How to style candles in your living room décor

How to style candles in your living room décor

Ashitha Babu

After a Long Day, Light the Way to Calm

After a long day of juggling work, errands, and the general hustle of modern life, all you want to do is come home, kick off your shoes, and melt into your cozy corner. Maybe the couch is calling, or your favorite armchair by the window. You make yourself a warm cup of tea, dim the lights, and light a candle. That small flicker instantly shifts the energy—your space feels softer, calmer, and a little more like a sanctuary.

Candles have a magic way of turning your home into a haven. But what if the candles we burned actually supported not just our mood, but the planet too? That’s where sustainable candles come in. Thoughtfully crafted with non-toxic ingredients and natural waxes, they’re an invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and curate a more eco-friendly home.

At Prana Candles, we believe that creating warmth in your home shouldn't come at the expense of your health or the Earth. Our collection of non-toxic, eco-conscious candles is designed to complement your home and your values—no compromises.

Here’s how to style candles beautifully in your living room décor, while weaving in self-care, mindful living, and sustainability every step of the way.

1. Start with Intention

Before you think about placements or aesthetics, consider the energy you want to cultivate. Is your living room a space for morning meditation? A winding-down zone in the evenings? Or the heart of your home where conversations and laughter linger?

Choosing candles that reflect your intentional living practice helps bring mindfulness into your daily routines. Opt for scents that ground you—think soft lavender, sweet vetiver, or earthy cedarwood—crafted with pure essential oils, not synthetic fragrances. With sustainable candles, you’re not just decorating—you’re aligning your home with values of calm, conscious consumption.

2. Use Candles as Anchors for Self-Care Rituals

Candles make the perfect signal to your brain: now it’s time to relax. Designate a candle just for personal rituals. Maybe it's for journaling, listening to music, or rolling out your yoga mat. This creates a gentle, ceremonious transition between the busy world and your inner world.

Consider placing a candle on a small tray with a book, a sprig of eucalyptus, or a few crystals to create a visual reminder of your self-care space. This simple curation feels like a gift to yourself—every day.

3. Layer Lighting for a Cozy, Low-Waste Glow

Incorporating candles into your lighting plan is an easy, beautiful way to reduce your energy use, supporting a more eco-friendly home. Style candles in groups of three on a coffee table with varying heights. Combine a glass vessel candle, a ceramic jar, and a tea light holder for texture and balance.

Choose containers that are reusable or recyclable, like the ones in our consciously designed collection. You’ll find that just a few well-placed candles give the room an upgraded sense of warmth—without flipping a single switch.

4. Style with Texture and Nature in Mind

Sustainable living and good design go hand in hand. Pair your candles with organic materials like wood, stone, or linen to echo the simple, grounded feeling they bring. A candle nestled on a reclaimed wood tray, surrounded by eucalyptus leaves or pinecones, can turn even a small corner into an intentional space.

Bonus tip: If your candle comes in a beautiful jar (like ours do), once it’s burned through, repurpose it as a planter, a pen holder, or a place to keep your rings. Functional décor that extends the life of your candle = mindfulness in action.

5. Rotate Scents Seasonally

Just as we swap out throw blankets and pillows with the seasons, switching candle scents keeps your living space feeling fresh while connecting you more deeply with the present moment. In colder months, moodier, grounding scents encourage rest. In spring and summer, think brighter, herbaceous notes like citrus, mint, or green florals.

By choosing non-toxic, high-quality soy or coconut wax candles, you’re not releasing harmful chemicals into your home—just clean, plant-based flickers of joy.

Mindful Living, One Candle at a Time

Styling your living room with candles goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating an atmosphere that nurtures your well-being while honoring your commitment to planet-friendly choices.

At Prana Candles, we’re proud to be one of Canada’s best nontoxic candle brands, offering clean-burning, beautifully designed options for conscious homes like yours. Because we believe that even a small ritual—like lighting a candle—can be a powerful act of self-care.

Whether you’re curating your home for cozy evenings, slow mornings, or everything in between, your candles can be both a style statement and a source of serenity.

Explore our collection of sustainable candles here and start building your atmosphere of peace, presence, and purpose.


FAQs

1. What makes a candle sustainable or eco-friendly?

Sustainable candles are made with natural, renewable waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax instead of paraffin (a byproduct of petroleum). They're also often scented with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances and use recyclable or reusable packaging. Prana Candles uses clean-burning wax and toxin-free ingredients, so you can breathe easy.

2. Are scented candles safe for people with allergies or sensitivities?

It depends on the ingredients. Many conventional candles contain artificial fragrances and chemical additives, which can trigger allergies. Prana Candles are crafted with plant-based wax and naturally-derived oils, making them a safer choice for sensitive individuals. Still, it’s always best to test in small batches if you’re unsure.

3. How long should I burn my candle for optimal performance?

To get the most consistent burn and reduce tunneling, burn your candle for 2–4 hours during each session. This helps the wax melt evenly and prolongs the life of the candle. Always trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting for a cleaner burn.

4. Where should I place candles in a small living room?

In a smaller space, candles can double as both mood-setters and functional décor. Try floating shelves, window sills, or a corner of your coffee table. Use mirrors or reflective trays to amplify candlelight without adding clutter.

5. Can I reuse my candle jars once the candle is finished?

Absolutely. Gently remove any remaining wax with hot water and dish soap, then repurpose the jar for plants, pens, cotton rounds—you name it. It’s a lovely way to keep living more sustainably, one tiny ritual at a time.

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