So, you’ve already decked out your house for fall, now it’s time to warm it up for winter.

What is it about candles that bring us such joy?

Their soft light warms our hearts while making even the coldest winter evening cozy and calm. The rhythmic cadence of their burning provides a whimsical note to the atmosphere, providing an ambiance so intimate and familiar.

Whether you prefer scented candles for the ambiance…

…beeswax candles for their air purifying qualities or tea lights for decorative luminescence, there’s nothing quite like the flickering of a candle. They are versatile and can add a warm touch for both home and event decorating.

With quite a bit of winter left, let’s take a look at some simple ways to add that lovely touch to your winter decorating that only candles can provide.

Lighten up the Short Winter Days

Adding scented candles to any room is a simple way to lighten up these short winter days and set a soothing mood. When decorating with scented ones, look for containers that match the colors and theme of the room you’re decorating. (Plus, you can re-use the containers for planters, pen holders or your own DIY candles once they’ve burnt out).

Best Places to Display Candles

Start by displaying candles in areas that get the least natural light, like reading nooks or the study. Complement scented candles with flowers, candy bowls featuring seasonal snacks or other sensory elements. Together they create a decorative delight to the senses.

In The Bathroom

During the winter months, finding soothing ways to warm up takes precedence. We curl up by the fire, bundle up in soft blankets, and we definitely take more baths to heat up those bones after cold days in the rain or snow.

Decorating the bathroom with scented candles can transform your ordinary bathroom into an intimate space for relaxing in a hot bubble bath. Choose a neutralizing scented candle for the bathroom, like ocean, linen or citrus.

Line your bath tub with scented candles or tea lights to create a soothing place to wind down in the evenings. You can also use floating tea lights in the bath tub to create a soft, intimate mood.

In The Dining Room

 As your warm your spirit with seasonal comfort foods, enhance the dining room center pieces and decorative spreads with candles too. The subtle lighting offers a relaxing mood for dining and entertaining.

Coordinate the scent of the candles with the flavors of the dinner menu. Taper candles also look formal yet comforting when arranged into floral centerpieces. You can use flameless candles if you’re creating centerpieces with flammable elements.

In The Bedroom

Nothing says romance quite like candles in the bedroom. Turn off those harsh fluorescent lights and swap them for decorative pillar candles on the dresser.

Line tea lights on the bed side table and complement them with scented lotions or perfumes for added sensual notes and intimacy.

Lanterns are another neat way to surround yourself in candlelight. Hang one on both sides of the bed for an extra touch of romance.

In The Living Room

The main gathering area for entertaining friends and family should be the warmest room in the home. Get a little liberal with candles in this area, placing one or many on the coffee table, tea lights or a row of taper candles on the mantle, and some decorative pillar candles on end tables or on the entertainment center.

One unique way to use pillar candles is to arrange them in the fireplace during the winter. This is perfect if you have a fireplace that doesn’t work but you still want to create that feeling of warmth you can only get by sitting around a fire with friends and family.

In The Entryway or Outside Walkway

The entrance of your home is a brilliant place to decorate, as it creates a more welcoming atmosphere.

In the walkway just outside your door, use flameless candles, luminaries or LEDs, since all these options give a welcoming feel to the front of your home. Placing flameless candles in paper bags can also enhance the warmth of the light.

In the entryway, scented candles are great for lighting the area up. Candelabras add a neat touch to entry tables also!

Stay warm this winter, and come on down to Paper Plus at 1629 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley with your decorating ideas.

We have lots to choose from to keep you cozy this winter! Open Monday – Saturday 9am – 7pm and
Sunday 10am – 5pm.