- Amara Naqvi
Decor by Candlelight!
If you are a candle enthusiast, you already know that candles can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary!
Available in literally every hue, decorating with colored candles is an easy and inexpensive way to illuminate your theme and create the atmosphere you desire.
Here are some of the best and most creative ways to use colored candles where the “color” of the candle inspires the room’s overall design, style, and theme of any occasion, gathering, or event!
Let’s light up some candles and get started!
It’s important to note that candles can also impact indoor air quality. To learn more about the potential health risks of candle ingredients like wax, wicks, and fragrances, explore our in-depth articles on Which Candle Wax is Best? (discusses safe-burning candles) and Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils (explores fragrant candles that use harmful scents). Additionally, in Non-Toxic Candle Brands Perfect for Every Occasion, we highlight eco-friendly brands that sell candles made of safer, non-toxic ingredients.
Theme Ideas Inspired By Blue Candles
Blue candles enhance coastal-themed decor. Display them in sand-filled glass jars with seashells. Pair them with white, beige, or light blue hues to create a relaxing beachy atmosphere.
Winter Wonderland
For winter-themed decor, use blue candles with white or silver accents. You can create a centerpiece using a clear glass vase filled with blue candles and pine cones or snowflakes.
Spa-Like Atmosphere
Use blue candles in a bathroom or spa-like setting to create a calming and serene atmosphere. Place them around a bathtub, bathroom counter, or meditation area for a relaxing vibe.
Nautical Theme
Blue candles can create a nautical theme in your home or party. Pair them with white and red accents, and add anchor or sailboat decorations to complete the look.
Holiday Theme
Blue candles can be used for various holidays such as Hanukkah or Christmas. Pair them with silver or gold accents and add pine cones or greenery to create a festive atmosphere.
Theme Ideas Inspired By Black Candles
Black candles can add a sleek and modern touch to minimalist design. Pair them with white or neutral accents, and use simple and geometric candle holders for a clean and elegant look.
Elegant Dinner Party
Craft an elegant and dramatic dining table setting by incorporating black candles amidst light-colored accessories. These candles not only provide visual intrigue but also serve as a captivating focal point. Coupled with gentle lighting and soothing music, they foster an atmosphere of intimacy and romance. In certain cultures and traditions, black candles are linked to concepts of protection, power, and mystery, imbuing dinner parties with added depth and significance.
Halloween Theme
Use black candles to create a spooky atmosphere for Halloween. Pair them with orange accents, such as pumpkins or spider webs, and add creepy decorations, like skulls or bats.
Industrial Decor
Black candles can add an edgy and industrial vibe to a decor setting. Pair them with metal or concrete candle holders, and add industrial accents, such as exposed bricks or metal pipes.
Gothic Decor
For gothic or dark-themed settings, black candles are ideal. To complete the look, add some antique or distressed furniture pieces as well as black or dark purple velvet pillows.
Theme Ideas Inspired by Red Candles
Romantic Ambiance
Use red candles to create a romantic ambiance. Pair them with rose petals, soft lighting, and romantic music to set the mood for a special evening.
Vintage Glamour
Add a touch of vintage glamour to your setting with deep red candles. Pair them with gold or silver candle holders and antique accessories like old books or vases for a sophisticated look.
Bohemian Chic
Set the mood with red candles, which add vibrancy to bohemian settings. Combine them with colorful textiles, like Moroccan rugs or tapestries, and natural elements for a complete look
Valentine’s Day
Use red candles to create a romantic and festive atmosphere for Valentine’s Day. Pair them with heart-shaped decorations, red roses, and some sweet treats for a memorable celebration.
Glamorous Theme
Red candles can add a touch of glamour to a decor setting. Pair them with gold or silver accents, and add crystal or glass decorations for a luxurious and sophisticated look.
Asian-Inspired Theme
Pair red candles with Asian-inspired elements like bamboo, paper lanterns, fans, and umbrellas to enhance the ambiance of Japanese or Chinese-themed decor.
Theme Ideas Inspired by Pink Candles
Feminine Theme
Pink candles can add a soft and feminine touch to a setting. Pair them with light-colored accents, such as white or cream, and add floral or lace decorations for a charming look.
