Decorative Candles and Design

Interior designers know that there are a number of tricks to make candles function as simple and inexpensive decorations. Try some of these tricks to transform your home without shelling out a lot for a decorator:

*Set up candles on a ledge or mantle behind some panes of colored glass and position the candles so that they cast their light on the wall. Of course, make sure that there is nothing flammable nearby. The effect will be a rainbow-like tint on your walls, which looks stunning on both white and colored walls. You can add a few inexpensive ledges to your walls solely for this purpose.

*Take a tin or tin pail, paint it a pretty color and punch out tiny holes in the tin. Create decorative patterns with the holes. Then, place the tins or buckets in windows or on shelves and place tiny tea lights inside. In a dim room, the effect is very summery and fresh, as the light escapes the tiny holes in pretty patterns.

*Experiment with pretty candleholders. There are many craft shops, craft fairs, junk shops, and department stores selling candleholders. You are sure to find something that matches both your style and your budget. Look for old-fashioned tall candlesticks made from iron or brass and for candelabras, both of which can really liven up mantels and tabletops. Also, be on the lookout for tiny candleholders for tea lights. There are candleholders that project the candlelight through a thick pane of colored glass. The candle is lit behind the glass so that it is hidden and only its glow can be seen.

*Bunch decorative candles of different heights but the same colors together on a table. Even unlit, these create a very professional effect. You see this sort of arrangement in professionally-decorated homes all the time, but you can achieve the same effect yourself.

*Add candle shades. In Victorian homes, candles were placed in tall candleholders and women created pretty candle shades for the candle flame. Similar in appearance to lamp shades, candle shades dim down the flame of a candle for a softer glow and also can create pretty color variations. Add a pink candle shade to a candle, for example, and you will get soft pink candle light. This can be very useful if you are trying to get a specific effect. Beyond that, candle shades can look very elegant.

*Experiment with unusual candles. Opt for unusual shades, sizes, shapes, and colors. Try an enormous candle surrounded by tiny tea lights. Or try a huge round candle. Opt for a candle that has a rich, multi-layered scent. Whatever you do, try candles that attract attention. It's a lot less expensive than artwork and can easily be changed with your mood or style.

*Create centerpieces with candles. Place candles in a wreath, under a bell jar or in a pretty basket. Place some unit candles on top of your books, creating a pretty display. While your candles are sitting around waiting to be used, you can make the most of their pretty shapes and colors by displaying them.

Article source: http://decorative-candles.blogspot.com/2007/09/decorative-candles-and-design.html

Decorative Candles

Year-round, decorative candles can transform your home for each holiday. Even if you don't have a lot of time and money to make your home look festive, a few candles can make your home always ready for a celebration. For New Years' try lighting up a room with lots of tiny candles tucked into tiny colored glasses. The effect will add a soft glow to cozy celebrations and will not be too glaring for the first moments of the new year.

For Valentine's day, surprise someone special by placing dozens of tiny candles along a bubble bath. Cluster more candles along the bathroom floor and in the bedroom. Turn off all the lights and enjoy the stunning effect. Consider sprinkling some rose petals in among the candles to create an even prettier effect, and don't forget the romantic candle-lit dinner first. Red and white candles are best for this effect.

For summertime celebrations, consider dining alfresco by candlelight. Set up an outdoor eating area and fire up the barbeque. Set up lots of candles on the table and surround yourself with citronella candles to keep mosquitoes and insects at bay. Try blue, white, and red candles for Independence Day and create a flag using red, white, and blue tea lights on a table.

For Halloween, add some dark candles to your home. Browse junk shops to find large old candelabras or large old-fashioned tall candlesticks. They don't have to be in great shape – in fact, it's even better if they are beat up a little bit. Place the plain dark candles in the candlesticks and light them. Tilt the candles a little bit so that the wax drips down the candle and pools decoratively in the candleholder. When Halloween comes, light your creepy candles and use them to light up your home or table. Just make sure to keep young trick-or-treaters clear of the candles for their own safety. Of course, don't forget to tuck candles into carved jack-o-lanterns for a spooky effect.

For the holiday season, try lighting multicolored candles in your windows. Just be sure to keep curtains out of the way and you can light up the neighborhood with colorful lights. In the past, of course, Christmas trees were lit up by candles clamped to the tree with metal springs. That is considered too much a fire hazard today, but candles are still a big part of the holiday season at this time of year, symbolizing the coming light in the days of greatest darkness.

Consider placing pretty candles on your mantelpieces, surrounded by holly and other greenery. It's a nice way to bring light and greenery to your home during the coldest days of the year. Be sure to light plenty of scented candles in your home during the winter months as well. You will likely be keeping your windows and doors closed during the cold days, and this can create a lot of stale air indoors, especially with the dusty smell of most heating systems. Candles can be a great solution, keeping your home smelling pleasant and fresh even when fresh air is not available.

Article source: http://decorative-candles.blogspot.com/2007/09/decorative-candles.html