Where Should Candles Be Placed In A Bedroom?
Introduce the Topic
Candles can provide many benefits in the bedroom by creating a relaxing, comforting atmosphere. The strategic placement of candles around the room can enhance the ambiance, provide mood lighting, accentuate decor, and turn the bedroom into a soothing oasis at the end of the day. When used properly, candles in the bedroom promote better sleep, relaxation, and even romance. The key is determining the optimal placement to fully reap these rewards.
Safety Considerations
When placing candles in the bedroom, fire safety should be your top priority. Candles can pose serious fire hazards if not used responsibly.
Make sure to keep all candles a safe distance away from flammable objects like bedding, curtains, clothing, books, and plastic materials. Do not place candles directly on or near the bed. Keep them on a stable, nonflammable surface at least 3 feet from the bed or any other flammables.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Make sure to blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep. You should also avoid moving a burning candle, as spills can ignite flammable materials.
It’s safest to keep candles in stable holders on a sturdy, nonflammable surface like a metal or glass tray. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid excessive smoke and flickering flames. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe use.
Natural Lighting
One of the best places to position candles in a bedroom is near windows to enhance the natural daylight streaming into the room. Place candles on the windowsills or on side tables next to windows to create a nice glow when the sun goes down. The candlelight will complement the natural light during the day and provide a seamless transition to a cozy ambiance at night.
Tall taper candles work well on windowsills and the flames will dance and flicker beautifully with the natural breezes that come through opened windows. Opt for wide pillar candles or hurricane vases on side tables to allow the light to radiate brightly even when the sun goes down.
Positioning candles near windows takes advantage of the existing natural light during the daytime and allows the candles to showcase their warming glows when the sun sets. It creates a lovely interplay between natural and artificial light sources throughout the daily cycles.
Focal Points
Certain areas in a bedroom naturally draw the eye, becoming focal points that are ideal for candle placement. Key furniture pieces like dressers, nightstands, and shelves make perfect focal points.
Placing candles on top of dressers creates alluring pools of light that highlight treasured photos, jewelry, and decorative accents displayed there. The flickering glow lends warmth and atmosphere to the entire room.
Candles on nightstands create cozy ambiance while providing practical lighting. The glow casts a soft shine that’s ideal for reading in bed or winding down at the end of the day. Nightstand candles also make it easy to turn off overhead lights and set a relaxing mood.
Displaying candles on shelves or built-in ledges draws attention to those areas while creating pockets of illumination. Staggered heights and a mix of candle holders can craft an artful arrangement. The candles’ light dancing on the wall creates captivating shadows.
Aromatherapy Benefits
Candles can provide aromatherapy benefits to help create a calm and soothing environment in the bedroom. The scents from candles reach the limbic system of the brain which controls emotions and memories. When relaxing or sleep-promoting essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang are used in candles, they can have significant effects on our mood and stress levels.
Lighting a candle with these calming essential oils an hour before bedtime can help initiate the relaxation response in our bodies. As the aromas fill the bedroom space, we begin to feel less anxious and more tranquil. The scents send signals to our brain to start winding down and prepare for restful sleep.
Aromatherapy candles can also help reduce cortisol levels in our body which are elevated due to daily stress. The natural fragrances help us decompress from the day’s tensions and pressures. When our mind is calm and free from anxious thoughts, it becomes easier to fall asleep and sleep more soundly.
Creating a relaxing atmosphere with aromatherapy candles in the bedroom is an excellent way to transform the space into a sanctuary of tranquility. The scented candles provide a soothing ambiance to melt away stress and promote a sense of inner peace before sleep.
Lighting Corners
Candles can be strategically placed to warm the often darker corners of a bedroom that may be lacking in overhead lighting. Positioning candles in these dimmer spots will create a cozier ambiance and prevent any dark or shadowy areas from feeling too gloomy or unwelcoming.
Focus on placing candles on bedside tables, dressers, console tables, or shelves tucked into corners that could use some accent lighting. Flameless candles can work well for safely lighting corners too. The soft warm glow emitted will make the whole bedroom feel more inviting and brighten even the most remote nooks.
