Emily Henderson's Dollar Store Candle Dress-Up

Make 99-cent-store candles into a glamorous bathroom accessory –– Secrets From a Stylist host Emily Henderson shows you how.

By: Emily Henderson

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The Dollar Decorating Challenge

We asked Secrets From a Stylist host Emily Henderson to scour the 99-cent store to find bargain-bin pieces and transform them into designer accessories. For the bathroom, she adds pattern and glitz to a basic pillar candle. Here's how she does it.

From: Emily Henderson

Start With a Simple Candle

We all know these simple white candles from the 99-cent store. "I even like them as-is and have used them at parties, lining the dining table or illuminating the living room," Emily says. "They are so simple and utilitarian that it makes them instantly chic and modern."

From: Emily Henderson

Add Some Glamour

All it takes to transform these candles is some metallic leaf — you can use copper, gold or silver — and some creativity. Choose your favorite pattern, then get started! "A stripe is the easiest, but I also did a zig-zagged chevron and a freehand polka dot pattern," Emily says.

From: Emily Henderson

Gather Your Materials

In addition to the simple glass candle, you'll need a small paintbrush, some leaf adhesive and your choice of metallic leaf.

From: Emily Henderson

Tape Your Pattern

Using masking tape, create a pattern on the pillar candle. The areas you tape will remain white, while the spaces between will get the copper leaf adhesive and then copper leaf. "I didn't want a simple stripe so I did alternating sizes — with two different widths of masking tape — all purchased from the 99-cent store," Emily says.

From: Emily Henderson

Paint on the Adhesive

Apply a thin layer of leaf adhesive and let dry for 45 minutes. It should be tacky, but not dry.

From: Emily Henderson

Apply the Metallic Leaf

For a smooth look, place thin strips of leaf atop a sheet of wax paper, then affix to the glass candle. If you prefer a rougher texture, you can also apply the leaf with your hands, as Emily did here. Then, remove the tape strips, being careful not to pull off the leaf at the edges.

From: Emily Henderson

A Chic and Affordable Candle

Once you've tried this project, the sky's the limit, says Emily: "You could alternate silver, cold and copper, or do vertical stripes. You could also paint the candle instead of applying metallic leaf." Place the finished candle on your bathroom vanity for an instant glam effect.

From: Emily Henderson

Emily Henderson's Dollar Store Candle Dress-Up

Related To:

Shop This Look

The Dollar Decorating Challenge

Start With a Simple Candle

Add Some Glamour

Gather Your Materials

Tape Your Pattern

Paint on the Adhesive

Apply the Metallic Leaf

A Chic and Affordable Candle

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