Candle holders are one of the most versatile decorative pieces in the home, but knowing how to style candle holders properly is what turns them from occasional décor into everyday styling essentials. When placed with intention, candle holders add warmth, height and balance across every room — without overwhelming the space.
At Pretty Little Home, we style candle holders as part of a wider home décor story. They’re not just seasonal accessories; they’re core pieces that work alongside trays, vases and decorative accents all year round. This guide explains how to style candle holders room by room, using simple principles that suit real UK homes.
Why Candle Holders Work as Everyday Home Decor
Candle holders earn their place in everyday styling because they tick several boxes at once.
They:
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Add vertical interest without bulk
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Create warmth without relying on colour
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Transition easily between seasons
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Work across multiple rooms
Unlike trend-led accessories, candle holders can stay in place year-round, making them ideal for neutral, timeless interiors.
Choosing the Right Candle Holders Before You Start Styling
Before thinking about placement, it helps to choose candle holders that are versatile enough to move around your home.
For everyday styling, look for:
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Glass candle holders for lighter, reflective spaces
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Ceramic or stoneware holders for texture
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Neutral finishes that pair well with other décor
This approach ensures your candle holders work just as well on a hallway console as they do on a dining table or shelf.
Styling Candle Holders in the Hallway
Hallways benefit from soft, welcoming décor rather than bold statements. Candle holders are ideal here because they add warmth without taking up valuable space.
For hallway styling:
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Use one or two candle holders on a console table
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Anchor them with a tray to keep the display contained
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Keep finishes neutral so they tie in with wreath and entrance styling
This approach works particularly well alongside wider hallway styling ideas covered in Hallway Decor Ideas for Your Home
Styling Candle Holders on a Console Table
Console tables are one of the most natural places for candle holders, especially in hallways and living spaces.
When thinking about candle decor ideas for a console table:
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Mix heights rather than using matching holders
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Keep spacing relaxed so the surface doesn’t feel crowded
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Pair candles with one larger decorative piece, such as a vase
This styling method builds on the principles shared in Console Table Styling Ideas for Every Season and helps your console table feel styled rather than staged:
Styling Candle Holders in the Living Room
In living rooms, candle holders should complement the space rather than compete with other décor.
Effective placements include:
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Grouping two candle holders on a tray on a sideboard
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Styling them on open shelving
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Using them as part of a coffee table arrangement
Glass candle holders work particularly well here, as they reflect light and keep the space feeling open and calm.
Styling Candle Holders on the Dining Table
Dining tables benefit from restraint.
For dining table candle decor:
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Choose low or mid-height candle holders
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Avoid overcrowding the table
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Stick to neutral tones that work for everyday use
This allows candles to add atmosphere without interfering with meals or conversation, making them practical as well as decorative.
Styling Candle Holders in Bedrooms
Bedrooms are best kept simple and uncluttered.
Candle holders work well:
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On bedside tables
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On dressers
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On shelves as part of a minimal display
Soft finishes and simple shapes are key here, helping create a calm, relaxed environment rather than visual noise.
Using Candle Holders as Part of Seasonal Styling
While candle holders are ideal for everyday use, they also adapt beautifully to seasonal décor.
Rather than replacing your styling each season:
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Keep candle holders in place
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Add seasonal accents around them
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Swap surrounding textures rather than the holders themselves
This approach keeps your home feeling consistent while still allowing for seasonal updates.
Common Candle Holder Styling Mistakes
These are the most common issues we see:
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Using too many candle holders in one area
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Styling without a tray or anchor
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Choosing finishes that clash with surrounding décor
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Treating candles as seasonal only
Avoiding these mistakes keeps your styling feeling intentional and balanced.
Styling Inspiration on Social
For more everyday styling ideas and seasonal inspiration, follow us on Instagram and TikTok where we share real home styling using our collections.
Final Thoughts on Styling Candle Holders
If you’re unsure how to style candle holders, focus on versatility and balance. Choose neutral designs, vary heights, and repeat the same styling pieces across rooms. This creates cohesion throughout your home and makes candle holders a practical, everyday part of your décor rather than an occasional extra.
