Turn Thrift Store Glass Hurricane Vases Into Elegant Candle Holders With An Easy DIY

When it comes to thrifting, browsing the glass aisle is one of the funnest parts. Seeing all sorts of trinkets, vases, and other valuable glass items you should be looking for at thrift stores is just so exciting. One item that is always a good find, especially when you find a large one, is a hurricane vase. Hurricane vases are tall glass containers that were originally intended to protect candles from drafts and winds that could extinguish them. If your plan is to just set a candle directly inside the glass, though, there are ways to jazz it up that you might want to consider. For example, you can grab a nice candle holder to put at the bottom of it. This simple addition elevates the vase's look and gives you more room to personalize it.

To make the DIY transformation, you need to first find yourself a hurricane vase. Many of these vases do not have bottoms, which makes lighting and changing the candle easier, although some do. Either style works for this DIY, and you can make adjustments based on whichever you find. For example, one trick to save your table from taper candles is to place a disc under the candle and the vase. Along with your vase, you will need a candle holder that fits comfortably inside, and a candle. You can find candle holders, vintage or modern, to fit your aesthetic, as nearly any style will look great in a hurricane vase. To get the best possible result from this DIY, a glass-cleaning solution, scissors, and a candle adhesive are all helpful to have on hand. 

To create this elegant decor piece, simply insert the candle in the candle holder and put both inside the hurricane vase. Measure to make sure there is at least 1 inch of space between the candle and the vase at all points to ensure safe burning, and check the height. If the candle is too tall, remove it and cut its base to shorten it. When the size is right, use candle adhesive to secure the candle to the candle holder for additional security against tipping.

Once your DIY is put together, you can get creative with decorating. Filling the vase with a layer of marbles, seashells, or other small, non-flammable objects around the base of the candle holder is a classic way to add personality to a hurricane vase. Another way to spruce up the look is to decorate the outside. This could be as simple as tying a ribbon around it or as complex as painting a design. If you're worried about fire safety, using a fake candle can look just as nice as a real one.

Whether you use a fake or real candle, consider its design as well. Pillar and taper candles are typically recommended for hurricane vases, and both are available in many colors and shapes. Using a sculptural candle will make the overall DIY look more unique, and choosing a color that matches your space or can be swapped out seasonally enhances the vibe. Just be sure to avoid the mistakes everyone makes when buying candles, such as choosing the wrong type of wax or wick.