The warm flicker of a flame is enough to create the ultimate cozy and tranquil atmosphere.
Have you ever walked into someone's house and instantly felt immersed in the wholesome cinnamon scent wafting through each room? Or how about entering the office on a gloomy Monday morning to feel uplifted by a fragrant flame?
You can't deny that the simplicity of a candle can enhance your mood. Whether your home needs a little festive aroma or your office needs a pick-me-up — whatever the reason, a luxury, scented, colorful, or shaped candle will do the trick.
So, read on for the ultimate guide for the types of candles you can introduce into your world. Let your work life be just as relaxing as your home life with something as simple as the flicker of a flame.
Types of Candles
With a wide range of candle designs and styles available, you'll want to consider the fragrance and the look.
Part of this comes down to the experience you get from different fragrant and non-fragrant types. The other aspect is the aesthetic, whether you want it for design, ceremonial, or other purposes.
Here are the most popular types of candles.
Scented
OK, who doesn't love a scented candle? It's the ultimate escape. The perfect addition to a wintry evening, a relaxing bath, or a summer gathering, the scented candle is as versatile as it is ideal for various occasions.
Scented types are perfect if you want to capture the sensory experience of the holidays. Warm notes of cinnamon, gingerbread, and peppermint warm the hearth and home for Christmas. Pumpkin, maple, and apple cider stoke the autumnal spirit. The list of festive scents is nearly endless!
Scented candles often evoke memories, too, as certain fragrances can remind you of previous experiences. What better way to give your office space a more exciting feel than to introduce a scented jar candle that reminds you of good times? Not only will it make your workplace smell great, but it can allow you to relive and feel the emotions you felt previously.
So, if you want to create a multi-sensory experience and elevate the ambiance, whether that's at home or at work, then scented are the ones you need!
Scented candles usually consist of three levels: top, central and base notes. The first aromas you'll perceive are the top notes. The core is the mid notes, and the base notes develop over time and are often more dominant.
Unscented
While scented candles are lovely, they aren't an option for everyone. People with scent-sensitivity, allergies, and other concerns have options, though, with unscented candles.
Some people with severe allergies will have reactions, such as asthma attacks or migraines, due to overwhelming fragrances. As such, unscented candles work better.
Part of the issue is not the user but the material used. Paraffin wax may emit unwanted chemicals, depending on the type you buy. Beeswax and vegetable-based varieties, such as soy wax, don't have these issues.
Decorative
Whether they're scented or unscented, a decorative candle can offer the ultimate aesthetic experience.
They help shape the interior of a room and are perfect centerpieces for a dining room table, or wonderful additions to bookcases, mantelpieces, and coffee tables.
They come in different sizes and shapes, some of which relate to various purposes.
If you're after design more than function, you don't even need to light decorative candles, either. The unique beauty can create beautiful additions to homes, offices, and any other interior.
Here are popular decorative styles:
Pillar
These candles are cylindrical and molded from wax that is so strong it can burn free-standing. You can display them as statement pieces, on a decorative plate (that's heat-resistant) or inside a hurricane lamp.
Votive
Also known as prayer candles, they are usually small and either square or cylindrical. Candles have long served religious and spiritual purposes in many cultures. They are perfect for adding ambient lighting, enhancing the meditative or prayer state. Usually, votive candles come in a protective vessel.
Dinner
These candles are often tall, slender, and fit candelabras or candlestick holders. Their aesthetic is more sophisticated and traditional, and they offer an elegant air to any dining experience.
Jar Candle
Somewhat similar to votive candles, jar candles are often in mason or flip-top jars. They are perfect for rustic home decor because they have a simple aesthetic. They're practical, too—you can clean and reuse the jar when the candle has burned down.
Tea Lights
The trusty tea light is the easiest and cheapest way to create a soft ambiance. The small, circular candles are great for scattering around low and high surfaces or placing in your favorite candle holder. They can serve a practical function, too—you can keep some in your vehicle for survival situations.
Types of Wax
We've covered the types of candles, but now it's time to talk about what materials they contain—it can transform your entire experience!
Soy Wax
Soy wax candles come from soybean oil. They are a sustainable and safe option made from natural and renewable sources. Soy wax is biodegradable, so if you spill the wax, it's easy to wash out the stains. Candles that use soy wax also have the ability to burn for long amounts of time, too.
Beeswax
Naturally, the fragrance beeswax candles give off is honey-like. The natural product also creates a warm glow when lit and doesn't need added scents or dyes. It's a naturally unscented candle that you can enjoy in its purest form. As such, they are excellent options for people who suffer from allergies, as the melting point is so high that the wax is less prone to drip.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is one of the most common types used to make candles. However, luxury candles usually don't contain it because it produces more soot than other types of wax.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is great for helping firm up the candles. It is also one of the healthiest wax types to make candles from, as it is soot-free and smokeless. Coconut wax is also entirely natural.
Wicks
If you have a larger candle, there might be more than one wick. Not only does the increase in wicks produce multiple flames, but it amplifies the fragrance if you use scented candles. The wicks are something to note, whether you are using it for an office environment or a statement piece at home,
Note that multi-wick types produce larger pools of liquid wax, and this is what intensifies the fragrance. Single wick designs produce a simpler, but equally attractive candle. As long as you make sure the wicks consist of quality materials such as linen or cotton, the candle will be sure to emit a strong scent.
Burn Time
The burn time of a candle comes down to size and quality. High-caliber candles burn longer, and you can even increase the burn time by looking after your candles correctly. If you care for candles right, even small designs can burn for around 60 hours.
Bottom Line
Whether you are looking for scented or unscented, decorative or tea lights, there will be a candle out there for you. Consider the design, fragrance, and purpose to find the perfect one for you.
Ready to shop? You can shop for natural soy candles today! They're ideal for both offices, especially since you don't know everyone's preferences or allergies.
Candles really do have the power to create an incredible ambience, so why not add some to your shopping list today!