We all have that one classic rom-com that permanently altered our brain chemistry when we saw it for the first time. You might be a When Harry Met Sally girl, a How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days stan, or that person who believes it’s always seasonally appropriate to watch The Holiday. Regardless of which movie you revere as the pinnacle of rom-coms, we can all agree that if the period between 1990 and the early 2000s got anything right, it was the art of the romantic comedy. In my teenage years, I obsessed over these movies because of the cute relationship arcs, the characters’ coveted closets, and the overall aesthetic of the films. Now, when I rewatch rom-coms as an adult, I’m focused on one thing and one thing only: the home decor.
Rom-com movie sets tend to have a certain je ne sais quoi that results in a curated, cozy home that perfectly represents the main character. Sure, it doesn’t hurt that there’s a team of highly talented set designers behind these movies, but it’s easier than you may think to get that same feel in your home. If you want it to look like Nancy Meyers or Nora Ephron personally designed your home, read on for our best rom-com-inspired decorating tips.
1. Make it personal
In rom-coms, the set is specifically designed to help the audience get to know the main character, which means it needs to reflect their personality to a T. If the main character embodies the manic pixie dream girl trope à la Summer in 500 Days of Summer, the set design is quirky and eclectic. If the movie centers on a posh career girl like Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30, the character’s apartment looks right off the cover of Vogue. Your home should have the same effect, with your guests able to walk in and immediately get a sense of who you are based on your decorating choices. If your house looks like a bland IKEA stockroom, that doesn’t tell people anything about you (unless you’re a minimalist who loves to keep your home as simple as possible, and in that case, go off, queen).
If you don’t know where to start, ask yourself: If you were the star of your own rom-com, what traits would your character have? Then, look for home decor and furniture that embody those qualities. For example, if you’re an old soul with an affinity for reading, look for vintage pieces that tell a story and showcase your book collection with a prominent bookshelf. Whatever your vibe is, don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns and textures or combine interior design styles. It’s very rare for someone (fictional or not) to fit perfectly into one archetype, so why should your space? When you choose to prioritize personality over trends, you’ll be left with a room you love that will stand the test of time.
2. Create a lived-in feel
Another through line across rom-com interiors is that they always look like the character really lives there. Of course, the rooms are all well-styled, but they’re not the kind of homes where you’re afraid even sitting on the couch will disturb the order. Ignoring the fact that no 20-something in 2024 could afford the rent on the apartments these movies portray, the spaces feel attainable. This realistic nature comes from a cozy-bordering-on-cluttered approach to decorating that makes the rooms feel extra inviting. To mimic this, set books out on the coffee table, actually light your candles, display fresh flowers, and don’t be afraid to leave a jacket hanging on the coat rack or a pair of shoes by the door. All of these little things add up to make your home look and feel like you.
3. Use lighting to create ambience
If you want your home to look like a rom-com, the atmosphere has to be conducive to a swoon-worthy smooch at all times, and let me tell you, there’s nothing less romantic than harsh overhead lighting. In the evenings, keep the big light switched off and embrace soft, mood-setting lighting with lamps, wall sconces, and candles. During the day, open your curtains and welcome in the natural light filtering through your windows. The bright, airy energy it brings could never be replicated with a lightbulb.
4. Hang an eclectic gallery wall
Nothing screams “rom-com” like an eclectic, mismatched gallery wall. Find prints that you connect with and grab some thrift-store frames to easily (and inexpensively) put together a unique wall of art. Add in a few unexpected touches—like a hanging plant, a small mirror, or a clock—and hang everything in an asymmetrical arrangement. It’ll look like it came together effortlessly and add so much charm to your home decor.
5. Lean into nostalgia
Nostalgia is one of the many reasons throwback rom-coms have stood the test of time and cemented themselves into so many people’s top four Letterboxd picks. These films remind us of simpler times, when (at the risk of sounding pessimistic) we believed we were more likely to find the love of our lives through an adorable meet-cute as opposed to insistently scrolling on dating apps. I’m still waiting for Prince Charming to accidentally spill coffee on me at my neighborhood café, but until that day, I’m channeling this rom-com-esque nostalgia into my home decor. Choosing pieces that are evocative of the Y2K era in which these rom-coms aired is a great way to embrace the fun, nostalgic nature of these movies.
You can also add touches of personal nostalgia to further customize your space. For example, add a framed photo of your grandparents’ wedding day to your gallery wall, show off a collection of matchbooks or other small mementos, or put your dad’s old favorite leather chair in your living room. These personal touches add an authenticity to your home that can’t be found in brand-new items, resulting in an incredibly homey space that would look amazing on the big screen.
Our Rom-Com-Inspired Decor Picks
