Ben Carter
Candles in the fireplace are a great way to add a cosy, stylish, and elegant touch to your home. Whether you have a non-working fireplace or a faux one, you can use candles to replicate the feel of a crackling fire. There are many ways to style candles in your fireplace, from using colourful candles to create a modern and fun look to grouping candles of varying heights and sizes to make a bold statement. For safety, you can opt for flameless candles, such as LED tealights or votives, which can be controlled remotely and are perfect for homes with kids and pets. So, if you're looking to fill your fireplace with candles, get creative and enjoy the warm glow they bring to your space.
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What You'll Learn
Using flameless candles
Flameless candles are a great way to decorate your fireplace, especially if you're concerned about the health impact of inhaling smoke or if you have safety concerns. They can add a warm and cosy glow to your home without the worry of an open flame.
Before placing flameless candles in your fireplace, you should prepare the area. If your fireplace is functional, remove any gas logs or wood, and leave the grate in place to protect the gas line. You can then place a thick piece of cardboard inside, spray-painted black, to create a base for your candles.
Flameless candles are safer than traditional candles, especially in a fireplace where flames could cause a hazard. LED votives or tealights are a good option, and you can find them in various sizes to fit your fireplace. You can also use lanterns with flameless candles inside, adding different textiles and styles to your decor.
For a modern look, consider using colourful flameless candles. You can find taper or pillar candles in various colours to add a unique style to your fireplace. If you want to stick to a more simplistic and elegant vibe, just a few flameless pillar candles can set off a whole new look and make your space cozier.
You can also use flameless candles in combination with other items to create a unique display. Try placing a small mirror behind the candles to reflect the light and create a vintage-inspired look. Or, for a rustic feel, put candles inside a small basket or crate in front of the fireplace. Grouping items in threes is a styling trick that never fails!
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Creating a rustic look
Choose the Right Candles
When creating a rustic look, opt for flameless candles, such as LED votives or tealights, as they are safer than traditional candles. These can be placed directly into the fireplace or on candle holders. For a natural, rustic vibe, consider using LED tealights or LED votive candles placed in logs. You can make this candle holder yourself by drilling holes into medium-sized logs or using one large log. Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made candle log inserts with different wood textures and grains, such as birch.
Use Lanterns
Lanterns can add a rustic, cozy touch to your fireplace setup. Look for rustic lanterns in varying styles and heights to fill the space elegantly without creating a cluttered look. You can also use candle lanterns, which add a soft glow to your fireplace, especially during the evening hours.
Incorporate Vintage and Antique Pieces
Vintage and antique pieces can enhance the rustic charm of your fireplace. Vintage brass candlesticks, in particular, can add an aged look to your space. You can find these at vintage and antique markets, and they don't all have to match, allowing you to build your collection over time.
Play with Heights and Arrangements
Using candles of varying heights and arrangements can create visual interest and make your fireplace setup more appealing. Try grouping candles together or arranging them in threes, which is a styling trick that never fails. If you have a small fireplace, a few pillar candles here and there can create a whole new look.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to bounce light around and create the illusion of more candles. Place a small mirror in front of the candles or use a large mirror above the mantel to enlarge the space. Angling mirrors toward the middle of the fireplace will create multiple views of the objects placed in front of them.
Remember to prep the area before placing candles in your fireplace. Remove any existing items, such as gas logs, and consider adding a protective layer, like a grate or cardboard, before placing your candles. Enjoy crafting your rustic DIY candle fireplace!
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Decorating a non-working fireplace
Choose the right candles
When selecting candles for your fireplace, consider using flameless or LED candles for safety and convenience. These candles are often battery-operated, come in various sizes and styles, and can be a safer alternative to traditional wax candles. Some flameless candles even come with remote controls and timer features, allowing you to turn them on and off without having to access them directly. You can also find LED tealights or LED votive candles that mimic the look of real candles while providing a glowing, rustic ambiance.
