Don't Waste Money On Extra Large Scented Candles When You Can Easily Make Your Own

From the scent to the ambiance of flickering flames, scented candles are one of the best ways to bring a little personality into your decor. But the ones large enough to scent medium to large rooms can be pricey. Luckily, you can easily make your own, thanks to TikTok user @lifebyyouss.

All you need is plain wax, a heat-safe container, two chopsticks or pencils for each wick, a double broiler or metal bowl, a hot glue gun, a pot of water, and scissors. If you use bulk candle wax instead of melting down store-bought candles, grab some wicks as well.

Bring the pot of water to a low boil. Place the wicks towards the middle of your container and at least ⅛ inch from the edge, then brace them between a set of chopsticks or two pencils so they will stay in place when you pour in the melted wax. For more security, glue the wicks to the bottom of the container and let them sit for at least five minutes. Once the water boils, place the double broiler or metal bowl on top of the boiling water and add your wax. Do not walk away as wax can catch on fire. Once melted, allow it to cool for one to two minutes, then pour into your container. Allow the wax to dry for at least 24 hours, trim the wicks, and enjoy!

First things first: Make sure you have the proper container. Right now, wooden dough bowls are popular because they suit multiple different interior decorating styles, but there's a catch. Wood and fire get along like, well, wood and fire, so it's important to make sure your wood bowl is properly fire-resistant. If you have a raw wood bowl or aren't sure, apply a fire retardant spray like FireGuard XL-95 or a thick coat of a 100% waterproof sealant over the entire bowl — especially the rim — following the manufacturer's directions. Metal, including cast iron, and ceramic bowls are great options too. Just make sure they're oven-safe to ensure they can handle the heat. If you want to use glass, skip recycled or thin glass or glass with bubbles in it to avoid breakage.

Next, check your wax. If you have some store-bought candles you'd like to use, go for it! Just check the label to make sure the candles you're melting are from the same type of wax to ensure they melt properly. If you'd rather have a more consistent candle and don't mind spending a little more, pick up some candle wax at your crafts store.

Finally, be strategic about where you place your wicks. This will differ based on what the container you choose looks like, but a good rule of thumb is, if your container is more than 4 inches in diameter, secure the wicks between the middle of your candle and its outside edge. Space them about 2 inches apart to ensure it melts evenly.

The number one way to personalize your candle is by adding your home's signature scent. There are two common options: fragrance oils and essential oils. Fragrance oils, commonly used for candlemaking, give you the best scent throw (aka, how strong a fragrance is). They're available at craft stores like Michael's for around $13. Essential oils are also great to use in candles, but some of them will burn off the moment they hit hot wax, ruining their fragrance. Look for essential oils with a higher flash point, like ylang-ylang, cinnamon bark, or lavender to name a few. It's best to add scents to your melted wax after you take it off the heat and allow it to briefly cool, but before you pour it into the container.

If you want to add a little color to your candle, try liquid or candle dyes. Both are designed to bring a little (or a lot) of color into your DIY candle easily and without toxins. These can typically be added during the melt stage, but check the label for instructions.