Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week, we have tips for decorating with candles.
With shorter days and cooler nights upon us and the holidays around the corner, there’s no better time to experiment with candles. A wintry scent wafting through a foyer or a dramatic candelabra atop a fireplace mantle can elevate the mood.
“Candles are everything to the ambience of a room. Not only is the scent wonderfully evocative of whatever scene you are trying to set, but there is nothing more cozy and glamorous than candlelight,” said Joanna Buchanan, owner and creative director of Joanna Buchanan, a home and lifestyle brand based in New York. “To me, candles are an extension of the room décor––whatever emotion you are trying to create in a room or on a table, your candles should absolutely underscore that design choice.”
Mansion Global asked three design pros to share their thoughts on decorating with candles, just in time for the season.
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Stage a Grouping of Pillar Candles
“Low pillars and votives are the best candles for coffee and side tables. If your dining table is on the narrow side, pillar candles or votives are more practical than tapers, which can be knocked over if you’re passing dishes. As decorative objects, pillar candles have mass, which gives them more presence than tapers.
“Place pillar candles on a low stand or in a hurricane if you’re using them on a dining table. It looks nicer than setting them directly on the surface. Placing three pillar candles of varying heights on a low stack of books or tray is a terrific way to fill out a tablescape. They’re simple and structural. I strongly prefer white pillars to colors. White candles are the most versatile. Certain colors can look tacky, unfortunately.
“I’m terribly picky about scent––there are a lot of stinky candles out there. I prefer delicate fragrances such as pomegranate and rosemary, although I go nuts at Christmas and keep a fir-scented candle going in my office. Never use scented candles in a dining room: The fragrance interferes with the food.
“I like candles that are made from clean, natural materials such as beeswax and soy. I love Cococozy candles. They’re beautiful and delicately scented.”
Designer Annie Elliott suggested placing a group of pillar candles with varying heights.
Angie Seckinger
—Designer Annie Elliott in Washington, D.C.
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Create Layers for a Rich Look
“Using different shapes and heights, but within a tight palette, is a lovely and easy way to create a vignette with real visual interest. The differing heights also mean that you can layer in flowers and fresh greenery––also in varying heights––to create a rich and multidimensional look.
“It’s tricky to mix too many styles of candles, but votives and tea lights can be seen as almost non-existent on tablescapes because their purpose is to create gorgeous flickering light, but they are not the main focus. Keep the containers for the votives simple and in the same color or vibe as your main candle story. Don’t let votives compete with your candle holders for candelabras. For example, if you are using elaborate silver candelabras, just use a small antique silver glass votive holder. It’s complementary and won’t fight the drama of the vintage silver.
“The vessel the candle comes in also plays a huge role in the choice of candle for a room. There are so many wonderful options out there. If your room has a rustic vibe, then pick an organic shaped vessel. If you have a glamorous home, then antique mercury glass is lovely.”
Layer flowers and fresh greenery with candles for a rich, dimensional look, as in this setting by Joanna Buchanan.
Courtesy of Joanna Buchanan
—Joanna Buchanan, owner and creative director of Joanna Buchanan in New York
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Add Funky-Shaped Candles for Depth
“I chose the vintage brass candle holders for the console for a touch of timeless elegance and character. They juxtapose nicely with the more eccentric candles for a blend of timeless charm and modern flair.
“The candles are a mixture of twisted tapered candles and 4-inch hobnail pillar candles. The pillar candles are carved to create the hobnail design while the tapers go through a special twisting process while hot to achieve the twist-effect. The sculptural effect of the candles impart a visual depth and dimension, each one is a work of art in its own right.
“The hobnail candles are by Creative Co-Op and can be found at local home decor boutiques and Etsy. The Floral Society has great candles that come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Their colors are rich and they burn slowly, sans dripping.
“Keep candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces. Use candle holders, trays or decorative dishes to create a cohesive look and protect your furniture from wax drips. Be mindful of allergies and sensitivities when using candles in spaces meant for entertaining. Some people may have negative reactions to strong scents.”
A mix of hobnail and twisted candles create depth and dimension in this room by Kristen Ennis.
Abigail Jackson
—Designer Kristen Ennis in Charlotte, North Carolina
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