Can You Put A Candle In A Hurricane Vase?

Table of Contents

What is a Hurricane Vase?

A hurricane vase is a decorative glass container designed to protect a candle’s flame from being blown out by wind or drafts. These vases are characterized by their distinct shape – they are tall and narrow at the bottom, then dramatically flare outwards towards the top.

The origins of hurricane vases date back centuries. In the Victorian era, elaborate hurricane lamps fueled by oils and candles were popular lighting fixtures. The unique shape helped prevent gusts of wind from extinguishing the flame. While electric lighting has made true hurricane lamps obsolete, the hurricane vase remains a decorative piece in many households.

Today, hurricane vases come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The classic shape features a narrow base that flares out to a wide opening at the top. Common materials include glass, acrylic, metal, and ceramic. Sizes range from small 4-6 inch vases to dramatic 2-3 foot pieces. The defining feature remains the flared top which stabilizes and protects the candle flame.

Purpose of Hurricane Vases

Hurricane vases were originally designed to protect candles from wind or breezes when used outdoors or in drafty indoor spaces. The hurricane glass surrounding the candle shields the flame, preventing it from blowing out. This makes hurricane vases ideal for creating an ambient glow in gardens, patios, decks, porches, and other breezy locales.

In addition to protecting the candle flame, hurricane vases also help enhance ambiance. The glass hurricane diffuses and softens the light from the candle, creating a warm luminous effect. The flickering flame inside the vase makes for appealing mood lighting. Hurricane vases allow you to safely add candlelight to outdoor areas or spaces where you normally couldn’t have an unprotected flame.

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether you can put a candle in a hurricane vase, there are a few key factors to take into account:

Candle size – The candle diameter should be at least 2 inches smaller than the diameter of the vase so it does not get stuck inside. If the candle is too wide, it will be difficult to remove.

Candle shape – Cylinder candles tend to work best, as taper candles may tip over inside the vase. Votive and pillar candles are good options.

Fire safety – Only use hurricane vases on non-flammable surfaces, away from flammable materials like curtains. Never leave a burning candle unattended. The vase should be made of heat-resistant glass or metal.

Additionally, make sure the candle fits properly all the way down into the vase without protruding above the top rim where it could catch anything on fire. Allow adequate ventilation room between the candle and sides of the vase.

Installing the Candle

Properly installing the candle is crucial for functionality and safety. The key factors are letting the wax pool, centering the candle, and monitoring the wick length.

When lighting the candle for the first time, allow the wax to completely liquify and pool before extinguishing the flame. This will help the candle burn evenly next time. If the wax re-hardens off-center, the candle may tunnel down one side.

Center the candle in the hurricane vase each time you relight it. If placed too close to the glass edge, the heat can cause cracking or breakage. Centering also promotes even wax pooling.

Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Long wicks lead to big flames and excessive smoke. Monitor the melting wax and trim again if the wick becomes too long. Proper wick length prevents rapid wax consumption and contains the flame size.

Maintenance

To keep your hurricane candle vase looking its best, some routine maintenance is required. This involves cleaning out dust and debris, removing built-up wax, and preventing soot buildup.

Dust and debris can accumulate in the vase over time. Give the vase an occasional rinse to wash away dirt. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the interior. Avoid abrasive scrubbing as it may scratch the glass.

As the candle burns down, wax remnants will be left behind on the vase walls. About once a month, remove the old wax to prevent buildup. Allow the vase to cool completely before attempting wax removal. Then use a plastic spatula to gently scrape off the hardened wax bits. Goo Gone or another mild adhesive remover can assist with stubborn wax deposits.

Soot occurs from the candle burning and can make the vase appear cloudy or darkened. To prevent excessive soot, trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid big flames. Also use a candle snuffer instead of blowing out candles. Change out candles frequently and clean vase walls using isopropyl alcohol if soot occurs.

Aesthetic Options

Hurricane vases with candles allow for beautiful, decorative accents that complement the candlelight. Consider the following aesthetic options:

Decorative candles – Choose candles in colors or scents that match your decor. Layer candles of varying heights for visual interest. Opt for unique shapes beyond basic tapers or pillars.

Accent beads, flowers, etc – Add beads, sea glass, flowers, or other small decorations at the bottom of the vase or interspersed between candle holders. This creates a lovely ambiance when the candlelight shines through.

Colored vases – Clear glass hurricane vases are the most common, but colored vases offer fun variety. Try cobalt blue, emerald green, or other colored glass for a pop of color. Frosted or textured vases also diffuse the candlelight beautifully.

Safety Tips

When burning candles in hurricane vases, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips:

Always supervise burning candles. Never leave them unattended.
Make sure the vase is on a heat-safe surface that can withstand the heat of the candle. Avoid placing it on something flammable.
Position the vase away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans, etc. Drafts can cause the flame to tunnel down into the vase and ignite the liquid.

Following basic precautions will help ensure burning candles in hurricane vases is an enjoyable experience. Safety should always come first when having an open flame in the home.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using candles in hurricane vases, there are some troubleshooting tips to try.

Fixing Tunneling Issues

Tunneling occurs when the candle burns unevenly, creating a hole or tunnel in the center. This is often caused by an improper wick size. Try trimming the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent tunneling.

Preventing Blowing Out

Candles in hurricane vases can blow out easily since they are exposed on all sides. Place the vase away from drafts, vents, and frequently opened doors. You can also use vase filler like beads or marbles to provide a protective layer around the flame.

Reducing Soot

Built up soot on your vase comes from unburned wax particles. Trim wicks regularly to 1⁄4 inch to encourage full wax consumption. Choose candles formulated specifically for containers to prevent excess soot.

Alternative Options

Although it might seem tempting to use real flame candles in hurricane vases, there are many safer alternative options that provide a beautiful ambiance. Here are some of the top options to consider:

Battery-Operated Candles

Battery-operated candles offer the look of a real flame candle without the fire hazard. Many battery candles provide a realistic flickering effect to mimic a real candle flame. Battery candles come in various sizes, shapes, and colors to match any decor. They can be turned on and off easily and provide hours of light before the batteries need to be replaced.

LED Candles

LED candles are another electric option that provides a safer alternative to real candles. LEDs allow for bright, consistent illumination without actual flames. LED candles come in wick and flameless styles. Many even feature remote controls or timers to automate the lighting. Plus, LEDs use very little electricity and can last for years.

Oil Lamps

Oil lamps have been used for centuries to provide candle-like ambiance without an open flame. Fueled by lamp oil, they have controlled wicks that generate a warm incandescent glow. Oil lamps offer similar charm to candles and come in many decorative styles fit for hurricane vases. Just be sure to keep the oil reservoir full and the wick trimmed for peak performance.

Summary

To summarize, hurricane vases can be used safely with candles if some simple guidelines are followed.

The most important factors to consider are selecting the right candle height, monitoring the candle as it burns, using the correct base fillers, and following fire safety tips. With thoughtful setup, hurricane vases make beautiful candle holders and allow candles to burn slowly and safely indoors.

By choosing an appropriate candle height, adding base fillers like sand or glass beads, avoiding flammable decor around the vase, and never leaving a burning candle unattended, hurricane vases provide a safe vessel for candlelight ambience.