Candles have been around for centuries, providing light and warmth. But now they’re more than a source of light.
When it comes to decorating your home, nothing adds a cozy, inviting atmosphere like the warm glow of a candle.
Today, candles come in all shapes, sizes, scents, and colors. So it might be hard to choose the right one.
Whether you’re looking for something to brighten up your living space or set the mood for a romantic evening, I will help you find the perfect candle.
The Benefits of Burning Candles
Burning candles can offer many benefits that you may not have considered.
Creates Atmosphere
Candles are a great way to add a warm, cozy, romantic, and calming atmosphere to any room in your house.
Uses as Decorations
Candles come in various shapes and sizes, making them an excellent decoration for any space.
Sets the Mood
They are a great option for setting the mood as they provide a soft and warm ambiance that can help create a relaxing and intimate atmosphere.
Gives Relaxation
Lighting a candle can help you relax and unwind after a long day, as the soft light and gentle scent can calm the mind and reduce stress, creating a soothing and peaceful atmosphere.
Different Types of Candles
There are many different types of candles to choose from. So it’s important to know what you’re looking for before shopping.
Popular types of candles include:
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are the most common type of candle. Usually, these candles are tall, thick, and cylindrical in shape, with a flat top and bottom.
Pillar candles are often made from paraffin wax derived from petroleum. And these candles usually burn slowly.
These candles are perfect for adding a warm glow to any room, and you can use them for different occasions.
You can always place pillar candles in a holder or on a plate.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are usually small, tealight-sized candles. They are wider but smaller than pillar candles.
Votive candles are made from paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax. These candles have longer burn times than tea lights.
You can use votive candles to set a romantic mood or create a calming atmosphere. They are also commonly used in religious ceremonies.
These candles are set in glass holders and have very low melting points.
Aromatherapy & Scented Candles
Aromatherapy and scented candles come in different shapes and sizes. They are popular for their pleasant aromas, which come in various scents.
They’re usually with natural, plant-based essential oils.
You can use these candles to create a calming atmosphere, reduce stress, set the mood for a romantic evening, or ease anxiety.
Jar Candles
Jar candles are also the most popular type of candle. They come in various shapes and sizes, from tea lights to large candles.
They are often filled with soy wax, paraffin, or beeswax.
Jar candles also burn for longer hours than regular pillar candles and can keep a strong scent.
You can use these candles for aromatherapy, relaxation, and decoration.
Floating Candles
Floating candles are small in size and have round shapes.
These candles are usually made from beeswax or paraffin wax.
The wick is usually made from cotton or paper and is designed to be submerged in the water. The flame will burn down into the wax, and the candle will slowly sink until it burns out.
You can use floating candles as a beautiful decoration that adds a romantic, cozy atmosphere to any room.
You can place floating candles in a bowl of water.
Types of Candle Wax
There are many different types of candle waxes available. So let’s take a closer look at them.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a commonly used wax, but it’s not the best choice due to the availability of more sustainable alternatives.
While it may be considered safe in developed countries, paraffin wax is not environmentally friendly as it is not biodegradable and can release harmful toxins if not refined correctly.
It’s important to consider more natural and sustainable options when choosing candles.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another popular choice as it’s made from natural wax and has a long burning time.
Though beeswax is a more eco-friendly option than paraffin wax, it’s not vegan.
It also doesn’t mix well with other aromas and has a stronger burning smell.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is an excellent choice for an all-natural and sustainable candle option.
At Tallo, we use soy wax in our candles as it is a vegan and biodegradable alternative to traditional paraffin wax.
Additionally, soy wax has a longer burning time and produces minimal soot, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is harvested from palm oils grown in tropical climates.
It’s also known for its unique crystalline structure. It allows you to form designs like snowflakes that are perfect for creating beautiful decor in your home.
There are two types of palm wax:
Carnauba Palm (Copernicia Prufinera)
It grows in Central and South America, mostly in Brazil. This wax is considered more sustainable.
Unfortunately, some problems are starting to appear, like in Malaysia and Indonesia. Corporations see a lot of profit from it and trigger deforestation and degradation of local biodiversity.
African Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensi)
This is the one vastly cultivated in Indonesia and Malaysia.
This wax is very unsustainable. It’s also mainly detrimental to the environment and has been identified as a significant cause of habitat destruction.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a great choice for sustainable, vegan, and natural candles.
