The Art Of Displaying Candles

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The art of displaying candles is entirely subjective. Because, as everyone knows, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Over the years, I have come up with various ways to feature candles. Below are some of the ways I’ve displayed candles in my home.

How to Display Candles in Your Home for a Warm, Inviting Glow:

There’s something timeless about the soft flicker of candlelight. Candles instantly make a home feel warm, calm, and lived in.

Whether you’re relaxing at the end of a long day or hosting a cozy evening with friends, the art of displaying candles can turn an ordinary space into something magical.

Here are a few ways to style and showcase candles throughout your home.

Using A Tray Or Platter To Display Candles

I often place candles on a tray or platter and use fillers to surround them. This enhances the aesthetic and anchors the candles in place.

I purchased several bags of flat marbles, usually near the floral arrangements in craft stores, to use for this arrangement.

Once the candles were in place, I scattered the marbles among the candles. I like to use candles of different sizes and different shapes on the tray or platter I’m using.

I’ve used other fillers such as seashells, pinecones, acorns, and all kinds of things in candle arrangements. This is, of course, my own idea of the art of candle display.

Whether it’s for my own relaxation or for guests’, having a supply of candles always comes in handy. 

It’s nice to sit in the darkness when the candles are lit and enjoy the ambiance. I cannot think of anything prettier than candles dancing in the shadows.

Candles in the Kitchen

Here is a green-and-white coffee cup with a votive candle inside. Next to that photo is a votive candle in a green glass measuring cup.

Just remember that any type of container that has sides and a bottom can hold a candle or candles. Make sure it is fireproof, though.

Look around your kitchen, and there are probably lots of ways you can add to the art of displaying candles.

Use Votive Candles In A Muffin Tin

Years ago, it occurred to me to add votive candles inside vintage muffin tins. It makes for a cute accent on a shelf, mantel, or coffee table.

It’s fun to use a vintage muffin tin with votive candles in the cups. It’s unique and a great way to decorate a surface.

In the next photo, votive candles are in snowflake-shaped glass candle holders. They’re surrounded by little silver hearts and vintage decor.

This type of arrangement looks especially nice at Christmastime. The art of candle display during the holidays can be shown off in so many versatile ways.

Garlands Of Beads + Votives Under Vintage Graters

I placed this vintage bowl on one of the tiny quilts I made years ago. Then I added a candle in the middle of the bowl and wound gold bead garlands around it.

Next to this photo is a candle display I created with vintage graters. Just put a votive candle on a surface and cover it with an old cheese grater.

I still have these two vintage graters, but I’ve never used them to grate cheese. Instead, I use them to cover votive candles around the holidays, with my own idea of how to artfully display them.

When the candles are lit, the flame glows through the tiny holes of the weathered graters, and it looks quite pretty.

Display Candles Surrounded By Seashells

I sometimes arrange candles on a platter and surround them with seashells.

If you like nautical decor, this candle display would work well in your home. Or for someone who lives in a seaside cottage.

Display candles indicative of the season. These fall candles in the second photo, placed on the dining table, contain the scents of autumn.

Candles Swirling In A Glass Jar

I also like to arrange tapered candles in a swirling pattern in a jar. The trick is to carefully add a succession of candles in this swirling pattern.

It looks quite decorative placed among other home decor.

Next to that is an arrangement I created with red votives in a muffin tin. I used a flat tobacco basket, a gardening book, two face vases, a plant, and an old set of doorknobs to complete the look.

1. Layer Candles for Depth and Interest

Group candles of varying heights and sizes together to create a natural, layered look. Mix pillar candles, votives, and tea lights on a tray or mantel for a beautiful glow that feels intentional yet effortless. Stick to one color palette, like all-white, creams, or soft grays, for a cohesive and artistic way to display candles.

2. Use Decorative Trays and Holders

A pretty tray instantly turns everyday candles into a statement. Try placing candles on a mirrored tray for a touch of glamour, or use a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse vibe. Glass hurricanes, ceramic holders, or metal lanterns can add texture and help protect surfaces from dripping wax.

3. Accent Your Dining Table

For dinner parties or quiet evenings, a line of candles down the center of your table creates an intimate atmosphere. Mix taper candles in elegant holders with small tea lights scattered between them for sparkle without overwhelming your space.

4. Create a Spa-Like Bathroom Retreat

Place candles around your bathtub, vanity, or shelves to make your bathroom feel like a personal sanctuary. Opt for calming scents like eucalyptus, lavender, or sandalwood. Always keep them away from towels or flammable items.

5. Style with the Seasons

In the above photo, I placed candles in a round wooden tray on top of a quilt I made. Two candles have coffee beans surrounding them. When lit, the scent of coffee fills the air. This makes the space feel extra cozy.

I often place a taper candle in a jar of coffee beans as a decoration, and for the wonderful scent it gives off.

Fall is my favorite time of year to arrange candles in my home decor.

It’s fun to switch up your candle decor throughout the year. In the fall, nestle candles among pumpkins and dried leaves. In winter, add pine branches and cozy textures. Spring and summer call for fresh florals and light citrus or linen scents.

6. Light Up Unexpected Spaces

Candles aren’t just for living rooms. Try displaying candles in entryways and bookshelves. Display candles on your kitchen counter for a soft glow in overlooked corners. A candle near a mirror or glass surface can double the light, creating a stunning effect.

7. Mix Scented and Unscented Candles

Too many scents can compete with each other, so mix a few scented candles with unscented ones to balance the mood. Choose one signature scent for the main living area, and let other rooms have complementary or neutral aromas.

Candles by Color

Here I used amber bottles I’ve been collecting and created a vignette with two brown jar candles. The brown decorating book next to the collection of amber bottles further emphasizes and highlights the row of brown hues.

An arrangement like this often tells a story of sorts. How I collect amber bottles when I’m out and about. And how I use them in my decor surrounded by candles.

Candle Safety:

Always think about safety. Keep candles away from curtains, drafts, young children, and curious pets. For peace of mind, you can also mix in flameless LED candles for areas where open flame isn’t ideal.

Make it a policy never to leave a room with an open-flame candle burning.

Why Use Candles in Decor?

Candle flames give off a cozy light and a warm glow that somehow make everything else look more beautiful.

Lighting a scented candle when you’re about to have guests over has always been a habit of mine. Nothing is more welcoming than that wonderful scent of candles when they walk into your home.