How Do You Hold Pillar Candles In Place?

Pillar candles are a type of candles that are designed to stand alone. They have a wide base for stability, and the wax pillar is shaped into a cylinder or tapered cone. Unlike taper candles, pillar candles do not require any sort of candle holder as they can stand on their own. Pillar candles come in a range of diameters, from small votives to very thick pillars. They are commonly used for decorating because of their upright design, but they also provide lovely ambiance during candlelit dinners, parties and holidays celebrations (https://candles.org/facts-figures-2/).

Pillar candles make attractive centerpieces and are popular for mantles, tables, countertops, windowsills and other flat surfaces. Their upright cylindrical shape allows the flame to rise upward and create a narrow melted wax pool. The self-supporting design provides a decorative candle option that does not require purchasing separate holders. Pillar candles come in an array of colors, scents, sizes and styles to complement any decor.

Candle Holders

Candle holders come in a variety of materials like glass, metal, ceramic, wood, and more. Each material offers its own aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

Glass candle holders allow the candlelight to shine through attractively. They also resist heat well to avoid cracking or breaking. Popular styles are hurricane vases, jars, cylinders, and votives. Glass comes in clear, colored, or patterned designs.

Metal candle holders like iron, tin, aluminum, steel, and brass add structure. They often have interesting shapes with cutouts or sculptural styles. Metals conduct heat well so they remain cool to the touch. Sturdy metals hold taper and pillar candles upright.

Ceramic and porcelain candle holders provide colorful and decorative options. Glazes and patterns give them visual interest. These sturdy holders keep candles steady and upright. Terra cotta and earthenware styles give a rustic feel.

Wood candle holders offer natural beauty. Carved, shaped, or turned wood pieces provide unique designs. Wood shouldn’t be placed directly near a candle’s flame but can securely hold a candle. Wood holders give a cozy, earthy feel.

Homemade Candle Holders

One of the easiest ways to hold pillar candles is by repurposing household items into homemade candle holders. Glass jars, bottles, bowls, cups, and containers of all kinds can become beautiful, functional candle holders with a little creativity.

Short glass jars like mason jars make perfect holders for pillar candles. The jar opening should be just wide enough to fit the candle. Make sure to check that the candle fits securely before lighting it. For added decoration, jars can be painted, embellished with raffia or fabric, or have beads, flowers, or other trinkets glued around the outside. Refer to this guide for 35 DIY Candle Holder Ideas You Can Try Out using jars and bottles.

Bowls, cups, and short vases also work well for holding taper and pillar candles. Choose household dishware that complements the size and style of the candle. These holders can be used plain or decorated. Upcycling mismatched china into candle holders is an easy DIY project. Check out this tutorial for Simple DIY Candle Holders for Long Candles using cups and bowls.

Sand and Pebbles

One popular method for holding pillar candles in place is to fill a container with sand or pebbles and insert the candle into the sand or pebbles. As shared on Reddit, “Drip a little wax on the plate or whatever you set them on. Stick it down and the wax will keep it upright. Easy peasy!” (source). The weight and friction of the sand or pebbles holds the candle upright.

Both sand and pebbles work well for this purpose. Smooth pebbles may provide a firmer grip while sand conforms to the shape of the candle. The container can be any heatproof vessel such as a bowl, mug, or candle holder. Glass and metal work best as the smooth surfaces allow for easy insertion and removal of the candle.

A layer of sand or pebbles about 1-2 inches deep is usually sufficient to hold standard sized pillar candles. Too little and the candle won’t stand up straight. Too much and it may be tricky to insert the candle. The sand and pebbles can be reused as long as they are cleaned out after each use.

This method provides a quick and easy way to hold pillar candles securely. The sand and pebbles also catch any melting wax drips for easy clean up. It’s ideal for temporary candle displays or holding candles during rituals, ceremonies, or prayer (source). With a little creativity, sand and pebbles can be incorporated into attractive candleholders for home decor as well.

Wax Drips

One of the biggest annoyances with pillar candles is dealing with wax drips. As the candle burns down, wax can drip down the side of the candle and make a mess on tabletops, mantels, and floors. There are a few techniques to prevent wax from dripping and making a mess.

One simple solution is to place something underneath the candle to catch any wax drips. Foil or wax paper work well for this. Simply place a piece of foil or wax paper under the candle before lighting. The wax will drip onto the foil or paper instead of the surface below. Just be sure to keep an eye on the foil or paper as the candle burns down. Replace it as needed to prevent wax from dripping off the edge (Source).

You can also find metal or glass candle plates designed specifically for catching wax. These catch drips and can be cleaned after use. Place pillar candles on the plates to allow wax to pool on the plate surface instead of the table or floor below.

Melting Candles

One technique for making candles fit into holders is to melt and reshape the bottom of the candle so it is narrower. This allows candles that are too wide to fit into candle holders designed for narrower tapers.

