Candle Collection: How to Choose Different Scents, Styles and Wax Types

Candles are not only a powerful way to create different moods thanks to their scents but also an easy, instant way to accent your interior. From the effects of different fragrant notes to how many wicks you need, picking the right candle these days can be overwhelming. Therefore, we have narrowed down all the elements you should consider in your decision-making process.

Types of Candles

Thinking about the purpose of your candle can help you choose the best pick from the several types available. Also, consider whether you want your design’s appearance and aroma to make a strong or subtle statement in your room.

Scented Candles

Introduce a warm glow to any interior with a decorative scented candle. Being the answer for ultimate escapism, they give room for a real identity. From evoking memories to setting a certain tone, scented candles create a multi-sensory experience and heightened ambience.

Scented designs typically include three levels: top, centre, and base notes. Top notes are the first fragrances to be detected; central notes serve as the core; and base notes are frequently more dominating and develop over time.

When it comes to scents, rose, lilac, jasmine, and gardenia are some of the perfumes used in floral-scented candles. Floral scents are popular and add a feminine and romantic atmosphere to homes. Lemon, grapefruit, lime, and garden mint are all fresh and citrusy fragrances. These milder smells create a vibrant and upbeat ambience. Cinnamon, clove, sandalwood, and mahogany are prominent elements in spicy and woody smells. They are ideal for creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. Gourmand smells mimic food aromas such as vanilla, pumpkin pie, and cookies. These are a terrific choice for making your home smell nice.

In terms of design, consider when and why you will use scented candles. Choose complementing scents that correspond to your desired mood. Also, consider the size of the room; larger candles may be required in larger rooms.

For instance, you can use a relaxing bath bomb and citrus-scented candles in the tub setting the mood for pampering. Snuggle up with floral or fresh scents and turn some soft music on for a romantic setting. A soothing amber or sandalwood-scented candle can help you relax and unwind after a long day at work. On the other hand, a delicious aroma of vanilla or cinnamon throughout the house will entertain your guests and create a varied atmosphere.

Decorative Candles

Decorative candles add aesthetic value and help to shape the style of the room. They make excellent centrepieces for dining tables and attractive accents for bookcases, coffee tables, and mantels. Different candle sizes let you explore proportions, while materials ranging from slick metals to ceramic surfaces allow you to experiment with texture.

Pillars

These cylindrical candles are made of wax that is firm enough to burn free-standing, so they can be presented alone, inside a hurricane lamp, or on a beautiful heat-resistant plate.

Tapper or Dinner Candles

Taper or dinner candles are ideal for use in candlesticks and candelabras because of their tall and slender shape. They embrace a more classic aesthetic and provide a touch of refinement to dining experiences.

Votive Candles

Votive candles, often known as prayer candles, are typically small and cylindrical or square in shape. They come in a safe vessel and are ideal for bringing a tiny amount of illumination to bedside tables, bathroom units, or shelving.

Style

Style is subjective and there are endless varieties of designs you can choose. When picking a pillar, taper, or votive, consider what will look best in the room. If you’re choosing a filled scented candle, the appearance of the container may be more essential than the colour of the wax.

Some candles have a design on the outside or even change colour within. This results in a very unique-looking candle. If you want a more uniform appearance among your candles, choose a block colour and make sure it’s the right shade. Also, consider the packaging and the container as it also influences your overall décor.

Types of Wax

Paraffin wax candles are the most common. They are inexpensive to create and available in a range of sizes, smells, and designs.

Beeswax, on the other hand, is a more environmentally friendly alternative to paraffin. It is a natural, renewable substance made by bees when they manufacture honey. They are biodegradable and do not go through any chemical processing, making their creation more environmentally friendly. They are also hypoallergenic, which is beneficial for people who have environmental allergies, sensitivities, or asthma. However, because beeswax is an animal product, it is not appropriate for a vegan lifestyle.

Candles made of soy wax are beneficial to the environment since they are a natural and sustainable resource. It is better for your home and your family because it does not emit chemicals.

Fragrance Guide

The first step is to pick whether you want a scented or unscented candle. Some people are sensitive to fragrances and find them overwhelming; therefore, if the glow of the candle is more essential than the smell, choose a fragrance-free candle. If you, however, enjoy the aroma of candles, there are numerous possibilities.

Fresh designer fragrances are typically composed of citrus, water, and green aroma components. They offer crisp, zesty, and lively aromas that create an uplifting and energising atmosphere.

Floral smells vary greatly, from light and delicate to complex and powerful. They are typically brighter and lighter smelling but can transition to more woody fragrances with fragrant herbs like lavender or rosemary.