We all have that classic romantic comedy that we watched for the first time that permanently altered our brain chemistry. When Harry Met Sally girl, How to get a guy in 10 days Fans, or people who believe they can see it at any time depending on the season. holidayRegardless of which movies you revere as the pinnacle of romantic comedies, we can all agree that if the 1990s and early 2000s era got one thing right, it was the artistry of the romantic comedy. As a teenager, I fell in love with these movies for the cute relationship plots, the characters' covetable closets, and the overall aesthetic of the films. Now, when I rewatch romantic comedies as an adult, I only notice one thing: the home décor.
On the set of a romantic comedy movie, I can't say anything The result is a curated, cozy home that perfectly represents the main character. Of course, it doesn't hurt that these movies have a team of incredibly talented set designers behind them, but bringing that same vibe to your own home is easier than you might think. If you want your home to look like it was personally designed by Nancy Meyers or Nora Ephron, read on for the best rom-com inspired decorating tips.
1. Make it personal
In romantic comedies, the sets are specifically designed to help the audience understand the main character, which means the sets need to perfectly reflect the protagonist's personality. If the protagonist embodies the Manic Pixie Dream Girl archetype, like in Summer in the Ring, 500 Days of SummerThe set design in is quirky and eclectic. If the movie revolves around an upper-class career woman like Jenna Link, 13 Turning 30So, the characters' apartments look like they've stepped out of the cover of Vogue. Your home should have the same vibe, so that your guests can tell who you are from your decor choices as soon as they walk in. If your home looks like a bland IKEA warehouse, it says nothing about you (unless you're a minimalist who likes to keep your home as simple as possible, in which case, go ahead, queen).
If you're not sure where to start, ask yourself: If you were the lead character in a romantic comedy, what traits would your character have? Then look for decor and furniture that embody those traits. For example, if you're old-fashioned and love reading, look for vintage pieces that tell a story and show off your book collection in a prominent bookshelf. Whatever your vibe, don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures, or mix and match interior design styles. It's very rare for someone to fit perfectly into one archetype, fictional or not. So why should your space? Choosing to prioritize individuality over trends will give you a room you love that will stand the test of time.
2. Create a sense of life
Another feature of romantic comedy interiors is that they always look like the characters. Really If you ignore the fact that no twenty-somethings here are paying rent for the kind of apartments you see in the movie, the space feels attainable. The realism comes from the cluttered, cozy decor that makes the room feel so homey. To replicate this, line a coffee table with books, actually Lighting candles, fresh flowers, hanging jackets on a coat rack, leaving shoes by the entrance — these are the little things that make your home look and feel like you.
3. Use lighting to create mood
If you want your home to have the feel of a rom-com, you need to make sure it's always ready for a smooch. And let's be honest, nothing is more romantic than harsh overhead lighting. Turn off the big lights at night and go for softer, more atmospheric lighting with lamps, sconces, and candles. During the day, open the curtains to let in natural light streaming in through the windows. Light bulbs can never replicate the bright, airy energy that natural light provides.
4. Decorate with an eclectic gallery wall
Nothing says “rom-com” like a gallery wall that's full of variety and variety. You can easily (and inexpensively) create a unique art wall by finding prints you love and purchasing a few frames at a thrift store. Add a few unexpected accents, like a hanging plant, a small mirror, or a clock, and hang everything asymmetrically. It will look easy and add charm to your home decor.
5. Get lost in nostalgia
Nostalgia is one of the many reasons why good old romantic comedies have stood the test of time and have cemented themselves in many people's Letterboxd top four. These movies remind us of a simpler time, when (as pessimistic as it may sound) we believed we were more likely to find the love of our lives through adorable encounters, rather than obsessively scrolling through dating apps. I'm still waiting for Prince Charming to accidentally spill my coffee at my local cafe, but until that day comes, I'm incorporating this romantic comedy-inspired nostalgia into my home decor. Choosing pieces that harken back to the Y2K era when these romantic comedies aired is a great way to embrace the fun, nostalgic nature of these movies.
You can also customize the space further by adding a touch of personal nostalgia — maybe frame some of your grandparents' wedding photos on a gallery wall, display a collection of matchboxes and other small keepsakes, or put your dad's favorite old leather chair in the living room. These personal touches will give your home an authenticity that brand new items can't match, making for an incredibly homey space that looks great on the big screen.
