Few spots remain for our NYC pop-up 11/9-11: RSVP here.

The Holiday Collection is here: SHOP NOW

How to Light a Candle Without a Lighter

How to Light a Candle Without a Lighter

One little luxury we love whether we’re at home or traveling is to have dedicated downtime before bed. Making an effort to disconnect from work and enjoy a good book or watch a few episodes of a guilty pleasure TV show can help you fall asleep with more ease, and wake up feeling more refreshed as a result.

While you might not have room service to provide a turndown service, there are little ways you can set the mood for relaxation before bed. The obvious way to signal that it’s time to unwind is by lighting your favorite Hotel Lobby Candle. However, if you don’t have a lighter or yours is suddenly not working, it can put you in a bind.

We know how frustrating it can be to not have a lighter — there’s no way to enjoy your candle without one…or is there? Here are a few alternatives to traditional lighters that can help you enjoy your go-to scent, no lighter needed.

Use matches.

This might seem like an obvious alternative to a lighter but so many people have matches on hand without even realizing it. Check your pantry or junk drawer to see if you have a match you can use to light your candle.

Matches are always nice to have on hand for those “just in case” moments. Plus, most restaurants and hotels give out matchboxes for free. Many of them have chic branding and designs, making them the perfect item to collect. Add them to a small bowl and set it on an entryway table for both a stylish and practical use.

how to light a candle without a lighter

Use the stovetop.

If you’re trying to light a taper candle, using a stovetop burner might be a good option. Simply turn on the burner and touch the wick to it once it has heated up. It should light immediately.

This works best with taper candles or candles with long wicks because you need the wick to reach the burner with ease. Traditional candles that are in jars will be tricky to light this way, however, you can use a lit taper candle to light the other candles in your home.

If the stovetop method isn’t working for you, other options that might be worth a try include a toaster, oven, or space heater. Just be sure to use caution when using these heating elements to light a candle.

Use a single strand of spaghetti.

When you don’t have a lighter or matches to get a spark going on your candle, there’s no denying that you have to get creative. One method that’s a bit out there is to use a single strand of spaghetti to light a candle, but it works.

Take one dry strand of spaghetti and tap one end to a heated burner. The pasta should catch fire quickly, working as a long matchstick you can use to light your candles.

This is an ideal option for those who don’t have taper candles to light.

close search

What are you looking for?

close cart

Your cart