According to the National Candle Association, 7 out of 10 US households use candles. That’s an awful lot of candles. Apparently we’re buying more and more for their decorative and emotive qualities rather than from any practical or emergency needs.

Bearing those figures in mind it seems a natural consequence that the figures available for 2007 reveal that over 15,000 house fires were started by burning candles. It’s not surprising that safety conscious home-owners are turning to flameless candles.

Almost indistinguishable from their burning cousins, flameless candles light up every corner of the home just as effectively.

In the Bathroom

Enhance a long, relaxing soak in a scented bubble bath with the soothing and tranquil ambiance created by candlelight. Line up flameless tea lights along the edge of the tub, or place pillar candles on bathroom shelves or the windowsill. Maybe add a little spiritual music and you have the perfect atmosphere to wash away the day’s stresses.

In the Bedroom

What could be more romantic than candle light in the bedroom? Create pools of soft light in the corners of the room, or arrange candles at regular intervals around the whole room for a gently glowing and flattering lighting effect. As a little added bonus, some battery operated candles have a timer built-in so you can fall asleep in candlelight without worrying about safety.

In the Living Room

Arrange groupings of candles in the fireplace for a striking focal point when you don’t want to light a fire, or line up a row of tea lights in front of a mirror or other shiny surface to create a deeply reflected lighting attraction.

Hurricanes make a bright and bold complement to any decor style, and look particularly striking when used as the centrepiece on a coffee table.

And don’t think candles are just for evenings. Light up a candle or two on a dull, rainy day to instantly feel cocooned and safe in your home.

Battery operated candles are the answer to many a lighting dilemma in the home. Take up the trend and you can bask in candlelight whenever the mood takes you and never give a thought to any unwelcome or hazardous consequences.