
Pillar candles are a great way to add a touch of elegance and warmth to any space. With their tall, sturdy design and long-lasting burn, they make for a striking home decor piece. But where should you place them to showcase their beauty and ensure safety? Pillar candles can be displayed on their own, especially if you don't plan on burning them or don't mind wax dripping on the surface. Alternatively, candle holders or dishes made of various materials like stone, wood, marble, metal, or glass can be used to protect surfaces and enhance the candle's aesthetic appeal. These holders come in different styles, such as large round bases, individual pillars, or wall sconces, and can be sourced from stores like Etsy, West Elm, Pottery Barn, or thrift shops for unique vintage finds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement | Indoors or outdoors |
| Holder Type | Candle dish, lantern, hurricane candle holder, wall sconce, tray, pillar, cloche, wine glass, terracotta pot, planter, or candle jar |
| Holder Material | Stone, wood, marble, metal, glass, brass, gold |
| Holder Style | Antique, vintage, modern |
| Holder Source | Etsy, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Home Depot, Williams Sonoma, Thrift Stores, Antique Shops, World Market |
| Holder Purpose | Protect furniture from heat and wax spills, showcase candle, create ambiance |
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What You'll Learn

On a table
Pillar candles are a great way to add a decorative touch to your home, and they can be placed on a table in a variety of ways to create different effects. Here are some ideas for how to display your pillar candles on a table:
Candle Holders
Candle holders are a popular way to display pillar candles. They come in a variety of materials such as stone, wood, marble, metal, and glass, and can be found in thrift stores, antique shops, or online. Candle holders can be functional, decorative, or both, and they help to catch any wax drips, protecting your table surface.
Candle Dishes
Candle dishes are another option for displaying pillar candles. They are typically made of materials such as wood or concrete and provide a flat surface to hold the candle while containing any melting wax.
Terracotta Pots or Empty Planters
For a unique look, try placing your pillar candles inside terracotta pots or empty planters. The warm glow of the candle will create a cosy atmosphere, and the pot will catch any wax drips.
Oversized Wine Glasses
For a fun and whimsical display, place a small pillar candle inside an oversized wine glass. This is a unique way to showcase your candles while also protecting the wick and keeping dust at bay.
Lanterns
Decorative lanterns are another option for displaying pillar candles on a table. They add a cosy and realistic flickering effect and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Look for lanterns with a door so you can easily access the candle.
Remember, pillar candles come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, so feel free to get creative with your display and mix and match different types of candle holders and candles to create a unique and personalised look.
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In a decorative lantern
Decorative lanterns are a great way to display pillar candles, offering protection from drafts and containing any melting wax. They can be used indoors and outdoors, and the flickering candlelight adds a realistic, inviting glow to the lantern. When choosing a lantern, opt for one with a door to make it easy to access and replace the candle.
Lanterns come in a variety of styles and materials, such as metal or glass, and can be found in different colours and sizes. For a modern look, a matte black finish or sleek glass enclosure will complement contemporary interiors. If you're after something more classic, gold candle lanterns add a touch of opulence to any setting. You can also find decorative lanterns with intricate details like beading or geometric shapes for a unique, elegant touch.
When styling your lantern, consider the surrounding decor. Metal lanterns paired with clay vases create an eclectic look, while glass lanterns and glass vases provide a modern vibe. For a sophisticated touch at events like weddings or birthday celebrations, crystal beaded pillar candle holders or gold lanterns will impress your guests.
Pillar candles themselves also come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, so you can choose ones that complement your lantern and space. Remember, pillar candles have a thick base and can stand on their own, but a holder is recommended to protect surfaces from heat and wax spills.
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On a wall sconce
Wall sconces are a great way to display pillar candles, especially if you're looking for a more permanent fixture. They come in many styles, with a container or platform to hold the candle. They can be placed in hallways or entryways to create a beautiful display.
When it comes to lighting, the orientation of the wall sconce matters. If you want to create ambient lighting that fills the room, choose a sconce that faces upwards. This will diffuse the light and create a warm atmosphere. On the other hand, if you need more focused lighting for tasks, opt for a sconce that faces downwards. This will provide directional lighting.
Wall sconces are also a great way to showcase art or decor. They can be placed on either side of a mirror, artwork, or decorative piece to draw attention to it. Just remember to keep them 4 inches away from the sides of the mirror for the best effect.
If you're considering hanging wall sconces in the bathroom, it's important to ensure they are placed at a safe height, especially if they're above the bath. Mark the final height with a candle in the sconce before hanging, and make sure the candle tip is not too close to the ceiling.
Wall sconces can also be staggered or placed at different heights for a unique look, but some may prefer the symmetry of sconces hung at the same level.
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In a candle dish
Although pillar candles can stand on their own on any flat surface, a candle dish is a great way to display colourful or uniquely shaped pillar candles. Candle dishes are usually made of wood or concrete and can hold a candle while keeping the wax contained. They can be placed anywhere and look lovely.
If you're looking for something a little more decorative, you could try a lantern, hurricane candle holder, or a wall sconce. Lanterns work both indoors and outdoors, and hurricane candle holders are glass containers designed to protect the flame from drafts and reduce soot. Wall sconces are a more permanent way to display your pillar candles and come in a variety of styles.
If you're looking for something a little more simple, you could try displaying your pillar candles on a tray. Just be sure to choose a non-flammable and easy-to-clean tray, and never leave your candle unattended. Alternatively, you can use a glass cloche to keep dust from gathering on your candle when it's not in use. These bell-shaped dome covers are both decorative and functional.
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Inside a terracotta pot
Terracotta pots can be used as candle holders if prepared properly. They can be painted or decorated to match any decor or to celebrate a holiday or season. If you're using store-bought terracotta pots, there are a few precautions to take before using them as candle holders. These pots are typically not glazed, which means that melted wax can get into the pores if they are not correctly lined, resulting in a fire hazard. Therefore, it is important to seal the pot before using it as a candle holder.
To use a terracotta pot as a candle holder, first ensure that the pot does not have a hole at the bottom, as the wax will leak out. Then, seal the interior of the pot with a sealant like Mod Podge, applying multiple coats and allowing each to dry before adding another. Once the sealant has dried, suspend a wick above the pot, with the bottom of the wick touching the bottom of the pot, and the top wrapped around a small twig, popsicle stick, or dowel. The wick should be cut slightly longer than needed.
Next, melt candle wax in a small saucepan over low heat. Choose a wax colour that complements the terracotta pot, and add a fragrance if desired. Once the wax has melted, carefully pour it into the terracotta pot. Allow the wax to cool and harden overnight, then trim the wick.
Terracotta pot candle holders can be used as a simple and inexpensive way to add warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space. They can be placed on a table or the ground, or hung from a patio or pergola rafter. When using terracotta pot candle holders, always exercise caution as the pot will get very hot and can burn the skin. Do not leave it unattended, especially around children, and avoid placing it on a flammable surface.
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Frequently asked questions
No, pillar candles can stand on their own on any flat surface. However, a holder is recommended to protect the surface from heat and wax spills.
You can buy pillar candle holders from homeware stores like West Elm, Pottery Barn, Home Depot, and Williams Sonoma. You can also find them at thrift stores, antique shops, and online at Etsy.
There are many ways to display pillar candles. You can use decorative lanterns, wall sconces, candle dishes, or hurricane candle holders. You can also place them inside terracotta pots, empty planters, or oversized wine glasses.
When choosing a pillar candle holder, consider the size, colour, and material of the holder to complement the candle and your decor. Also, think about the purpose of the candle and whether you need a holder that contains the wax or protects the surface from heat.
































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