A candlelit room can make an ordinary evening feel a little gentler. Incense and fragrance oils may also become part of a familiar routine. Their atmosphere is best enjoyed with one important principle in mind: a beautiful object is still a real object, and anything involving heat, flame or fragrance should be used with care.
The guidance below provides a general starting point. Always read and follow the instructions, warnings and labels supplied with the individual product.
Candle safety
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving the room, going to bed or allowing them to burn beyond the time recommended on the product label.
Always place a candle in a suitable holder on a stable, level and heat-resistant surface. Keep it away from curtains, furniture, bedding, books, paper, dried flowers and anything else that may catch fire.
Keep candles away from draughts, open windows and busy areas where they may be knocked over. Do not place them where children or pets can reach them.
Allow sufficient space between burning candles. Tea lights and candle containers can become very hot, so do not place them directly on furniture, plastic surfaces or delicate materials.
Do not move a candle while it is burning or while the holder or container remains hot. Where appropriate, trim the wick according to the instructions provided with the product.
Before leaving the room, check that the flame has been fully extinguished.
Incense safety
Burn incense only in a suitable fire-resistant holder designed to catch ash safely. Place the holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from curtains, paper, furniture and other flammable materials.
Do not leave burning incense unattended. Extinguish it fully before leaving the room or going to bed.
Use incense in a well-ventilated room and avoid placing it near an open window or draught, where hot ash may be carried onto nearby materials.
Keep burning incense, ash and matches away from children and pets. Allow the holder and ash to cool fully before handling or disposing of them.
Always follow the instructions provided with the individual product.
Oils, oil burners and diffusers
Different oils are made for different purposes. An oil intended for an oil burner may not be suitable for a diffuser, direct skin application or any other use.
Read the label before use and follow the product-specific directions carefully. Use only the recommended quantity and only with equipment suitable for that product.
Do not ingest an oil unless it is explicitly labelled and intended for consumption. Do not apply an oil directly to the skin unless the product instructions clearly state that this is appropriate.
Keep oils securely closed and stored away from children and pets. Avoid contact with eyes and take care when handling oils near polished, painted or delicate surfaces.
If using an oil burner with a tea light, treat it with the same care as any other naked flame. Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface, keep it away from flammable materials and never leave it unattended.
Children, pets and sensitivities
Candles, matches, lighters, incense, oils and hot holders should always be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Fragrances and smoke may not suit every person, animal or household. Use products with care in shared spaces, ventilate the room appropriately and stop using a product if it causes discomfort.
If you have specific concerns about allergies, pregnancy, a medical condition or the suitability of a product around pets, seek appropriate professional advice before use.
Check the individual product instructions
This page provides general household safety guidance. It does not replace the label, packaging or instructions supplied with an individual item.
Some products may require additional precautions because of their ingredients, design or intended use. If the instructions supplied with a product differ from the general guidance on this page, follow the product-specific instructions.
If you have a practical question about an item in the Hawthorn & Key collection, please contact us before use.
You may also find our Materials & Care page helpful for general advice on looking after objects in your home.