Indulge in the aroma of coffee all year round with DIY coffee candles. Discover how to make these delightful, easy-to-craft candles that transform your home into a cozy haven.
Perfect for coffee lovers and non-coffee enthusiasts alike!
Here’s my confession. I love candle making and burning candles all year long.
I’ll burn my homemade citronella candles outdoors in the summer to help with insects and my coffee bean candles inside.
Also, in cooler months, say, Autumn and Winter, these coffee candles give off a wonderful homely scent that infuses each room with warm, comforting vibes.
But what if you don’t like coffee? Well, that’s just fine because you can scent them with any fragrance you want!
They’re easy to make, too, and so much fun: why not give them a go?
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.
How to make coffee candles
Ingredients & Supplies:
- Beeswax or soy wax (I’m using soy wax)
- Candle wicks
- About a tablespoon or two of whole coffee beans
- Coffee fragrance (optional) (see fragrance notes below)
- A mug or candle-safe jar
Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: Melt the wax using a wax melter or a double boiler.
Note: the amount of wax will vary depending on the size of the mug or jar you are using.
Step 2: Once the wax is melted, pour just a bit into the jar and roll it around to coat the sides. You don’t want a lot, just enough to cover the sides. Then, toss in your coffee beans and roll them around evenly so that they stick to the sides.
Pro tip: If you use too much wax to coat the sides, the beans will just slide down to the bottom. If this happens, let the wax set up slightly, then press the beans against the sides.
Step 3: Add a touch more wax to the bottom of the jar and press your wick into it in the center. Let the wax harden completely.
Step 4: Now, add your fragrance to the melted wax and fill up your candle.
Please note that I only recommend using a natural coffee fragrance oil since most fragrances can be hazardous to our health.
Step 5: Center the wick at the top of the candle and wrap it several times around a bamboo skewer or a pencil to hold it in place while the wax hardens.
Step 6: Allow it to cool completely before trimming the candle wick.
Step 7: Light the candle and take in that lovely aroma!
Coffee candle tips
- Coffee beans or grounds: I have made this with coffee grounds and whole beans. I personally prefer the way the whole beans look in a clear jar. Just make sure the coffee stays to the sides and away from the open flame.
- Wick size: For the most part, you won’t need a very thick candle wick if you are using a standard coffee mug. Just make sure the wick you choose is appropriate for the diameter of your candle.
- Picking the right wax: Use either beeswax or soy wax flakes for these candles. If you do use soy wax, I recommend natural soy wax.
- If you love coffee: Add a coffee fragrance to the wax mixture for a more aromatic coffee scent.
- Safety: Of course, the wax, when melted, is very hot, so take care and use protective gloves and an apron. Also, consider goggles and tying your hair back if it’s long.
- Keep your drain clean: Whatever you do, don’t wash wax down the drain – it’ll clog the pipes. Instead, wipe it out with a paper towel and throw it in the trash.
- Using a mug: I suggest using a mug to create the candle because it looks cute and saves on costs. Indeed, we all have a mug in our cabinets!
Fragrance Notes
The coffee beans are purely for aesthetics and do not emit any scent. In fact, the beans should never touch the open flame.
Use a fragrance calculator to determine how much fragrance you need for your candles.
A good rule of thumb is 6% fragrance, or 1/2 an ounce of fragrance for an 8-ounce candle.
What are coffee candles?
Coffee candles are simply candles made with coffee beans, fragranced with a coffee scent.
The best part about these candles is you don’t have to like coffee to love these homemade candles! I know many people who don’t like coffee as a beverage, but they love the coffee scent of these DIY coffee candles!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s easy: You simply melt the ingredients together and leave them to set (and add a wick, of course!)
- It’s low cost: Coffee and wax are relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy in bulk.
- They make great gifts: Here’s an idea! Grab some transparent cellophane packing and a cute ribbon, and wrap these candles up as Christmas gifts for loved ones.
Safety Precautions
As always with any candle-making process, care needs to be taken. Never leave coffee candles unattended. Coffee grounds are flammable, and care should be taken when burning them in candles.
Be ultra cautious when you’re pouring the wax into the mug, as it’ll be near boiling. Wear gloves and an apron to be safe.
Also, when burning the candle, avoid placing the lit candle underneath or near curtains, drapes, or anything that may catch fire.
What type of wax is best for candles?
There are several different types of wax, with beeswax and soy wax being my favorite choices.
Soy wax is white with little to no scent, while the beeswax is yellow with a hint of sweet honey aroma. I do suggest staying away from paraffin wax candles.
Can you make candles out of coffee mugs?
Sure you can! Picking the coffee mug is the best part! Check out your local thrift stores, or pull one out of your cabinet!
Just don’t use glass to make the candles – unless it’s glass specially made for candle-making purposes. (strengthened glass)
Can you make the coffee scent stronger?
Yes, you can. You’ll need to add additional coffee fragrance, which you can buy from candle-making or craft stores. Or consider adding your favorite essential oils to the candles.
What would be the benefit of using soy wax in coffee candles?
These are the top reasons why I chose to make these coffee candles with soy:
- Soy wax is eco-friendly, made from a renewable resource, and is biodegradable.
- Burns cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin wax candles.
- Soy candles are great for fragrance distribution, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting scent.
- It has a slightly lower melting point than beeswax, making it a little easier to handle.
I hope you enjoyed these homemade coffee candles
I absolutely love making candles. From candle dipping to homemade wax melts, it’s always a lovely experience with beautiful-smelling results!
I hope you enjoy making and using these DIY coffee candles in your home!
I’m sure your loved ones will enjoy using them, too. If you share them as gifts, why not make a larger batch and stock up for birthdays or Christmas?
For more candle gift ideas, check out these posts:
DIY Coffee Candles
Equipment
- A mug or candle-safe jar
Ingredients
- Beeswax or soy wax
- About a tablespoon or two of whole coffee beans per 8 oz candle
- Coffee fragrance optional half an ounce for an 8 ounce candle
- Candle wicks
Instructions
- Melt the wax using a wax melter or a double boiler. Note: the amount of wax will vary depending on the size of the mug or jar you are using.
- Once the wax is melted, pour just a bit into the jar and roll it around to coat the sides. You don't want a lot, just enough to cover the sides. Then, toss in your coffee beans and roll them around evenly so that they stick to the sides. Tip: If you use too much wax to coat the sides, the beans will just slide down to the bottom. If this happens, let it harden up slightly, then press the beans against the sides.
- Add a touch more wax to the bottom of the jar and press your wick into it in the center. Let the wax harden completely.
- Now, add your fragrance to the melted wax, stir well, and carefully pour the wax into the jar or mug.
- Center the wick at the top of the candle and wrap it several times around a bamboo skewer or a pencil to hold it in place while the wax hardens.
- Allow it to cool completely before trimming the wick.
- Light the candle and take in that lovely aroma!
Notes
Cheryl Lynn Kooistra says
How can I get a dark brown candle … just some kind of food coloring? Then add a coffee scent? What are your thoughts.please😊
Laura says
Food coloring should work!
Jayne says
Nice idea but (I used used coffee grinds, FWIW) it had NO coffee smell at all, (with beeswax). Sooo disappointed, plus, the coffee started burning at the end….FLAMES!!!