Don’t overlook lighting the corners behind or alongside the bed too. Nightstands are popular candle perches, but also consider the back ledges of headboards, the foot of the bed, or accent tables near the bed for corner candle arrangements. This will cast a warm lighting halo around the bed for greater comfort and ambiance.
Personal Touches
Candles can help make a bedroom feel uniquely yours by highlighting personal touches like photos, artwork, and mirrors. Strategically placing candles near framed photos of loved ones, vacation memories, or meaningful events adds warmth and personality. The soft glow of candles can draw attention to cherished photographs and art pieces on the walls or shelves.
Placing candles near mirrors is another great way to make a bedroom feel more personal. The reflection of flickering candlelight in a mirror can create a beautiful, intimate ambiance. Consider placing candle holders on a dresser, console table or nightstand situated across from a mirror. The mirrored reflection will make the candle’s light feel more abundant. This is an easy way to create a decorative look and bring out your personal style.
Incorporating candles into displays with personal photographs, artwork, and mirrors makes a bedroom feel cozier. The candles’ gentle glow highlights favorite decorative accents in a unique way.
Night Time Routine
One of the most important aspects of your bedroom is how it facilitates and enhances your night time routine. This is the time when you want to unwind from the day, shed stress, and prepare your body and mind for restful sleep. Strategic placement of candles can help transform your bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary optimized for healthy sleep habits.
Dim lighting from candles during your pre-bedtime wind down signals to your brain to start producing melatonin to help you feel sleepy. Place candles on your nightstand or dresser to provide a warm glow as you get ready for bed. Light a calming scented candle or two about an hour before bedtime as part of your ritual to relax and decompress from the day.
You may also want to place candles in spots that help set the mood for romance and intimacy if you share your bedroom with a partner. For example, having a cluster of candles on each nightstand can provide flattering lighting while you enjoy time together before falling asleep in each other’s arms.
Candlelight during your pre-sleep routine, whether solo or with your significant other, can banish stress and make your bedroom feel like a serene oasis. The soft flickering glow helps cue your brain and body that it’s time for bed.
Romantic Ambiance
Candles can help set the mood for a romantic date night in the bedroom. Dim lighting from candles creates an intimate setting perfect for quality time with your significant other. Place candles around the room to create a soft glow. Group candles on each nightstand to provide flattering lighting on both sides of the bed. Light candles on a dresser or vanity as well for ambiance. Tea lights or votives work well for scattering around the bedroom. Their small size allows you to place candles in multiple locations to cast a romantic glow throughout the space.
For extra romance, trace a path of candlelight to the bed. Line the floor on both sides with small votives leading to the bed. The candles will guide your eyes, and footsteps, straight to the cozy spot you’ve created. Spark conversation while enjoying the atmosphere the candles produce. The candles’ flames will dance, further setting the mood. Their warm light emphasizes the intimacy of the setting.
To fully optimize the room’s ambiance, place candles out of direct eyesight. This prevents the actual flames from being distracting. The overall goal is to bathe the space in a warm, delicate glow. Strategically place candles to quietly enhance the environment’s beauty. A romantic bedroom illuminated by candlelight facilitates quality time spent connecting and unwinding.
Summary
In summary, there are many benefits to using candles strategically in the bedroom. Some of the best placements for candles in a bedroom include on bedside tables, on a dresser or vanity, and in corners of the room. However, always practice fire safety – never leave burning candles unattended, keep them away from flammable materials, and make sure to extinguish them before going to sleep.
Candles can provide a warm, relaxing glow to enhance the ambiance of a bedroom. Lighting them before bed can be part of a soothing nighttime routine. Their pleasant scents also promote relaxation. But most importantly, always blow them out before leaving the room or falling asleep.
With some thoughtful planning, candles can make a bedroom feel cozier and more inviting. They create a welcoming glow, emit calming fragrances, and help set the mood. Just remember to keep safety top of mind. By being cautious with placement and monitoring them while lit, you can enjoy the benefits of candles in the bedroom.
