Why Do People Light A Candle In The Bathroom?

Walk into almost any bathroom and you’re likely to find a candle sitting on the counter, edge of the tub, or windowsill. In fact, research shows that over 70% of households light candles in the bathroom on a regular basis. But where did this tradition originate, and why do so many find it an essential part of their bathroom décor and routine?

Though we may take having candles in the bathroom for granted today, the practice has a long and storied history. From providing light before electricity to setting a relaxing mood, candles have served important functions in bathrooms across eras and cultures. Read on to uncover the origins and many purposes behind this enduring bathroom tradition.

History of Lighting Candles in the Bathroom

The practice of lighting candles in the bathroom has ancient origins, dating back thousands of years. In ancient times, candles served as one of the only sources of light available for people. Without electricity, candles were relied upon not just for bathrooms but throughout homes and buildings.

In the Middle Ages, candles became closely associated with bathing. Public bath houses used candles to light the dim facilities. Wealthy people who had private bathrooms in their castles and homes often lit multiple candles around their tubs and washing areas. Candles helped create a warm glow and ambiance while bathing.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, candles were a hallmark of bathroom design. Indoor plumbing started to spread in wealthier homes, and bathrooms were outfitted with candle holders, chandeliers, and candelabras. At night, candles provided necessary lighting. During the day, the flickering flames created a soothing atmosphere for bathing and grooming.

While electric lights emerged by the late 1800s and early 1900s, candles remained popular decorative and supplemental lighting in bathrooms. Even today, in the age of electric lighting, many people enjoy the ambient glow and fragrance that candles add to the bathroom space.

Purposes of Candles in Bathrooms

People light candles in their bathrooms for a variety of purposes. Some of the top reasons include:

Creating Ambiance and Relaxation

Candles can help create a calming, spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom. The soft, flickering light and pleasant aroma of scented candles enhances relaxation during baths, showers, and other self-care routines. Candles transform a regular bathroom into a peaceful sanctuary.

Masking Odors

Candles are commonly used to mask unpleasant bathroom odors. Scented candles with smells like lavender, vanilla, and citrus can overwhelm foul odors and provide a fresher scent. Lighting a candle after using the toilet or taking out garbage helps keep the bathroom smelling clean.

Providing Light

Candles add a warm, cozy lighting when used in bathrooms. They provide a softer illumination than overhead lights and are useful when showering or bathing at night. Flameless battery-operated candles also provide lighting without an open flame.

Religious or Spiritual Reasons

Some people light candles in their bathroom as part of religious rituals or spiritual practices. For example, prayer candles may be lit to provide focus or set an intention. Candles can also be used in bath rituals inspired by new age spirituality or witchcraft.

Types of Candles

When selecting a candle for the bathroom, there are a few common options to consider:

Scented vs. Unscented: Scented candles like lavender, vanilla, or citrus can provide a pleasant aroma in the bathroom. However, some people prefer unscented candles to avoid strong smells. For those sensitive to scents, an unscented, natural beeswax candle is a good alternative.

Shapes and Sizes: Small votive or tealight candles work well for bathrooms, as they provide gentle, subtle lighting without taking up much space. For counters or shelves, taller taper or pillar candles in 2-4 inches sizes are common. Custom candles in fun bathroom-themed shapes like seashells or bathtubs can also add a decorative touch.

Specialty Bathroom Candles: Many companies make candles specifically formulated for humidity and steamy bathroom environments. These specialty candles often have blended waxes that withstand high temperatures and moisture. Bathroom candles may also come in vessels with non-slip bottoms for safe placement near sinks or tubs.

Where to Place Bathroom Candles

When choosing where to put a candle in the bathroom, there are a few key factors to consider.

Most people place candles on the counter near the sink. This is convenient for lighting as you wash your face or brush your teeth. However, be mindful of the proximity to water splashes, steam from showers, and heat from hair tools that could create safety issues. Position the candle a safe distance from these hazards.

Candles are also commonly placed in a decorative bowl or stand in a corner of the bathroom. This can create a nice ambiance without getting in the way. Just be sure the location is stable and won’t get knocked over.

Some people enjoy the atmosphere of a candle while soaking in the bathtub. Tabletop candle holders that attach to the tub’s edge are made specifically for this purpose. Be extremely cautious about having an open flame so close to water, and never leave a lit candle unattended.

High shelves away from moisture are another option, but make sure the candle won’t get forgotten up there when lit. The windowsill also can work, provided curtains or blinds are a safe distance away.

Avoid placing candles directly on the floor where they could get kicked or tripped over. Also never put them underneath cabinets or shelves, as the flames could ignite the wood.

With thoughtful placement, you can enjoy the cozy vibe candles create without compromising safety in the bathroom’s humid environment.

Alternatives to Candles in the Bathroom

While candles can provide a nice ambiance in the bathroom, there are some alternative options to consider that avoid the fire hazard and maintenance of candles.

