What Can You Use Instead Of Incense Holder?
Introduction
Incense is made from fragrant plant materials and resins that release aromatic smoke when burned. Incense has been used for thousands of years in religious ceremonies, meditation, and aromatherapy. Burning incense is thought to purify spaces, activate positive energy, and promote tranquility.
Incense holders, also called incense burners, are containers used to hold incense while it smolders. Their purpose is to catch falling ash and allow smoke to waft into the air. Incense holders come in many shapes and sizes, from simple dishes to elaborate works of art. They are an important accessory for incense use, helping to avoid messes, contain embers, and distribute fragrance.
Overall, incense holders allow people to enjoy the fragrance and ambiance of incense in a convenient and safe way. They are an integral part of incense traditions worldwide.
Ashtrays or Small Plates
A basic option for an improvised incense holder is using an ashtray or small plate. Look around your home for small plates, saucers, or ashtrays made from heat-resistant materials like glass, metal, or ceramic. These types of dishes are perfect for holding incense sticks or cones.
The advantage of using an ashtray or small plate is that many households already have these items on hand. They provide a stable, flat surface to place incense. Their short walls prevent ash and embers from falling off the sides. Just make sure the dish can withstand heat and is fireproof. Avoid using plastic or paper plates.
When using an ashtray or small plate, place it on a heatproof surface. Clear the area around it to prevent accidental fires. Make sure the incense is balanced upright and won’t fall over as it burns down. A dish 2-4 inches wide generally works well for holding standard sized incense sticks or cones. This simple solution transforms an everyday household item into an incense holder substitute.
Rice Bowls
Small rice bowls, especially carved or painted ones, can hold loose incense materials in place of a traditional incense holder. The size and shape of rice bowls work nicely to contain incense ashes. Look for delicate porcelain or ceramic rice bowls around 3-5 inches wide. The sloped sides help concentrate the aromas.
Rice bowls often have beautiful designs, adding visual interest. An Asian-inspired rice bowl pairs nicely with incense for a coordinated aesthetic. The carved or painted details give them an elegant look. Rice bowls are an inexpensive and readily available alternative found at many stores. They give a unique and cultured feel compared to typical metal or glass ash trays.
Tea Light Holders
Glass or ceramic tea light holders work well for holding incense sticks or cones. Look for ones with wider openings or taller designs that allow the incense smoke to flow out nicely. Clear glass tea light holders let the colors and smoke of the incense show through beautifully. Porcelain or ceramic tea light holders come in lovely decorative patterns too. Just place the incense stick or cone inside the tea light holder instead of placing a candle in it. The sizes work perfectly to hold standard incense. Tea light holders are inexpensive and readily available too. You can find simple ones at dollar stores or thrift shops for just a few dollars. Or choose more ornate decorative ones from craft stores, home goods stores, or online retailers. They make a nice display on a shelf, mantle, table, or altar. Tea light holders are versatile little holders for incense.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Many electric diffusers for essential oils can also be used for incense sticks or cones. Most modern essential oil diffusers work by using ultrasonic waves or heat to disperse essential oils into the air. These diffusers often have a small tray or bamboo reeds where an incense stick or cone can be placed.
The benefit of using an essential oil diffuser for incense is that it will help circulate and disperse the incense fragrance throughout the room more evenly. Many diffusers also have timer settings so you can program the diffuser to run for a certain period of time before shutting off automatically.
If you already own an essential oil diffuser, try using it for incense as well. Just make sure not to overload it with too many incense sticks at once. The diffuser should still have room for air circulation to work properly and distribute the incense aroma efficiently.
DIY Options
If you want an incense holder that’s truly one of a kind, consider making your own. With a little creativity and some basic materials from around the house or yard, you can fashion unique incense holders to suit your personal style.
Seashells, stones, marbles, crystals, and other natural items can make rustic, earthy holders. Arrange and glue them onto a piece of wood or ceramic base. Or simply place a stick of incense into a seashell half filled with sand or tiny pebbles.
Empty glass jars, vases, bottles, and containers can easily be transformed into incense holders. Clean them out thoroughly, fill with a bit of sand or decorative rocks, and place the incense inside. Feel free to paint or decorate the vessels before using.
Small blocks of untreated wood, ceramic tiles, or flat garden stones can also be turned into holders. Drill or carve holes into them to insert the incense sticks or cones. Wood slices may need to be sealed or treated so they don’t burn.
With air-dry clay, create any shape holder you like, from basic cylinders to detailed sculptures. Kids will enjoy making incense holders this way too. Let the clay fully dry before using.
For a quick option, hammer nails into a piece of scrap wood, cork board, or piece of pinecone, spaced to allow incense sticks to stand up between them.
With unlimited possibilities, crafting DIY incense holders is an enjoyable way to create functional art for your home. Let your imagination run wild!
Succulent Planters
Ceramic planters for small succulents can hold stick or cone incense. The drain hole at the bottom of the planter acts perfectly to hold an incense stick upright. For a cone or bundle of incense, place it on the soil or gravel topping in the planter. The planter helps contain any ash or embers and allows the incense scent to waft gently upwards.
Small 2-3 inch succulent planters work well for incense sticks. For cone incense, use a slightly larger 4-6 inch planter. Choose a glazed ceramic planter without a deep glaze pool at the bottom so excess incense ash doesn’t accumulate. Neutral earth tone planters blend into most decor seamlessly.
Succulent planters as incense holders bring the bonus of displaying beautiful, low-maintenance succulents. Mini succulents like echeveria, jade plants, burro’s tail, aloe vera, and hen and chicks pair nicely with incense. The succulent’s soil helps absorb excess ash or embers from the incense. Group a few pequeño planters together for a mini zen garden vibe.
Mason Jars
Decorated mason jars make simple yet attractive incense holders, especially for loose incense materials. The wide mouth of a mason jar provides ample room for an incense stick or cone. You can also place loose incense materials, resins or herbs inside the jar. The glass helps the fragrance disperse without being overwhelmed by the smoke.
Customize a basic mason jar with paint, decoupage, ribbons, raffia, lace or other embellishments to complement your décor. Distress the jar or leave as is for a clean, contemporary look. Add pebbles, beads or sand at the bottom to anchor incense sticks or cones. Drill holes in the lid to allow fragrance to escape. This versatile DIY project results in an inexpensive yet stylish incense holder.
Conclusion
There are many great alternatives that can be used instead of traditional incense holders. Small plates, rice bowls, tea light holders, essential oil diffusers, DIY projects, succulent planters, and mason jars all make creative and functional options. The best alternative for you depends on your specific needs and style preferences. Evaluate if you want something decorative like a bowl or DIY creation, a practical option like an essential oil diffuser, or a multi-purpose item such as a succulent planter. Consider your available space and budget as well. With so many possibilities, you should be able to find a unique incense holder alternative that brings you joy and enables you to enjoy incense in your home.
References
This article was researched and written based on the author’s expertise and knowledge. No outside sources were directly referenced or cited in the creation of this original content.
