How to have a cosy Valentine’s at home
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to make some plans.
Why not stay home, save money and avoid the crowds and create a stylish Valentines kitchen in your home this year?
In 2026, Valentine’s Day is a bigger celebration than ever, with thoughtful gifts and decorations paving the way.
In fact, Hobbycraft have found that searches for DIY Valentine’s projects are up 1,059% on last year. This suggests a wider move away from the traditional cards and chocolates combo and into more creative pursuits.
Valentine’s décor inspiration
Looking for more ways to seasonally scape your home? Look no further than these stunning suggestions.
1. Say it with lights
Lighting is the perfect way to set a Valentine’s mood this 14th February. Whether you choose to create a cosy corner, illuminate your kitchen or dining space or bring the lights to the bedroom, there are plenty of ideas for Valentine’s themed lighting.
This stunning setup from Lights4fun provides some great inspo.
- 6 TruGlow® Blush Pink Ribbed LED Votive Candles with Remote Control, £29.99 – buy here
2. Cosy atmosphere
Comfort is key when celebrating special occasions at home, and the soft furnishings don’t need to cost the earth either.
This cosy cushion is perfect on the teddy fabric chair with a blanket, perfect for snuggling up with a loved one on Valentine’s eve.
3. All you need is love
Whether you’re decorating for the occasion or looking for a quirky gift, this print with the famous Beatles lyric is bound too please.
It’s simple, but celebrates the season and we think it looks perfect in a bedroom space.
- All you need is love print (unframed), £18 from Beach House Prints – buy here
4. Beautiful bunting
If you want to make a statement this Valentine’s, we have just the décor for you.
This quirky and extra love heart themed bunting is the perfect complement to any Valentine’s scheme, and will look perfect hanging across a dining table or over a doorway.
- Love heart sweets Valentine’s day bunting, £12 from Old Haus – buy here
5. Gorgeous garland
If love hearts aren’t for you, this felt garland is a stunning handmade alternative.
It’s a great idea for part of a tablescape, or just as part of your general Valentine’s décor.
- Felt garland, find your local stockist at george.com
Want more inspo for your Valentine’s table? Check out these Valentine’s themed tablescapes.
DIY Valentine’s projects
If you’re looking for Valentine’s crafts or DIY gifting for your valentine or galentine pals to make that extra effort, this ideas are bound to wow!
Love lanterns
These cosy lanterns will light up a kitchen or dining space, setting the mood for the romantic day.
They make great DIY decorations, or could be given as gifts for your friends and family to celebrate the season.
The mason jars are easy to craft and look beautiful as part of your Valentine decorations.
Hanging hearts
This would make a stunning centrepiece for a Valentine’s tablescape, it’s an easy craft that looks spectacular.
You could make it even more special by crafting the hearts out of love stories or love poems, or by writing your own love messages on the hearts.
Get your family involved and write things you love about each other!
Candlelit cuties
We saw this on Stacey Solomon’s instagram this week, and couldn’t help but feel inspired.
She chose to craft her candles with her two daughters, but this could easily make a fun galentine craft, or something to do yourself and gift!
There are plenty of fun designs you could do, and the finished candles could make stunning seasonal decorations.
Window dressing
Bring the Valentine’s joy to your windows and neighbours with these stunning paper handmade hearts.
They’re easy to make and really effective, they’re also not too gawdy so therefore can stay up into February if you want to keep spreading the love.
Pucker up plant
If you’re looking for a unique gift for a galentine or valentine, or even just a romantic Valentine’s decoration, this is the perfect choice.
The ‘pimped-up plant’ is stunning but effective, and will make a subtle nod to Valentine’s in your home without being perceived as too much.
Creating a Valentines kitchen
Valentine’s Day is about celebrating your loved one and the extra thought going into a home-cooked meal is worth more than any expensive meal.
Your kitchen can become the perfect setting for a cosy evening with just a few small touches.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed evening with your friends or an intimate dinner for two, simple changes can make a big difference.
Co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers, Will Frankling shares his expert insights on transforming your kitchen into an area that’s both functional and romantic.
Here, he shares four tips with Good Homes’ readers on creating a Valentine’s kitchen to ensure it’s a date night destination this 14 February.
Clear the clutter
Firstly, nobody enjoys being surrounded by mess or dirt during what is supposed to be a relaxing evening, or in everyday life.
Hidden storage solutions are a great way to keep your kitchen looking its best.
Internal bins can be discreetly installed inside drawers or cupboards.
These offer easy access whilst keeping unpleasant odours and mess out of sight.
Upgrading your sink to include a larger basin or countertop with an improved drain can also help minimise any clutter.
Changes like these not only enhance safety but will give your kitchen a sleeker appearance – just the welcome you want.
- Blanco Belfast Crystal Gloss white ceramic kitchen sink & waste, £334.99 from Tap Warehouse – buy here
Love is for life, not just for Valentine’s Day
Your home is a sanctuary and a place to escape to, with loved ones or alone.
If your current design isn’t working, it might be time to reconsider the layout so it feels just as inviting as it is functional.
Consider adding a free-standing kitchen island to your space.
This can transform your cooking area into a multifunctional hub, which encourages meals to be prepared and enjoyed together. It acts as a centrepiece for your home.
Setting the mood
Create the perfect date night setting by making sure the space is relaxed and calm.
Warm lighting can help a kitchen feel as inviting and warm as your favourite restaurant.
Opting for under unit strip lighting and dimmer bulbs are a low-cost solution to create this vibe.
You could also add an extra touch of effort by adding candles or twinkling fairy lights.
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