Decorative candles are not only an excellent source of light, but they also add a touch of elegance, warmth, and personality to any space in your home. In addition to their traditional function, candles are decorative pieces that can transform any space into a unique setting. In this article, we'll explore in-depth what decorative candles are, the different types available, how to choose the best ones for your home, and how to get the most out of these decorative pieces.
What Are Decorative Candles?
These candles are designed not only to provide light, but also to enrich the visual and emotional ambiance of a space. These candles are often more elaborate in design than traditional candles, with shapes, colors, sizes, and scents that complement the aesthetics of the room they are placed in. Unlike ordinary candles, decorative candles are designed to create unique atmospheres, whether with a soft light, an enveloping fragrance, or a sculptural form.
The Evolution of Decorative Candles
Candles have been used since ancient times, not only for lighting, but also in rituals and religious celebrations. However, in the modern era, decorative candles have taken on a new dimension, becoming essential elements of interior design. Today, candles not only serve the purpose of providing lighting, but also integrate seamlessly into home decor, thanks to advances in materials and design.
In recent years, scented and soy candles have gained popularity for their additional benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced environmental impact. Candles with artistic and minimalist shapes have also been introduced, adding a modern touch to contemporary decor.
Types of Decorative Candles
There are a wide variety of decorative candles available on the market, and each one can add something unique to your home. From candles of different shapes and colors to candles that offer delicate fragrances, these options can help personalize and beautify your space. Below, we detail some of the most common types.
Scented Candles: A Sensory Touch
Scented candles are especially popular for their relaxing properties and ability to create pleasant environments. These candles release a fragrance when lit, which can help improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance the ambiance of any room.
Why choose scented candles?
- Calming properties : Some fragrances, such as lavender and chamomile, are known for their relaxing effects and can help you sleep better.
- Improve the environment : Other fragrances such as citrus and eucalyptus can create a fresh and revitalizing environment.
- Aromatherapy : Scented candles are also used in aromatherapy, as the essential oils in them can have therapeutic effects on physical and emotional well-being.
Floating Candles: Style and Elegance on the Water
Floating candles are perfect for creating an elegant and romantic atmosphere, especially at dinner parties or special events. As their name suggests, these candles float on water, making them a perfect addition to centerpieces at celebrations.
Uses and advantages of floating candles
- Event Decor : Floating candles are commonly used at weddings, elegant dinners, and parties, as they add a sophisticated and delicate touch.
- Visual effects : The reflection of the candle on the water creates a very attractive play of light.
- Easy to use : These candles are easy to place in any container with water, making them versatile and easy to integrate into any decor.
Pillar Candles: Robustness and Presence
Pillar candles are large, sturdy candles that are often placed in candle holders or directly on surfaces. They're ideal for creating a focal point in any room's decor.
Why choose pillar candles?
- Visual impact : Their size and height make them an excellent decorative element to highlight any space.
- Durability : Pillar candles typically have a long burn time, making them perfect for long events or for use indoors for several hours.
- Versatility : You can place them on the floor, on shelves, on tables or even on the fireplace, making them very versatile in terms of location.
Jar Candles: Functionality and Style
Jar candles are extremely popular due to their practicality and ease of integration into any decorative style. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, making them a very flexible option.
Benefits of jar candles
- Easy to store : Thanks to their jar format, they are easy to store and do not require additional candle holders.
- Long-lasting : These candles generally last a long time, especially if they are made from high-quality wax like soy wax.
- Simple and modern decoration : They adapt perfectly to modern, industrial or simple decorations, without losing the cozy touch of a candle.
How to Choose the Best Ones for Your Home?
When choosing decorative candles, it's important to consider several factors to ensure the candle perfectly suits your needs and the style of your home.
1. Consider the Style of Your Decor
The style of your home plays a crucial role when choosing candles. If you have a minimalist decor, you can opt for candles in neutral colors like white, black, or gray, and in simple shapes. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more vibrant or bohemian style, you can choose candles in intense colors or with handcrafted details.
Tips according to the decorative style
- Modern style : Opt for geometric-shaped candles, neutral or metallic colors.
- Rustic or vintage style : Candles in glass jars or with wood finishes fit perfectly.
- Bohemian style : Candles with decorative details, bright colors and intense aromas are ideal.
2. Choose the Right Size and Location
Candle size is another important aspect to consider. Large candles can be excellent for spacious rooms or as centerpieces on large tables, while smaller candles are perfect for bathrooms or bedside tables.
3. Fragrance: A Key Element
Choose a scented candle based on the type of ambiance you want to create. Candles with floral fragrances, such as rose or jasmine, are ideal for bedrooms, while citrus or woody scents are perfect for common areas like the living room.
4. Wax: Quality Matters
The wax used in candles influences their duration and burn quality. Soy wax is an environmentally friendly and high-quality option, as it burns cleaner and lasts longer than paraffin candles.
Benefits of Decorative Candles
Candles not only enhance beauty, but also offer a host of benefits that improve the atmosphere of any home. Some of their most notable benefits include:
1. Create Welcoming Environments
The soft, warm light emitted by candles creates a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. They're perfect for enhancing the atmosphere of a living room, bedroom, or even a bathroom, providing a touch of warmth at any time of day.
2. Improves Air Quality
They can help improve air quality in your home, especially those made from soy wax or beeswax. These candles tend to release fewer toxins compared to paraffin candles.
3. They promote relaxation
The soft, natural fragrances of some candles, such as lavender or chamomile, have calming properties that can help you reduce stress and enjoy a more restful night's sleep.
4. Add a Multifunctional Decorative Element
Candles are extremely versatile, and you can use them to decorate a table during a special dinner or to create a romantic atmosphere on a quiet evening. They're also great for events like weddings, parties, and celebrations.
How to Use in Different Spaces
Candles are perfect for adding a special touch to any corner of your home. Here are some ideas on how to integrate them into different spaces in your home.
In the Hall
The living room is one of the most common places to use decorative candles. Place pillar candles or candles in jars on coffee tables or shelves to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In the Bedroom
Candles in the bedroom create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Place scented candles near the bed or on the nightstand to enjoy their relaxing effects and create a peaceful atmosphere.
In the Bathroom
The bathroom is the perfect place to use floating candles. Place a few floating candles in the bathtub for a relaxing soak, or scatter them throughout the bathroom for a touch of luxury and tranquility.
In the Dining Room
Candles in the dining room can enhance any dinner or special event. Use small or pillar candles in elegant holders to add a sophisticated touch to the table.
How to Care for and Maintain Decorative Candles
While candles are very easy to use, they do require some maintenance to keep them attractive and functional for a long time. Here are some practical tips.
1. Prevent the Candle from Burning Unevenly
When you first light a candle, let it melt completely at the top to prevent tunneling in the center.
2. Extinguish the Candle Correctly
Use a candle snuffer to prevent smoke from damaging the candle or the environment.
3. Store Candles in Cool Places
Store your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent the wax from melting prematurely.
Decorative candles are an excellent way to beautify your home, create relaxing atmospheres, and add a personal touch to your space. From scented candles to floating and pillar candles, each type has its place in home decor. They not only provide illumination, but can also improve air quality and bring a touch of serenity. By choosing the right candles for your style, size, and preferred fragrance, you can create cozy and sophisticated atmospheres in every corner of your home.