A crackling fire glowing in the fireplace instantly creates a warm, cozy feeling. During the holidays or anytime we want to create memorable moments with family and friends, a lit fireplace sets the perfect scene. However, not everyone has a working fireplace in their home or wants to deal with the cleanup of burning fires. This is where strategically placing candles in the fireplace can set the mood while adding style to your decor.
Groupings of candles artfully arranged in fireplaces never fail to attract attention and comments. Flickering candlelight dancing on the walls makes any get-together more magical. The ambiance candles provide is unmatched. Keep reading as we share the best tips on selecting and safely arranging candles for stunning fireplace displays.
Best Candles for Fireplaces
Fireplaces come in two main varieties – traditional wood-burning fireplaces or modern gel fireplaces. If you have a working fireplace where you burn logs, it’s safest to keep candles contained completely inside the fireplace opening rather than setting them on the surrounding brick or stone. This prevents the accidental tipping over of candles if logs shift while burning. It also keeps pets or small children from accessing and knocking over candles when the fireplace is not in use.
Types
Fortunately, many styles of candles work beautifully inside fireplaces. Elevating candles at varying heights allows each one to be visible which maximizes the overall impact.
- Tapers – These tall slender candles are available in a wide variety of lengths perfect for arranging in clusters. Go for 12-inch tapers or longer for striking height variations.
- Pillars – Shorter and wider than tapers, pillars, come in an array of sizes. Large pillars over 3-inches wide make excellent anchors or focal points.
- Votives – These diminutive candles get tucked in between larger candles creating cozy vignettes. Their small size increases design flexibility.
- Tealights – Usually set in mini metal or glass holders, tealights can be tucked into nooks and crannies.
- Flameless – For convenience and safety, flameless battery-operated candles realistically flicker like the real thing without actual fire. Use them freely without worry.
When it comes to scent and color, opt for either plain or scented wax. White and ivory candles look light and airy while colors from bold red and emerald green to muted sage and aubergine create drama. Finish your arrangement by intricately placing candles for the final styling touches.
Styles
Vessels housing candles add decorative detail and texture. Glass hurricane vases differing in shape and height provide see-through interest. Various metals like bronze, pewter, silver, and gold inject shine. For organic contrast, lateral wooden discs act as rustic candle plates.
- Glass – Classic cylindrical vases, rounded bowls, and sculptural curved shapes showcase candles.
- Plastic – Affordable plastic candle holders are available in every possible color.
- Metal – From sleek contemporary to intricate vintage, metal holders feature stunning styles.
- Ceramic – Glazed ceramic candlesticks and pots come glazed or unglazed in many designs.
Lanterns made of metal, glass, or wood emanate warmth. Iron candlesticks and holders finished in black or with rubbed patinas work in traditional decor. Mixing glossy and matte finishes adds nice contrast.
Sizes
When it comes to candle sizes, the general principle is the larger the fireplace, the larger the candle. A common tip is placing candles approximately one-third the height of the fireplace opening. This creates the right scale and visibility.
Incorporate an assortment of sizes for interest. Extra tall 24-inch taper candles make a strong vertical statement. Medium 12 to 16-inch pillars or household candles anchor arrangements. Short votives, tealights, and taper candles fill gaps beautifully. For the best value when buying candles, compare burn times. Pillar and household candles often provide 80 to 100 hours of burn time. When purchasing pricey candles, you want longevity. Taking notes of candle performance including scent strength and burn time helps guide future purchases.
Candle Safety Tips
Safety comes first when incorporating candle elements. While flameless LED candles present zero risks, traditional wax candles have open flames making careful precautions necessary. Fortunately, planning candle groupings inside non-working fireplaces instead of on mantels reduces many hazards. Still take smart preventative measures because accidental fires can happen fast.
Location
Set your arrangement inside the firebox area of non-working fireplaces. This puts candles safely away from combustible surfaces. Ensure adequate ventilation too. Having screens covering the fireplace opening allows for airflow while keeping candle flames contained.
Avoid placing candles directly under beams, sconces, or wall hangings holding artwork. Flames, smoke, or heat could negatively impact those items. When setting candles on cabinets or shelves around built-in fireplaces take care to keep them far enough back to prevent getting knocked over.
Supervision
Never walk away from burning candles or leave them unattended. Extinguish candle flames if exiting the room for any reason. Trim wicks to 1/4-inch before lighting to avoid tall dancing flames. Also, burn candles in locations not prone to drafts since breezes can cause flames to flicker vigorously and accelerate melting.
