In short: group candles in odd numbers at different heights, set them on a tray or other base so they look intentional, and choose a few spots where you will actually light them. Match the scent to the room, keep dining tables unscented, and keep every candle at least a foot from anything that can burn.
The basic rules
Group in odd numbers. Three or five candles look more natural than two or four.
Vary the heights. Mix tall tapers or pillars with medium jar candles and low votives. If your candles are all one size, raise some of them on a stack of books, a cake stand or a small box.
Give them a base. A tray, plate, wooden board or marble slab turns a few candles into a single arrangement and protects the furniture from heat and wax.
Mix in other objects. A candle next to a small plant, a stack of books or a bowl looks more at home than a row of candles alone.
Choose fewer, better spots. One or two candle arrangements you light every evening do more than ten scattered candles you never use.
Living room
- Coffee table: a tray with one large jar candle, a small plant and a couple of books. Leave room for drinks.
- Mantel: a row or cluster at different heights. A mirror behind them doubles the light.
- Bookshelves: a jar candle looks lovely among books, but display it unlit there. Only light a candle on top of a bookcase or on an open shelf with at least 12 inches of clear space around and above it. Our guide to styling a bookshelf has more.
- Empty fireplace: a group of pillar candles inside a fireplace you don't use gives the glow of a fire in summer.
Warm, social scents suit living rooms: woods, amber, soft spice. For the full effect, see how to make a room feel cozy.
Dining room
Use unscented candles on the table, so the food is what people smell. Tapers in candlesticks look formal; a row of low votives looks relaxed. Keep table candles either above or below eye level so guests can see each other across the table. A scented candle on a sideboard or in the next room is fine.
Kitchen
A single candle by the sink or on an open shelf helps clear cooking smells. Choose clean, fresh or herbal scents that won't fight with food, and keep it well away from the stove, towels and anything hanging.
Bedroom
A candle on a dresser or a tray on a bench at the foot of the bed works better than one on a nightstand, where it is easy to knock over and easy to fall asleep beside. Calming scents like lavender, vanilla and soft musk suit the room. Blow it out before you lie down.
Bathroom
Small candles on the edge of a tub, a windowsill or a tray on the counter turn a bath into something nicer. Fresh, spa-like scents work best, such as eucalyptus, sea salt and peppermint. Our Eucalyptus candle in a ceramic jar was made for a bathroom counter.
Entryway
A candle on a console table gives guests a warm welcome and a first impression of how your home smells. Choose one you're happy for people to remember, and keep it clear of coats and keys.
Matching candles to your style
- Dark academia and traditional: amber glass, brass candlesticks, and leather or old-paper scents. See our dark academia decor guide.
- Farmhouse and rustic: wood boards, lanterns, iron holders, and wood, smoke or baking scents. See farmhouse vs. rustic.
- Modern and minimal: one sculptural candle or a single vessel, with plenty of empty space around it. See Japandi style.
Candle safety
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, including curtains, shelves above and lampshades.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Set candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Trim the wick to about a quarter inch before each burn.
- Burn no more than four hours at a time, and stop when about half an inch of wax is left.
- Keep candles away from drafts, vents and fans, which cause uneven burning and soot.
If you'd like scent without a flame, a wax melt warmer gives the same fragrance safely.
Common questions
Should I burn decorative candles? Yes. A candle that has been burned once looks more natural than one with a white, untouched wick, and the scent is the point.
What is the best candle for a large room? A three-wick candle, or two or three candles in different spots. Our Petrichor comes in a 20 oz three-wick size for this reason.