Frequently Asked Questions.

• Is coconut wax eco-friendly and sustainable?

Coconut wax is a clean-burning, eco-conscious alternative to paraffin and soy. Derived from a renewable crop, it offers a smooth, even burn, exceptional scent throw, and a lower environmental footprint—making it a beautifully sustainable choice for candle lovers.

• Does coconut wax smell of coconut?

Nope! Coconut wax is scentless. The refining and hydrogenation process removes any coconut smell, leaving behind a colourless and odourless wax. So, the scent will come entirely from the fragrance oils added.

• Why have you chosen to use fragrance oils instead of essential oils in your candles?

Essential oils can be appealing for their natural origins, but their composition often varies (with harvest and extraction), some being flammable or reactive, so may not withstand the heat of a burning candle - resulting in safety concerns, inconsistent scent release, oxidation, or even skin irritation. In addition, essential oils also require large amounts of raw plant material, raising sustainability questions.

In contrast, our fragrance oils are carefully engineered to maintain a steady aroma during burning and are formulated without parabens, phthalates, CMR substances, silicone, or PEG, ensuring both safety and consistency. This predictable performance makes fragrance oils a more reliable and safer option for our candles.

• What’s the best way to care for my candle?

Please refer to our 'Candle Care & Burn Guide' on our website.

• How long will my candle burn?

As every candle is uniquely shaped, burn times naturally vary. Larger, symmetrical designs typically offer 3-4 hours per burn session, while smaller or intricately sculpted pieces may last for just a single session. Some shapes are simply too beautiful—and too detailed—to burn without wax spillage. It’s part of their design and their charm. If you’d prefer to preserve their form, they make beautiful ornamental keepsakes that gently scent a space even when unlit.

• Why is my candle tunnelling?

Tunnelling happens when a candle burns straight down the centre, leaving unmelted wax around the edges. For container candles, it is always recommended that during the first burn you allow the candle to create a full 'melt pool', where the wax reaches every side of the container. However, due to the freestanding nature of our ornamental candles, we design them so tunnelling is intentional. This helps to minimise wax spillage and leaves behind a beautiful outer shell. This can be kept as an ornamental piece or repurposed in a wax melter to enjoy the scent even further.

• Will my candle look exactly like the photo?

Each candle is individually hand-poured and sculpted, so subtle variations- like fine textures or tiny air bubbles, may appear. These are natural reflections of the handcrafted process and give each candle its own unique character. While variation is part of what makes them special, we’re committed to ensuring every piece meets our standards for beauty, consistency, and quality.

• How long will it take to receive my order?

Each candle is lovingly handmade to order. Please allow up to 5 working days for creation and dispatch. During busier seasons, this may extend to 7 days. Once dispatched via Royal Mail, you’ll receive tracking details so you can follow its journey. UK delivery usually takes 1–3 business days. Thank you for your patience.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at: theornamentalcandlecompany@gmail.com or via our 'Contact Us' page on our website.