What Can I Put My Floating Candles In?

Floating candles have become an increasingly popular home decor item over the last few years. Their unique design, where the candle floats on water inside a container, creates a magical and mesmerizing effect as the candle burns. The flickering flame is reflected on the water below, adding to the ambiance. Floating candles look great on their own, but also make beautiful centerpieces when grouped together in clusters. They can be used to decorate for special occasions like parties and holidays, or as part of an everyday tablescape. The variety of holders available for floating candles also makes them highly versatile for different decor styles and spaces.

Glass Bowls

Glass bowls are one of the most popular containers for floating candles. Their transparent nature allows the candlelight to shine through beautifully. There are many common household glass bowls that work well:

Small glass bowls and ramekins used for condiments or dips make great holders for tealight candles. Larger glass mixing bowls, salad bowls, and serving bowls accommodate standard floating candles. For especially large floating candles, look for big glass punch bowls or fish bowls.

Glass bowls come in a variety of shapes like round, square, oval, and rectangular. Rounded shapes tend to complement floating candles best. The bowl’s opening should be wide enough for easy placement and removal of the candle.

Thickness is also an important factor. Thin glass may crack from the candle’s heat. Thicker, durable glass works best. Glass thickness is described in millimeters or ounces – opt for at least 4-5mm or 12-16oz for longevity. According to Amazon, their selection of floating candle bowls range from 5mm to 12mm thick.

Metal & Ceramic Bowls

Metals like copper, iron, and tin make excellent candle containers. According to Metal Tin Pack, metal tins are a popular candle container choice because they are affordable, sturdy, and conduct heat well to disperse fragrance (Metal Tin Pack). Metal containers come in a variety of sizes and shapes like tins, buckets, and pails.

Ceramic containers like porcelain and stoneware are also safe options for floating candles. As Lifen Reflection notes, ceramics are long-lasting, heat-resistant, and sealed so they are ideal candle vessels (Lifen Reflection). Glazed ceramics in particular won’t absorb fragrance oils. Bowls and jars made of porcelain, ceramic, or stoneware lend a classic, elegant look to floating candle displays.

The advantages of metal and ceramic containers are that they are durable, retain heat, limit fragrance absorption, and provide decorative accent pieces for floating candle displays.

Vases

Vases make classic and elegant containers for floating candles. Long cylindrical shapes work particularly well to complement the candles’ cylindrical form and create a cohesive look. Popular options include:

• Glass vases – These let light shine through and create a warm, glowing effect. Clear glass blends seamlessly while colored glass adds a pop of color. Glass is available in many shapes and sizes (https://www.yummicandles.com/products/floating-candles-and-cylinder-vases-set-of-36).
• Ceramic vases – These have an organic, earthy feel and come in many glazes like a glossy finish or a matte terra cotta. Sturdy and heavyweight.
• Crystal vases – For elegance and sophistication. The intricate cuts reflect candlelight beautifully.

Vases designed specifically for floating candles often have flat bottoms so they sit straight and tall. Their long, slim silhouette spotlights the candles. Popular sizes range from 3″ diameter x 4″ tall up to 3″ x 12″.

Platters & Trays

Platters and trays with slight edges are an excellent option for holding multiple floating candles at once. The flat surface contains the candles while the short edges prevent them from floating away. Trays allow you to group candles together to create an elegant table centerpiece or mantel display.

Look for rectangular or oval platters made of metal, ceramic, or glass. Trays often come in set sizes, so measure your floating candles’ diameter when choosing one. Opt for a tray at least 1-2 inches wider on all sides than your largest candle. This prevents crowding and allows enough space for the candles to float freely.

Trays are available in round, square, and rectangular shapes to suit your display needs. Rectangular platters work well for lining up floating candles in a row. Round and square trays create a clustered, organic look. For very large displays, look for oversized trays at least 15-18 inches long. These can hold 5 or more standard floating candles.

Trays offer a quick, fuss-free way to display floating candles for special events and home decor. Their simplicity also allows the candles to take center stage. For added visual interest, use trays with decorative patterns, materials like marble or wood, or metallic finishes like antique gold or silver.

Terracotta Pots

Terracotta pots make for a classic and earthy container for floating candles. The natural terracotta material pairs beautifully with the soft glow of a flame. Short and squat terracotta pots work best to provide a stable base for floating candles.

