Can You Put A Candle In Coffee Beans?

Putting candles in coffee beans is a decorative concept where whole coffee beans are used as filler around candles to add visual interest and make the candles more attractive. The coffee beans provide texture and color contrast to the candle wax, creating a natural yet eye-catching display. This technique gained popularity on social media for homemade candles and other crafts. However, there are important safety considerations when putting candles and flammable beans in close proximity. The purpose of this article is to explore if candles can be safely placed within coffee beans without posing a fire hazard or damaging the beans.

Sources:

https://www.savvyhomemade.com/diy-coffee-bean-candle/

https://www.lemonslavenderandlaundry.com/cleaning-tip-tuesday-diy-coffee-candle/

Purpose of Putting Candles in Beans

There are a few main reasons people choose to put candles in coffee beans:

Decoration – Placing a candle in a bowl of coffee beans can create an interesting and aesthetically pleasing centerpiece for a table or countertop. The contrast of the candle against the beans can make for an eye-catching display. Candles nestled in beans can make for unique and creative home decor.

Interesting centerpiece – Coffee-bean candle displays stand out from typical candleholders and vases. Groupings of candles surrounded by beans in bowls or jars can serve as conversation starters when guests come over. The beans add texture and color around the candles for an organic yet put together look. It’s a simple way to dress up a table [1].

Aromatherapy effects – Putting a scented candle within coffee beans can allow the aroma of the candle to mingle with the natural smell of the beans. The combination creates a richness in fragrance that enhances the overall scent experience. The beans also help disperse the scent of the candle throughout the room [2].

Considerations Before Putting Candles in Beans

There are a few important safety considerations to keep in mind before putting candles in beans. The primary risk is fire hazard. Coffee beans and other dried beans are flammable. Placing a lit candle directly in beans creates a fire risk if the wax melts and the flame comes in contact with the beans, as some users report witnessing first-hand (Source).

Another consideration is hot wax dripping onto the beans. As the candle burns down, wax can pool around the base and drip onto the beans. Hot melted wax can potentially ignite the beans (Source). Using containers that keep the candle elevated above the beans can help mitigate this risk.

Additionally, bean freshness impacts flammability. Old, dried out beans present more of a fire hazard than freshly roasted beans with higher moisture content. Stale beans are more likely to ignite.

How to Put Candles in Beans Safely

When making coffee bean candles, it’s important to take safety precautions. Here are some tips for putting candles in beans safely:

Use short candles that are 1-2 inches tall at most. Tall, large candles can get too hot and pose a fire hazard when surrounded by flammable beans (Just Coffee Coop).

Place the candle and beans in a fire-resistant container made of glass, metal, or ceramic. Avoid using plastic or paper containers that could melt or catch fire (Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry).

Never leave a burning coffee bean candle unattended. Always blow it out before leaving the room to prevent accidental fires. The beans can help spread flames quickly.

Keep the candle away from flammable materials like curtains, books, and furniture. Leave at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides.

Consider placing the candle on a flame-proof plate or coaster for added protection. This can catch hot wax drips too.

In summary, use reasonable caution with short candles in fire-safe containers, watch continuously, and keep away from flammables for the safest DIY coffee bean candles.

Choosing the Right Beans

When selecting coffee beans for candle making, it’s important to avoid oily beans according to DIY experts (https://www.savvyhomemade.com/diy-coffee-bean-candle/). The oils can seep out when heated and create more smoke. Opt for beans that feel dry to the touch.

Consider the texture of beans as well. Whole beans add visual interest while grounds blend into the wax seamlessly (https://www.lemonslavenderandlaundry.com/cleaning-tip-tuesday-diy-coffee-candle/). Choose the look you prefer for your candle.

The roast level also impacts the scent. Light roasted beans have a milder aroma while dark roasted beans are more robust. Select a roast level that pairs well with your candle fragrance to achieve your ideal coffee candle scent (https://candlecan.com/product/coffee-beans-candle/).

Candle Options

When choosing candles to put in coffee beans, opt for small tealights or votives made from natural wax. These tiny candles have become a popular option. As Vera at The Coffee Addict’s Handbook explains, “Tealights and votives are a perfect size for coffee bean candleholders” (https://justcoffee.coop/blogs/news/upcycled-coffee-grounds-diy-coffee-candles).

Natural wax like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax is ideal because it burns cleanly without toxic fumes. Unscented candles or candles with a coffee scent make the most sense to complement the beans. The aroma of coffee beans alone can provide a pleasant fragrance. If opting for scented candles, cinnamon and vanilla notes pair nicely with coffee.

Bean Freshness

When choosing coffee beans for candle making, it’s recommended to use fresh beans whenever possible. As coffee beans sit after roasting, the oils slowly evaporate, and after several weeks the beans can start to taste stale or rancid.

Rancid coffee beans give off unpleasant odors, which will impact the scent of your candle. According to The Kitchn, rancid coffee beans smell like “wet cardboard, damp wood, or a musty basement.” Those aren’t scents you want wafting from a candle!

For best results, look for coffee beans roasted within the past 2 weeks. Buying freshly roasted beans from a local coffee shop or roaster will ensure freshness. If using store-bought beans, check the roast date and avoid any beans more than a month past the roast date.

Making candles with fresh, aromatic beans allows the beans’ natural coffee fragrance to shine through when the candle is burned. The fresher the beans, the better your coffee candle will smell.

Alternatives to Consider

While putting candles in coffee beans can provide a pleasant aroma, there are other options to consider that may be safer or more effective:

For aromatherapy benefits without an open flame, you could use an essential oil diffuser with a coffee essential oil blend. The diffuser will disperse the scent without the need for a burning candle.

Flameless candles made from real wax provide the ambience of candlelight with LED bulbs instead of a wick and flame. Popular flameless candle brands like Luminess offer remote controls and timers for convenience.

For a creative look, you could place battery-operated LED tealights or string lights inside clear glass containers filled with coffee beans. The beans diffuse the light for a sparkling effect. Using LEDs avoids any fire risk.

Consider your needs for scent, ambience, and design when weighing alternatives to placing traditional candles amidst coffee beans.

Decorative Touches

Coffee bean candles make a wonderful decorative accent for any room in the home. To enhance the coffee theme, consider pairing the candle with other coffee-inspired decor. For example, set the candle on a tray with a coffee mug, chocolate covered coffee beans, coffee scented perfumes, or other coffee inspired knickknacks.

Burlap and lace also make beautiful companions for coffee bean candles. Try wrapping the base of the candle holder in burlap or lace. Or, place the candle on a doily or burlap runner. Vintage coffee cups also add to the charm when used as candle holders.

For more coffee bean candle decor ideas, see:
https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/coffee-bean-candle/946239695330/

Conclusion

Putting candles in coffee beans can be a creative way to add visual interest and pleasant aroma to your home decor. However, there are some important safety considerations. The key points are to use fresh, dry beans, choose appropriate candles, and keep flames away from flammable materials. Tealights or votive candles work best. Make sure candle holders are stable and flames remain fully enclosed. Consider battery-operated flameless candles for safest results. With some reasonable precautions, you can enjoy candles nestled in beans without risking fire hazards. The beans lend a natural, earthy backdrop that complements candlelight ambiance. Just be attentive and keep flammables at a distance. With a little care, candles in beans can be an artistic accent for special occasions and everyday enjoyment.