Burning Candles Safely in Wood Holders
Wood is a lovely material for a candleholder and a flammable one. Here is how to use ours with sensible care.
A candle is a small fire. Treat it as one.
Summary
- Wood is combustible, so a wooden candleholder needs a suitable candle, a stable placement, and attention.
- Never leave a lit candle unattended, and keep it away from flammable materials.
- Extinguish the candle well before it burns down to the plate.
Key takeaways
- Plan for safety every time you light a candle.
- Fit the candle to the holder.
- When in doubt, extinguish early.
A lit candle is an open flame. The material it sits on matters, and wood is combustible. That does not mean it cannot be used. It means it should be used with thought.
This is general guidance, not a guarantee. You are responsible for how you use any open flame in your home.
Use the right candle
Our candleholders are designed for pillar candles that sit on a turned plate. Choose a pillar candle that fits the plate, not hanging over the edge. A candle that is too wide or too tall can be unstable.
Use a candle with a good wick and a sound base. A candle that drips freely or burns unevenly is more likely to cause trouble.
Keep it stable
Place the holder on a flat, level, stable surface, away from edges. Make sure it cannot be knocked by people, pets, or draughts. Because the piece is heavy, it is steady, but the candle on top can still be tipped.
Keep it clear
Keep the flame away from curtains, paper, dried flowers, and other flammable things. Leave generous space above the candle as well.
Watch the burn
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Do not leave one burning when you go to sleep or leave the room. Keep it away from children and pets.
Trim the wick before each lighting, so that the flame stays a reasonable size.
Extinguish early
Do not let the candle burn all the way down to the plate. When it gets low, put it out and replace it. Heat and flame near the wood is the main risk, so leave a margin.
When you extinguish the flame, use a snuffer or a gentle puff, and make sure the wick is no longer glowing.
Protect the finish
Wax drips can be removed from the surface once they cool. Use a gentle method, and avoid harsh chemicals or high heat, which can harm the oil and wax finish. See How to Care for a Root-Wood Candleholder.
Use common sense
If anything seems wrong, such as smoke, unusual smell, or scorching, extinguish the candle and move away. If you are unsure about a placement, choose a safer one.
Our position
We make objects for people to enjoy, and we want you to enjoy them safely. We cannot control how a piece is used, and we ask owners to take sensible precautions.
Common questions
Can I burn a candle on the wood?
Our pieces are designed to hold a pillar candle on the turned plate. Follow the safety guidance and never leave a flame unattended.
How low can the candle burn?
Stop well before it reaches the plate. Leave a margin.
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