As autumn creeps up on us candle crafters, it's prime time to stir up some magic for Halloween. If you're looking to enchant your customers or cast a spell on your own spooky soirée, keep reading.
Last year, we looked at the basics of Halloween candle crafting, but now we're showing you what's igniting the spooky candle scene in 2024. From ghoulish figures to intoxicating aromas, we’ve gathered the most bewitching trends on the market. And it’s clear that the upcoming scary season is all about blending the eerie with the elegant—candles that seduce the senses to illuminate gloomy October evenings.
So, get ready to spark some spectral delight with candles that are as mesmerising as they are mysterious.
Halloween candle ideas to inspire your craft
Ready to ditch the pumpkin spice cliché and conjure up hauntingly unique Halloween candles this year? Experiment with creepy shapes, bewitching autumnal scents and deep, mysterious hues you wouldn’t usually go for. Here are some of our hand-picked Halloween faves to inspire your (witch)craft:
Ghost Candles Etsy
The only type of ghosting we endorse? Making adorable, ghoul-themed candles. Seriously, how cute are these little guys? Even better, they're a cinch to make yourself. Simply warm up some white wax, pour it into a ghost-shaped mould (or get creative with free-form sculpting!), add your favourite fragrance and voila! You've got a spooky-cute addition to your Halloween décor or a boo-tiful gift for friends.
Blood Orange Candle (DW Home)
A blood orange candle is a fang-tastic way to add a touch of vampiric elegance to your Halloween ambiance. The tangy citrus notes of blood orange evoke images of vampire feasts and spooky rituals, making it a perfect scent for setting the mood for a hauntingly fun celebration. Simply infuse your usual candle-making process with an orange fragrance oil, and you'll have a bewitching creation sure to cast a spell on your customers.
Black Pillar Candles (Anthropologie)
Anthropologie's sleek black pillar candles, with their dramatic faux-drip effect, are a sophisticated and mess-free way to add a touch of gothic elegance to your Halloween decor. To recreate this look, melt your preferred wax (soy or paraffin work well) and add black candle dye chips until you achieve an opaqueness.
Add a fragrance oil if desired, then, pour the wax into a pillar mould, leaving a bit of space at the top. Allow it to cool slightly, then tilt the mould to create a dripping effect down the sides. Once the wax has hardened completely, gently release your masterpiece from the mould and bask in its spooky sophistication.
Trick Or Treat Custom Candle (Kindred Fires)
Looking for a fresh take on Halloween candles without the usual spooky tropes? This year, focus on personalisation and ditch the ghosts and goblins. Start with your classic white soy wax candles and create custom labels that capture the playful spirit of the season. Think cute Halloween puns, themed illustrations or even personalised messages for your customers. This savvy switch allows you to stay true to your brand's aesthetic while still offering a unique and seasonal product for Spooky Season.
Pumpkin Candles (Etsy)
Pumpkin spice everything might be the obvious choice, but pumpkin-shaped candles? Now, that's a new Halloween staple we can get behind. These charming little gourds are a doddle to make and add a touch of autumnal warmth to any home. Simply grab a pumpkin-shaped mould, pour in your favourite pumpkin spice fragrance oil and orange dye chips, and let it set. For a bit of extra flair, carve a cheeky face onto your creation.
Dreadful Drip (Yankee Candle)
These tapers might look innocent enough, but light them up and you'll unleash a spooky spectacle. Infused with a blood-red wax that slowly melts and drips down the sides when lit, these seemingly ordinary candles create a hauntingly beautiful (and surprisingly mess-free) display. To recreate this effect, try layering different coloured waxes in your mould, then light them up to watch the magic unfold.
Tombstone Candles (Etsy)
Tombstone candles are a surprisingly versatile addition to any Halloween collection. Their charm lies in their macabre aesthetic, making them appealing to a wider audience than overtly gory designs. To craft your own, use a tombstone mould, and experiment with different wax colours and fragrance combinations. How about a grey candle named “Graveyard Mist” made from a smoky fragrance oil? Or perhaps “Poison Apple”—a green candle that mixes crisp apple with warm spices? These striking miniature monuments will add a touch of gothic elegance to your candle shop.
‘Bruja’ Witch Candle (Etsy)
Etsy's "Bruja" candle proves that Halloween doesn't have to be all about jack-o'-lanterns and gore. This minimalist black jar candle, adorned with the Spanish word for "witch", offers a sophisticated take on the season. Its intriguing patchouli fragrance blend creates a warm, earthy aroma with a hint of floral sweetness, perfect for setting a mysterious and alluring ambiance on Halloween night (or any other night, for that matter). This candle is a testament to the fact that sometimes, less is more.