To melt the bottom of a candle, use the following steps:

• Use a lighter or match to gently warm the base of the candle. Move the flame around to soften the wax without burning it.
• Once soft enough, pinch and roll the bottom of the candle between your fingers or use your fingers to press the sides inward. Reshape it into a more tapered end that will fit the holder.
• Dip the reshaped end of the candle into a bowl of cold water to set the wax and hold its new shape. Dry thoroughly before placing in the holder.

You can also use a hair dryer to soften the base of the candle before reshaping it. Take care not to melt too much or you may need to cut some off the bottom.

Some candle makers recommend avoiding reshaping candles too often, as it can weaken the wax and cause bendy tapers. But occasional reshaping should not harm the candle’s structure.

With practice, you can easily melt and shape candles to fit any holder. Just remember to work carefully and avoid overheating or burning the wax.

Candle Placement

When placing pillar candles, it’s important to put them on stable, heat-resistant surfaces. Avoid placing candles near anything flammable like curtains, books, paper, furniture, etc. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles should be placed at least one foot away from anything that can burn (NFPA).

For maximum stability, place pillar candles in sturdy holders that will not tip over easily. The holder should be made of a non-flammable material like metal, glass or ceramic. The holder should be wider and heavier than the candle to prevent tipping and spilling of hot wax (The Hartford).

Placing pillar candles on surfaces like wood tables or shelves is not recommended. However, you can add protection by putting felt pads, coasters or trivets underneath. This creates an insulating barrier to prevent scorching. Just make sure the protective layer is larger than the candle’s base (Puroclean).

When grouping multiple pillar candles together, allow at least several inches between each one. This prevents flames from getting too close and melting the candles. Stagger the candles at different heights for visual interest and stability.

Never place candles near drafts or vents as this can cause rapid, uneven burning and dripping. Avoid positioning candles in the pathway of household traffic. Window sills and high shelves are other poor candle locations due to potential vibration or being knocked over.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while displaying pillar candles, there are some troubleshooting tips that can help fix common problems.

Crooked candles that lean while burning are a common nuisance. To prevent this, make sure your candle holder or base is level and stable. Avoid placing candles near vents or drafts that can cause the flame to flicker unevenly. You can also use something heat-resistant like play sand, aquarium gravel, or melted wax to help anchor the base of the candle (https://suffolkcandles.co.uk/pages/candle-making-guide).

To prevent or minimize wax damage, place a protective pad or coaster under the candle holder. Clean up spilled wax as soon as the candle burns out, while the wax is still warm and easy to remove. Use a plastic scraper to chip off dried wax residue. Avoid using materials that wax can permeate like cloth or unfinished wood.

If you notice black smoke or an unpleasant smell while burning, trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. This prevents soot buildup. Ventilate the room to prevent the smoke from accumulating.

Always keep a close eye on burning candles. Extinguish pillar candles when they have burned within 2 inches of the bottom to prevent breakage. Never leave burning candles unattended.

Creative Candle Display

Candles can add warmth and atmosphere to any space when displayed creatively. Here are some ideas for decorative and artistic candle arrangements:

Cluster candles of varying heights on a mantle or table for visual interest. Mix pillar candles, tapers, and votives in complementary colors and styles. According to design experts, odd numbers work best for clustered candle displays. Arrange 3-5 candles in a vignette for maximum impact.

Alternate pillar candles with flower heads, greenery, berries, pinecones, or other seasonal decorations down the center of a dining table. The candles will provide a lovely glow during dinner.

Place large pillar candles or groupings of smaller candles in unexpected containers like glass bowls, old books, pots, baskets or lanterns. The container you choose can match your decor. For example, rustic burlap-wrapped candles would complement farmhouse style.

In a bathroom, arrange votive candles around the edges of a tub or display pillar candles on the vanity. The soft lighting creates a spa-like ambiance.

Hang candle holders from varying heights along a wall or mantle. Try sconces, macrame hangers, wreath forms, or wire hangers. Mixing the styles and heights of your hanging candle displays makes for an artistic installation.

Group pillar candles and greenery in the center of a coffee table or side table for an inviting glow. Try nestling votives within the greenery for added sparkle.

With creativity and the right mix of candles, holders and decorations, you can design artistic candle displays to complement any room and style.

Conclusion

Candles are a wonderful way to add ambiance, fragrance, and a soft glowing light to any space. With some simple homemade or purchased candle holders, a bit of creativity, and attention to fire safety, pillar candles can be displayed beautifully and kept in place securely. The right holder in the right location can prevent messes from melted wax while allowing the candle to burn evenly all the way down.

Consider glass, metals, stones, wood blocks, ramekins, bowls, jars, and platters make great improvised holders. For quick, homemade options, melted wax drips, sand, rocks, marbles and other heavy materials can weigh down pillar candle bases. Always keep fire safety in mind by placing candles on stable, flat surfaces away from flammable materials. Test placements beforehand and watch for signs of tipping. Move or secure candles that seem unstable or angled.

With a few troubleshooting tips in mind, pillar candles can be an easy, lovely addition to any space. Get creative with candle displays by clustering colors and sizes, combining with greenery and florals, or arranging them at different heights. Candles are meant to be enjoyed, so find ways to hold them in place that delights the eye as well as the nose.