Baby Shower
Use pink candles to create a sweet and whimsical atmosphere at a girl’s baby shower. Add some cute and playful elements to the look by pairing them with baby-themed decorations, such as baby bottles or pacifiers.
Spring Theme
Pair pink candles with pastel accents, such as light green or yellow, and some spring flowers or greenery for a cheerful and uplifting spring atmosphere.
Shabby Chic
When paired with distressed or antique elements, such as old picture frames and furniture, and floral or lace accents, pink candles provide a romantic and vintage touch to shabby chic decor.
Theme Ideas Inspired by Orange Candles
Autumn Theme
Make your fall home warm and cozy with orange candles, natural accents, such as pumpkins and acorns, and rustic or plaid decorations.
Summer Theme
You can create a bright and cheerful summer feel with orange candles by adding colorful accents such as turquoise or yellow, as well as beach or tropical-themed decorations.
Moroccan Galore
With orange candles, you can create a Moroccan-themed space with a touch of exotic flair. Pair them with colorful accents, such as mosaic tiles or lanterns, and add cozy touches, such as decorative pillows.
Thanksgiving Bliss
The ambiance of Thanksgiving can be enhanced by orange candles paired with brown or gold accents such as autumn leaves or pine cones, and harvest-themed decorations such as cornucopias and wreaths.
Theme Ideas Inspired By Yellow Candles
Spring Or Summer
Yellow candles add a cheerful touch to springtime and bring a bright and sunny atmosphere to summer. Pair them with pastel accents, lemons, and fresh flowers for a refreshing spring look, or with turquoise or orange for a playful summer look.
Lemon-Themed
To bring a fresh and vibrant look to lemon-themed events, yellow candles can be used. Combine them with the aroma of lemon-scented candles and lemon-inspired decorations, such as a citrus garland or a vase shaped like a lemon.
Garden Party
An enchanting atmosphere can be created at a garden party by using yellow candles. Make them magical by adding fairy lights or lanterns, along with floral accents, such as wreaths or flower arrangements.
Autumn
Pair yellow pillar with natural accents, such as pine cones, dried leaves, and add some plaid or burlap decorations for a rustic and inviting look.
Beach House
Pair yellow candles with natural accents like seashells or driftwood to create a beachy vibe in a beach house. Add blue or turquoise accents for a refreshing and calming atmosphere.
Theme Ideas Inspired by Green Candles
Botanical Theme
To create a natural and botanical atmosphere, pair green candles with potted plants or hanging terrariums, and decorate with botanical prints or wall art.
Zen Theme
Adding green candles to your Zen setting can add a peaceful touch. Adding natural elements such as bamboo, crystals, or stone, and meditation-inspired decorations, such as a Buddha statue or yoga mat, will complete the Zen ambiance.
Christmas
Pair green candles with red or gold accents, such as a wreath or ornament, and add traditional Christmas décor to create a festive and cheerful atmosphere.
Earthy Decor
Combine green candles with natural accents, such as wood or rattan, and add some earthy-inspired decor, such as a woven basket or a clay vase, to create an earthy look in your home.
Boho Chic
Pair green candles with colorful bohemian textiles and patterns, and add global, world-inspired decorations like Moroccan poufs or Indian tapestries, to create a boho and eclectic setting.
Spring
Green candles can add a fresh and lively touch to spring. Pair them with a vase of tulips, daffodils, or other colorful flowers. Use lighter fabrics like cotton or linen in pastel colors for a refreshing look.
Tropical
Enhance your tropical decor with green candles, bold colors, and natural materials. Use faux palm leaves, bamboo plates/cups, woven placemats, and baskets to create a lush atmosphere, and try a bamboo sheet for a standout photo booth backdrop.
Theme Ideas Inspired by Purple Candles
Regal Theme
Purple candles add a regal and sophisticated touch. Pair them with gold or silver decor accents, such as a gilded mirror or a silver vase. Add some ornate decorations, like a tapestry or a decorative box.
Romantic Setting
Purple candles can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere in a bedroom or dining room. Pair them with soft and luxurious textures, such as velvet or silk, and add some beautiful accents, like a vase of roses and large fluffy pillows.
