How Do You Hang Floating Candles From The Ceiling?

Floating candles have become an increasingly popular decorative item for adding ambience to events and home decor. Often used in pools, centerpieces, and accent lighting, floating candles provide a magical glowing effect as the flame seems to hover over water or space.

The illusion of a floating flame draws attention and interest. Floating candles are visually striking, creating a warm and cozy mood. They are frequently used to enhance the atmosphere for romantic dinners, weddings, parties, and holidays. Their versatility also allows them to be used year-round in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Compared to traditional supported candles, floating candles have a convenience factor. They don’t require candle holders and can be simply floated in bowls or pools of water. Battery-operated floating candles provide even more convenience as they don’t require lighting by flame. Their enchanting effect has made floating candles a staple for event planners, homeowners, and interior designers looking to set the perfect scene.

This article will provide tips on selecting, hanging, arranging, lighting, and maintaining floating candles to help create a gorgeous focal point for any occasion.

Safety Considerations

When using floating candles, it’s crucial to take safety precautions to prevent fire hazards.

According to Waxlyrical, floating candles should only be used when floating in water. Place them in a suitable water-filled container to avoid potential fire risks. Never place floating candles directly on surfaces like wood, cloth, or plastic.

Keep floating candles away from anything flammable, recommends Collective Candles. Position them far from drapes, paper decorations, plants, and other combustibles. Leave ample space around candles, at least 12 inches. Be mindful of hanging décor or fabrics that could blow over the candles.

According to safety tips from Beverly Hills Candle, avoid drafts around burning floating candles. Air currents can cause rapid, uneven burning which increases fire risks. Don’t place floating candles near vents or open windows and doors.

Choosing Floating Candles

When selecting floating candles, you’ll first need to decide between wax and oil. Wax candles float by surrounding the wick with wax that sits atop water. Oil candles float by putting the wick in oil that sits in a glass container. Wax candles come in more shapes like rounds, squares, pillars, and tapers, while oil candles are typically round or square votives.

For round wax candles, popular sizes are 3”, 2.25”, and 1.75” diameters. Square wax candles are commonly 2.25”. If you want tall pillars, go with wax. For oil candles, common sizes are 2.25” rounds and squares.

Consider the shape and size based on your goals. Large pillar wax candles make dramatic individual accents. Many small votive oil candles create a serene floating sea. Mix shapes and sizes for visual interest.

See the wide selection of floating candles available.

Choosing Containers

When selecting containers for floating candles, you’ll need to decide between glass or plastic options. Glass containers are more elegant and allow the candlelight to shine through, creating a warm ambiance. However, plastic containers are much cheaper and safer, especially if you have kids or pets. They’re also more durable if placing the floating candles in a pool or fountain.

For indoor use, glass vases and cylinders in various shapes and sizes work well. Cylinders ranging from 4-12 inches tall are common. For outdoor pools and fountains, larger 12-24 inch plastic containers are better to keep candles contained. Consider the look you’re going for – clusters of smaller candles or fewer larger ones. Mixing shapes and sizes can create visual interest.

For safety, always check the container specs and select ones designed specifically for floating candles. Never overload the containers – follow instructions for maximum number of candles. Larger containers will be needed for bigger candles or multiple smaller ones grouped together. Prepare to purchase quite a few identical vessels for uniform, cohesive look when floating multiples.

(Source: https://www.candles4less.com/collections/floating-candle-holders)

Hanging Methods

There are a few popular methods for hanging floating candles from the ceiling:

Fishing Line

One simple approach is to use fishing line or monofilament. Tie the fishing line securely around the middle of the candle, leaving equal lengths hanging down. Then attach the ends of the fishing line to screw hooks or cup hooks secured into the ceiling. The clear line will be nearly invisible so the candles appear suspended in mid-air. Make sure the lines are taut so the candles don’t sway or spin. Use a lighter test line like 2-4 lb for smaller candles or up to 30 lb braided fishing line for larger ones [1].

Command Hooks

Another option is command hooks with fishing line or string. Apply two command hooks to the ceiling spaced a few inches apart. Tie string between the hooks and suspend the candle from the middle of the line. The command hooks allow easy install and removal without damaging the ceiling. Use heavy duty hooks and avoid extremely heavy candles to prevent the hooks from pulling loose [2].

Wreath Rings

For a grouped display, attach candles to a wreath ring hung horizontally. Wire or zip-tie candles at intervals along the ring then hang it from the ceiling on fishing line or hooks. Space candles close together for a dramatic cluster or further apart for a more sparse arrangement. Ensure the ring is rigid enough to support the weight.

Arranging and Spacing

When hanging multiple floating candles, it’s important to consider the arrangement and spacing. This will impact the overall look and ambiance. Here are some tips:

Vary the heights for visual interest. Mix floating candles of different lengths. Taller candles can go in the back and shorter ones in front. Or place candles of mixed heights randomly throughout.

