Is it good to have candles in your room?

Table of Contents

Quick answers

Having candles in your room can have both benefits and drawbacks. Some potential benefits include:

They can create a relaxing, calming ambiance
Their soft lighting is less harsh on the eyes than bright overhead lights

They can provide a nice scent to your room

Some potential drawbacks include:

They can be a fire hazard if left unattended

The smoke can trigger asthma or allergies in some people
They can produce smoke/soot that dirties walls and furniture

So whether having candles in your room is “good” really depends on the individual, their preferences, and how responsibly they use them. Proper precautions should be taken.

Factors to consider

Here are some key factors to consider when deciding whether to have candles in your bedroom:

Fire safety

One of the biggest risks of having candles in the bedroom is the fire hazard they can pose. Candles are an open flame, and thus always carry some inherent fire risks. Here are some fire safety tips if you do choose to burn candles in the bedroom:

Never leave burning candles unattended

Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, blankets or clothing
Place candles in sturdy, non-flammable holders
Keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch length to avoid heavy smoking

Don’t burn candles near drafts which can cause rapid, uneven burning
Keep a 12 inch circle of safety around each candle, clear of any objects
Extinguish candles before going to sleep

Never leave pets or children alone with burning candles

Following these precautions can significantly reduce, but not eliminate, the fire risks of using candles. It’s also recommended to keep a fire extinguisher handy in rooms where you burn candles regularly.

Air quality

Candle smoke contains fine particulate matter that can degrade indoor air quality if ventilation is poor. This smoke can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma. People with asthma or allergies may want to avoid using scented or paraffin candles which tend to produce more soot. Beeswax, soy, or vegetable-based candles produce less soot.

To mitigate indoor air quality risks:

Use candles sparingly, avoiding prolonged burning
Open windows periodically if burning candles for long periods

Choose unscented or naturally-scented candles
Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to minimize smoke
Use beeswax, soy wax, or vegetable-based candles when possible

Proper ventilation paired with limited candle burning helps reduce risks of indoor air pollution.

Lighting and eye strain

Candlelight provides a soft, warm glow that many find easier on the eyes than bright overhead lighting. This gentle lighting can be beneficial in bedrooms by avoiding eye strain that can disrupt sleep patterns.

However, candlelight is not sufficient on its own for tasks like reading which require more intense light. Balance candlelight with lamps or overhead lighting when needed. Avoid reading solely by candlelight for extended periods, as this can cause eye strain.

Relaxation and sleep quality

The warm flicker of a candle can create a relaxing ambiance conducive to winding down for sleep. Studies show that certain scents, like lavender, can have calming properties that enhance sleep quality. The relaxing environment candles can create is beneficial for sleep hygiene.

However, having candles too close to the bed or burning them for too long can disrupt sleep. Avoid burning candles within 3 feet of the bed, and extinguish them well before you go to sleep. Limit candle burning to an hour or less in evening hours to reap relaxation benefits without impairing sleep.

Fragrance and scent

Scented candles can provide pleasant aromas that create a positive sensory environment. Softer, natural scents like vanilla, lavender, jasmine, and citrus can be soothing. Using candles with energizing scents like peppermint or rosemary in morning hours can help you feel more alert.

However, heavily fragranced candles, paraffin wax candles, and burning candles for prolonged periods can release excessive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. High VOC levels have been linked to health risks like asthma and allergic reactions. Ventilate rooms well if using scented candles, and opt for beeswax, soy, or vegetable-based candles when possible. Unscented candles are safest if you have sensitivities.

Cost considerations

Candles can range greatly in price from $1 to $50 or more. Luxury candles from high-end brands tend to burn cleaner and can have subtle, natural scents, but come at a higher cost. Cheap candles often have overpowering synthetic fragrances and produce more soot.

For bedrooms, spending a bit more on quality candles made from beeswax, soy, or other natural waxes is recommended for cleaner burning and safer scents. Aim for options in the $5-$15 price range from reputable brands. Costco’s house brand candles offer excellent value at competitive prices.

Aesthetic appeal

Candles can enhance the visual aesthetic of a room with their warm, cozy glow. groupings of candles on a nightstand or dresser create inviting focal points. Mixing candles in different shapes, sizes, and colors adds visual interest. Stick to a color theme that complements your room’s decor.

Candleholders should suit the style of your bedroom. For modern rooms, sleek vessels in metallics, glass, or minimalist shapes work well. Vintage inspired jars or lanterns pair nicely with traditional decor. The visual appeal candles add to a room can heighten the ambiance.

