What Can I Put on Candle Holders Besides Candles?

If you’re anything like me, candle holders are one of those home decor items that we all have but rarely use. They collect dust on shelves and in cabinets and only ever get used for the odd special occasion.

But candle holders are more versatile than you might think; you can use them for vases, planters, and a whole range of other items. So if you’re looking for a way to use those candle holders, read on for some inspiration!

Flower Bouquet

Sure, you could use a vase to display a bouquet of flowers. But where’s the fun in that? If you really want to spruce up your floral arrangement, use a candle holder instead. 

This novel approach will definitely add some wow factor to your floral arrangement. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose an old candle holder that you no longer use. Simply remove the candle and insert a few flowers into the holder, and voila – you’ve got a one-of-a-kind display that is sure to impress your guests!

So, what kind of candle holder should you use? First, choose a candle holder that you like. It can be any style or material, as long as it’s big enough to hold a bouquet of flowers. Votive candle holders work best because they have a wide opening, so they work well as an alternative to a vase. 

Terrariums

A terrarium is a great way to add some greenery to your home without having to deal with the hassle of a full-fledged garden or the responsibility of multiple houseplants. But why settle for a boring old glass terrarium when you could use candle holders to display your plants in a whole new way? 

But terrariums can be fragile, so don’t reach for tall taper candle holders for this display. Choose a wide pedestal-shaped candle holder or one with a low, flat base. This helps to add a bit of height to your terrarium and make it more eye-catching, without creating a tipping hazard. 

For a more natural look, consider a wooden candle holder or one with a vintage, distressed look. Or, go sleek and modern to match a simple glass terrarium. It’s up to you and your personal style!

Seashells or Sand

Okay, so maybe you don’t live near the beach. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the beach to your home with this fun and easy decorating idea. All you need are some seashells, sand, and some candle holders.

Start by filling the bottom of the candle holder with sand. Then, arrange your seashells on top of the sand. You can create any design you want, and you can even use different colors of sand to create a unique look. Not only does this decorating idea add a touch of the sea to your home, but it’s also a great way to display your seashell collection. 

This quick and easy decorating hack works best with clear glass candle holders, since you can show off the unique colors and shapes of the shells. Try large round globes or long, thin “boat”-shaped candle holders for the best effect. 

Candy

Leaving a bowl of candy out is a great way to make your guests feel more welcome. But you could mix it up by displaying your candy bowl on a stylish candle holder. This quick little DIY hack is so easy, anyone can do it, and it will create a fun and unique alternative to a traditional candy bowl. 

Start by gathering your supplies: you’ll need a taper candle holder, a bowl or plate, and a hot glue gun. Simply attach the candle holder onto the bottom of the plate or bowl using the hot glue to create a raised candy dish. After the glue is dry, fill it with your favorite candy and enjoy! 

For the best results, choose a candle holder and bowl made from the same materials or featuring the same colors. If the two pieces match, the result will look more polished and professional—no one will know you made it yourself!

Greenery

Want a subtle and sophisticated look? Skip the flowers or colorful rocks and instead place a few branches of greenery into a candle holder. Greenery instantly makes your home feel more calming because we’re hardwired to feel more at ease in nature. 

What kinds of greenery should you choose? Go for plants that won’t wither and brown when they’re cut. Plants like eucalyptus or evergreen boughs are a great start. Or, if you want the green without the responsibility, you can always pick up a faux stem from a craft store—no one has to know!

Finally, choose a tall, narrow votive or taper candle holder that holds the branch but doesn’t steal the spotlight. It should be small and neutral to allow the colors of the greenery to shine. 

Pumpkins and Gourds

Looking for a fun and festive way to show off your Halloween pumpkins and gourds this fall? Candle holders are a great way to add some height to your display and create a spooky atmosphere.

Just place your candle holder on a table or shelf, and then arrange your pumpkins and gourds around and on top of it. You can even get creative and use different sizes and colors of candle holders to create a unique display. To highlight the beautiful fall colors in the gourds, choose gold and copper candle holders. 

While wide pedestal candle holders make a good shape for larger pumpkins, but small, thinner taper candle holders are great for smaller, narrower pumpkins to give your display some dimension.  

Pebbles and Stones

Do you have a treasured rock collection, or are you just looking for a way to add some natural beauty to your home? Consider using a candle holder to display pebbles, stones, and rocks to bring some color to the room. It’s a stylish and unique way to show off your collection!

This hack is quick, easy, and extremely budget-friendly. All you need is a bowl that looks great with your chosen candle holder. You’ll want to attach the bowl to the top of the candle holder to create a kind of pedestal. 

Once you’ve got your holder ready, arrange the pebbles or stones around the holder in a way that you think looks nice. You can go for a symmetrical design or a more free-form approach – it’s completely up to you! My tip? Try using a few holders of differing heights to give your rock arrangement some dimension. 

Christmas Ornaments

If you’re looking for a creative way to display your holiday decorations, try using candle holders as ornament stands! It’s a great way to repurpose those old candle holders that you never use. Arrange several candle holders together and place your Christmas ornaments on top to get started.

The best part is that you can use various kinds of candle holders. Place one ornament on top of a small taper candle holder, or pile them on top of a pedestal candle holder. You can even fill votive candle holders with several small ornaments in different colors.

This tip not only works great for Christmas, but it’s also a fantastic way to incorporate more seasonal decorations into your home. Swap out your decorative orbs and balls for Easter eggs in the spring or some fruit in the summer to add some holiday flair!

Conclusion

Who knew there were so many creative ways to use candle holders? No matter your personal design style, there’s always a way to incorporate candle holders into your tablescape or home decor.

Since this is such a low-stakes decor hack, don’t be afraid to have fun with it and mix, match, and experiment with a few (or all!) of these methods to create a look that’s unique to you. So, dust off that old candle holder that’s been sitting in the back of your closet and give it an instant upgrade!