Don't Trash Those Candle Jars! 7 Brilliant Ways to Upcycle Them

Soy wax candles offer delightful scents and a cozy ambiance, but once they're finished, it can feel wasteful to toss the beautiful jars. Upcycling them is a fantastic way to save money, unleash your creativity, and reduce your environmental footprint. Turn those empty jars into stylish and functional treasures with these 7 inspiring ideas!

1. Turn Candle Jars into Mini Planters for Succulents, Herbs, or Air Plants

• Succulent Haven: Succulents are low-maintenance and perfect for small planters. Clean the jar thoroughly, add a layer of pebbles for drainage, then succulent-specific potting mix. Decorate the jar with paint, fabric, or natural accents like twine.
• Indoor Herb Garden: Repurpose jars for a windowsill herb garden. Basil, chives, mint, or parsley thrive in small containers. Add potting soil and plant seeds or seedlings. Label each jar for a charming touch.
• Air Plant Paradise: Air plants are unique and incredibly easy to care for! Decorate your jar with sand, pebbles, or colorful moss. Nestle an air plant inside for a touch of modern, minimalist greenery.

2. Stylish Storage Solutions for Every Room

• Bathroom Essentials: Organize cotton balls, makeup brushes, or bath salts in your upcycled jars. Paint the lids, add decorative knobs, or create custom labels for a polished look.
• Desk Tamer: Bring order to your workspace! Store pens, pencils, paperclips, or other small office supplies in the jars. Consider color-coding or labeling the jars for easy identification.
• Craft Room Corral: Upcycled jars are ideal for storing beads, sequins, buttons, and other crafting materials. Keep your supplies visible and accessible for a burst of inspiration.

3. Create New Candle Holders (and Get that Cosy Glow Back!)

• Tea Light Transformation: Give your jar a quick clean and place a tea light candle inside for a simple, elegant glow. Experiment with scented or colored tea lights for a fun twist.
• Votive Vibes: Larger jars can easily hold votive candles. Layer the bottom of the jar with decorative sand, pebbles, or dried flowers for a unique aesthetic.
• Poured Candle Perfection: If you're feeling adventurous, melt down leftover wax from other candles, add a new fragrance and wick, and create your own custom poured candle in the cleaned-out jar.

4. Elegant Flower Vases

• Fresh Floral Flair: Fill your jars with water (or floral foam for support) and arrange fresh-cut blooms from your garden or the flower shop. Display them throughout your home for a touch of natural beauty.
• Artificial Elegance: If fresh flowers aren't your thing, create long-lasting arrangements with high-quality artificial flowers or dried stems.
• Embellishment Extravaganza: Get creative! Wrap your jars in ribbon, lace, or fabric scraps. Paint them with floral patterns or add a touch of glitter for a glamorous look.

5. Kitchen Canisters

• Elevate your kitchen aesthetics by upcycling glass jars into stylish canisters.
• Store spices, tea bags, or coffee grounds to optimize space and ensure freshness.
• Label the jars clearly using chalkboard paint, chalkboard stickers, or printable labels for quick identification.
• Utilize jars of various sizes to accommodate different quantities of ingredients.
• Create a cohesive look by painting the jars in a uniform color or adding decorative touches like twine or ribbon.

6. Travel Buddies

• Transform small glass jars into compact and chic travel companions.
• Fill them with your favorite skincare products, such as moisturizers, cleansers, or toners, for a customized skincare routine on the go.
• Store cosmetics like eyeshadow, blush, or lipstick in individual jars to create a portable makeup kit.
• Pack travel-sized toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste, to keep your essentials organized and easily accessible.
• Add a personal touch by decorating the jars with travel-inspired stickers or patterned fabric.

7. Emergency Kit Essentials

• Assemble a practical and compact emergency kit using a glass jar.
• Stock it with essential supplies like bandages in different sizes, antiseptic wipes, a small flashlight, and pain relievers.
• Include a whistle for signaling and a multi-tool containing pliers, a knife, and a screwdriver for basic repairs.
• Add a small first aid manual for quick reference and guidance.
• Personalise the jar by adding a printed or handwritten label indicating its contents. Keep the jar readily accessible in your car, backpack, or home for emergencies.

We'd love to see how you repurpose your candle jars! Share your creations with us on social media!