Putting candles out completely without any glowing wicks prevents rekindling fires. Properly hardened wax after blowing them out ensures no lingering flames. When done displaying candles, store safely by uprighting any containers that became tipped over.
Alternatives
We highly recommend using flameless battery-powered candles whenever possible. Their realistic flickering glow provides the same ambiance without fire danger. Nowadays flameless candles mimic traditional candles extremely well. For curved fireplaces lacking flat surfaces, securing flameless candles with strong adhesive putty allows positioning them at angles.
Create Inviting Ambiance
Groupings of varying sized candles make ordinary fireplaces extraordinary. A mix of heights paired with greenery and decorative objects increases visual appeal and curiosity. The pleasant smell and comforting glow transform rooms into welcoming spaces that draw people together.
Cozy Atmosphere
Nothing feels more inviting than entering a space with softly lit candles glowing and familiar voices chatting. The warmth coming from the fireplace along with plush pillows and cozy throws says, “Come, relax and stay awhile.”
Candle arranging comes down to experimentation. Keep working with placements until you love how everything looks. Cluster some candles tightly together while spacing others out in a loose arrangement. The geometric shapes of squared pillars contrasted against rounds builds interest.
Include battery-powered string lights or fairy lights to add ambient sparkle. Let some strands drape loosely while shaping others to fill empty areas. Place flameless candles strategically to amplify the mood. Lastly, load up on plush pillows both big and small along with textured throws to pull the whole area together.
Tablescapes
When hosting dinners or parties around a fireplace, setting the scene starts with an amazing tablescape. Creative centerpieces stealing the show both during meals and causal gatherings are easily achievable.
Shallow wood trays become impromptu pedestal bases to display artful candle vignettes. Start by lining the tray perimeter with several short or mid-size clear glass vases housing single candles. Then place one showstopping sculptural vase packed with an assortment of candles in the center. Finish by circling loosely spaced votives around this focal point. Sprinkle natural eucalyptus sprigs and fresh white roses through the arrangement for the final touch.
For more intimate two-person tables, a trio of eclectic candleholders grouped together at alternating heights generates warmth. Use the tallest metal lantern in the back with a midsize glass vessel in front and tiny mercury glass votive holder in the foreground. Put flameless candles in each one and surround the based with fresh florals like hydrangeas and ranunculus blooms for a bit of organic texture and color.
Mantel Displays
The mantel serves as the perfect platform to exhibit exquisite candle arrangements. As a general rule of thumb, select candle heights using 1/3 the measurements of your fireplace opening size. This pleasing scale allows all sizes to be visible. A common approach uses a symmetrical layout with tall candlesticks bookending groups of complementary sized candles across the length of the mantel. Though classic, consider playing with asymmetry or unexpected pairings to design truly distinctive mantelscapes.
- Vary candle heights – Mix extra tall 24-inch tapers with squatty 10-inch pillars to inject interest.
- Mix and match holder shapes/sizes – Contrast round bowls with geometric cubes or narrow lanterns for eclectic style.
- Incorporate greenery and seasonal finds – Create organic texture and connect various candle groupings using fronds, garlands, or floral stems.
Affordable battery-powered string lights tucked behind, underneath, or laced through mantel displays supplement candle glow. Uplighting placed inside the fireplace shining up casts a dreamy glow on the wall behind. Take your mantel arrangement to the next level for optimal enjoyment!
Candle Design for Any Style
The versatility of candles for designing fireplace displays suitable for any decor style or occasion makes them a go-to choice. Simply vary the colors, holder shapes, decorative additions, or mix luxe with rustic elements to create different moods. Here are some examples to spark inspiration for your own creative fireplace design.
Rustic Charm
Aim for natural beauty with a relaxed rustic fireplace arrangement. Start by lining weathered wood planks across the mantel to add organic texture. Next, anchor each end with thick outdoor tree trunk candle holders. Then place smaller frosted glass globes filled with cream tapers down the length of the mantel. Finally, artfully arrange eucalyptus stems, dried foliage sprigs, wooden beads, and pinecones throughout for a foraged look.
Glamorous Allure
For serious sparkle, glam up sconces flanking the fireplace with gilded candlesticks dripping in crystal teardrops and strands of pearls. Use the fireplace itself to exhibit shiny mercury glass vases in varying heights filled with slim glittering taper candles. Scatter additional glass tealight holders with cream candles along the mantel and hearth. Keep the color scheme light using white and soft gold hues. Drape fluffy sheepskin throws across armchairs and set out glitzy candlesticks on side tables as finishing refinements. The result channels Old Hollywood charm perfect for fancier dinner parties or holiday soirees.
