30 Tips for Using Candles Inside and Around Fireplaces

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Candles are a fantastic way to turn your fireplace into a focal point, even when empty and unused.

There are so many fun ways to decorate, from modern, elegant candles filling your hearth to DIY setups. Fireplace candles inside the hearth can bring a little extra magic to your Christmas festivities or set the mood with a romantic glow on Valentine’s Day. With creative ideas like adding candles to your mantel or surrounding them with greenery, it’s easy to elevate the feel of any room.

This guide is packed with tips and tricks for picking suitable candles for any occasion, ensuring your fireplace becomes the heart of your home’s decor.

Ideas for using candles around fireplaces

candles in fireplace styling
Image: @theheartandhaven

1. Use Pillar Candles in Fireplace: Opt for large pillar candles in your fireplace to create a bold, modern look. Cluster different heights for visual interest.

2. Flameless Candles for Safety: If you have pets or kids, flameless candles in the fireplace are a safe alternative. They provide ambiance without the risk of fire.

ideas to cover fireplace opening
Image: @victorian_cottage_1885

3. Fireplace Candle Candelabra: Invest in a candelabra to hold multiple candles neatly inside your empty fireplace. It offers a sophisticated and balanced display.

4. Mix Real and Fake Candles: Use a combination of real and fake candles in the fireplace for layered lighting and longevity. You can keep some candles burning while others stay lit with LED.

candles for fireplace
Image: @kira_turner

5. Seasonal Candle Swaps: Change the colors and scents of your fireplace candles with the seasons. Use rich colors like burgundy and gold in fall and winter, and lighter tones in spring and summer.

6. Use Lanterns in Fireplace: Fill your fireplace with lanterns of varying sizes for a rustic, cozy vibe. Add candles to the lanterns to make them glow beautifully.

how to style candles fireplace
Image: @taymum_ fireplace

7. Mirror Candles in Fireplace: Place a mirror behind candles in the fireplace to amplify the glow and make the space feel larger.

8. Mantel with Candles: Line your fireplace mantel with candles for a clean and elegant look. Use candlesticks in different heights, widths, and styles to match your décor.

fireplace mantel candles
Image: @rebelinteriordesign

9. Fireplace Candle Set: Purchase a fireplace candle set that includes various sizes and shapes for a cohesive and polished look. It simplifies decorating with candles.

10. Use Candles in a Fireplace Insert: If you have a fireplace insert, arrange candles inside to bring warmth and light without a fire. Use tall pillar candles for a classic look.

decor ideas for unused fireplaces
Image: @sheffieldsemi1930s

11. Surround Candles with Pinecones or Seasonal Decor: For a rustic touch, surround your fireplace candles with pinecones, small logs, or seasonal decorations like ornaments or faux snow for winter charm.

12. Decorate with Flameless Candles: Flameless candles are perfect for creating a warm atmosphere around your wood-burning stove, especially when it’s not in use.

unused fireplace decor
Image: @akrenovate

13. Group Candles with Decorative Objects: Enhance your candle arrangement with decorative objects like vases, sculptures, or books. This adds visual interest and makes the display more dynamic.

14. Candle Fireplace Screens: Incorporate a decorative fireplace screen and place candles behind it. The screen adds texture and dimension while letting the candlelight peek through.

candle display fireplace
Image: @abunchofwild

15. Candle Fireplace Holder: DIY a fireplace candle holder from reclaimed wood or metal to perfectly fit your fireplace. This keeps the candles stable and adds a personal touch.

16. Mix Candles with String Lights: Add a soft glow by pairing candles with string lights inside your fireplace. Wind the lights through the candles for a layered, twinkling effect.

candles in fireplace wedding
Image: @theheartandhaven

17. Choose Scented Candles: Enhance the experience with scented candles in the fireplace. Choose seasonal scents like pine for winter or citrus for summer.

18. Candle and Greenery Combo: Decorate your fireplace with candles and greenery for a fresh, natural look. Try garlands of eucalyptus or ivy to create an earthy, organic vibe.

use led candles around fireplaces
Image: @insidestudio

19. Pair Candles with Metal Elements: Use metal accents like copper, brass, or iron alongside candles in the fireplace. These materials reflect light and add a warm, industrial feel to your decor.

20. Wood Stove Surround Candles: When your wood-burning stove is not in use, place candles around it to soften the metal’s harsh lines and create a welcoming glow.

candles beside wood stove
Image: @around.robyn

21. Fireplace Filled with Candles: For a breathtaking display, fill an entire fireplace with candles. Mix pillar and taper candles to add variety.

22. Mix Candle Styles: For a curated look, combine modern and traditional candles in the fireplace. Try sleek, modern candles in front of more rustic options.

farmhouse style mantel tiles
Image: @that_home_with_the_pugs

23. DIY Candle Display: Get creative by making your own fireplace candle display.

24. Floating Candle Display: Create a unique look by placing floating candles in shallow glass bowls or trays of water inside the fireplace. The reflection of the water adds a serene, calming effect.

are candles ok in unused fireplace
Image: @nzbells

25. Candles on Mantel Ideas: Elevate the look of your mantel with elegant candle arrangements. Use geometric candle holders for a more contemporary style.

26. Fireplace Candle Decor: Use glass hurricanes or candle holders to protect your candles from drafts in the fireplace. They also help create a polished, sophisticated look.

farmhouse fireplace tile ideas
Image: @alphamartsus

27. Cluster Candles Around Wood Burning Stove: Place candles on the hearth or nearby surfaces around your wood-burning stove to enhance the warmth and ambiance of the space.

28.Use Black Candles for Dramatic Contrast: Black candles inside a light-colored fireplace make a bold, dramatic statement. This is perfect for a modern or gothic aesthetic.

how to use candles fireplace
Image: @taymum_

29. Surround Candles with Pebbles or Sand: Add texture by placing small pebbles or a layer of sand around the base of your candles. This works well for a minimalist, zen-inspired display.

30. Candle Fireplace Ideas for Holiday Decor: Decorate your fireplace with candles during the holidays. For Halloween, use black and orange candles; for Christmas, opt for red, green, or metallics.

Fireplace with candles

Using candles in and around fireplaces is a versatile and beautiful way to add warmth, style, and ambiance to your home.

From classic pillar candles and candelabras to more modern touches like flameless candles and lanterns, there are endless possibilities for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Whether you’re decorating for a special occasion like a wedding or Christmas, or simply elevating your everyday decor, fireplace candles can instantly transform your space.

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