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Why You Should Go Big on Valentine’s Day Decor in Your Dorm (for as Little as $5)

Isabel Petrou
Isabel Petrou
Isabel is a senior at the University of Vermont studying Public Communication. She is originally from Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Her favorite things to do are going to the beach, reading, and trying new coffee shops. Her favorite thing about writing for Dorm Therapy is being able…read more
published Jan 31, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Pink bedroom with lots of light and heart art on the wall
Credit: Lauren Kolyn

I believe that Valentine’s Day has the cutest decor of all the holidays. I mean, a holiday about love is destined to translate into adorable themed decor — it’s all red, pink, and white, and it’s versatile because heart-shaped accents work all year long. 

Plus, you’ve got options. Don’t love those traditional Valentine’s Day colors? Swap in any other hues — it’s more about the shapes and the feeling. And by feeling, I mean love — any kind of love. Despite it being a primarily romantic holiday, Valentine’s Day can (and should!) still very much be about friendship. I always have a Galentine’s Day celebration where my friends get together to watch a rom-com and decorate with heart balloons, heart dishware, and streamers. 

Decorating for your Galentine’s Day party, or just want to add some heart motifs to your space for fun? These 11 Valentine’s Day decor ideas will all look so cute in your living space, either for the next month or semipermanently.

Bullseye's Playground Valentine's Day XO Pillow
$5

Pillows are always easy to switch out based on the season. This red and pink option from Target’s Bullseye’s Playground section (currently only available in stores) has a classic “XO” on it — it’s so good for Valentine’s Day, but you could also use it year-round if it’s your style.

$5 at Target
Threshold Mixed Pattern Heart Valentine's Garland
$15

I love this heart garland. It’s made up of cotton hearts in a bunch of cottagecore patterns, but all in the same color scheme of red, white, and pink. It almost feels like a DIY piece, and it radiates “cozy.” Hang this above your bed, in the living room, or on any empty wall.

$15 at Target
Heart-Shaped LED Vanity Mirror
$5

This heart-shaped desk or vanity mirror not only lights up but comes in three colors: black, white, and light pink. The mirror is 13.5 inches, and the light is battery-operated, which means you don’t need to plug it in. Don’t miss how the base serves as a little tray for small items.

$5 at Five Below
XGFHYJEH Valentines Heart String Lights
$6$5

I love this Valentine's Day take on everyday string lights. These are LED-powered red hearts, and they give off that cozy, warm lighting vibe — perfect for a night of relaxation. No overhead lights here!

$5 at Walmart
Pawliss LOVE Valentines Day Decor Wooden Sign, 4-Piece
$16

Okay, before you say this is cheugy, give me a chance. I think these are the least cheugy wooden word signs I have ever seen. These love blocks are adorable and can be placed anywhere. I would put them in my kitchen.

$16 at Amazon
The Bistro Tile Stoneware Vanity Tray: Valentine's Edition
$32

I am obsessed with this Parisian-inspired vanity tray. I need it right now. The geometric design is so intricate and beautiful. You can put anything on here and use it as both decor and storage. I would put my jewelry on here.

$32 at Anthropologie
Cherub Toile Duvet Cover, Twin/Twin XL
$79

Enhance your dorm with this elegant pink, red, and white duvet cover that has angels, doves, stars, and flowers and comes in a twin XL size. I would feel like royalty sleeping in this.

$79 at Urban Outfitters
Hearts and Kisses Heart Shaped Dessert Dishes, Set of 2
$10

This set of heart glassware is made for dessert — can’t you just picture them filled with fruit, snacks, or ice cream sundaes? But you could even use this for trinkets in your room if you wish. They’re very versatile!

$10 at TJ Maxx
Luminara Scalloped Flame Heart Shaped Pillar Candle
$25

If you either don’t trust yourself to light a real candle or live in a dorm where you can’t have one, check out this gorgeous battery-powered hot pink heart pillar candle. Or, hey, buy multiples.

$25 at TJ Maxx
Maeve and Rose Pups In Love Sheet Set, Twin
$17

What’s better than to combine adorable little dogs with Valentine's Day decor? These bed sheets feature images of the sweetest little pups with red and pink Valentine’s Day-themed decor.

$17 at TJ Maxx
Shabby Chic Eyelet Ruffle Heart Shaped Pillow
$20

The coquette aesthetic is like full-year Valentine’s Day decor, and this white heart pillow is a perfect example of why. It has a beautiful and dainty eyelet design. Place this on your bed or your couch.

$20 at TJ Maxx

This post originally appeared on Dorm Therapy. See it there: Why You Should Go Big on Valentine’s Day Decor in Your Dorm (for as Little as $5)

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