Halloween Theme
Using purple candles can also help create a spooky and mysterious atmosphere for Halloween. Tapered purple candles are stunning even when unlit and add welcome height to any vignette. Pair them with black accents, such as spider webs or bats, and add some Halloween-inspired decorations, like a pumpkin or a skeleton.
Bohemian Theme
Purple candles can add a bohemian and eclectic touch to the design. Pair them with colorful textiles and patterns, such as a Persian rug or a patchwork quilt. Add some boho-inspired decorations, like a dreamcatcher or a beaded curtain. Place candles in terracotta or woven candle holders, and add plants or colorful textiles to complete the look.
Feminine Elegance
Use light purple candles for an elegant and romantic ambiance in a bedroom or living room. Pair them with delicate accents, such as lace throws or crystal vases, and add feminine-inspired decorations like a vanity mirror or chandelier. If you have vases of different sizes, putting a few votive pink candles will also add a feminine touch!
Theme Ideas Inspired by White Candles
Scandinavian Theme
Create a Scandinavian feel with white candles. Pair them with natural wool or leather accents and add Nordic-inspired decorations like a reindeer hide or a print for a hygge atmosphere.
Zen Theme
White candles can add a calming and peaceful touch to a Zen setting. Pair them with natural accents, such as bamboo or stone, and add meditation-inspired decorations, like a Buddha statue, flute sounds, yoga mat and more. White floating candles can provide the wow factor, especially as they reflect their light in water.
Classic Decor
White candles can add a timeless and classic touch to any setting. Pair them with traditional accents, such as a crystal vase or silver tray. Add some classic-inspired decorations, like a vintage mirror or a decorative clock.
Minimalist
Use white candles to create a clean and simple atmosphere in a minimalist decor setting. Pair them with natural accents, such as wood or stone, and add some minimalist-inspired decorations, like a geometric sculpture or a monochromatic print.
Wedding
White candles can create a romantic and elegant atmosphere at a wedding or reception. Pair them with white flowers and accents, such as lace or tulle. Add some wedding-inspired decorations, like a photo booth or a guest book.
Beach Theme
Use white candles to create a relaxed and coastal atmosphere in a beach-themed setting. Pair them with natural accents, and add beach-inspired decorations, like a surfboard or a woven beach bag.
Winter Theme
White candles can add a cozy and wintery touch to a setting. Pair them with white or silver accents, such as a faux fur throw or a glittery snowflake. Add some winter-inspired decorations, like a snowman or a wreath.
Theme Ideas Inspired by Gray & Silver Candles
Industrial
Use gray and silver candles to create a raw and edgy atmosphere in an industrial setting. Pair them with metallic accents such as steel or iron, and add some industrial-inspired decorations, like a vintage sign or a factory clock.
Modern Design
Use gray and silver candles for a sleek, contemporary atmosphere. Pair with minimalist accents like glass or lucite. Add modern-inspired decorations like abstract sculptures or geometric vases.
Glam Theme
Add luxury and sophistication to a glam setting with gray and silver candles. Pair with velvet or faux fur accents like plush pillows or fur throws. Incorporate glam-inspired decorations like a mirrored tray or a crystal chandelier.
Holidays
Gray and silver candles can add a festive and glamorous touch to holiday setting. Add elegance with taper candles pair them with red or green accents, such as a wreath or a table runner. Add some holiday-inspired decorations, like a nutcracker or a snow globe.
Neutral Palette Theme
Pair gray and silver candles with neutral accents like beige or ivory and add texture-inspired decorations like a chunky knit blanket or a woven basket for a subtle and elegant touch to a neutral decor setting.
Rustic Decor
Use gray and silver candles to create a cozy and rustic atmosphere in a cabin-themed decor setting. Pair them with wooden decor accents, such as a log or a branch. Add rustic-inspired decorations, like a plaid blanket or a deer antler.
point of alignment
Though we recommend using candles to complement the theme, they’re not your only option. You can swap candles for other decorative items while applying the same ideas to achieve the desired look!
Colored candles offer an easy and budget-friendly way to enhance your theme and set a specific ambiance. Let the candle colors inspire your theme, be it bohemian, coastal, modern, or gothic – suitable for any occasion. So, ignite those candles and let your creativity radiate!
