Give New Life To An Old Candelabra Without The Potential Fire Hazard. Here's How

Candelabras are a gorgeous and elegant way to bring character and antique charm to a space. Whether you find a true antique at a secondhand store or just have an old one lying around, you may have a bit of trouble styling it. You can start by checking out the hack for making your thrifted antiques work in your home, but you'll have to remember that candelabras have the unique hurdle of being a fire hazard. If you intend to put candles in them, you can't place your candelabra near anything flammable, including books, curtains, bedding, and decorations. You also have to worry about it falling over or being left too long and overheating. All of this limits how you can safely style your candelabra, but you can get around it by replacing dangerous candles with crystals.

No matter the design of your candelabra, swapping the candles for crystals will make for a stunning display. Placed near a light source, translucent crystals will bounce around light in a brilliant way, and the variety of colors will make it a true statement piece. If you're buying new crystals, be sure to measure the diameter of each candle holder and choose tower-shaped crystals with a base that is smaller. 

Any type of crystal will work, and you can expect to pay between a few dollars and over $50 for each one, depending on the type, quality, and size. You need one for each candle spot on the candelabra, and you will also need some tape or mounting putty to help keep them in place and prevent damage.

A fun advantage of this project is its adaptability. Whether you change the crystals for different aesthetics or embrace the spiritual aspect of crystal collecting, swapping the crystals every once in a while can change their effect on a space. Learn the best crystals you should have in your bedroom or any other room for a more intentional design.

Once you have your crystals, play with design ideas to figure out how you want to arrange the crystals. When you have a solid idea, you can move on to cleaning any wax off the candelabra. Gently scrape off any wax you can using a card or fingernail. Placing it in the freezer can help harden the wax and make this easier. Then, wash the candelabra with soap and warm water to remove any residue before polishing it with a soft cloth. You can also rinse your crystals with water if needed. 

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Crystalabra (n.): When you want ambiance, but your landlord says no open flames. A maximalist, mystical, fire-safe way to fill your home with light and intention; no matches required 🔮 🎥: @itsthecwolf #apartmenttherapy #crystalabra #crystals #homedecor #candelabra

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When everything is dry, begin assembling. Place a bit of putty or some rolled-up tape inside each candle holder, and insert the crystal. The putty or tape will help keep the crystal in place and reduce damage to the candelabra and crystal from any movement, and it lets you use a wider variety of crystal shapes. You can place it on the side or bottom of the holder, based on your preference and how well the crystal fits. Make sure you know how to clean the crystals on display in your home to maintain the sparkling look, and enjoy your new decor.