The Allure and History of Sweet Scented Candles

The Allure of Sweet Scented Candles

Candles have been used for light and fragrance for centuries. In ancient times, candles were made from tallow or beeswax and burned as a practical source of light. Today, while we have electric lighting, candles remain popular for their ambience and sweet aromas. Scented candles in particular have an allure that takes us back to those ancient times but also allows us to decorate our homes with delightful fragrances.

The History of Sweet Scented Candles

Early candles were simply made from animal fat or beeswax without any additional scents. The first scented candles appeared in Roman times when experimenters added floral oils and other perfumes to beeswax candles. The Chinese were also early innovators with scented candles, discovering that incense could be added to wax to produce aromatic smoke while the candle burned.

In Europe during Medieval and Renaissance times, beeswax candles were still mainly functional for providing lighting. But expensive wax candles were sometimes infused with ambergris or essential oils and used by nobility to scent chambers. By the Victorian era, candle making started to become more of an art form and craft. Paraffin wax from petroleum allowed cheaper production of candles, making them accessible to more of the population.

Modern Popularity of Sweet Scented Candles

Today, with ubiquitous electric lighting, candles are primarily used for decoration and aroma. The modern scented candle industry took off in the 1990s with companies commercializing production. Yankee Candle and other brands figured out how to efficiently manufacture candles infused with high quality fragrance oils.

The popularity of scented candles has only grown since then. Retail sales of candles now top $3 billion annually in the United States alone. While unscented candles still have their utility, the vast majority now contain beautiful sweet aromas like vanilla, pumpkin spice, fresh linen, and jasmine. Scented candles have become a trendy way for people to keep their homes smelling fresh or set a relaxing mood.

Choosing Your Sweet Scented Candles

With so many options out there, how do you choose the right sweet scented candles for your home? Here are some tips:

• Take stock of what rooms or areas could use a scent boost or cosy mood lighting.
• Think about what aromas make you feel happy, calm, or inspired. Consider sweet smells like sugar cookies, honey, rose, or fresh baked bread.
• Look at how much wax the candles contain and how long they will burn. Bigger ones work better in main living areas.
• Read reviews and descriptions to gauge quality and strength of fragrance.
• Choose candles in styles, colors, and holders that fit your existing decor.

Trying out a few different scents every season is also fun to keep your home feeling fresh. You may find surprising new favorite smells as candle makers continuously expand their creativity.

Enhancing Your Space with Sweet Scented Candles

Strategically using sweet scented candles can enhance any space in your home. Here are ways to use them:

Living Room Candles

The living room deserves candles with sweet scents like gingerbread, snickerdoodle or clean cotton that say “welcome home.” Group multiples together on end tables, the mantel or console table for warmth. Or place large statement candles on the coffee table as a centerpiece.

Bedroom Candles

Set a relaxing oasis in your bedroom with soothing candles like lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus. Place them on the dresser or nightstands for unwinding at the end of the day. Timers help if you’ll fall asleep with them lit.

Bathroom Candles

Candles bring sweet spice and warmth to bathrooms too. Citrus, vanilla or clean scents work nicely. Arrange them around the tub or vanity. Just be very careful leaving them burning unattended in damp areas.

Kitchen Candles

The kitchen deserves yummy gourmand candles that smell like vanilla, sugar cookies, apple pie or cinnamon rolls. Cluster them on countertops or windowsills. Timeless glass canisters or ceramic containers work well for blending with kitchen decor.

Outdoor Candles

You can even bring sweet scents outside with patio, balcony or yard candles. Look for unscented beeswax or soy wax formulated to be safe outdoors. Add citronella versions to help repel mosquitos in warmer weather.

With the right sweet scented candles for each space, your whole home can feel cozy, calm and bright year-round. Choose fragrances that inspire you and design a customized aromatic experience room by room.

FAQs

What are the most popular sweet scent candle fragrances?

Some of the most popular sweet smells for candles include vanilla, sugar cookie, pumpkin spice, lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, lemon, cinnamon roll, and gingerbread.

How long do scented candles last when burning?

Most scented candles lasts between 40-50 hours when burning. However, this can vary based on size of candle, wax type, wick size, and other factors. Refer to manufacturer guidance for each specific candle.

Are scented candles safe to leave burning overnight?

It is not generally recommended to leave any candles burning unattended for long periods. Consider blowing them out before going to sleep. If you do want to leave them on overnight, ensure they are in very stable containers on fireproof surfaces.

Should candles be trimmed before lighting?

Yes, trim candle wicks to 1⁄4 inch before initial lighting to help prevent excess smoke and uneven burning. Trim again as needed after each few hours of burn time.

What’s the difference between soy, paraffin, and beeswax candles?

Soy wax is made from soybean oil, paraffin wax comes from petroleum oil, and beeswax is from honeycomb produced by bees. Each material burns a little differently in terms of melt point, burn time, aroma throw, and environmental impact.