Where Are The Best Places To Burn Candles?
This article will provide comprehensive recommendations on the best places to burn candles safely and effectively. We’ll explore ideal rooms, holiday decor, outdoor spaces, and general tips to get the most out of your candles. Our goal is to inform readers on maximizing enjoyment from candles while minimizing risk. With key factors like ventilation, frequently trimming wicks, using appropriate holders, and avoiding potential fire hazards in mind, we aim to leave readers confident in how to burn candles properly for any space or occasion.
Safety Considerations
Candles can pose fire hazards if not used properly, so it’s important to follow some basic safety tips. According to the National Fire Protection Association (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/candles), you should keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember that candle holders can get hot. Always put candles on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. The Hartford (https://www.thehartford.com/about-us/junior-fire-marshal/candle-fire-safety) also recommends extinguishing candles when leaving a room and keeping them away from flammable holiday decorations.
Proper ventilation is key for candle safety. Burn candles in open, well-ventilated areas and avoid burning too many candles in a small space according to Puroclean (https://www.puroclean.com/blog/candle-fire-safety-guidelines/). Always supervise burning candles, and keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.
Recommended Rooms
When deciding where to burn candles in your home, there are certain rooms that are better suited than others. The living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen are generally the top recommended rooms for enjoying candles.
Living Room
The living room is a great place for candles because it’s usually where people relax and spend quality time. Popular spots to place candles in the living room include side tables next to sofas or chairs, coffee tables, bookshelves, and the fireplace mantel. Be sure to keep them away from drapes or anything flammable (Harlem Candle Company, 2022). The living room tends to be a more open space so candles can fill the room with fragrance.
Bedroom
Candles make for a nice ambient lighting in the bedroom and can also help create a relaxing atmosphere before sleep. Side tables and dressers are good surfaces for candles in the bedroom. Just be sure to blow them out before falling asleep and keep them far from blankets or pillows (TLCCandleCo, 2022).
Bathroom
The bathroom is great spot to place candles to set the mood for a long soak in the tub. Position candles safely on the counter, edge of the tub or shelves. Make sure to avoid placing candles or their heat too close to towels, shower curtains or toiletries. Properly ventilated bathrooms are best for avoiding excess moisture from steam (Soy Delicious, 2023).
Kitchen
Kitchen islands tend to offer a good amount of open counter space for candles. The kitchen is where families and friends often gather together and the scents from candles can create an inviting atmosphere. Just be mindful of keeping candles away from stove tops or anything flammable when the kitchen is in use (TLCCandleCo, 2022).
Living Room
The living room is a great place to burn candles because it’s where people often relax at the end of the day. When placing candles in the living room, consider putting them on coffee tables, bookshelves, and entertainment centers.
Coffee tables are perfect for holding a candle or two. The lower height puts the flickering light and fragrance at an ideal level while you’re sitting on the couch. Opt for a candle in a glass container or metal tin so it’s visible but protected from little hands or wagging tails. According to The Spruce, “It’s always nice to have a scented candle burning as you relax in your living room. Placing small accessories on a tray on top of your coffee table allows you to easily move candles around” (source).
Display candles of different heights on bookshelves and entertainment centers to create visual interest. Place them near eye level so their glow can be appreciated. Just be sure to keep sufficient space around the candles to prevent the flames from getting too close to books, electronics or decor.
Bedroom
The bedroom is an ideal place to burn candles, as they can help create a relaxing and tranquil environment before bedtime. When placing candles in the bedroom, it’s important to be mindful of fire safety and keep them away from flammable materials like bedding and curtains.
Nightstands and dressers provide perfect elevated surfaces for candles in the bedroom. Place pillar or votive candles on either side of the bed on the nightstands (1). The soft flickering light creates a cozy ambiance without being too bright. Dressers and vanities are also suitable candle holders. A few votives or a scented candle in a glass jar can make getting ready a calming experience (2).
Windowsills are charming spots to put candles in a bedroom. Line up an assortment of pillar candles along the sill to cast a warm glow. Place them safely away from curtains or other flammables. The candles will create a welcoming glow when viewed from outside at night.
