Candles are mood-setters and one of the most difficult-working decorations. When lit, they emit a warm glow and often a wonderful scent that can change the atmosphere in any room. Even before you light the candle, its color and how it is displayed will make a room more stylish.
The burning question is: How do I choose the best candle? Easy, these six facts are essential and will help you to lighten up your home.
Fact #1: Candle Material
You’ll find the following candle materials among the most in-demand:
Soy: These candles have the best even-burning properties. Also, scented soy candles have a pleasant aroma. Because soy is soft, soy candles are usually sold in glass containers and not in candles that you can use in your existing candleholder. Paraffin can be mixed with soy candles to create a stronger candle.
Paraffin: The most affordable candle material, paraffin is the oldest. Paraffin candles burn quickly so other materials like bars are often used to extend their burn time. You should be aware that paraffin can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Beeswax: Slow-burning and drip-free, beeswax can often be one of the most expensive candle materials. It is honey-like in scent and doesn’t blend well with other aromas.
Fact #2: Candle Size And Form
These are the most popular candle shapes:
Pillars: These pillar candle moulds are thick (usually 2 to 3 inches in width). They are often shaped like columns but can also be made in other shapes such as rectangles or squares.
Tapers: These tall candles are used as candlesticks at formal dining tables. Tapers are typically thinner at the top than their bottom. The sizes range from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter, and 6- to 18 inches tall.
Votive: These are shorter candles, usually between 2- and 3-inches in height that are narrower than tapers but wider than pillars (between 1- and 2 inches).
Tea Lights: These are short, disc-shaped candles for use in chafing dishes or other specialty holders.
Container: A single candle is poured into a glass vessel or other material.
Novelty: Candles with unusual shapes that aren’t standard squares or columns. They may appear carved or sculpted.
Fact #3: Scented Or Unscented
Scented candles can be a great way of creating ambiance. You can find any scent, including pumpkin spice, rose, lime, and berry, as well as lavender, lavender, cedar, and even lavender. You can even find quick scent candles that are faster and more effective at suffusing the air.
However, scented candles can affect the taste of your food. If you like the look of candles, but don’t mind the scent, opt for unscented options.
Fact #4: Wick Type
The material of your wick can make a big difference in the way the candle burns and how long it takes to clean. A cotton wick burns slower and more evenly than wire-woven wicks. They don’t need trimming and smoke less than wire-wicked types.
Fact #5: Burning Or Flammable
You can use a flame-free alternative if safety is an issue. These candles have the appearance and feel of candles but without smoke or fire. Low-voltage LED lighting is used to light flameless candles. It flickers and fades like flames. Many have built-in timers or remote controls that turn the candles off after a set period. Even battery-operated tea lights are available. Some candles can be flameless, and others can burn the wax.
Fact #6: Display Method
A holder is not necessary for some candles, like jars and freestanding solid pillar types. Some candles, such as taper candles require candlesticks. Votive, floating and luminary candles must be burned in a glass or metal container.
