In the world of interior design, the word ‘romantic’ can conjure up a real pastiche of images, from a clichéd, candlelit Valentine’s Day aesthetic to dramatic Gothic features. “When it comes to interiors, ‘romantic’ often brings to mind pinks, reds, frills, or opulent château salons and feminine florals,” notes OKA founder Sue Jones. “But there’s so much more to this style, and it’s surprisingly easy to incorporate – even if your home isn’t a Gothic castle (as most of ours aren’t!).” 
 
To achieve the Romantic look, we recommend following your heart – make the style work for you by borrowing elements of it that you really love. Here, we’ll share a few ideas for bringing Romantic design elements to your home, in whatever way you like best. 

A bright and airy, classically styled sitting room with large windows, roll-arm green armchairs and sofa, and contemporary artwork over the fireplace.

Romantic interiors: the historical background 

Before we delve into the specifics of how to get the look, let’s start with the basics: what is Romanticism in interior design? One of the strongest associations with romantic interior style is, of course, the architecture of the Romantic movement, which is roughly agreed to have taken place from the late 18th until the latter half of the 19th century. When you think of Romantic architecture, think grand Gothic Revival cathedrals, the ornate Palais Garnier opera house in Paris, or the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. 

A large black and silver Chinoiserie-style cabinet with three decorative vases on top.
A green upholstered dining chair pulled out from a wooden dining table over a floral rug.

Choose Antique-Inspired Interiors 


If you’re inspired by the idea of a sitting room straight out of the Marie Antoinette film set, which happens to have been the real Palace of Versailles, get ready to embrace embellishment in your furniture and accessories. This will naturally lead you towards antiques or reproductions, as contemporary interiors tend to favour more pared-back, minimalist features.  
 
“To bring a touch of the romantic era into your home, I often look to 18th and 19th century designs—a true high point for romantic interiors,” says Sue. “While many examples are undeniably grand, you can easily incorporate smaller elements, like an ornately carved console table, a velvet slipper chair, or a decorative mirror, to introduce that charm into your space.” 
 
With that in mind, look for furniture with lots of detail and curves. “Furniture and accessories with curved silhouettes can add a romantic touch to your space,” Sue explains – recommending, for example, a French country-style chair. The more ornate, the better, whether in the form of nature-inspired prints or eye-catching metallic accents. “Our Gonglin Wine Cabinet features silver-leaf chinoiserie patterns,” she adds, “while our Camaret Dining Chair is modelled on antique French furniture.” 
 
Sticking with this idea, you could even go as far as to echo the celebrated rooms of Versailles with mirrored furniture and wall art. “For a bold nod to the era, reference Louis XIV’s opulent palatial halls with striking mirrored wall art,” suggests Sue. “It’s a simple yet dramatic way to capture that sense of grandeur in your own home.” 

A warm, bright dining room with orange photogram-style prints on the walls, neutral leather dining chairs, a large dining table and a large vase of hydrageas.
A warm, bright dining room with orange photogram-style prints on the walls, neutral leather dining chairs, a large dining table and a large vase of hydrageas.

Embrace Feminine Style with Curved Lines 


Usually associated with emotion and individuality, Romanticism also grapples with traditional concepts of femininity. This is made manifest in several ways throughout Romantic interior design, one of the most prominent being the use of curved lines, especially in furniture. Picture the graceful slope of a Rococo-style table leg, or a dining chair with a circular back. 
 
It’s an easy idea to reinterpret in a more up-to-date way if your style leans more towards the present day; curved furniture in a more extreme, upholstered silhouette has been very popular in recent years, especially in the form of sofas and armchairs. Smaller pieces can also bring in a more modern take on this look. “If you prefer a less traditional style, pieces like our new Triya wireless table lamp in a sumptuous red, and our wavy-edged Morena mirror made of burl wood with a naturally swirling grain, are perfect for more contemporary tastes,” advises Sue. 
 
But one word of warning: when it comes to accessories, stop short of piling on the knickknacks. Though a Romantic room definitely makes a clear impression, it should feel serene. 

A classic French country-style armchair upholstered in cream linen with pink velvet cushions on top.
The head of a bed, with blue and green scatter cushions, a floral bead spread and a neutral upholstered headboard.

Layer Floral-Inspired Soft Furnishings and Upholstery 


Fabric is another important factor in capturing the essence of the Romantic interior style. Whether you’re fully leaning into the historical period or aiming to hint at it while keeping your interiors grounded in the present, you should feel comfortable with textiles – upholstered headboards, seating, dining chairs, benches, and footstools can all be of use. And there’s no doubt as to your go-to print when achieving the Romantic look. 
 
“Floral motifs are central to romantic interiors, and soft furnishings are an easy way to bring in as much or as little as you like,” Sue explains. “Our Sheki cushion lends itself well to the romantic look, and if you want to make a real impact, why not layer the cushion with our matching headboard and/or rug? Pattern drenching with florals can look delightfully whimsical.” 
 
Continue the theme by hanging floral-inspired curtains around your windows, or, even better, give your four-poster bed a sumptuous canopy. Choose softer, warmer colours and neutrals in lighter-weight materials with a hint of shimmer. And the finishing touch? Bring your floral prints to life by placing faux flowers on coffee tables and side tables. “An arrangement of timeless blooms like our faux roses, ranunculus, or hydrangeas adds a delicate touch of romance,” says Sue. Stick to a subdued version of the traditional Valentine’s Day colour palette – think red, pale pink, white and soft purple. 

A round blue and white Chinese-style table lamp with a natural linen lampshade.
A dark red ceramic curved lamp with a pleated neutral lampshade.

Set the Mood with Lighting 


Atmospheric, layered lighting may be the most important element of romantic interiors – in any sense – on this list. “Lighting is key to creating a romantic atmosphere,” emphasises Sue. “While a glittering chandelier makes a statement, the real trick is layering light at different heights with a mix of table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights.”  
 
Decorative sconces in different areas of a room will help to create a cosy, intimate glow, and add more opportunities for embellishment. If you can, install dimmer switches for your lights – there’s nothing quite as unromantic as bright, cool light. “For extra warmth, consider swapping neutral lampshades for something more colourful, like those from our Hirkani range,” advises Sue. “And, of course, nothing sets the tone for romance quite like the glow of real candlelight.” 
 
For more mood lighting tips, read our cosy lighting guide from experts Sophie Stevens and Lisa Mitchell. And a final word from Sue: “Remember, romantic-inspired interiors aren’t just for February or Valentine’s Day – they can bring charm and character to your space all year round.”