Battery-powered flameless candles are a safe alternative that realistically mimic the look of a burning candle. They provide flicker and an ambient glow without the fire risk. Flameless candles come in all shapes and sizes, and many are even scented to provide a similar effect to scented candles. They don’t require matches or lighters and don’t produce smoke or dripping wax. The main downsides are that battery-powered candles require periodic battery replacement and lack the authenticity of real candles.

String lights and wall sconces can provide beautiful ambient lighting in a bathroom without an open flame. These hardwired electric options provide lasting illumination without fire hazards or the need to relight. While the look may not be quite as cozy and intimate as candlelight, string lights and sconces avoid smoke, dripping wax, and don’t require ongoing maintenance. Just flip a switch for instant ambiance.

Aromatherapy diffusers are an option for adding lovely scents to the bathroom without candles. Diffusers disperse essential oils into the air to provide calming or energizing aromas. Unlike candles, diffusers don’t put off smoke and don’t present fire risks. However, essential oils can be more expensive than scented candles in the long run.

Ultimately candles provide a unique cozy ambiance, but flameless electric or battery-powered options can deliver similar lighting effects and scents without the fire and maintenance considerations.

Decor Ideas

Candles can add a warm, inviting touch to any bathroom’s decor. Here are some creative ways to incorporate candles into your bathroom design:

Floating Candles

For a serene, spa-like look, place floating candles in glass vases or bowls filled with water. Cluster several together on a shelf or in the corner of a bathtub. The candles’ reflection on the water creates a peaceful ambiance. Beeswax candles work best since they float easily.

Candle Holders

Look for waterproof candle holders that can safely contain dripping wax if the candles are lit. Clear glass or crystal holders add a touch of elegance. For a cohesive look, match the style of the holders to your bathroom’s overall decor – modern, vintage, rustic, etc. Place candle holders on the corner of your sink, on a windowsill, or clustered on open shelving.

Pillar Candles

Arrange pillar candles of varying heights on the edge of your bathtub or on a decorative tray on the vanity. Choose candles in complementary colors and patterns for visual interest. Keep safety in mind – avoid placing real candles too close to curtains or towels.

Battery-Operated Candles

For safety with the look of real candles, opt for battery-operated flameless candles. They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles to mimic traditional candles. Place them anywhere without worry – around the tub, on the floor, or atop floating wood blocks in a vessel sink.

Maintenance

Candles in the bathroom require some upkeep to keep things looking and smelling fresh. Here are some tips for maintaining bathroom candles:

Caring for Bathroom Candles

Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and uneven burning. Let liquid wax pools completely harden before relighting. Rotate jar candles to prevent “tunneling,” where wax melts unevenly. Avoid drafts that can disrupt burning. Extinguish candles before the last 1⁄2 inch of wax to prevent heat damage to glass vessels.

Cleaning Up Wax, Scent, Smoke Residue

Use a soft cloth to gently buff dried wax off surfaces. Try a plastic scraper for stubborn buildup. For glass containers, freeze candles overnight then the frozen wax will pop right off. To refresh smoke-scented air, open windows, run fans, and place bowls of white vinegar around to absorb odors. Dust ceiling fan blades and wall sconces periodically to limit smoke residue.

Bathroom candles require occasional trimming, rotating, and cleaning to maintain their look and scent. But with some simple upkeep, you can enjoy your bathroom candles for a long time.

Safety Tips

When using candles in the bathroom, it’s important to keep safety in mind to prevent fires or other hazards.

Make sure to blow out candles before leaving the bathroom. Don’t leave burning candles unattended. Place candles away from shower curtains, towels, or anything else flammable. Have a snuffer or snuffing plate on hand to properly extinguish candles.

Ensure your bathroom is properly ventilated when burning candles. Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan. Avoid overpowering scents in a small enclosed space.

Practice good hygiene with candles. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking. Use a candle holder so melted wax doesn’t drip. Clean holders regularly to remove wax buildup. Discard candles once they’ve burned down halfway.

In summary, exercise caution with candle safety. Take preventative measures, use common sense, and reap the relaxing benefits candles can provide your bathroom without worry.

Conclusion

In summary, people light candles in the bathroom for a variety of reasons. Candles can provide gentle lighting, pleasant scents, a calming ambiance, and warmth. Bathroom candles also serve decorative purposes, adding a touch of style. Many people enjoy starting their day with a relaxing, spa-like routine of showering or bathing by candlelight. Others light candles in the evenings to create a soothing atmosphere. There are safety precautions to follow, like keeping candles away from water sources and using appropriate holders. But with some care, lighting a candle can be a simple way to make the bathroom an oasis of tranquility.

Candle use in bathrooms has a long history, dating back centuries. While lighting methods have evolved, the appeal remains timeless. A candle’s flickering glow and lovely aroma can transform an ordinary bathroom into a peaceful retreat. As we go about our busy, technology-driven lives, a candle allows us to take a relaxing break. A few moments of serenity from the light of a simple flame can rejuvenate our bodies and minds before the day’s tasks begin. Or, at day’s end, a candle sets the mood for rest and recharging. Whatever your personal reasons for lighting a bathroom candle, enjoy this little luxury that adds warmth, beauty and calm to your daily routine.