7 Ways to Reuse Your Candle Jars
Because sustainability never goes out of style
At Simon James Home, we believe great design doesn’t stop when the candle burns out. Every one of our candles comes in a sleek, minimalist white glass jar - not just beautiful while lit, but designed to be reused long after the wax has gone. If you’re looking for candle jar reuse ideas with a touch of luxury and a whole lot of purpose, you’ve come to the right place.
Reusing your candle jars is a brilliant way to reduce waste, embrace eco-friendly living, and create clever (and stylish) solutions around your home. Whether you’re into interiors, organisation, or gardening, here are seven sustainable home ideas to give your candle jars a second life.
1. Turn Them Into Mini Plant Pots
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to reuse candle jars is by turning them into mini indoor planters. Succulents, herbs, or small leafy greens thrive in these small-but-chic containers.
Top tip: Add a few pebbles or stones at the bottom for drainage, and choose plants that don’t require a lot of soil or water.
If you’ve bought one of our larger candles, such as the Black Pomegranate Candle, you’ll have even more room for roots to spread!
2. A Stylish Pen or Makeup Brush Holder
Declutter your desk or vanity with a practical, minimalist storage solution. Our sleek white jars make excellent holders for:
- Pens and pencils
- Makeup brushes
- Paintbrushes
- Even toothbrushes in the bathroom!
They’re easy to clean, visually appealing, and a great way to bring sustainable home ideas into your workspace or beauty routine.
3. Refill Them With Another Candle
Love your jar and your scent? Don’t part with it just yet — you can refill it!
While we don’t currently offer a refill service (watch this space), many candle lovers enjoy trying DIY refills using soy wax flakes and wick kits at home. Our jars are heat-safe and designed to last, so they’re perfect for crafting your own candle creations.
Want to try a new scent altogether? Shop our full candle collection here.
4. Store Small Household Items
Tired of losing hair ties, cotton buds, or paperclips? Candle jars to the rescue.
Ideal for:
- Bathroom bits like cotton pads, razors, or flossers
- Sewing kits or loose buttons
- Desk drawer odds and ends
- Batteries, matches, or charging cables
For a more coordinated look, remove the original label and add your own handwritten or printed tags - a quick win for a tidy, Instagram-worthy drawer.
5. Use as a Mini Vase or Table Centrepiece
Looking to elevate your dining table or sideboard? Your empty candle jar doubles as a stunning mini vase. Add a few fresh blooms, sprigs of eucalyptus, or even dried grasses for an elegant, low-effort centrepiece.
Pair it with our Leather Books candle still burning nearby, and you’ve got the ultimate moody and sophisticated tablescape.
6. Make a Bathroom Storage Set
Collect a few finished jars to create a cohesive bathroom set. Use them for:
- Cotton buds and pads
- Bath salts
- Face masks or scrubs decanted from plastic packaging
- Nail clippers, tweezers, and grooming tools
The clean white glass jars blend effortlessly with any bathroom decor and help eliminate plastic clutter in your space.
Want a bathroom scent to match? Try our deep and calming Warm Jasmine & Sandalwood Candle.
7. Gift It Forward
Once cleaned, your candle jar becomes the perfect eco-friendly gift container. Use it to hold:
- Homemade treats like fudge, biscuits, or hot chocolate mix
- A small plant or bulb
- A mini self-care set with bath salts, tea bags, or face masks
- Jewellery or a keepsake
Wrap it in brown paper and twine for a gift that’s as thoughtful as it is sustainable.
How to Clean Out Your Candle Jar Safely
Before reusing your jar, you’ll want to clean it out properly. Here’s how:
- Freeze Method: Pop your finished candle jar in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will shrink and can be popped out easily.
- Hot Water Method: Carefully pour hot (not boiling) water into the jar, let the wax melt and float to the top, then remove once cooled.
- Wash: Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to remove any residue or labels. Avoid harsh scrubbing on the glass.
Always handle with care and never pour wax down the drain.
Sustainability at the Heart of Simon James Home
As a proudly eco-conscious UK candle brand, sustainability is baked into everything we do. All of our candles are:
- Made with vegan soy wax
- Poured into reusable white glass jars
- Shipped in plastic-free packaging
- Part of our tree-planting pledge - we plant a tree for every single order
Reusing your jars is just another small way to live a little greener - and we’re thrilled to see so many of our customers embracing eco-friendly candles in the UK with such enthusiasm.
Final Thoughts – Give Your Candle Jar a Second Life
Reusing your candle jars doesn’t just reduce waste - it gives you a chance to get creative, stay organised, and enjoy your favourite Simon James Home designs long after the wick is gone.
Looking for your next candle crush? Explore our full Luxury Candle Collection and discover scents worth savouring — and jars worth keeping.
Have a Simon James Home jar you’ve reused in a clever way?
We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @simonjameshome and use #SJHStyle for a chance to be featured.
And don’t forget — every order plants a tree 🌱