You know it’s Christmas when the world starts to twinkle and is ablaze with candles—string lights on houses, baubles glinting on trees, and, for me, googling: Did Victorians really put candles on their Christmas trees, and surely that’s a fire hazard? Join me as I plunge headfirst into the rabbit hole of wax and wicks. You can never have enough candles.
Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, were responsible for the widespread popularity of the now traditional Christmas tree. This in fact was already a long-standing custom in Germany and was introduced by them to the UK in 1840 when they installed a tree inside Windsor Castle. These marvelous spruces were adorned with ribbons, cakes, sugared candies, and candles—which coincidentally led to an increase in the number of houses burning down!
The humble candle has been used for many a milenia. Egyptians were illuminating their lives 3,000 B.C, but the ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. It is said that early Chinese candles were made in paper tubes using wax from a local bug mixed with seeds and rolled rice paper for the wick. In India, candle wax was prepared by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree, whereas in Japan, it was made from tree nut wax.
Now I would be exaggerating if I said that my home looks (and smells) like a cross between a Scandinavian hygge retreat and a Bath & Body Works catalogue. But now I’ve gone down this spiralling hole of traditional beeswax tapers to soy blends promising “festive cheer.” More candles may be finding their way into my abode. So, grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and let me take you on this unexpected but oh-so-cosy journey down the candle rabbit hole. Who knew wax could be so fascinating.
Table of Contents
Taper Candles
Source: paddywax.co
Nowadays we are spoilt for choice when deciding which candles will illuminate our interiors or exteriors. Taper Candles are tall, slender candles perfect for dining tables or candelabras. These sleek, contemporary soy wax tapers made by Paddywax, effortlessly add a touch of sophistication to any dining experience, perfect for both formal gatherings and everyday elegance. Another clever option are these beautiful Luminlique handmade rapeseed wax stacking candles which are a taper pillar hybrid.
Source: luminlique.nl
Pillar Candles
Source: hay.nl
Pillar Candles are thick and sturdy, free standing and burn for hours. They look great used in indoor and outdoor lanterns or simply alone. Hay paraffin wax uses striking colour combinations and staggered dimensions to create a series of candles with a distinctive and playful design. The Yod & Co stackable candle is individually hand poured by skilled Fair Trade artisans, layer by layer, to form the multi-coloured effect. They are made from 100% Stearin Wax and completely paraffin free.
Source: yodandco.com
Tealight Candles
Small and versatile, great for ambiance or warming scented oils. Nicaise Studio make charming little coconut wax tea lights from sustainable materials.
Source: bjorkandberries.com
Jar Candles
Modern favorites, often scented, encased in glass for safety and style. The Bjork and Berries jar candles are made from 100% vegan wax and come in five pleasing aromas.
Source: bjorkandberries.com
Votive Candles
Small candles that need a holder; ideal for decorative accents. The white Alba porcelain votive candle holders are sure to light up your living space with their soft glow and delicate presence.
Source: dottirnordicdesign.com
Floating Candles
Perfect for centerpieces in water bowls or even outdoor water features or pools. The Vela Flotante is the perfect alternative to add a point of light to a pool in combination with two or three candles in a smaller or larger size. Discover the feeling of relaxation transmitted by the natural dance of floating light.
Source: elite-candles.com
Candles are an excellent choice to transform any space into a haven of warmth and comfort. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of pillar candles or the eco-conscious appeal of soy options, hopefully with these beginner styles, you’ll be able to find the perfect type for every occasion and preference. Experiment with different styles to find the ones that suit your aesthetic and functional needs!