Friday, May 9, 2014

Add A Warm Inviting Glow To Your Home With Candles

Oxford Turned Wood Hurricane - Pottery Barn
Now I don't know about everyone but I love candles and use them in my home all year long. In fact I feel that accessorizing with candles has really become a must when it comes to home decor.  With the variety of scents and accessories that are available it’s not a wonder.

Candle Scents - "Wow" where to begin, lets just say there are so many available (I'd have to do a separate post just to list them and chances are I would never get them all) you can find something to match every season and occasion and with the versatility you can really express your personality and make every day feel like something special.

Of course let's not forget the candle accessories - Decorative Plates, Glass Hurricanes, Single Pillar Stands, Candelabras, Sconces, Votive Holders, Tea Light Containers and the list goes on. The materials used to make these holders can include - Rod Iron, Glass, Wood or Ceramic. Because of this wide variety, you can find something that fits any style of decorating, in fact you just might find it's harder to choose a holder than picking out a candle scent.

I'm sure most of you are already familiar with the types of candles sold but for those who might be new to this wonderful decorating accessory I've put together a list of the various types with a brief description of each. I'm also adding a few display suggestions to help get you started.

Pillars In Various Sizes
Pillars -Ranging in size anywhere from 3x3 up to 12inch (there are several online site that offer giant pillars) the larger sizes typically have multiple wicks as they are wider giving them a larger burn surface. Pillars are available in pretty much every color you can imagine, so it’s pretty easy to find just the right ones to fit into your decorating color scheme. You can also find them in a variety of shapes - common cylinder, square, round even geometric. Generally placed on a heat resistant plate when lit. Use just a single pillar or group several in different sizes together for a stunning arrangement.

Cement Candle Tray - Pottery Barn
Pillar Grouping Suggestion: Take three different size pillars, place on a heat resistant plate - use one from your current dinnerware to coordinate with your decor or purchase a simple glass plate - fill in around the candles with stones, potpourri, sand, glass beads or silk flowers. When grouping pillars together remember to leave a small space between each candle to avoid them burning into each others sides.

Turned Wood Hurricanes - Pottery Barn
Another idea for displaying pillars is with the use of glass Hurricanes. One variety uses a base which the pillar sits on then the glass is placed over the pillar. The other resembles a vase with a pedestal foot, which can be filled with colored stones, potpourri, coffee beans or sand into which the pillar is placed. Hurricanes can be used alone or place several side by side along the top of a fireplace mantel, bookcases, entertainment centers or dinning tables.

Turned Wood Pillar Holders - Pottery Barn
One more way to display pillars is by using candlesticks - just like the holders for tapers only the top is made wider for the pillar to sit on - or lanterns. Both come in a variety of styles, materials and colors. For a more interesting look when using candlesticks, use several different heights grouped together.

Tapers
Tapers - Slimmer than pillars, tapers commonly come in 6, 10 and 12 inch size in a rainbow of colors, which make it so simple to match your table settings and general home decor.  Displaying tapers is generally done by placing them in a single holder with a small hole in the middle where the bottom of the taper sits. Tapers can also be used in Candelabras or Vases. When displaying tapers group odd numbers like three or five together, this gives it a more interesting and commanding look.

Antique Mercury Glass Taper Holders - Pottery Barn
If your interested in a look that's fun or whimsical try mixing several different styles and colors  together. Taper holders made of glass, crystal, metal or pewter will give a dining table a more formal look, you can also achieve this look with candelabras.

Votive Candles
Votive - They are small and compact but don’t let their small size fool you, they can pack a punch of scent just as good as their big brothers. Votive candles are available in the same scents and colors as larger candles. Purchasing a mixed boxed set gives you the opportunity to try different scents. However they can just be purchased single to match a color or specific scent you like.

Assorted Votive Cups - Pottery Barn
Votive cups can be found pretty much every where, local discount stores, home improvement stores, craft stores even drug stores. You don't need to spend a fortune on these candle holder, get creative and use things you already have in your home, as long as it’s a container that is heat resistant anything goes.

The votive holder in the photo (left) was purchased at my local Dollar Store
Display them anywhere in the home by using just one or for more of an impact group several together.  If you have a window over the sink in your kitchen try lining several votive along the sill giving off a wonderful scent while doing the dishes.

Tea Light Candles
Tea Lights - The smallest of the candle group but again as with the votive tea lights carry a wonderful aroma just like the larger variety of candles. Packages of nine or twelve can be purchased to match the scent or color you’ve choose for the theme your creating or to match the decor. Large bags of loose unscented tea lights can also be purchased at most discount and craft stores. The unscented variety is generally used as a heat source for tart warmers.

Tea Lights Displayed In A Cup, Surrounded By Coffee Beans

Displaying Tea Lights -Single glass or wood holder - Several grouped together - Tucked within a centerpiece -Candle lamps - Lined up along a mantle, cabinet top or window sill.


Country Store - McCalls Candles

Jar Candles - Last but certainly not least we come to the most common of candles types, the jar candle . These candles come in several shapes - Square, Round, Oval - sizes ranging from 3.7 to 22 ounce. Most are one wick however many companies are now making two and three wick which makes for a more even burn.


Piper Classics

With pretty designs on the fronts and beautiful shapes jar candles can sit on any surface and look wonderful. For a little more zing, dress them up with a candle shade, matching plate or surround them with a ring made of flowers or berries

Candles add a warm glow to any home decor plus the added benefit of a wonderful scent. Pick up several to scatter around your home then sit back and enjoy.

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