Hurricane candle holders add a warm, flickering glow to any room, but an open flame can be a hazard. Adding a glass top turns your hurricane into a safer, more finished piece—it shields the flame from drafts, catches any wax drips, and keeps curious pets and kids a little safer. This guide shows you how to choose or create a glass top that fits your hurricane holder, with practical tips for measuring, sourcing, and using it safely.
Ingredients
- 1 hurricane candle holder (glass, metal, or wood frame)
- 1 candle (votive, pillar, or taper that fits inside the holder)
- 1 glass top: choose one of the following:
- Glass dome (cloche) with a knob or handle, diameter 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) larger than the holder’s opening
- Glass plate or charger, at least 2 in (5 cm) wider than the holder’s rim
- Glass lid from a large jar or casserole dish, with a heat-safe rating
- Optional: felt pads or rubber bumpers (to prevent scratching)
- Optional: glass cutter and sandpaper (if you need to trim a glass plate to size)
Instructions
- Measure your hurricane holder. Use a ruler or tape measure to find the diameter of the top opening. Also measure the height of the holder and the candle’s height, so the top won’t touch the flame.
- Choose a glass top that is larger than the opening. For a dome, the bottom rim should sit over the holder’s rim, not inside it. For a flat plate, it should rest on the rim with at least 1 in (2.5 cm) of overhang on all sides. If the top is too small, it may fall in or not cover the flame.
- Check the glass for heat resistance. Look for a label saying “heat-safe” or “oven-safe.” If it’s a decorative glass plate or cloche, it may not be tempered, so keep it away from direct flame—see Tips.
- Trim the glass if needed (optional). If you have a glass plate that’s too large, you can cut it with a glass cutter, but this is tricky. Score a line, then snap along the score with pliers. Sand the edges with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth them. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Place the candle inside the holder. Center the candle on the base. If using a taper, secure it in a candle holder that fits inside.
- Light the candle. Use a long lighter or match to avoid reaching over the glass.
- Set the glass top on the holder. Gently lower it so it rests evenly on the rim. Make sure it doesn’t wobble. If it’s a dome, center it so the knob is upright.
- Monitor the candle. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Check that the glass top doesn’t become too hot to touch; if it does, extinguish the candle and allow everything to cool.
Tips
- Safety first: Always use a glass top that is at least 2 in (5 cm) larger in diameter than the candle flame. Keep the top at least 2 in (5 cm) above the flame. If the glass is too close, it can crack from heat. Never use a glass top that is cracked or chipped.
- Choose the right glass: Tempered glass (like Pyrex or oven-safe bakeware) is best because it withstands heat. Decorative glass, like a thrift-store plate, may not be heat-safe. When in doubt, don’t use it near an open flame.
- Prevent scratches: Add small felt pads or rubber bumpers to the underside of the glass top where it rests on the holder. This prevents scratching and helps it stay in place.
- Trim the wick: Keep the candle wick trimmed to 1/4 in (6 mm) to reduce soot and keep the flame smaller, which lowers the heat on the glass.
Serving Suggestions
Use your topped hurricane as a centerpiece on a dining table, mantel, or porch. Pair it with a matching set for a formal dinner, or mix and match for a rustic look. For a cozy evening, place several hurricanes of different heights together, each with a glass top, and light them as the sun sets.
Variations
- Frosted glass top: Use a frosted glass dome for a softer, diffused glow.
- Colored glass: A colored glass plate (like amber or blue) can cast a warm tint over the room.
- Handle top: A dome with a knob or handle makes it easier to lift off when you need to extinguish the candle.
- DIY mosaic top: Glue small glass tiles to a plain glass plate (using a high-temp adhesive) for a custom look—but ensure the adhesive is heat-safe and the tiles are not directly over the flame.
Storage and Reheating
When not in use, store the glass top separately from the hurricane holder to avoid scratches. Place a soft cloth between them if stacking. Clean the glass top with a mild glass cleaner and a soft cloth; avoid abrasive scrubbers. Allow the glass to cool completely before cleaning. There is no reheating involved—just relight the candle when you want to use it again. Always extinguish the candle before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any glass plate as a top? Not all glass is heat-safe. Decorative plates may crack or shatter from the heat of a candle. Use tempered glass (like Pyrex) or a product specifically labeled for candle use.
How close can the glass top be to the flame? Keep the glass at least 2 in (5 cm) above the flame. If the flame is too tall, trim the wick or use a shorter candle.
What if the glass top fogs up with soot? Soot is normal if the flame is too high or the wick is long. Trim the wick to 1/4 in (6 mm) and clean the glass regularly with a glass cleaner.
Can I leave the candle burning with the glass top on overnight? No. Never leave a burning candle unattended, even with a glass top. Extinguish before leaving the room or going to sleep.
How do I measure for a glass top if my hurricane is not round? For square or rectangular holders, measure the width and length. Choose a glass top that is larger than the opening in both dimensions, with at least 1 in (2.5 cm) overhang.
Can I use a glass top on a hurricane with a pillar candle that’s taller than the holder? No. The candle must be shorter than the holder so the glass top can sit on the rim without touching the flame. Trim the candle or use a shorter one.
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