Decorating With Candles

Lighting is one of the most powerful visual elements in home design. Subtle changes in lighting can make a room look warm or cold, festive or romantic, classic or postmodern. But few people really appreciate the effect of candles, the light, calm feeling of being surrounded by natural light. Candles have a much more relaxing effect than electric lights, and with all the designs now available, they offer just as much in terms of aesthetic appeal.

But like any other style, decorating with candles has its challenges. For one thing, you’re working with natural light, so the mood and brightness are harder to control. And since they’re dimmer, you’ll need to find ways to play up the light. But if you know the right tricks, you can easily use candles to transform your room into a warm, relaxing haven. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Keep it low. The appeal of candle decorating lies in its delicate subtlety. Too many candles can overwhelm a room with brightness, not to mention pose a fire hazard. Arrange your candles so that their lights don’t overlap and each one lights only a particular area. That way, each candle stands out on its own and you can appreciate their decorative value. You don’t have to light the entire room; in fact, leaving some areas dim can make it more dramatic.

Add variety. One of the best things about candles is that you don’t have to stick to a theme. You can combine a colorful, whimsical candle with a more understated one and still get a nice contrast. If you want to cluster several candles, try using a variety of colors, widths, and heights. Uniform candles tend to look too formal. You can also use different styles across the room, but make sure the lights are still balanced.

Maximize the light. Candlelight is naturally dim, so you need to make the most of the light available. Use mirrors to reflect the light and illuminate other areas without using additional candles. If you’re styling your bathroom, try placing a large mirror across one wall. This will bounce light off the entire room and make it look more spacious. Don’t place candles directly underneath, though—this will cast unflattering shadows over your reflection.

Get creative holders. Sometimes what grabs attention is not the candle itself, but the candle holder. The candle takes care of the lighting, while the holder provides the decorative appeal. Get attractive holders that can fit plain, standard-size candles, and you can mix and match throughout the year without spending on new ones.

Safety comes first. Fire hazards are the major drawback of decorating with candles. Keep your candles short—a lot of fires start from tall candles toppling over. If you’re using a holder, make sure it’s stable and don’t put it on an uneven surface. Don’t keep them light overnight, or while you’re asleep or away, and keep them away from anything that can catch fire (paper, books, curtains, bed sheets).