Create patterns and shapes. Arrange candles in circular, square, triangle or diamond formations. Outline the dance floor or focal point with a shape of floating candles.

Allow enough space between candles. As a general rule, leave at least 12 inches between each candle to prevent potential fire hazards. More space can create a cleaner, safer look.

Highlight focal points. Use clustered or low-hanging floating candles over tables, the dance floor, or other key areas you want to accent.

Set the mood with heights. Hanging candles lower creates a more intimate feel, while spacing them higher makes a bold, dramatic statement.

Consider mixing heights and sizes. Large pillars paired with low floating candles produces an elegant, mixed look. Or fill in gaps with small votives.

Follow other decor. Arrange candles to complement or accent other ceiling, wall or table decorations.

Define spaces. Use floating candle placements to distinguish separate spaces like the dance floor, dining area, bar, etc.

Lighting and Extinguishing Floating Candles

When lighting multiple floating candles, it is best to light them one at a time to avoid drafts blowing out the flames before they are fully lit. Use a long match or lighter to reach the wick without getting your fingers wet. Be patient and allow each candle to fully ignite before moving on to the next.

Drafts and air currents can be tricky with floating candles since the flame is exposed. Avoid placing them near vents, open windows and doors. Consider lighting candles in a sheltered area if breezes are expected. You can also use hurricane lamps or other glass containers to protect against drafts.

To extinguish floating candles, again use a long match or lighter to gently snuff out the flame without getting your fingers wet. For large displays, it is safest to extinguish candles one by one rather than blowing them all out at once. Make sure wicks are no longer glowing before leaving candles unattended.

Let burnt candles fully cool before removing from water to avoid wax adhering to the container. Hardened wax can be peeled or scraped away. Avoid dumping hot wax down drains where it may clog pipes as it hardens.

Other Decor Considerations

Floating candles can create a magical ambiance, but the look can be enhanced by adding complementary decor elements. Here are some ideas for accessorizing your floating candle decor:

• Add some height and visual interest by incorporating tall glass vases, candles of varying heights, or hanging lanterns at different levels (source 1).
• Consider draping tulle, chiffon, or other sheer fabric around or beneath the floating candles to soften and enhance the magical look (source 2).
• Use votive candles, tea lights, or battery-operated candles around the base or edges of the display to extend the candlelight ambiance (source 1).
• Incorporate natural elements like flowers, branches, or leaves to complement the candles (source 2).
• Use mirrors or reflective surfaces below the floating candles to create the illusion of more candles and enhance the ambient lighting effect.

By carefully selecting complementary decor elements, you can create a cohesive look that enhances the magical, ambient lighting effect of the floating candles.

Event-Specific Tips

Floating candles can be a beautiful addition to many different events and occasions. Here are some tips for using floating candles for specific events:

Weddings

Floating candles make romantic and elegant accents for weddings. Arrange floating candles in clusters on reception tables or line pathways with them. For a dramatic look, cluster floating candles in different heights and sizes on pillars or pedestals near the dance floor or head table. See this romantic reception tablescape with floating candles: [insert Pinterest URL here]

Parties

For parties, arrange floating candles in glass vases or bowls on buffets, bars, mantels, and tablescapes. Try grouping candles of alternating colors for visual interest. Add flowers or greenery to tie your party’s theme. Floating candles also make fun party favors – place a floating candle in a glass jar or votive holder for guests to take home. Get party inspiration from this tropical floating candle centerpiece: [insert Pinterest URL here]

Holidays

Holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve are perfect for floating candle displays. For Christmas, arrange red and white floating candles in glass cylinders or on Christmas tree branches. Group orange and black floating candles in glass pumpkins or cauldrons for Halloween. Ring in the New Year with white floating candles in champagne flutes or glasses. Check out this Dramatic Halloween floating candle centerpiece: [insert Pinterest URL here]

Maintenance

Floating candles require some regular maintenance to keep them looking beautiful and performing properly. Here are some tips for cleaning and storing your floating candles:

Wax can drip down the sides of glass containers or bowls holding floating candles. Allow candles to completely cool and harden first. Then carefully peel off any hardened wax on sides of container. Gently scrub remaining wax with a soft cloth or sponge and warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as these can scratch glass surfaces. For tough wax, try freezing container briefly – wax will become brittle and chip off more easily. Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning.

To store floating candles, wait for wax to harden completely then wrap in tissue or bubble wrap to protect from scratches. Store candles upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid stacking candles as weight can cause breakage.

Check wicks before reusing candles, trim if needed. Test burn candles occasionally to ensure they light properly when taken out for display.

With regular cleaning and proper storage between uses, floating candles can be enjoyed season after season.