Ben Carter
Scented candles can elevate any space they're placed in, but there are some tips and tricks to maximize their efficiency and make your home smell amazing. The right scent can add a lot to a room, and the placement of the candle can help improve your mood. The placement of the candle depends on the purpose of the room. For example, in a bathroom, you might want to place a small candle on the back of the toilet, the bathroom counter, or the side of the tub. In a bedroom, you might opt for a candle on your bedside table, dresser, or desk. In a living room, a coffee table, windowsill, or mantelpiece are ideal spots for a scented candle.
Where to place a candle to fill a room
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Room purpose | Consider the function of the room. For example, energizing scents are good for office spaces, while warm and inviting scents are better for living rooms. |
| Room size | A small room may only need one candle, while a large room may need two or more to fill the space with scent. |
| Placement | Place candles in areas with good air circulation to spread the scent. Optimal spots include end tables, coffee tables, shelves, and countertops. Avoid placing candles near flammable materials, fabrics, windows, vents, or drafts. |
| Candle type | Candles with higher fragrance concentration and larger wicks produce a stronger scent but may burn faster. Coconut and apricot wax hold fragrances better than paraffin wax. |
| Burn time | Allow the candle to burn for a longer period to fully release the fragrance and fill the room. |
| Storage | Properly store candles in a cool, dark place to preserve their scent. |
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What You'll Learn
Place candles near the door to a room/house
Placing scented candles near the door to a room or house is a great way to welcome guests. It will be the first (and sometimes only) thing they smell upon entering your home. Even if the candle is unlit, its aroma will linger and create a pleasant atmosphere.
When placing candles near the door, ensure they are out of reach and not placed on anything flammable, such as curtains or furniture. Avoid positioning them near open windows or vents, as drafts can cause candles to burn unevenly and the scent to dissipate too quickly. However, a slightly open window can help ventilate the space, allowing the scent to circulate effectively.
If you have a large, spacious room with high ceilings, consider using multiple candles or a large candle with multiple wicks to adequately fill the space with fragrance. Conversely, a small candle is usually enough for a small room or one with low ceilings.
The type of candle you choose is also important. Cheap scented candles, which often use chemicals to achieve their fragrance, can be invasive and bothersome to sensitive guests. Opt for natural essential oils or higher-quality candles with more subtle and pleasant aromas, such as vanilla, mint, or orange.
Remember to always keep safety in mind when burning candles. Ensure they are suitable for indoor use and never leave them unattended or fall asleep with them still lit.
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Avoid drafts and open windows or vents
To ensure your candle fills the room with its scent, avoid placing it near drafts, open windows, or vents. Drafts can cause candles to burn unevenly, leading to tunneling, where the wax only melts in the center, wasting the surrounding wax and reducing burn time.
To prevent drafts, seal any cracks or gaps in your home, especially around windows and doors. You can use caulking or expanding spray foam to fill wide cracks and gaps. For windows, try using plastic window film, which you put up and then shrink with a hairdryer to seal it in place. This will also help to reduce street noise. Insulated drapes can also help keep warm air from escaping, but they work best when closed. If you want to let in natural light, use a combination of cellular shades and drapery.
If you want to place your scented candle on a windowsill, make sure the window is closed before lighting it. This will help to make your candle last longer. Similarly, avoid placing candles near vents, as artificial ventilation can prevent a candle's scent from circulating effectively and providing a long-lasting fragrance.
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Consider the room's purpose and size
When placing scented candles, it's important to consider the purpose and size of the room. The type of candle and its placement can enhance the ambience of the room and make it feel more unique.
For example, if you have a meditation corner, you might want to opt for a candle with a deep, relaxing scent, such as lavender or eucalyptus. If you're looking to create a romantic atmosphere, rich and earthy scents like vanilla or teakwood are a good choice. Floral scents like sweet pea, lilac, or hibiscus can be a great hybrid for a romantic and relaxing vibe.
The size of the room is also a crucial factor. You don't want a strong-scented candle in a small room as it may become overpowering. Conversely, a lightly scented candle in a large room may be underwhelming. Small rooms or rooms with low ceilings typically require a small candle to fill the space with fragrance. Medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms or living rooms, can accommodate one or two larger candles or two smaller candles with a good scent throw. For large, spacious rooms with high ceilings, you may need two to three candles or a large candle with multiple wicks, spaced out to ensure the fragrance fills the room.
Additionally, avoid placing candles in drafty areas or near open windows or vents as this can cause the fragrance to dissipate quickly and the candle to burn unevenly. Keep them away from flammable materials such as curtains, papers, and furniture, especially if you have young children or pets.
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Place candles on a windowsill, side table, or coffee table
Placing candles on a windowsill, side table, or coffee table can fill your room with warmth and elegance. The placement of candles depends on the purpose of the room. The type of candle and its fragrance can enhance the ambience of the room.
Windowsills are a great place to put candles, especially during the holiday season. In colonial America, a candle in the window was a sign to priests that it was safe to enter a home to say Mass. It was also a way to welcome Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus as they sought shelter. Candles on windowsills can also be a beacon of hope for passersby, offering them food and shelter.
Side tables are another option for candle placement, especially in the living room. The living room is a space where people spend a lot of time, so warm and inviting scents are recommended. Pine-scented candles, for example, can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for morning coffee chats, social gatherings, and movie nights.
Coffee tables are a common place for candles, especially when paired with other decorative items. Using a tray to display candles can make them seem bigger and help fill the space. Trays can also be practical, corralling loose items like clickers and remotes. When choosing a candle for your coffee table, consider both form and function by selecting a candle that smells amazing and matches your decor. For example, a blush-colored candle with an orchid and plum fragrance can add a pop of color and a delightful scent to your coffee table arrangement.
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Keep candles away from flammable materials and fabrics
When placing candles, it is important to consider the purpose and size of the room. The living room is a central area in the home, so you may want to place candles on end tables, coffee tables, fireplace mantels, or shelves. In the bedroom, you can place candles on end tables, dressers, shelves, and desks. The bathroom is perfect for candles, with ideal spots including countertops, shelves, or the back of the toilet.
However, it is crucial to keep candles away from flammable materials and fabrics to ensure safety and prevent fires. Keep candles away from curtains, rugs, bedding, mattresses, carpets, books, paper, clothing, and other fabrics and flammable decorations. Avoid placing candles near windows, as drafts can cause candles to burn unevenly, leading to tunneling, where the wax melts only in the center, wasting the surrounding wax.
Additionally, ensure candles are out of the reach of children and pets, and do not leave them unattended. Place candles in sturdy holders that are difficult to tip over and keep them away from areas where they could be easily knocked over. Always trim the wick to a suitable length before lighting, and discontinue burning when there is only half an inch of wax remaining in the container.
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Frequently asked questions
Consider the purpose of the room and the activities that take place there. For example, if it's a bedroom, opt for relaxing scents like lavender. If it's a living room, warm and inviting scents like pine are ideal.
Optimal places for candle placement in the living room include end tables, coffee tables, fireplace mantels, and shelves. Avoid placing candles near flammable materials such as curtains, papers, or furniture.
Consider the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. For larger rooms, you may need multiple candles or 2-wick candles placed throughout the space. Avoid drafty areas and open windows or vents as these can cause the fragrance to dissipate quickly.
Candles in the bedroom can be placed on bedside tables, dressers, shelves, or desks. Ensure that the candle is away from any curtains, bedding, or other fabrics, and always blow it out before going to sleep.
Placing a candle near the door of a room or house can make it the first thing guests notice upon entering. Additionally, unlit scented candles can be placed near fabrics to create a subtle aroma, but be sure to move them before lighting.
