Elevate Your Home with Lavender Scented Candles
A lavender candle is a simple way to make a room feel calm. This guide covers how to choose one, how to burn it safely, and what to do with the glass jar afterwards. For other lavender gifts, see our lavender soap gift set, lavender bags and lavender oil.
Why people like lavender candles
Lavender is one of the best-known fragrances for the home. Many people enjoy it as part of an evening routine, in the bedroom, by the bath or while reading. A candle also gives soft light, which adds to the atmosphere. Scent is personal, and a candle is a pleasant extra rather than a treatment for anything.
If you are curious about the plant itself, read our article on lavender.
How to choose a lavender candle
Wax and wick
Candles are commonly made from soy wax, paraffin, beeswax or blends. Soy and beeswax are plant or animal based, while paraffin is petroleum based. Each burns slightly differently, so check the label for what is in your candle. Cotton wicks are common and should be kept trimmed.
Fragrance
Lavender candles vary from fresh and herbal to soft and floral. French and English lavender smell different, so if you have a preference, check the description. Candles scented with essential oils tend to smell lighter than those with fragrance oils.
Size and burn time
Choose a size that suits the room and how often you will light it. Larger candles last longer and give a stronger scent in bigger rooms.
Reviews
Customer reviews are a good guide to how strong the scent really is when lit.
How to look after your candle
- Trim the wick to about 5mm before each burn to reduce soot and keep the flame even.
- Burn for no more than around four hours at a time, and let the wax melt right across the surface the first time you light it.
- Keep it away from draughts, curtains and anything flammable, and never leave a lit candle unattended.
- Place it on a heat-resistant, stable surface, out of reach of children and pets.
- Snuff or extinguish it fully before leaving the room.
Where to burn it
The bedroom, living room and bathroom are the usual choices. Light it while you are in the room and awake, and put it out before you go to sleep.
Making your own lavender candle
Making a candle at home is a simple weekend project.
- Melt soy wax gently in a heatproof jug set over a pan of simmering water.
- Stir in lavender essential oil once the wax has melted and cooled slightly. Follow the supplier's guidance on how much to use.
- Fix a pre-waxed wick in the centre of a clean glass jar.
- Pour in the wax and let it set fully, undisturbed, before trimming the wick and lighting it.
Dried lavender buds can decorate the top, but keep them away from the flame.
Reusing glass candle jars
Once the candle has burnt down, the jar can have a second life.
Cleaning out the wax
Put the empty jar in the freezer for a few hours, then ease out the remaining wax with a spoon. Wash with hot water and washing-up liquid, or pour in hot water and let any remaining wax float to the top and set so you can lift it out.
Ideas for reuse
- A small planter for herbs or succulents
- A pot for cotton buds, hair ties or make-up brushes
- A tea light holder or small lantern
- A jar for pens and pencils
See the full lavender range for soaps, lavender bags and gift ideas.