CANDLES IN HOME DESIGN

If you love candles maybe it will be interesting for you to know that you can make your own candles at home, just the shape and the fragrance that you want. Candles are romantic and unique details in interior design. Candle chandeliers, pillar candles, dinner table candles, tea-light candles, gel candles, container candles....you name it! They are everywhere, warming our interior with their soft,  burning colours. 

The history of candle making can  be traced back to ancient Egypt or maybe earlier but it was not before Middle Ages when people began to use beeswax. Back then candles were vital for they were used mainly for lightning and later on for religious purposes.

Nowadays we still enjoy their warm and cozy light but it is rather for their shapes and colours that  complement our interior. Although the materials have changed through the ages, the art of candle making has remained surprisingly similar. The most important choice that you have to make in candle making is what kind of wax to use: soy wax, bees wax, paraffin wax or palm wax. 

gel wax candle

beeswax candles

paraffin candle

soy wax candles

Paraffin wax is for example one of the most commonly used waxes. By the way, it is a by-product of oil refinement process and by using paraffin wax we are actually making full use of the product instead of simply discarding the remainder. Soy wax is processed from soybean oil, comparatively new material that was developed as an alternative to the expensive beeswax. Also a natural product by its nature.Gel wax is a form of  mineral oil and actually is not really wax but with it many interesting looks can be achieved. It is mainly used for container gel candles. Palm wax (product of palm oil), being a natural product  is very similar to soy wax.
Once you have decided what is the material that you want to use, you need to decide on forms, shapes and whether to add fragrances or not. That's where art comes.

If you are new to candle making the best way to start is a book or classes where you can learn about the craft of candle making. If you are living in a big city, it is relatively easy to find a class and learn about handmade candles. If not,  you can always buy a book on the subject. Here are some titles: 

Candle Making at Home, Sarah Johnstan

Home Candle Making Made Easy, Jeff Beckwith

Basic Candle Making

Candle Making for Profit

You can also google the subject to find out more. 

Candles and Interior

stylish chandelier with candles

Candles are a great way to transform spaces. Although, it is rather inexpensive to invest in a bunch of beautiful candles, the result can be stunning. They are a great accessory, even if you never light them. Their colours and forms can complement any room, porch or garden. Scented candles are very soothing and it is believed that aroma heals depression, treats symptoms like sadness, stress, anxiety etc. So candles are not just eye-pleasing.

table decoration

candle chandelier

Candles and Exterior

Candles are also used outdoors. Although they are mainly associated with indoor spaces, like parties, special celebrations, weddings, birthday parties or anniversaries. The market nowadays offers candles specially designed to repel mosquitoes and insects. Hurricane candles are also very popular as they are designed to withstand the wind. 

Go candle shopping, whatever the space or the occasion you want to add character to!