--- title: "15 Ways to Light Up Your Decor With Candles" description: "For an affordable way to add mood and ambience to your space, get creative with these ideas for decorating with candles." date: "2023-03-30" modified: "2024-01-16" authors: - name: "Kristen Mosier" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/kristen-mosier/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/decorate-with-candles/" categories: - "Interior" - "Interior Design" --- # 15 Ways to Light Up Your Decor With Candles ![decor with candles - lit grey and white candles clustered]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Shoppers looking to cozy up their space without a significant investment may want to consider decorating with candles. Their soothing light sets a mellow mood, and candles come in many styles and types, from low tea lights and wide pillars to tall tapers, scented or unscented. There are flameless options, too, which are excellent choices for spots within reach of children and pets or in spaces where a flame won't be supervised. Whether through simple pairings or more whimsical displays, there are plenty of ways to introduce candles into a home's decor. Get creative with your arrangements and find [new uses for old candles]() by drawing on some of the following ideas. ## 1. Create a Dining Table Display ![decor with candles - long tapered candles in gold inserts]() *Photo: amazon.com* Elevate the dinner party ambience with a thoughtful dining table display. Combine tall tapered candles in varying heights and colors, or simply buy [a set of four candles in assorted shades]() at Amazon. Don't be afraid to use the whole length of the table, and check antique shops for unusual holders to add a bit of whimsy. For more casual gatherings, toss the tapers and opt instead for a centerpiece of hurricane-style candleholders in different sizes. **RELATED: [40 Fresh Ideas for a Beautiful Dining Room]()** ## 2. Accent a Fireplace ![decorate-with-candles-leafy-wrought-iron-candelabra-in-fireplace]() *Photo: wayfair.com* In lieu of a crackling fire, bring tranquility to a fireplace with a candle display. Arrange a grouping of candles of differing heights on a tray, create an array of lanterns, or outfit the space with a large candelabra, like [this tall, leafy wrought iron beauty]() at Wayfair. For those who don't want to place candles inside the fireplace, flank the hearth or adorn the mantel with a trio of candles. ## 3. Try Candlelit Sconces or Pendants ![decor with candles - gold wall candle holders]() *Photo: wayfair.com* Bring in elements of the Gilded Age with candlelit sconces or pendants. Antique sconces with long tapered candles are traditional, but more modern versions incorporate pillar inserts, such as [this geometric sconce]() at Wayfair. If your tastes run more toward pendants, look for an over-the-dining-table design with a flat surface to hold flameless candles of various sizes. ## 4. Bring In Nature ![decor with candles - two birch wrapped candles]() *Photo: amazon.com* Use candles to create a nature-inspired display. Place [birch-wrapped pillars]() on a tray with greenery or nestle them within a wreath. Warm up a space with the earthy, organic charm of a wood dough bowl candle. For a spring centerpiece, embed dried flowers into the warm wax of a candle. ## 5. Hang Lanterns ![decor with candles - rattan lanterns with plants]() *Photo: [etsy.com via LisaAngelLtd]()* An empty corner offers an excellent spot for a hanging lantern, a fun design addition that comes in a range of styles. For instance, a [rattan lantern]() from LisaAngelLtd at Etsy can add height to a room’s decor and inject a little bohemian flair. For out-of-reach spots, choose remote-controlled flameless candles for easy operation. ## 6. Use a Decorative Tray ![decor with candles - items on mirror tray]() *Photo: wayfair.com* Unify a collection of candles by arranging them on a decorative tray, creating a tableau that’s just perfect for an entryway or coffee table. A new or vintage tray with a mirrored surface is ideal because it reflects the candlelight. Consider [this openwork metal tray with a mirrored base]() at Wayfair, which comes in five finishes. A tray is also a smart choice when you want to place candles on a flammable surface such as wood. **RELATED: [How to Remove Candle Wax From Just About Any Surface]()** ## 7. Bring Calming Vibes to a Home Office ![decor with candles - candle next to books]() *Photo: amazon.com* Even a home office can benefit from the soothing qualities of candles. A small deskside candle can promote a sense of peace while you’re working, and calming scents can help keep stress levels in check as tasks pile up. The [Homesick Home Office scented candle]() at Amazon has energizing notes of cinnamon balanced by the soothing touch of vanilla and amber. Just make sure not to keep that pile of papers nearby, or shop around for a flameless option. **RELATED: [12 Home Office Lighting Ideas for a More Productive Workspace]()** ## 8. Play With Color ![decor with candles - dinner set with blue taper candles]() *Photo: [etsy.com via SerendipityCandleCo]()* Use color to elevate a collection of candles. For a bold display, select tall tapers in different colors. (Use [this set of assorted color tapers]() by SerendipityCandleCo at Etsy as inspiration.) Choose shades that complement the existing decor, and use holders of a similar finish, but don't be afraid to mix shapes for visual interest. To achieve a calming vibe, opt for an all-white motif or a mix of neutral shades. ## 9. Create a Spa-like Bathroom ![decor with candles - tea light candles around woman in tub]() *Photo: amazon.com* Nothing says relaxation quite like taking a bath surrounded by candles. Adorn tub sides, [windowsills](), and vanities with tea lights for ambience. There are even [waterproof tea lights]() that float in the bathtub. But when bath time is over, be sure to blow out the flames to avoid the safety risk of unattended candles. **RELATED: [15 Bathroom Remodel Ideas That are Perfect for Big or Small Spaces]()** ## 10. Take It Outdoors ![decor with candles - decorative globe candle holders on grass]() *Photo: wayfair.com* Candle displays don't have to be relegated to interiors. Increase your home’s curb appeal by using candles on the porch. Arrange a trio of different-size lanterns or place one on every other stair. Line a deck with tea lights, or for the ultimate in hygge, hang lanterns from tree branches. Reduce the chance of fires by using [flameless solar-powered candles]() for these outdoor arrays. **RELATED: [7 Awesome Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard]()** ## 11. Get Creative With Votive Holders ![decor with candles - holiday decorated glass candle jars]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Think outside the box when it comes to votive holders. A small wood bowl, vintage glass jar, or piece of pottery will do the trick. Get creative by adorning simple glass jars with craft paper, lace fabric, or tissue paper, or wrap wide necks with greenery, bows, or twine. [These 4-inch-tall glass jars]() at Amazon offer a great starting point. **RELATED: [16 Brilliant Lighting Ideas You Can DIY on a Dime]()** ## 12. Create a Sideboard or Buffet Table Display ![decor with candles - trio of hurricane candles in the dark]() *Photo: amazon.com* Similar to a dining table, a long narrow sideboard or buffet table affords the perfect backdrop for a candle display. Go crazy and cover the surface with a forest of tall tapers or opt for a neat set of three pillars enclosed in [hurricane candleholders]() of varying sizes. For wood surfaces, use a metal tray or opt for flameless versions. ## 13. Opt for Whimsical Shapes ![decor with candles - colorful unique shaped candles]() *Photo: [etsy.com via SoyCandleNYC]()* Playful decorators who prefer their styling to be Instagram-ready may want to consider new variations on the standard pillar candle. There are options in all shapes and sizes, from leaves and shells to twisted and geometric forms. Use them as shelf decor or coffee table conversation starters. Visit Etsy to choose from an array of colorful, unusual designs like these [candles in geometric shapes]() by SoyCandleNYC. ## 14. Bring In Bedroom Ambience ![decor with candles - three candles on tray near bed]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Whether reading in bed or canoodling with a loved one, candlelight can set the mood for relaxation in the bedroom. Set a tray with a trio of lightly scented candles on a night table or dresser. For those who like to doze off by the soft glow, opt for [flameless candles with a timer](), available at Amazon. **RELATED: [The Best Online Lighting Stores, Vetted]()** ## 15. Create a Zen Corner ![decor with candles - single candle with blurred yogis]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Perfect for yoga enthusiasts and meditators, a calming corner is ideal for relaxing before or after a long day, and no [Zen spot]() would be complete without a few candles. A small tray with a trio of candles is great for infusing a space with a soothing scent, but even the soft flicker of a single flame can induce relaxation. To cleanse away negative energy, try a sage candle like this [aromatherapy candle]() available at Amazon. ## Author A home design and renovation enthusiast, Kristen Mosier has worked on editorial teams and as a freelance writer for various home improvement and women's health publications. She began writing for BobVila.com in the summer of 2020 and has covered topics ranging from her DIY projects and product reviews to shopping guides, news articles, and design pieces. Kristen's second career as a psychotherapist gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to speak to the mental health and relational aspects of homeownership and remodeling.