Candle Buying Guide: Choosing Scents, Styles & Wax Types

Candles have a long history dating back thousands of years. According to The History of Candles: Illuminating The Past (https://charlesfarris.com/history/the-history-of-candles-illuminating-the-past/), the earliest candles were made from beeswax and plant wicks as early as 3,000 BC. Candles were used primarily as a practical source of light before the invention of electricity. With the introduction of electric lights, candles shifted to become more decorative and recreational. Today, candles remain popular home goods, valued for their ambiance, fragrance and overall aesthetic.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of modern candle selection and usage. It covers choosing candle scents, styles, and wax types for different rooms and occasions. Advice is also included for proper candle care and safety.

Popular Candle Scents

Some of the most popular candle scents include fruity scents like apple, citrus, and berry, as well as vanilla, lavender, pine, and clean/fresh scents. Floral scents like jasmine and rose are also commonly enjoyed. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular candle fragrance categories:

Fruity scents like apple, lemon, grapefruit, and strawberry appeal to many candle buyers. The sweet yet tart fruity scents are uplifting and reminiscent of summer. Citrus scents in particular are energizing and help create a bright atmosphere. Popular fruity candle scents include Pink Apple Punch, Lemon Mint Leaf, and Wild Berry Tart.

Vanilla is one of the most universally-loved candle scents. Its sweet, decadent, edible aroma is comforting and nostalgic. Vanilla works well on its own as a single-note fragrance, and also blends beautifully with other scents like lavender and woods. The cozy scent often conjures up memories of baking with family.

Herbal scents like lavender and pine have a calming, relaxing effect. The clean aromas are associated with spas and tranquility. Pine and evergreen scents are especially popular around the holidays, as they evoke the fresh aroma of Christmas trees. Lavender is commonly used for relaxation and sleep.

Clean, fresh scents like linen, cotton, and light florals create an airy atmosphere. Many people enjoy these bright scents for bathrooms and kitchens. The aromas are not overpowering, making them suitable for small spaces. Popular options include Fresh Linen, Cucumber Melon, and Sea Salt & Balsam.

While personal scent preferences are subjective, there are observable patterns regarding widely-enjoyed candle fragrances. Considering popular scent categories can help guide first-time buyers exploring the expansive options.

Factors Influencing Scent Choice

There are many factors that can influence someone’s scent preferences when buying candles. Research shows that scent choices can depend greatly on demographic factors like gender, age, and location (Source). Women tend to prefer fruity and floral scents while men often opt for more woodsy, spicy, or aromatic smells. Younger consumers may be drawn to sweeter scents while older individuals prefer classic or sophisticated aromas. Geography can also play a role, as regional tastes emerge based on popular local crops, plants, or cultural traditions.

Beyond demographics, occasion and seasonality significantly sway scent inclinations. Many opt for festive scents like pine and cinnamon around the holidays or clean linens and ocean breezes in the summer. Scent memories linked to experiences or places also influence preferences, as smells can powerfully conjure up nostalgia. Ultimately there is a very personal, emotional component to scent choice. Taking the time to consider individual tastes, lifestyles and values can help guide the selection process.

Candle Wax Types

There are several types of wax commonly used to make candles, each with their own properties and characteristics. The main candle wax types are:

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based wax made from refining crude oil. It is the most commonly used candle wax due to its low cost and excellent burning properties. Paraffin wax candles burn slowly, evenly, and brightly without producing much soot or smoke (1).

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Hard texture allows detailed shapes and embellishments
• Excellent scent throw
• Long burn time

Cons:

• Not environmentally friendly
• Can produce more soot than other waxes

Soy Wax

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a clean burning, renewable and biodegradable wax. Soy candles have a lower melting point than paraffin, so they burn at a lower temperature (2).

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly from a renewable resource
• Clean burn with very little soot
• Natural scent

Cons:

• Difficult to hold fragrance oils
• Soft texture not ideal for detailed shapes
• Prone to frosting

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax made by honey bees. It has a sweet, honey-like scent when burning. Beeswax candles burn brighter and longer compared to other natural waxes (3).

Pros:

• Natural product
• Sweet honey aroma
• Burns clean

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can produce more dripping
• Difficult to hold fragrances

Other wax options like gel wax, coconut wax and palm wax also have unique properties. When selecting candle wax, crafters should consider the desired burning characteristics, scent throw, environmental impact, and cost.

(1) https://www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-type-guide

(2) https://shoparchipelago.com/blogs/blog/types-of-candle-wax

(3) https://www.thespruce.com/types-of-candle-wax-5323778

Candle Vessel Materials

Candles come in a variety of vessel materials, each with their own aesthetic appeal, durability, and price point. Some of the most common candle vessel materials include:

Glass

Glass is one of the most popular vessel materials for candles. Glass candle jars allow the candle light to shine through and illuminate the wax and fragrance. Glass comes in clear, colored, frosted, or patterned styles. It has a sleek, modern look and feels smooth to the touch. Glass is durable but can break if dropped. It is typically an affordable option.

Metal

Metal vessels like tin, aluminum, or stainless steel have an industrial chic look. Tins often feature decorative patterns. Metal conducts heat well and is very durable. It is more expensive than glass.

Ceramic

Ceramic vessels provide a natural, earthy feel. Terra cotta and glazed ceramics come in various shapes, styles, and colors. Ceramic is durable but prone to chipping if dropped. It retains heat well. Cost varies.

Other materials like concrete, wood, and plastic are occasionally used. The vessel material impacts the look, feel, and cost of a candle. Consider where the candle will be used and choose an appropriate vessel material based on aesthetics, durability, and budget.

For an elegant tabletop candle, opt for a glass vessel. For an outdoor candle, a durable metal tin is a good choice. Ceramic jars work well for natural, boho styles. Select a material that complements the candle’s intended space and purpose.

