Candles have a way of turning any space into something warm, inviting, and personal. But as simple as lighting a wick might seem, there’s an art of enjoying them safely and respectfully... whether you’re burning one in
your own home or gifting one to a friend.

Here’s a down-to-earth guide to candle etiquette:

Do’s

1. Trim the wick before each burn:
A wick that’s too long can cause uneven burning, soot, or excessive flickering.
Trim to about ¼ inch before lighting for a clean, steady flame.

2. Burn long enough for a full melt pool:
The first time you light your candle; let it burn until the wax melts evenly to
the edges. This helps prevent tunneling and makes your candle last longer.

3. Keep it away from drafts:
Open windows, fans, or air vents can cause the flame to flicker and burn
unevenly. Place your candle somewhere stable and sheltered.

4. Use a proper surface:
Always burn candles on a heat-resistant, sturdy surface to avoid heat marks or
spills on furniture.

5. Share the story behind the candle:
When giving a candle as a gift, share its scent notes or inspiration. It makes
the gesture more personal and meaningful.

Don’ts

1. Don’t leave a candle unattended:
Even the most beautiful flame needs supervision. Extinguish it before leaving
the room or going to bed.

2. Don’t burn for too long:
Four hours is usually the maximum recommended burn time at once. Longer
sessions can overheat the vessel or cause the wick to mushroom.

3. Don’t move a lit or hot candle:
Hot wax is dangerous. Wait until the wax has cooled and hardened before moving.

4. Don’t store candles in direct sunlight:
Heat and sunlight can fade colors, weaken fragrance, and even warp the wax.
Keep them in a cool, dry place.

5. Don’t ignore safety with multiple candles:
If you’re burning more than one, space them at least three inches apart to
prevent uneven burning or heat damage.

The Size of the Room vs the Size of the Candle Matters: The size of your space helps determine the right candle to
use… or whether more than one is needed. If you’re styling multiple candles
on the same surface, keep them at least 3 inches apart for safety. If you’re
trying to fragrance a larger room, place candles in different
areas of the space… several feet apart… to help the scent circulate evenly. A
small room typically only needs one candle, while medium-to-large rooms may
benefit from two. Burning two different scents at once can also create a
unique, personalized fragrance experience.

A Final Note: Candle etiquette isn’t about rules for the sake of rules... it’s
about creating a better, safer, and more enjoyable experience for everyone. A
little care goes a long way in making sure your candles look beautiful, smell
amazing, and last as long as possible.