Pros of having candles in the bedroom

Some potential benefits of using candles in the bedroom in moderation include:

Relaxing ambiance – The warm glow and flickering light of candles can create a soothing, tranquil environment to unwind in.
Aromatherapy – Scented candles infuse pleasant fragrances into the air that can have calming or uplifting effects.
Softer lighting – Candlelight casts a warm glow that is less harsh on eyes than bright overhead lighting, preventing eye strain.

Warmth – The flame provides a small amount of heat that can make a room feel cozy.
Decor – Candles add aesthetic appeal and can enhance the atmosphere of a room.
Romance – Candlelight sets a peaceful mood that can be romantic.

If used properly by someone without sensitivities to smoke, candles can be an excellent addition to bedrooms when used occasionally and in moderation. Their relaxing qualities can help make bedrooms more inviting sanctuaries.

Cons of having candles in the bedroom

Some potential downsides of using candles in the bedroom regularly or improperly include:

Fire hazard – Candles pose serious fire risks if not used extremely carefully and properly.

Indoor air pollution – Candle smoke contains fine particulate matter that can degrade air quality and exacerbate respiratory issues.
Soot residue – Burning candles produces soot that settles on furniture, walls, and bedding.
VOCs – Heavily fragranced and paraffin candles release VOCs into the air which may have health risks with excessive exposure.

Allergies/asthma – Candle smoke and scent can trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Sleep disruption – Improperly used candles can impair sleep quality through light, scent, etc.

Candles should always be used carefully with proper ventilation, and limited to short durations. People with sensitivities may want to avoid using candles in bedrooms altogether.

Safety tips for using candles in the bedroom

If you choose to use candles in the bedroom, follow these tips to minimize risks:

Place candleholders on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces, at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains or any fabrics.
Choose high-quality candle brands made from soy, beeswax, or vegetable waxes to limit soot.

Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to reduce smoke output.
Avoid heavily fragranced candles which tend to pollute more.
Open windows periodically to ventilate the room while candles are lit.

Extinguish candles before leaving the room and well before going to sleep.
Limit candle burning sessions to 1 hour or less.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.

Have a fire extinguisher handy in any room you regularly burn candles.

Proper precautions are essential to minimizing the risks. It’s safest to use candles sparingly in bedrooms.

Ideal candles for bedrooms

Look for these characteristics in candles to use safely in the bedroom:

Natural wax – Soy, beeswax, or vegetable-based wax produce less soot.
Cotton wicks – Cotton wicks reduce risk of rapid flaring.
Subtle scents – Light, natural scents like lavender or vanilla are best.

Small jars – Low, wide mouth jars are safest candleholders.
Reputable brands – High quality candles from reputable companies burn cleaner.
Good value – Aim for affordably priced options between $5-$15.

Avoid paraffin wax or artificial fragrances. Read reviews and check company reputations. With the right candle choices, you can safely experience the coziness candles bring to bedrooms.

Candle use by age

It’s generally not recommended to allow children or teens to burn candles unsupervised in bedrooms. Some guidelines based on age:

Age Group	Candle Guidelines
Ages 0-3	No candle usage recommended, too young to understand fire hazards
Ages 4-7	Only use candles under direct adult supervision in child’s presence
Ages 8-12	May begin learning to cautiously light candles with adult guidance
Ages 13-17	May light candles with adult permission and if demonstrated proper techniques
Ages 18+	May use candles independently by following safety precautions

It’s smart to set household rules about candle usage for kids and teens to ensure proper precautions are taken.

Making bedrooms cozier without candles

If you prefer not to use candles but still want to make your bedroom more relaxing, some alternatives include:

Using low wattage bulbs in table lamps or wall sconces for softer lighting
Hanging string lights for a warm, ambient glow

Layering in textiles like blankets, pillows, rugs, and curtains to make space more snug
Playing soothing music or nature sounds
Diffusing essential oils or calming room sprays instead of scented candles

Incorporating live plants to add organic elements
Displaying artwork, photos, or decorative objects to personalize
Ensuring mattresses and bedding are high-quality for comfort

With a little creativity, you can still establish a tranquil environment without the use of open flames. Focus on lighting, textures, scents, sounds, and layout to make a bedroom feel warm and welcoming.

Conclusion

Candles can add beauty and serenity to bedrooms when used carefully and in moderation. However, they also come with significant risks that require caution. Weigh the benefits against the potential hazards based on your health, lifestyle and responsible use of candles. With suitable precautions taken, the ambiance candles provide may be worth the benefits for many bedroom spaces. But they may pose too much risk for homes with kids, pets, respiratory issues, or accident risk factors. Overall, use good judgement, limit burning times, and consider safer alternatives if concerned. If you do incorporate candles, proper practices are key to reaping rewards while minimizing risks.