There is a risk when you light a candle surrounded by dried flowers: gypsophila, berries and dried petals are dry and light, and they catch fire quickly if they come near the flame. Our flower candles can be lit and give off their scent: a few precautions are all it takes. Here is what official guidance says, and how to enjoy a flower candle safely.
What official guidance says
- Health Canada, candle safety guidance (page updated 26 January 2022) advises against candles decorated with flammable materials such as paper, ribbon or bark, recommends keeping lit candles away from decorations, curtains and clothing, and warns never to leave a lit candle unattended. It also suggests trimming the wick to 5–7 mm before lighting.
- In France, the Ministry of Health’s press kit on house fires (2007) reminds readers never to leave a candle unattended and to make sure it is properly put out.
Dried flowers are among those flammable decorations: on or around a candle, they sit right next to the flame.
Why dried flowers catch fire
A dried flower has lost its water: all that is left is fine, dry material that catches fire on contact with a flame or very hot wax. As a candle burns, the wax melts around the wick; flowers resting on the surface slide towards the centre, and those around the candle end up a few centimetres from the flame.
How to light our flower candles safely
The caramel rose in a footed bowl, the orange rose in a boat dish, the cream rose on its bed of gypsophila, the “Love” bouquets : all of these pieces pair scented sculpted wax with dried flowers. They can be lit: simply keep the flame away from the dried flowers and berries, and put the candle out before it reaches them. Our article how to light and care for a decorative candle covers the essentials.
Flower candles
“Love” flower candle — fuchsia roses, gypsophila & gold-tone butterflies
€55.00One of a kind
Flower candle safety: the essentials
With our candles, as with any flower candle:
- remove the flowers resting on the surface before the first burn;
- never leave the candle burning unattended;
- place it away from curtains, fabrics and other decorations;
- put it out before the flame reaches the remaining flowers.
Unlit, a bouquet that lasts
Unlit, a flower candle keeps its shape and colours, and looks lovely on a table, a console or a dressing table. For a celebration table, see how to decorate a celebration table with flower candles.
Frequently asked questions
Can a flower candle catch fire on its own?
No. Unlit, it poses no fire risk; the danger comes from the flame. Simply keep it away from heat sources.
Are the flowers on HK candles real?
The sculpted flowers are made of wax; the gypsophila and berries around them are real dried flowers.
