A Safer Way to Enjoy Candles

Care should always be exercised when displaying or burning candles, especially with children in the house. But even with kids, you can still enjoy the fragrance and ambiance that candles provide by displaying them well out of reach in wall sconce candleholders. These useful decorative accents are available in a variety of styles and sizes, and accommodate any type of candle, from tealights and votives to tapers, pillars and jar candles.

left: taper wall sconce from Yankee Candle Co.

Sconce Candleholder Styles
Safe Placement for a Candle Sconce
When to Burn a Candle Sconce
Back to Decorating Tips & Tricks

Sconce Candleholder Styles
Sconce styles that secure the candle in a hanging glass container or within a hurricane cover can be safer choices than open flame styles. The container will help catch any wax drips and will help protect the surrounding area from the flame. Look for the following features when shopping for sconce candleholders, and always make sure the sconce is secure top and bottom and/or side to side on the wall and that the candle is secure in the holder.

	Tapers Sconces for tapers should have a taper cup that snugly fits at least the bottom ¾-inch of the taper, and should have a lip to collect wax drips. To secure a taper in a wall sconce, hold a lighted match to the bottom of the taper to soften the wax, then insert the candle into the taper cup and press lightly for 10 seconds to allow the wax to dry. Tea lights and votives Most sconces designed for tealights and votives feature a glass container that holds the candle. Be sure the candle is upright in the container and pour off melted wax after extinguishing. Pillars These should be secured on a pillar spike or in a cup that rises at least ½-inch. Pillar sconces often feature either a band or glass hurricane cover to further secure the candle. Jar Candles These should be secured in a cup that rises at least ½-inch, or have a band to secure the candle at about half its height. Create Your Own Candle Sconce Create a sconce effect by placing any type of candle on a sconce-style shelf. Make sure the candle flames is at least three inches from the wall. Secure the candle in an appropriate holder and attach the holder to the shelf permanently using glue, or temporarily using a removable adhesive such as our Quake Hold Putty. See our selection of sconce shelves and candlesticks top: taper sconce, Two's Company middle: pillar sconce with hurricane cover bottom: jar sconce, Yankee Candle Co. Back to Top

Safe Placement for a Candle Sconce
Whichever style you choose, be sure that the candle is secure in the holder and that the sconce is placed in a low traffic area, or in an area that allows plenty of room for people to pass safety. Tight hallways and areas around a doorway are not ideal places to hang a candle sconce. Also be aware of the surrounding décor and allow at least one to two feet of clearance on either side of the sconce for other hanging décor.

Do not position a candle sconce underneath textiles, floral or greenery décor, and allow at least three feet of clearance on either side. Do not carry small children close to a candle sconce, they may try to reach for the candle. And remember that toddlers are expert furniture movers - be alert to nearby chairs and shelves that may provide a ladder for the curious child.
Back to Top

When to Burn a Candle Sconce
A candle sconce is an attractive way to display unlit candles while little ones are up and about. After their bedtime, it's a convenient way to create a soft glow for a few moments' relaxation. As with any candle or interior flame, do not leave a lighted wall sconce unattended. It's easy to extinguish and relight the flame if you have to leave the room for a few moments, and it's much safer.
Back to Top