Timeless and reliable, candles are now more popular than - well, since the invention of electricity, at least - thanks to slow-living and Scandinavian trends like hygge. After all, nothing beats their romantic flickering lights and warm cozy feel!
Since they can be both functional and decorative, there are a few things that you should consider in order to choose candles that work well together and for you. Let's make sure that your lighting game is on fire!
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Pillar candles: they can come in different heights and shapes, but they're usually round;
Taper candles: undeniably attention-grabbing, these candles are thin and tall;
Votive candles: they're quite similar to their pillar-shaped cousins, but are characterized by glass containers;
Jars and candle pots have the same perks as votive candles but are available in many more shapes and colors and their wax fills the entire container;
Tealights: small and affordable, tealights are one of the most versatile options: you can either keep them in their little metal containers or place them inside glass jars;
Floating: thanks to their large top and smaller bottoms, they're perfect to float in water-filled containers;
Flameless: combining tradition and modern commodities, these electric candles don't actually involve any fire, and can sometimes come with a remote to turn them on and off;
For the best results, put candles of different heights together, with the tallest one at the back (for example, three pillar candles on the same plate);
Bare standalone candles can help you convey a more minimalist feel or, if they're rather big, become the main centerpiece on a table; opt for natural colors such as cream, dark blue or forest green for a Scandinavian spin;
Candelabra with taper candles work particularly well on tables and longer surfaces;
If you have a chandelier, thick pillar candles can help you create a dramatic feel, whereas taper shapes would add an element of elegance;
Tealights could be used to surround or accent a specific area, such as the top of your fireplace;
Jars and candle pots in different shapes and colors are perfect to create a bohemian feel;
Placing multiple candles in front of a mirror will trick you and your guests into believing that there are many more; votive candles are particularly handy for this effect;
Don't put different scented candles together if you don't know much about aromatherapy, as it could result in clashing smells!
Make sure that your candles are away from your curtains or any type of object that could easily catch fire.
Scented candles can make your room even cozier and make it smell delightful, crafting a specific atmosphere;
Unscented candles are the best choice if you're only interested in the lighting side of things or if you're already using an oil diffuser as a fragrance;
If you've decided to opt for scented candles, you can either go for your favorite smells, something that evokes pleasant memories (such as the ones that your grandmother used to light up!), or a scent that can help you stimulate a specific effect:
If you want to relax, choose lavender, sandalwood and sweeter candles in general (perfect in your bedroom);
To relieve stress and anxiety after a long day at work, the smell of lemon and jasmine can work wonders;
Lemon and rosemary can also help you concentrate, so they could be a better choice in your studio;
If you're after a little energy boost, look for peppermint and cinnamon.
Unfortunately, scented candles are not safe for pets, because they release volatile compounds that can cause stress and airway irritation. You should stick to unscented candles and opt for natural materials, including a cotton wick instead of metal.
Keep in mind that, if you have pets (especially particularly curious cats), any type of candles could constitute a hazard, because they could easily tip them and start a fire.
The healthiest types of candles, both for pets and humans, are the ones made of natural wax, such as soy, beeswax or rapeseed.
Most candles contain paraffin, a petroleum-derived product that undergoes chemical treatments; it's popular and cheap, but it can sometimes result in an irritation of your respiratory airway, especially if you already suffer from conditions like asthma.
