Should You Burn Candles in Your Bedroom?

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Photo of a serene and beautifully designed bedroom with multiple lit candles on the bedside table and dresser, casting a warm and ambient glow. The soft light highlights the plush bedding and elegant decor, creating a tranquil and cozy atmosphere.

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Should you burn candles in your bedroom? It’s a blend of ambiance and safety considerations that many grapple with.

The allure of soft candlelight can transform bedroom ambiance, but what about potential risks, air quality, and health concerns?

If you’ve been lighting wicks in your sanctuary and wondering about the implications, you’re certainly not alone.

Equipped with insights from indoor air quality and fire safety experts, I’ve crafted a balanced exploration on this very topic.

Step into this guide with me, and together, let’s weigh the pros and cons of bedroom candle-burning, ensuring your relaxation remains both atmospheric and safe.

Pros of Burning Candles in Bedroom

  • Ambiance: Candles can create a warm, cozy, and romantic ambiance in a bedroom.
  • Aroma: Scented candles can help in aromatherapy, providing relaxation and stress relief.
  • Meditation and Focus: The gentle flicker of a candle flame can aid in meditation and help in improving concentration.
  • Natural Light: Candles can serve as a source of natural and soft light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Cons of of Burning Candles in Bedroom

  • Safety Concerns: There’s a risk of starting a fire if candles are left unattended or placed near flammable materials.
  • Air Quality: Burning candles, especially those made of paraffin wax, can release harmful toxins and pollutants into the air.
  • Residue and Soot: Candles can produce soot that can stain walls, ceilings, and fabrics.
  • Allergies and Health Concerns: Some people may be allergic to specific fragrances or the smoke produced by candles.
  • Short-lived: Candles, especially those of lower quality, can burn out quickly, requiring frequent replacement.

Scented Candles in Bedroom Yes or No?

Scented candles have long been used to simulate desired moods. Some fragrances like lavender, geranium, bergamot, and chamomile are known to induce sleep. Therefore, many people do or are tempted to burn such candles in their bedrooms. Nonetheless, whether or not you should burn candles is a question that lingers in many; and speaking of candles, at Baba Me, we sell the best natural soy wax candles. Grab your favorite fragrance today at an affordable price.

So, is it bad to light candles in your room? Burning candles in the bedroom can create a calming ambiance and pleasant aroma. However, it poses safety risks like potential fires if left unattended or near flammable materials.Certain candles can release toxins affecting air quality. To ensure safety, choose quality candles and always monitor them while burning.

Photo of a modern bedroom with minimalist design. A cluster of candles on a tray rests on the bed, illuminating the room with a gentle and romantic light, complementing the soft hues of the walls and bedding.

1. Don’t leave candles burning in the room

A candle is still an open flame, and it is crucial to keep an eye on it in case something goes wrong, and a lot can go wrong. That way, you will be in a position to take immediate action. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

2. Keep the candle away from drafts, curtains, and other flammable stuff

Avoid putting your scented candles on a windowsill- a breeze can blow the curtains into it, causing a fire. Also, do not place it near bedrooms items that tend to catch fire quickly like pillows, bedding, clothing, and those books and magazine you like reading before sleeping.

3. Put the candle in the middle of a stable table

Do not put the scented candles near the edge of your bedroom table to reduce the risk of falling over. Also, ensure the table is stable to prevent the scented candles from tipping.

4. Do not leave the candle burning while sleeping

As stated earlier, aromas like lavender simulate sleep. Therefore, it is quite possible to fall asleep when burning scented candles, leaving the scented candles unattended. It’s for this reason that some people would strongly advise against burning scented candles in your bedroom. Therefore, it is essential for those burning candles in their bedrooms to put off the candle once you start feeling drowsy.

But what happens when you accidentally fall asleep and leave the candle burning?

Rule 2 and 3 should keep you safe. Also, some candles come in jars; ceramic or tin jars. Therefore, in case the candle burns all the way down, the flame will not come into contact with your table. Nonetheless, leaving a candle unattended is still a risk no matter how many safety measures you put in place. Therefore, always make sure to extinguish the candle before going to sleep.

Since you can burn candles in your bedroom, here are a few scented candles that will help you get that desired relaxing fragrance;

Editor’s choice

51ja6XWCn+L. SL160

Aromatherapy Candles, For Stress Relief

  • Safety 5/5
  • Composition 5/5
  • Aromatherapy5/5

Runner Up

Serenity + Calm Scented Candle

  • Safety 5/5
  • Composition 4.5/5
  • Aromatherapy 4/5

Best budget

Lavender, Sage, Sandalwood Rose

  • Safety 5/5
  • Composition 4.5/5
  • Aromatherapy 4.5/5

When reviewing candles for bedroom use, the top 3 things to focus on are:

  1. Safety: Ensure the candle is made of safe materials, has a stable base to prevent tipping, and uses a wick that doesn’t produce excessive soot.
  2. Composition & Air Quality: Check if the candle is made of natural waxes (like soy or beeswax) and uses non-toxic fragrances, as these are healthier and produce fewer pollutants when burned.
  3. Scent & Aromatherapy Benefits: Evaluate the candle’s aroma for its pleasantness, potency, and potential therapeutic benefits, ensuring it promotes relaxation and sleep without being overpowering.
  • Enchanted Candle Lavender- This lavender-scented soy wax candle burns for 27 hours and comes in a beautiful bowl or square jar made with real lavender flowers.
  • Aromatherapy Candles- Peace- This fragrance combines the relaxing scents of Lavender and Geranium that will soothe you into a peaceful sleep.
  • Aromatherapy Candles- Be Chilled- This one combines Lavender with Fennel to promote a sense of calm.

What do scented candles release?

Scented candles release the following:

  1. Fragrance Oils: These are responsible for the scent of the candle. They can be natural (like essential oils) or synthetic.
  2. Wax Byproducts: Depending on the type of wax (paraffin, soy, beeswax, etc.), candles can release different byproducts when burned.
  3. Toxins: Some candles, especially those made of paraffin wax, can release toxins like benzene and toluene.
  4. Soot: All candles produce some amount of soot, but the quantity and quality can vary based on the candle’s composition and wick design.
  5. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Burning any material, including candles, produces CO2 as a byproduct.
  6. Allergens: Some people might be allergic to specific fragrances or components in scented candles.
  7. Water Vapor: Combustion processes can produce water vapor as a byproduct.

It’s important to note that while many candles can release these, the quantity and potential impact on health can vary widely based on the candle’s quality, composition, and how it’s burned.

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