DIY Luxe: How to Create a Massive Candle Look on a Budget
Oversized candles in grand glass vessels exude luxury. Their warm, flickering glow instantly elevates any space, making it feel intimate and sophisticated. But let’s face it—these statement pieces often come with an equally grand price tag.
Luckily, there’s an easy and affordable way to achieve the same high-end candle look using a simple DIY trick. Even better? This method not only saves money but also provides a safer alternative to large, open-flame candles—especially if you opt for battery-powered lights instead.
The Secret to the Luxe Glow
Instead of investing in an expensive, oversized candle, you can coat the inside of a glass vessel with wax to create the illusion of a full candle—while actually using a small, replaceable tea light. This trick makes the entire container glow beautifully, just like a high-end candle, but with less wax, less cost, and less fire risk.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ A large glass container or vase (any shape that fits your aesthetic)
✔️ A cheap, unscented candle (pillar or votive)
✔️ A tea light candle (the small ones used for warming, like the ones from IKEA) or a battery-powered LED tea light for extra safety
✔️ A Bain-Marie (double boiler) or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water
✔️ Tongs or oven mitts (safety first!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Your DIY Luxe Candle
1️⃣ Melt the Wax: Cut up the cheap unscented candle into smaller pieces and melt them slowly in a Bain-Marie. This prevents the wax from overheating and ensures a smooth, pourable consistency.
2️⃣ Prepare Your Glass Container: Make sure it’s clean and dry. Any dust or moisture can affect how well the wax adheres to the surface.
3️⃣ Coat the Glass: Carefully pour a little melted wax into the glass and slowly rotate the container to coat the interior evenly. Keep tilting and swirling until the wax has covered the entire inside, creating the look of a full candle.
4️⃣ Let It Set: Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. Once set, the interior of your container will have a soft, candle-like opacity—giving the illusion of a giant candle.
5️⃣ Place the Tea Light or LED Candle: Instead of filling the entire container with wax, simply place a small tea lightat the bottom. When lit, it will illuminate the wax-coated glass, making the entire piece glow as if it were a full, expensive candle. For an even safer option, use a small battery-powered LED tea light. This way, you can place the candle anywhere—even in spots you might forget about—and let it glow all night without any worries.
A Chic and Safe Alternative to Large Candles
🔥 Less Fire Hazard – Since the actual flame is at the bottom of a large glass container, it is less exposed than a traditional pillar candle. And if you opt for an LED candle, there’s zero fire risk—making it perfect for bookshelves, nightstands, or any space you want to leave glowing overnight.
✨ Luxury on a Budget – Achieve the same expensive look as high-end oversized candles, but at a fraction of the cost.
💡 Customizable & Sustainable – No need to replace a massive candle when it burns unevenly! You can swap out the tea light or battery-powered candle whenever needed, keeping the glowing effect for as long as you like.
Safety Note:
This article is for informational purposes only. Use caution when handling melted wax and open flames. Always allow wax to cool before touching it, and never leave a lit candle unattended. For the safest option, consider using a battery-powered LED candle instead of an open flame. The author and publication are not responsible for any accidents or damages resulting from attempting this project.
With this simple DIY trick, you can bring warm, ambient lighting into your home in a way that’s chic, cost-effective, and safer than traditional candles. So why spend a fortune on oversized candles when you can create the same magic at home?
Light up your space—luxuriously and safely.