Some people see sculptural candles and think, "Well, that's pretty - but what do you actually do with it?" Fair question. They’re not the kind of candles you light and forget. These are the ones you style. The ones that pull a space together and make it feel finished without trying too hard.
So how do you make them work in your home?
Here’s how to make sculptural candles look like they were made for your space.
1. Start with a surface that needs a little something.
Think: a bare shelf, your bedside, that awkward spot on your console table that feels a bit empty. Sculptural candles bring shape and dimension to those flat, lifeless corners.
2. Treat them like decor, not tools.
Most people don’t actually light their sculptural candles - they’re decorative more than functional (and that’s totally fine). Think of them like vases, art objects, or ceramic pieces. Group them, stack them on books, or let them stand alone - just make sure they look like a deliberate choice. Try echoing shapes from nearby decor, repeating a colour from the room, or placing them in a spot that naturally draws the eye.
3. Mix shapes and heights.
If you're styling more than one, avoid everything being the same height. Play with proportion. A tall twist next to a low knot or bubble? It creates contrast and keeps the whole setup from falling flat.
4. Use trays, books, or pedestals.
Avoid just plonking them down. Interior stylist Gina Ciancio says, “Candles add ambience, so I love placing them on trays, books or risers to give them importance in a setting.” Try layering yours on a stack of books, a ceramic dish, or a mini stand - it frames the candle and makes the whole setup feel thought out.
5. Don’t overthink it.
Your space should feel like you. If it makes you smile when you walk past, you've nailed it.
There’s no one way to style sculptural candles - that’s kind of the point. These decorative pieces are meant to feel personal. The best styling reflects what feels good to you, what draws your eye, and what gives your space that quiet “yes” moment. So go with what feels right. Trust your taste. And don’t be afraid to move things around until it clicks.