20 Candle Decorating Ideas To Brighten Up Your Home

Just like the final touch on a fabulous outfit, candles are the accessory that make a home feel complete. They're the last thing you add to your coffee table, the finishing component in a newly renovated bathroom, and the mark of a job a well done when you finally light one after a long day of cleaning. But they have so much more to offer than just good scents. From tapers, to pillars, to wall-mounted, here are the best ideas for decorating with candles year-round.

The artful styling of this foyer could easily be a still life painting. Curated objects, like the sculptural wood candle holders topped with twisted tapers, adorn the slim console to create a chic entryway moment.

On this moody mantel, the floral pillar candle feels right at home among the collection of ornate baubles, but creater Lindsey Sopcak of The Rural Legend didn't find it at a boutique; she crafted it with a paper napkin! Follow her step-by-step guide to give any candle the look of hand-painted floral flair.

Kitchen countertop decor is taking over Instagram and TikTok, and what better way to bring coziness to your cookery than a candle? Even better: Deck out your counter with a whole collection of them. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn mixed different height candlesticks to give this kitchen an inviting cottagecore vibe. Try using colorful candles or ones with a pattern on them for extra pizazz.

Elevate any tablescape with creative and colorful DIY taper candles — no artistic ability required. Creator Michael Wurm Jr. of Inspired by Charm used sheets of colored beeswax and mini cookie cutters to create these abstract beauties.

Sometimes a small candle can have just as much impact as a large display. The dainty wall-mounted candle holder in this cabin bedroom plays up the room’s historic feel and provides a soft glimmer when lit. You could also line a hallway with candle sconces or hang them on either side of a piece of artwork for a traditional — and charming — look.

Tucked in the corner, it could be easy to overlook this beautiful buffet. Enter: vintage brass candlesticks and stunning blooms. Now this stained wood stunner is an eye-catching display that enhances the overall design of this elegant living room.

Lighting a candle near the tub area of your bathroom makes it instantly more relaxing and luxurious. Make your candle placement feel more purposeful by setting it on a small stool or employing large pillar candle holders, like these wooden ones. Keep a chic match cloche nearby to set the spa mood when you settle in for a soak.

Take your table styling up a notch by swapping out your standard taper candles for something more striking. These whimsical twisted sticks look just as enchanting when they aren't lit.

Although her renovated Chicago warehouse didn’t come with a traditional fireplace, designer Alison Victoria created her own with a salvaged mantel and a cluster of ivory pillar candles. When they are all lit, the effect is both cozy and romantic. This idea also works perfectly to warm up a non-functioning fireplace.

For a more relaxed take on a candle-filled fireplace, take a cue from designer Regan Baker. A three-pronged candelabra with tapers and a pair of wooden holders with pillar candles give this hearth a laidback, eclectic glow.

Candelabras are often thought of as old and stuffy, but these wavy ones are undeniably fresh and modern. Their unexpected shape has an organic feel, while the black-and-white color scheme is contemporary. Simple black plates, two-tone flatware and metal eucalyptus garland add to the sleek-meets-natural look.

For an industrial vibe, you can DIY a cool candelabra out of copper pipes. Head to your local hardware store for copper piping and fittings, a pipe cutter and contact cement. Cut the pipes to your desired length, then attach them with the fittings and contact cement for extra security. Standard taper candles will fit perfectly inside.

A candle holder with a funky shape can make a big impact on a mantel. This curvy one stands out on against the white wall thanks to it's black metal construction and playful design. Pairing it with a set of more traditional black candle holders and a similarly-shapely vase adds to the funky flair.

Simple candles placed inside woven lanterns add warmth to this modern patio. The inviting glow of the lanterns will keep guests lingering 'til long after the sun sets. To make your outdoor lounge area even more cozy, set out your favorite pair of taper candles as well.

There’s nothing cozier than the smell of cinnamon wafting through your home. You can create your own fragrant and stylish candle decor with this easy DIY. Simply wrap rubber bands around the middle of short votives, then secure cinnamon sticks under the bands, completely covering the outsides of the candles. Hide the rubber bands with twine or ribbon to complete the look.

A large grouping of candles can be a romantic form of lighting and a "wow" moment in a space. This dramatic chandelier from Arteriors provides the best of both worlds. It’s made of wooden dowels that resemble wax tapers for a look that's reminiscent of an Old World chandelier lit by hundreds of candles — without the labor (or danger) of having to light each one.

Although this fireplace is not meant to be lit, it's still a major focal point in this grand bathroom. To mimic the flicker of a real fireplace and add even more visual interest, Farmhouse Fixer host Jonathan Knight crowded the mantel with vintage candlesticks. Their antique metal tones shine against the black plaster. When every wick is lit, the candlelight transports the homeowners back to the age when the house was built.

Wow guests at your next dinner party with a crafty centerpiece that includes repurposed fruity candle holders. This colorful display was made by coring apples then placing taper candles inside. Make sure they stay upright by sticking glue dots or museum wax to the bottom of the apples.

A marble candleholder in a rich eggplant hue not only provides ambient lighting in the entry of this 1910 Queen Anne Victorian home, it also acts as a piece of art. Its "U" shape adds interest to the vintage chest, while its deep purple tone ties into the fanciful wallpaper.