Lighting That Invites Romance
Dim the lights and turn on the tunes. On Valentine’s Day it’s all about setting the mood
Tamara Smolyansky
February 13, 2014
Dressed Nest Interiors combines natural textures with a streamlined, sophisticated use of color. We believe strongly in livable luxury, where the client can feel truly at home with everything being sensible and nothing being off-limits. Dressed Nest Interiors has recently been featured in Points North Magazine and was awarded Best of Houzz 2014 and 2015 for Service in Design.
Dressed Nest Interiors combines natural textures with a streamlined, sophisticated... More
No one can argue with the candle’s ability to inspire romance. The warm glow it creates is universally flattering; it casts an intimate pool of light that beckons those surrounding it to lean in closer. But there are plenty of other lighting concepts that can set the stage for romance. Some are splurges, others are more cost effective, and a few use items you might already have in your home.
Light up the night with uplighting. Place a few battery-powered LED push lights on your headboard — or on the floor behind your bed — to transform your back wall into an illuminated backdrop for romance.
Another example of uplighting, this design scheme uses a can light placed behind a plant to turn an ordinary dinner into an exotic mini vacation. With romantic lighting, the shadows can be as enticing as the illumination.
Show your sweetheart the way with strategically placed staircase lights. Don’t have the time or money for an electrician? Battery-operated votives and pillar candles are a quick alternative: They’re safe and inexpensive, and you can purchase them in bulk.
Pillar candles in vases or hurricanes make a chic and seductive centerpiece at a private table for two.
Place lamps in front of mirrors to cast light throughout a room. Pink lightbulbs will soften the setting, and their rosy glow will make you look like a movie star.
Say, “Not tonight, dear” to harsh lighting by using dark lampshades. More opacity means less light, so select your fabric accordingly.
If you’re struggling to see your significant other, opt for a higher-wattage bulb within your lamp’s safety guidelines. Or, if the fixture permits, switch to a three-way bulb.
If you’re struggling to see your significant other, opt for a higher-wattage bulb within your lamp’s safety guidelines. Or, if the fixture permits, switch to a three-way bulb.
Casually drape string lights or Christmas lights over a bed or around a mirror, door or headboard — anywhere you want to ramp up the romance.
Multiple sources of light can be a match made in heaven. Here a blazing fire is topped with clusters of candles and paired with a chandelier; all work in harmony to ignite passion from floor to ceiling.
You can control the intensity of light by adding or removing candles, or installing an energy-saving dimmer switch on the overhead fixture.
See Your Home in a Whole New Light
You can control the intensity of light by adding or removing candles, or installing an energy-saving dimmer switch on the overhead fixture.
See Your Home in a Whole New Light
Paper lanterns are the partyers of the lighting world, making any occasion feel special. They provide ambient side lighting on nightstands; you can also hang round paper lanterns from above using ceiling hooks, or mount them temporarily using wall-safe adhesive strips.
See another idea for a DIY paper lantern
See another idea for a DIY paper lantern
Cove lights installed behind crown molding or underneath the perimeter of a pedestal bed can fill the bedroom with a subtle glow.
Redefine “skinny dipping” with a thin strip of colored submersible LEDs.
A candlelit bath is très romantique, but one wrong move and you risk extinguishing the flames or setting your hair on fire. Water-activated floating LED tea lights are a less risky option and can be added directly to your bathwater.
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