Choose a terracotta pot that already has a drainage hole in the bottom, which will allow the floating candle to sit low inside the pot. If needed, you can drill your own drainage hole in the base of the pot before using it for candles. Be sure the pot is thoroughly clean and dry before placing a floating candle inside.

For a quick and easy floating candle holder, place a terracotta pot on a plate or tray to catch any wax drippings. Or get creative and use terracotta pots in a variety of sizes stacked together for visual interest. Small terracotta pots can also be clustered together for multiple floating candles.

Seal the interior of terracotta pots before use with decoupage medium and silicone caulk to prevent moisture damage (source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199354720996155218/). Then add waterproof floating candles for a worry-free indoor or outdoor accent.

Woven Baskets

Woven baskets make an excellent container choice for floating candles. The organic, natural fibers of a woven basket complement the warm, cozy aesthetic of floating candles. Opt for baskets made of all-natural materials like rattan, bamboo, jute, or sea grass to enhance the rustic vibe.

The open weave construction of a basket allows flickering candlelight to shine through attractively. This creates a magical ambiance perfect for relaxing evenings at home. Look for baskets sized appropriately to fit your floating candles, with some extra space around the edges.

For a decorative touch, choose a basket with interesting textures, patterns, or dyed colors. An oversized basket can hold multiple floating candles for a striking centerpiece. Place the basket on an elevated surface like a side table, mantel, or shelf so the candles are at eye level.

Examples of floating candle baskets to try are rattan lantern covers, woven laundry baskets, or decorative wastebaskets sized for candles. Just ensure any basket you use is fire-resistant. For a fun DIY project, make your own floating candle basket from a basic unfinished rattan or straw basket.

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Super-Candle-Basket-Lovers/dp/B009Y7AMFS

Decorative Bowls

Decorative bowls add visual flair and interest when used to hold floating candles. Options like embellished, colored, or patterned bowls provide more visual appeal compared to plain glass or metal bowls. The texture and colors of an ornate decorative bowl can complement floating candles and enhance their ambient glow.

Look for decorative bowls with glossy finishes, metallic touches, or hand-painted designs to showcase floating candles. Bowls with scalloped edges, ruffled detailing, or faceted cuts also add intrigue. For a coordinated look, choose a decorative bowl that matches your overall home decor style and color palette.

Place a floating candle in the center of a decorative bowl to let the candlelight dance off the bowl’s surface. Cluster multiple floating candles in a large decorative bowl for visual impact. Use decorative bowls of varying shapes, sizes, and designs to create an eclectic candle display.

Alternative Containers

Some unexpected household items that can be used as floating candle holders include:

• Glasses – wine glasses, martini glasses, and other glassware make excellent floating candle containers. The glass allows the candlelight to shine through beautifully.
• Jars – mason jars, pickle jars, spaghetti sauce jars, and other glass jars can be repurposed as floating candle holders.
• Lanterns – paper lanterns or even metal and glass lanterns can be used. Place a floating candle inside for a lovely glow.
• Plates – shallow ceramic plates or decorative glass plates can hold floating candles. Cluster several together for impact.
• Cups and Mugs – teacups, mugs, and glass cups can hold floating tea lights or small floating candles.

The key is choosing clear glass or translucent containers that allow light to pass through. Unexpected vessels like these add visual interest and a creative touch to floating candle displays. Look around your home for unique pieces to repurpose.[1]

Tips for Use

When using floating candles, there are some safety tips to keep in mind for optimal use:

According to Candle Safety Tips – Creative Candles, you should trim the wick to 1⁄4” before lighting to avoid excess smoke and promote even burning. The shape of the candle can impact burn time, with taller candles often burning longer than wider candles.

As recommended by Candle Use & Safety – Beverly Hills Candle, avoid drafts, vents, and air currents around burning candles, as this can cause rapid, uneven burning, smoking, and dripping. Consider weather conditions if using floating candles outdoors.

Be mindful of dealing with heat from the flame. Use caution when moving the candles, allow them to cool fully before touching, and keep a safe distance to avoid potential burns, as advised by Candle Safety Advice – Waxlyrical.

With these tips in mind, floating candles can be used safely and effectively for atmospheric lighting.