It’s made from the oil extracted from the coconut fruit, making it renewable and non-toxic option. At Tallo, we use coconut wax to create our candles.
Not only is it better for the environment, but it also burns slower and cleaner than paraffin wax, giving you more hours of light and scent from your candle.
Jelly Wax
Jelly wax, also called gel wax, is a transparent, jelly-like material made from a combination of mineral oil and polymer resin. It’s usually suitable for making decorative container candles.
But, it’s not eco-friendly as it’s made from a petroleum-based by-product. It’s actually bad for the environment.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax is quickly gaining popularity. It’s made from the oil harvested from the rapeseed plant.
It also has a much lower smoke production, so your candles will burn cleaner and brighter.
It’s made from a renewable resource, natural, non-toxic, and it’s biodegradable. So when it’s burned, it won’t release any harmful chemicals into the air.
Though it’s sustainable, it has a strong smell when burning. So keep in mind if you are sensitive to strong odors.
Blends
Another option for candles is using a blend of different types of wax.
For example, at Tallo, we use a blend of coconut and soy wax to create a unique combination.
Blending waxes can be done for various reasons, such as:
- burn longer or create more fragrance;
- be more rigid or to create a certain type of texture; or
- give a unique look and feel.
How to Choose the Right Candle for You
Choosing the right candle for you can be tricky, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider the size of the candle. Pillar candles are great for large areas, while small votives can create a cozy atmosphere.
Next, consider the scent. Aromatherapy candles are great for relaxation, while scented candles can help to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Finally, think about the style. Candles come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can find one that fits your personal style.
How to Be Eco-Friendly with Candles
Candles are not only great for creating a cozy atmosphere, but they can also be a great way to be eco-friendly. There are a few things you can do to make sure your candles are sustainable.
First, look for candles made from natural waxes like beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax. These types of waxes are made from renewable sources and are better for the environment than paraffin wax.
Second, look for candles with natural wicks, as they are non-toxic and burn more cleanly.
Finally, look for candles with refillable containers. This will help to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Choose Candle Refills
Candle refills offer a cost-effective way to continue using your favourite candles. They come pre-filled with wax, wicks, and scents, allowing you to refill your existing candle containers.
With a variety of scents available, you can enjoy your favourite candle without having to buy a new one every time it runs out.
Consider reading our article about Everything About Candle Refills.
Choosing the Right Candle Holders
Choosing the right candle holder can differentiate between a safe, beautiful display and a potential fire hazard.
You should always choose a holder that is the right size for the candle. It should be made from a non-flammable material like metal or ceramic.
Also, make sure to select a holder that is designed to catch any drips or spills.
3 Tips for Buying Candles
When it comes to buying candles, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Consider your budget. Candles can range from inexpensive to quite expensive, so make sure you know what you can afford.
- Look for candles with long-lasting scents. Some candles can last up to 50 hours, so ensure you get one that will last as long as you need.
- Check the ingredients. Look for candles made from natural waxes and wicks to ensure they are safe to use.
Tips for Using & Storing Candles
Candles are a great way to add a cozy atmosphere to any room, but they can also be dangerous if not stored or used properly.
Make sure you follow these tips:
- Always use a candleholder or plate to catch any drips.
- Keep your candles away from combustible materials like paper and curtains.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and snuff out the flame before leaving the room.
- Store candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help to keep them from melting or becoming brittle.
- Keep your candles out of reach of children and pets.
Creative Ways to Use Candles
Candles can be very creative and decorative, allowing you to express your personality and style.
Here are some creative ways to use candles in your home:
- Add a soft glow to any room.
- Set the mood for a romantic evening.
- Add an interesting twist to your decor by using unique candleholders.
- Place tea lights around the house for a subtle and ambient glow.
- Fill your home with a soothing aroma with scented candles.
- Add colors to your decor with colored candles.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic touch or a unique way to express your style, candles are the perfect way to do it. So go ahead and add some candles to your home.
Conclusion
Candles are a great way to add a cozy atmosphere to any room. From pillar to aromatherapy candles, there is a candle for every occasion.
When shopping for candles, consider the candle’s size, scent, style, and safety. And remember to shop for candle refills to save money and reduce waste.
With these tips, you can find the perfect candle for you. Shop Tallo Candle refills today to get started.
If you haven’t read our article about Candle Tips and Tricks, check it out!
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