Types of candles - what to follow when choosing one.
Candles are not only a way to create different moods through scents, but also an easy, instant way to create a pleasant, warm interior atmosphere. Despite the fact that it's an item you'll find in almost every store, there are more options to consider when choosing the perfect candle than you might think. From the effects of different fragrance notes to the type of wax, our guide will walk you through the elements to consider when choosing the right candle.
Candles are mainly made from three types of wax
© Svitlana Srau
Types of waxes
This is one of the most important factors when choosing candles. Unfortunately, not every candle is healthy. It is the wax from which it is made that has a decisive impact on our health - it can be negative, neutral or even positive.
Candles made of paraffin wax
As one of the most popular types of wax, paraffin wax is less commonly used in luxury candles because it produces more harmful substances compared to other types of wax.
- The advantage of paraffin wax candles is their wide availability and very low price.
- The disadvantage is the completely chemical origin. In addition, paraffin candles produce more carbon dioxide, compared to other waxes. They burn by far the fastest, and smoke often escapes during burning.
Soy wax candles
Made from soybean oil, soy wax candles are natural and renewable, making them a safe and sustainable option. The natural material is biodegradable. Soy wax also ensures a long, clean burn.
- Above all, soy candles have the advantage of lower carbon dioxide emissions than paraffin candles, and soy wax does not emit harmful substances. In addition, this natural material is biodegradable. Soy wax is neutral to health and also provides a long, clean burn.
- However, this option is a bit more expensive and less available than the previous one. However, in stores, plant-derived candles are becoming increasingly popular.
Beeswax candles
They have a scent reminiscent of honey, and create a warm glow when lit. For their production, dyes and fragrances are not needed, so you can enjoy their purest form.
- If we choose this all-natural product, we can expect a whole list of positive factors for our health. Among other things, beeswax candles are believed to be a beneficial option for allergy suffer ers and people struggling with respiratory ailments. They burn for a long time, and their flame is stable - they are completely smokeless.
- Of the whole set of waxes, the natural one and the most beneficial to health is also the most expensive. The production process is the most labor-intensive. Due to its natural color and fragrance, no dyes or flavors are used in its production - here the choice is limited.
Aromatic candles give the interior a unique atmosphere
© Yuliia Tretynychenko
Wicks
The wick and, in fact, what it is made of, also affects the effect you get. If the wick is too long, the flame will smoke, and if it is too short, the flame will splutter. In order for a candle to burn evenly, candle wicks should be trimmed regularly (up to 6 mm) to remove black soot and get the longest, cleanest burn possible. There are several types of wicks.
Raw wicks
They are made from cotton by braiding cotton threads together.
Coated wicks
They are created in the same way as raw wicks and are additionally soaked with liquid paraffin or stearin.
Wooden wicks
They are fully ecological. When burning wooden wicks, candles make the sound of crackling wood in the fireplace, and they are used especially with soy candles.
Candles give the interior a unique atmosphere
© Svitlana Tuj
Candle shape
Cylindrical candles
They are molded from rigid wax. As a result, they can be burned as standalone objects or placed inside a special lantern, or on a decorative heatproof plate.
Dinner/cone candles
Thanks to their tall and slender proportions, conical or dinner candles are perfect for candlesticks and candelabras. They will also find their way into more traditional aesthetics and add sophistication during meals.
Tealights
Small and inexpensive tealights are one of the easiest ways to decorate an interior with candlelight. We can get the most interesting effect when we place several of them, not far from each other. They are suitable not only for providing a magical atmosphere, but are also extremely practical. We can use them as heaters for heatproof dishes, thus maintaining the temperature of the served dish.
Additional qualities
Scented candles
Like any candle, they bring a warm glow to the interior, but their scent gives the room its true identity. From evoking memories to setting a certain tone, scented candles create a multi-sensory experience and a wonderful atmosphere. Fragrance designs usually consist of three levels: top notes, center notes and base notes. Top notes are the first aromas noticed, central notes act as the core, while base notes are often more dominant and develop over time.
Decorative candles
Decorative candles provide aesthetic beauty and help shape the style of a room. They are ideal decorations for dining room tables and charming accents for bookcases, coffee tables and fireplaces. Candles of different sizes give you the opportunity to play with proportions, and materials - from elegant metals to ceramic surfaces - allow you to experiment with texture. You can also find small works of art with uniquely shaped characters or objects (these will be perfect for gifts).
