.

"I think the best example in history of this style is the design icon Dorothy Draper," shares Jennifer Burt, Home Staging Expert at Mississippi Maximalism. "After World War II, fabric restrictions in clothing were lifted, and the exaggerated feminine shape was popularized by Christian Dior's 'New Look.'"

According to Burt, this ultra-feminine look flowed over into interiors, where Dorothy Draper redecorated the entire Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, which is a perfect example of romantic style thanks to its "bold new personality, using color and oversized patterns to paint a picture that reflected the luxury of space."

Key Characteristics of Romantic Style

Consider romantic style as a relatively comfortable decor aesthetic—it’s not overly maximalist or bold. Still, it aligns with floral patterns, lace, softer fabrics, and a sense of vintage or regency-inspired femininity.

“Romantic style is characterized by being feminine,” agrees Burt. “Curved lines, sometimes bold colors (think how red lips are considered romantic), accents of shiny gold and silver, and floral or nature-inspired prints are some key characteristics to emulate.”

How to Decorate With Romantic Style at Home

Looking to add a touch of romantic style to your own space? The key is leaning into your whimsical side while remaining practical yet elegant. Consider pulling from inspirational photographs from the past decade—or romantic era painters like John Constable or J. M. W. Turner who offer lightness and natural elements.

1. Go for Warm, Neutral Upholstery

   "When customers are seeking furniture pieces with a romantic style, we often recommend warm, neutral stain and upholstery options," explains Sebastian C. Founder of Countryside Amish Furniture, LLC. "Choosing warm tones softens the atmosphere and creates a relaxed mood in any design space."

2. Consider Curved Lines

   According to Founder, curved lines in furniture represent the romantic style, and pieces may be arranged in an intimate grouping to create a comfortable mood. “Popular furniture designs include those with a vintage flair such as four-poster beds, wingback chairs, and china hutches,” he explains, adding that this style can easily be mixed with other design eras like traditional, rustic, French country, or modern. “It only takes a few carefully chosen furniture staples and home accents to create a romantic space.”

3. Look to Fashion

   Burt takes the style one step further in terms of its ease of use—if you have more of an eye for fashion than decor, it could work in your favor. “To decorate with this look, just think of a romantic clothing outfit and recreate it,” she suggests. “A floral print always looks romantic as well as soft textures.”

4. Add Hints of Metallic Shimmer

   “Make sure to add in a metallic shimmer—this is like the jewelry of a room,” says Burt. “But most of all, keep the room simple. Romantic style can easily look cluttered, so I like to think of classic outfits and movies from the 1950s as inspiration.”

5. Pick Floral Prints

   "Florals are a classic sign of romance," says Amy Hillary, content creator at Wallsauce.com. "Choose floral wallpaper, bedding, and fresh florals in pretty vases." If you are going for a regencycore look or "Pride and Prejudice" type of romanticism, it doesn't take much more than a good floral print to achieve this sort of ornate and feminine design.

6. Incorporate Warm Lighting

   Soft lighting, like candles and dimmers in romantic bedroom design, gives a room an intimate, warm glow. Candlelight is a frequent hallmark for setting the scene for a romantic ambiance. Other ways to create a romantic atmosphere include warm lighting choices like chandeliers, wall sconces, and table lamps.
   

7. Style a Chandelier

   Chandeliers from the 16th through 19th centuries are a traditional lighting choice. Styles can come in brass with crystal and beaded fixtures, adding elegance. They can have actual candles, faux electric candles, or soft dimmer lighting. The chandelier can be kept plain or decorated with flowers, greenery, or sheer draping to add romance and whimsy.
   

8. Aim for Antiques

   A romantic style is the essence of a different time. Dial in the nostalgia and history with antique furniture and vintage retro-style pieces, such as carved filigree, distressed finishes, or luxurious fabrics. Consider antique accents like ornate mirrors and heirlooms as centerpieces.
   

9. Hang Sheer Curtains

   Sheer curtains can be made from soft draping fabric like voile, silk, chiffon, organza, and lace. These types of curtains convert bright sun into softer, muted light. They give privacy, billow in a breeze, and provide a room with a light, airy feel. Consider adding layers, getting longer panels, and allowing the curtain to hit or puddle on the floor for a flowing look. Floral or lace embroidery or scalloped edges enhance a room's romantic ambiance.
   

10. Avoid Harsh Lighting

    Stark bright lighting, such as fluorescent, LED bulbs, or "blue-white" light, needs toning down. Dimmers switches will be one of the easiest ways to adjust the lighting, giving you a softer look. Choose bulbs with multiple settings or a "warm" designation on the packaging. Another option is to consider lighting with a red, orange, red, or a soft pink hue.
    

11. Add Fresh Flowers

    Classic fresh flowers such as roses, ranunculus, hydrangeas, and hyacinths are a simple way to add a soft, romantic color scheme and fragrance. Consider a potted orchid for a long-lasting floral option. Rustic wildflowers with lavender and tropical bouquets offer other options for adding fragrance to the room. Go with vintage vases to add to the look or clear glass to keep the focus on the flowers rather than the vessel.