Candle Shapes and Sizes

Candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different uses and decorative purposes.

Tapers

Taper candles are long, thin, and cylindrical in shape. They are designed to fit into candle holders and be burned gradually from top to bottom. Tapers come in a range of heights from 4 inches to over 3 feet tall. They create a classic, elegant look and are popular for formal occasions like weddings and dinner parties (https://www.twistavants.com/blogs/candle-buying/types-of-candles-styles-shapes).

Pillars

Pillar candles are thick, straight-sided cylinders that stand on their own without a holder. They come in diameters from 2 inches to over 6 inches. Pillar candles burn slowly from the top surface inward, lasting a long time. They work well for long-burning, sturdy candles to light up room spaces (https://www.etsy.com/uk/market/candle_shapes).

Votives/Tealights

Votive and tealight candles are very small, measuring 1 to 2 inches tall and half an inch to an inch wide. They are designed to fit into small glass holders. Votives provide flickering candlelight for ambiance and last 5-8 hours when burned. Tealights only burn for about 3-4 hours. Their short burn time makes them useful for quick light in a pinch.

Containers

Container candles, also called jar candles, come pre-poured into a glass vessel with a wick already in place. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes – round, square, hexagonal, short, tall, large diameter, small diameter, etc. Container candles offer convenience, as no holder is required. Their design highlights the beauty of the candle itself.

Choosing Candles for Rooms

When selecting candles for specific rooms in your home, consider the size and purpose of the space along with safety precautions.

For bathrooms, avoid large pillar candles or anything with an open flame near water. Opt for gentle scents like lavender or chamomile in a small decorative glass jar. Place out of reach of water splashes.

Bedrooms benefit from relaxing scents like vanilla, sandalwood, or jasmine. Pillar candles on the nightstand or electric wax warmers are safe options. Avoid leaving candles burning unattended.

Kitchens tend to have strong cooking smells, so choose energizing citrus scents in soy jars to freshen the air. Place on the counter or in the center of the dining table. Keep away from stove, countertops, sink, and other heat sources.

Living rooms are great for large, long-burning pillar candles. Choose invigorating scents like pine, cinnamon, or peppermint. Place on a mantle, table, or shelf away from drapes, furniture, pets, and children.

Consider unscented candles or flameless options for children’s rooms. Battery-operated wax warmers are a safer alternative.

Select candles suited to the size of the space. Opt for smaller candles for bathrooms and larger pillars for living rooms. Read all safety instructions before burning.

Pairing Scents with Rooms/Occasions

When choosing a candle for a particular room or occasion, it’s helpful to pair complementary scents that evoke the right mood and atmosphere. According to CandleScience, complementing candles feature scents that work well together, like vanilla and cinnamon or lemon and lavender.

For living rooms and dens, warm scents like cedarwood, sandalwood, amber, and vanilla create a cozy vibe. Florals like jasmine and gardenia are refreshing for bedrooms. Citrus scents such as grapefruit, orange, and lemon are energizing and perfect for kitchens. And for bathrooms, calming lavender or eucalyptus candles help create a soothing spa-like ambiance.

During the holidays, cinnamon, pine, and peppermint candles reflect the season. For summer, lighter scents like melon, coconut, and ocean breezes evoke the outdoors. In the fall, earthy notes like pumpkin spice, apple, and pecan are fitting. And floral or fruity candles complement spring.

For parties, fragrances like champagne, cedarwood, and jasmine set a sophisticated mood. Relaxing scents like lavender or eucalyptus work well for yoga spaces. And for date nights, aphrodisiac notes like vanilla, ylang ylang, or rose create a romantic ambiance.

Take time to experiment with different scented candle combinations to find the perfect complement for any space or occasion.

Caring for Candles

Properly caring for your candles will help them burn evenly, last longer, and remain safe to use. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your candle investment:

Store candles in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid places that get very hot or very cold. Temperature fluctuations can cause wax to sweat or morph candle shapes. Aim to store candles between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider a closed cabinet or closet shelf away from direct sunlight.

Before lighting, trim wick to 1⁄4 inch length using proper wick trimmers. Long wicks create uneven burning, tunneling, and smoking. Only trim wicks when wax is completely solid.

Allow wax pool to fully liquefy across entire top surface before blowing out candle. This prevents tunneling. For large candles, allow melting up to a 1⁄2 inch deep before extinguishing.

Clean candle holders regularly to remove wax build up. Let wax fully cool and solidify before attempting to remove. Use paper towel to gently rub off dripped wax. For deep cleaning, fill holder with hot water and dish soap, let soak, then scrub with a soft brush.

Avoid placing candles near drafts or vents. Air currents will make flames sputter and wax melt unpredictably. Place on stable, level, heat safe surfaces away from table edges.

When a candle becomes too shallow to burn safely, you can revive it by placing it into a candle crock or votive to continue enjoying. Eventually wax will be fully used up.

Consider storing partial candles in the refrigerator between uses. This helps harden wax and preserve scent longer. Allow chilled candle to come fully to room temperature before lighting to avoid glass cracking.

Safety Tips

When burning candles, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions to prevent fires and injuries. Here are some key candle safety tips to keep in mind (https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/):

• Keep candles away from things that can catch fire like curtains, furniture, bedding, clothes, books, and flammable decorations.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Do not place lit candles where they could be knocked over by kids, pets, or anyone else.
• Trim candle wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid high flames.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Candles should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Don’t place lit candles near windows, vents, or air currents. This can cause rapid, uneven burning and dripping.
• Always use a flashlight or battery-powered lights during a power outage instead of candles.

Following basic precautions and using common sense with candle safety can help prevent fires and injuries (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/candles). Supervise kids and pets around burning candles at all times.