Create a cozy atmosphere
Candles in a fireplace instantly add warmth and coziness to any room. For a simple and elegant look, opt for pillar candles in neutral colours. Grouping candles together, especially in smaller fireplaces, can create a stylish statement. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider using colourful taper or pillar candles to reflect your unique style. Varying the heights and sizes of the candles can also make the arrangement more visually appealing and help fill the space.
Use mirrors for added effect
Mirrors are a great way to enhance the lighting effect of your candles. Place a small mirror behind the candles or angle multiple mirrors towards the middle of the fireplace to create the illusion of more candles and make the space appear larger. For a vintage-inspired display, place candles in front of a small mirror, creating a luxurious and dramatic atmosphere.
Get creative with accessories
In addition to candles, you can accessorize your fireplace with lanterns, candelabras, or candleholders. These decorative pieces add dimension and style to your arrangement. If you're feeling crafty, you can create your own candle holders by drilling holes into medium-sized logs or using a large log to fill the space. You can also use a small basket, typically used for storing firewood, to hold your candles for a rustic touch.
Style the mantel
Don't forget to decorate the mantel or area above your fireplace to complete the look. You can add vintage or antique pieces, such as brass candlesticks, to create a timeless and elegant space. For a festive touch during the holidays, incorporate evergreens, pinecones, and garlands. You can also display books, bold blooms, or monogrammed decorations for a personalized touch.
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Using candles of varied heights
Candles of varying heights can be used to create a visually appealing and cosy candle fireplace. A combination of different types of candles can be used to achieve this look. For example, a candle arrangement of different candles placed in the fireplace can be combined with a vintage window covering. This can be further decorated with an evergreen and pinecone arrangement and a mirror on top.
For a Christmas vibe, a candle fireplace with pillar candles and candle lanterns, a basket with firewood, evergreens, and tall and thin candles can be used. The candle lanterns and tall candle holders add an elegant touch to the fireplace.
For a modern look, group candles together and keep them close. Flameless battery-operated candles are a good option for fireplaces with less vertical height.
To add colour to your space, use colourful taper or pillar candles. This can be combined with a vintage window covering for a chic look.
If you are looking for a simple and sweet look, a few pillar candles can complement a clean and natural space.
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Adding colour
Firstly, consider using colourful candles. Taper or pillar candles come in a variety of lively colours, so you can get creative and choose shades that reflect your home's unique style. You can also play with different heights and sizes to create a visually interesting and appealing arrangement. If you want to stick to a particular style, such as a modern or vintage look, choose candle colours that complement the style and stick to a cohesive colour palette.
Another way to add colour is by using coloured candleholders or jars. This can help solve the problem of wax dripping onto your fireplace floor while also bringing in pops of colour. Consider using coloured glass or metal candleholders in varying heights and styles to add dimension and interest to your display.
If you want to create a rustic look, try using a small basket or crate to hold your candles. You can also use firewood as candle holders by drilling holes into medium-sized logs or a single large log. Place tealights or LED votive candles in the holes to create a glowing, rustic effect.
For a dramatic touch, use mirrors to reflect and bounce the light around, making your display seem even brighter and more vibrant. Place mirrors at the back of the hearth or on the mantel to create a vintage-inspired or luxe look.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with coloured fairy lights or lanterns to add a cosy ambiance and extra pops of colour to your DIY candle fireplace.
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Frequently asked questions
A DIY candle fireplace is a great way to add a cosy, stylish, and elegant vibe to your home. It is also a low-effort solution to light up your room and can be a safe option if you have kids or pets.
Before placing candles in your fireplace, ensure you prep the area by removing anything already in it, such as gas logs. Consider using flameless candles, especially if you have a small fireplace, as they are safer than traditional candles and many come with remote and timer features. You can also use candles of varied heights and colours to create visual interest and make the arrangement more appealing.
You can use candle holders, jars, stands, trays, bowls, or even a small basket to hold your candles. If you have a mantel, you can place candles directly on it or in front of it, grouping them in threes. You can also place candles in front of a small mirror to create a vintage-inspired display and bounce light around the room. For a rustic look, consider using a candle lantern or candelabra, or for a modern look, stick with just candles and opt for simplicity.
