Preparation
You don’t have to remodel or completely re-design a room to shift its mood—ultimately, there are a myriad of budget-friendly ways to do just that. Opting for small, subtle changes or additions (think switching the position of your accent chairs or layering a small rug over the large one that currently defines the space) can be extremely impactful. Placing a statement candle on a coffee table or shelf is another example—and it’s also a way to take advantage of a trending category of home design.
According to Rachel Larraine, a holistic interior designer and the founder of Tiger Veil, statement candles double as decorative objects and are usually so beautiful, you’ll have a hard time lighting their wicks. They come in various designs, sizes, and colorways—and have grown in popularity because they offer effortless, approachable whimsy to a space. “They lighten the mood both figuratively and literally,” Larraine says. “The novelty of a statement candle brings happiness to a space that typical accessories don’t—and when you get tired of it, you can always burn it.”
House of Nomad Mint Ripples Stick CandleGohar Baguette Candle54 Celsius Honey KnotStick Candles Maple Stick CandlesYUI Brooklyn Lemon Shaped CandleWoodland Shaped Wax CandleScandles Egg Candle 6-Pack BoxAlphatoxGummies Geometric S Shaped CandleCandle by the Hour 60 Hour Natural CandleTrudon Marie-Antoinette Bust CandleGreenTree Home Handmade Beeswax House & Pinecone CandlesAnn Vincent Tan Piu Candle Set
We should always strive to find additional layers of texture and build visual interest in our homes, says Jung Lee, an event architect and the founder of Fête, Jung Lee NY, and Slowdance. However, putting up new wallpaper, painting a wall, or adding other structural elements can be expensive; they also require a major commitment to a color or pattern. That’s where this trend comes in—and it’s also why it’s best to choose statement candles in bold hues and shapes (they deliver a big color payoff with a minor investment). “They offer a pop of color and give you the ability to alter the ambience without committing to an aesthetic change,” she says.
When it comes to statement candles, don’t be afraid to go big: An enormous, oversized candle can stand alone as a focal point on a surface, says Pam Goodwin, the principal designer at PGHD.
Over the past few years, the décor in our spaces has been more fluid and fun—we all want softer lines, rounder shapes, and gentler light, says Ana Maria Torres, Ph.D., the founder and principal of at architects. Statement candles, which come in intriguing knots, squiggles, and balls, plus lifelike options (like small-scale houses and eggs!), are the perfect way to achieve this levity in our homes, notes Torres. “Among the endless possibilities this new trend is handing us, we can also treat the candle like an art object—and we can have some fun choosing them.”
You can also hop on the statement candle trend by thinking of them as a way to accessorize your background spaces, like bookshelves. Try adding these candles to existing vignettes of stones, shells, and metal pieces, which all “add interest to a stack of books,” says Goodwin. “Cluster similar candles of different shapes and sizes to balance the scale of those other decorative objects,” she adds.
When using statement candles, more is more, says Jung. “It’s great to pair a few of them together in a group to really make an impact,” she says. “I love to add candles that are different but complementary in color. It’s a great way to add some dimension to your home.”