Coastal Calm
Conjure breezy beach cottage appeal with casual coastal elements. Line weathered wood planks along the mantel to instantly introduce organic texture. Display an assortment of white candles glowing inside beach glass, seashells, and natural woven baskets. Incorporate color using muted blue and tan ceramic candle holders paired with pillar candles in contrasting sand and navy tones. For effortless sophistication, neatly arrange collected shells, sea glass, smooth stones, and driftwood pieces in between candle groupings. The overall effect feels casual, serene, and peaceful like a relaxing escape.
Safety First with Candle Fires
While flameless LED candles present zero risks, traditional wax candles have open flames making careful precautions necessary. Fortunately, planning candle groupings inside non-working fireplaces instead of on mantels reduces many hazards. Still take smart preventative measures because accidental fires can happen fast.
Location – Set your arrangement inside the firebox area of non-working fireplaces. This puts candles safely away from combustible surfaces. Ensure adequate ventilation too. Having screens covering the fireplace opening allows for airflow while keeping candle flames contained.
Avoid placing candles directly under beams, sconces, or wall hangings holding artwork. Flames, smoke, or heat could negatively impact those items. When setting candles on cabinets or shelves around built-in fireplaces take care to keep them far enough back to prevent getting knocked over.
Supervision – Never walk away from burning candles or leave them unattended. Extinguish candle flames if exiting the room for any reason. Trim wicks to 1/4-inch before lighting to avoid tall dancing flames. Also, burn candles in locations not prone to drafts since breezes can cause flames to flicker vigorously and accelerate melting.
Putting candles out completely without any glowing wicks prevents rekindling fires. Properly hardened wax after blowing them out ensures no lingering flames. When done displaying candles, store safely by uprighting any containers that became tipped over.
Alternatives – We highly recommend using flameless battery-powered candles whenever possible. Their realistic flickering glow provides the same ambiance without fire danger. Nowadays flameless candles mimic traditional candles extremely well. For curved fireplaces lacking flat surfaces, securing flameless candles with strong adhesive putty allows positioning them at angles.
Mix and Match Candle Scents
To create a truly unique and inviting atmosphere, mix and match candle scents in your fireplace. Consider the mood you want to create and choose scents that will enhance that mood. For example, lavender and vanilla are great for a relaxing and calming ambiance, while citrus scents can create an uplifting and energizing vibe.
Layering a few complementary scents creates pleasant complexity. Start with one dominant aroma like spiced apple or cranberry woods as the core fragrance. Next introduce secondary scents like sugared pine or sage palm with subtle notes. Finally, toss in a few fresh picks like sparkling lemon, peppermint twist, or pear glace to brighten things.
Candle wax also comes scented and unscented for customized blending. White candles allow the truest fragrance purity if mixing multiple scented candles together in groupings. Take notes regarding scent performance as you experiment to replicate winning combinations.
Use Candle Diffusers
Another way to add variety to your fireplace decor is to use candle diffusers. These devices disperse essential oils into the air, creating a fragrant and inviting atmosphere. They’re also a great alternative to traditional candles if you’re concerned about the smoke or soot they produce.
Candle diffusers mix things up in a subtle way with quiet aroma distribution versus strong solitary scents. They come in many decorative styles that coordinate well with candle decor. Choose sleek contemporary diffusers for modern fireplaces or etched glass and filigree metal versions for traditional spaces.
Strategically place several on the mantel or hearth surrounding candle arrangements. You control scent intensity based on oil usage. Coffee tables, side tables, and console tables away from the fireplace also work nicely. Plug them in and enjoy the ambient room fragrance!
Incorporate Different Materials
Think beyond just straight candles to expand creative possibilities. Introduce alternative materials like geodes, colored glass chunks, marbles, or rock crystals into cluster candle arrangements. This adds striking visual texture and dimension.
Nestle pillar candles down inside wide glass bowls or vases. Then fill the empty areas surrounding candle bottoms creativity. Consider pouring smooth aquarium stones in shades of the candle colors to visually connect the elements. Or fill with Himalayan salt crystals or amethyst and citrine points for mystical allure. The grouped display possibilities are endless!
Decorating fireplaces with candles sets the stage for meaningful connections and lasting memories this time of year. Following basic precautions allows fully enjoying flickering ambiance and style. Strategically placed candles framed by gorgeous greenery, flowers, or seasonal branches cultivate beauty worth sharing.
Have fun playing with candle heights, shapes, colors, and coordinating holders. Don’t be afraid to think asymmetrically to design eye-catching vignettes suited to your personal taste. The right candles can instantly elevate ordinary fireplace displays into extraordinary style statements showcasing your creativity!