Bathroom
The bathroom is a popular spot for candles because the moisture from baths and showers helps disperse the fragrance. When placing candles in the bathroom, it’s important to keep them away from water splashes and ensure adequate ventilation. The National Fire Protection Association advises against leaving lit candles unattended in the bathroom.
A common placement is on the counter near the sink. This keeps the candle elevated and away from water sources like the tub and shower. Just be mindful of having enough space from other items. Some also place candles on a high shelf or windowsill in the bathroom.
Another popular spot is the edge of the bathtub, provided the tub has a wide enough rim. Soy Delicious recommends a 4-6 inch diameter candle for the tub edge so it’s not too close to the water (source). The candle should be enclosed in glass to prevent wax drips. Never place a lit candle where it could get splashed and be sure to extinguish it before using the shower or bath.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a great place to burn candles because it’s often the heart of the home where people gather. Candles can provide a welcoming ambiance. Some ideal spots include:
Table – A candle in the center of the kitchen table or island creates a cozy feel during meals. Be sure to use a heat-resistant candleholder. Blow out the candle if you need to temporarily clear the table.
Countertops – Candles add a decorative touch to empty areas of countertops or islands. Place them away from appliances and sink areas to avoid splashes. Open shelves – Grouping candles on open shelves or glass cabinets adds warmth and flair. Stagger different heights for visual interest.
When placing candles in the kitchen, keep them away from flammable items like dishtowels, paper, or plastic. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish them before going to bed or leaving home.
Outdoor Spaces
Candles can create a cozy ambiance on outdoor spaces like a patio, deck, or porch. However, extra safety precautions should be taken when burning candles outside as you don’t want to start an unintended fire (Light up Your Summer Festivities with Outdoor Candles, 2022).
It’s best to place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface in an area protected from the wind. Glass containers are preferable to contain the flame and prevent breakage. Citronella candles can help repel insects in warmer months. Small votive or tealight candles are good options for outdoor use as they are less prone to getting blown out. Avoid using taper candles outside unless enclosed in glass (How to: Select and use outdoor candles, 2015).
For added safety, keep candles on a non-flammable surface away from plants, curtains or loose papers. Never leave burning candles unattended. Make sure to properly extinguish candles before going inside or to bed (Safe places to burn candles outdoors, 2021). With some basic precautions, candles can create beautiful ambiance to enjoy those long summer nights outdoors.
Holiday Decor
Scented candles are a great way to enhance your holiday decor and create a more festive atmosphere. Some of the best places to incorporate holiday candles are on your mantel, table centerpieces, and windowsills.
A mantel is an ideal spot for a line of matching holiday candles. The flickering light from the candles will provide a cozy glow and accent your other mantel decor like Christmas stockings, pine garlands, and poinsettias. Some great scented candle options for mantels are ones with notes of balsam fir, pine, cranberry, and cinnamon. Brands like Voluspa and NEST Fragrances make candles specifically for the holidays.
Candles also make wonderful centerpieces for holiday dining tables. Opt for candles that complement the overall palette and theme of your tablescape. Metallic candle holders can add sparkle, while pinecone and berry embellished candles fit a more natural style. Invigorating scents like citrus, cranberry, and fir are ideal for table candles.
Placing candles in your windows is another way to spread holiday cheer inside and out. Opt for wide pillar candles to maximize the impact. Wintery scents like balsam, vanilla, and cinnamon enhance the cozy vibe. Brands like Diptyque and Jo Malone offer luxury candles that make stunning window decor.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many great places to burn candles safely and enjoy their ambience. The living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor spaces can all benefit from the warm glow and pleasant fragrance of candles, when basic safety rules are followed. Be sure to keep candles away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, place them on stable surfaces, and extinguish them before going to sleep or leaving the house.
To recap our top tips: choose sturdy candle holders, trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting, avoid drafts, keep hair/clothing/kids/pets away, and carefully watch candles when burning. Extinguish candles if they start smoking, flaring, or the wax pool gets too close to the edge. With proper precautions, you can decorate with candles and create a cozy atmosphere in your favorite rooms.
