Taper candles are a fun way to add some flair to your tablescape. You can opt for more traditional solid-color candles or try some of the trendy twisted taper candles, handpainted candles, and kitschy styles, such as these carrot or asparagus-shaped candles from Anthropologie.
But whether you’ve thrifted your candlestick bases or splurged on a unique candelabra for your table centerpiece, you’ll likely run into one decor woe: leaning taper candles.
In some cases, leaning taper candles are caused by exposure to heat or sunlight — that’s why it’s important to store them in a cool, dry place. But most of the time, they simply don’t fit in the candlestick base. Luckily, there’s a free and easy fix for that.
How To Fix Leaning Taper Candles
To fix leaning taper candles and ensure they fit securely in your candlestick base, TikToker Maggie Marsh (aka @maggssmarsh) recommends reaching for a lighter and running it back and forth at the base of your candle to warm up the wax and encourage some drippage.
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Once the wax starts to melt a little, allow a few drops to land inside the candlestick base, then reinsert the candle while the end is still warm and pliable. The softened wax around the base of the taper candle will ensure a snug fit in the candlestick base, while the drops of wax will act almost like glue to reinforce and stabilize it. You can also use Fox Run Stick-Um Candle Adhesive if you don’t want to deal with the potential mess of dripping wax or are concerned about wax buildup in the candlestick base.
If you don’t use real candles and experience this same issue with flameless candlesticks, you can create a similar effect by applying candlestick stickers or glue dots to the plastic bases. This will secure the tapers and prevent them from leaning.
