10 Ways to Transform a Simple Candle

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Candles can make a lot of difference in your décor. You can bring out different moods by the way you use them. The following ideas will transform simple candles into beautiful, romantic and even scary fall décor that you’ll be proud of. 

Mason Jar Tea Lights

One way to transform a simple candle is with the container. You can use a Mason jar as a candle holder. You can paint the inside of it, or you can add ribbons, rope, and even glitter to it. Mason jars aren’t just for canning and tea; they can be for shabby chic and even upscale décor with the right additions. 

Decorated mason jar on a wood block with artificial Christmas tree branch and baubles around it

For example, paint the inside of the Mason jar with a light color to bring out the natural beauty of the candle. You can also take off any labels on it. Fill up the jars with your favorite flowers or other plants that will be able to bring out a really nice smell. Put the jar next to an end table or coffee table for a romantic look.

Create Reflections

A great way to make candles do double duty is to arrange many of them over a mirror for display. Add small touches such as stones, glitter, garland, and other sparkly elements that will make the candles stand out. 

Decorate the outside (carefully!)

Another way to customize your candles is to wrap them in fabric, paper, or other material. You can also make a variation on this theme by putting the candle inside of a fabric-wrapped cube. For example, you could use an old Easter egg!

candles, one with twine wrapped around it, on a bench with lavender sprigs behind it
Something as simple as twine wrapped around the candle can transform it

Another option is to use votives instead of tapers since they are safer and easier to maneuver. This will allow you to create beautiful displays with little risk. You can also create decorations that will cover the top of the votive like figurines that represent birthstones (or any other type of stone).

It’s also possible to decorate the bottom of the candle using various items such as soaps, sugar decorations, miniature Christmas trees, etc. If you are using tapers, you can simply push the bottom into the material instead of having to glue it. The next option is decorating around the wick. You can use any type of decoration that will fit around the wick. For example, if you choose to place a figurine on top of your candle then surround it with glitter or jingle bells.

Add pre-made products to the candle

If you don’t have time to create your own designs, there are plenty of products that can be used instead. For example, you could use wax paper curls or other types of similar objects to decorate around the wick. There are also products that are specifically designed for this type of decoration such as adhesives and waxes.

Decorative the candle holder

A fifth idea is to decorate the candle jar instead of the candle itself. You can add ribbons or other metal objects that will fit inside of the jar and help to accentuate it in some way. An example would be a pretty bow on top with streamers coming out one side and down along the glass for a

Make use of the fireplace

If you don’t want to dirty up your fireplace, you can still use it. Get different sizes, shapes, and heights of candles and put them inside the fireplace with the flue open so the smoke will go out. Light them all and it will be beautiful. People won’t really realize they’re candles until they look closer.  Once the wax has cooled, use some paper towel to gently lift it up and then there’s no mess.

Various candles surrounded by shells and rope on a stand in a fireplace

Melt it to make something different

You can also create awesome candle holders by melting candles around a container such as a wine bottle. Another neat idea is to take a simple wood frame, melt candles of different colors so that it runs down the wood frame, then attach wrought iron candle holders with candles in them to the frame. Put the frame on a wall that you want to add interest too. 

Float Them (if they float)

Tea light candles can float, as can round-shaped smaller candles. You can even color the water with a little food coloring to make them look even more special. Floating candles in water is a great way to bring in the holiday spirit. 

Floating rose shaped candles in a bowl

Paint the container

Whatever container you want to use for your candles will look awesome painted. You can stencil different shapes inside any container so that when the candle is lit it imparts different shapes on the wall. Try something like white chalk paint or even plain glass candle containers and use acrylic paint to create a stain glass effect that reflects onto the candle. This turns an ordinary candle into something much more colourful.

Use Tea Cups

A great way to transform candles is to put them into tea cups. Buy used teacups at thrift shops and put candles in them, or make your own with a candle-making kit and pour them into the tea cups.  

A white tea cup and saucer with a white candle in it

Ribbons and Rope

You can change any container with a little ribbon or a rope to tie around it to make it look different. Try lace, ribbons, hemp rope and more. You can even use sparkly garland to make it more festive. 

Transform the plainest candle

There are many ways you can dress up a simple candle to make it even more festive. All you have to do is think about the mood you want to project and how you can accomplish that. Don’t be afraid to try things. But, do be careful about having flammable things near the flame of your candle once it’s lit. You don’t want to catch your tablescape on the table.

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