Candles

There are a variety of different types and styles of candles  to choose from. The different sizes, shapes and colors can match any decor in your house and are used for heat, light, scent or even just decoration.  They are tiny and take up little space, but with careful placement and arrangement they make beautiful additions that will help spruce up any room. You can choose from seasonal or themed candles or ones that can be used everyday. It's up to you to decide what kind you're looking for and what will work best for you and for your home.

Popular Types

	Container Candles  Poured into any variety of types of containers that are heat resistant such as a jar or tin. The containers hold the melted wax within the container. Less messy than other types of candles. Often have have strong scents. Don't need a candle holder.
	Pillar Candles  Free standing candles that are thick and made of solid wax that is usually scented. Although many are round, there can be many other shapes such as square or rectangular. You will need a heat resistant base or candle holder in order to catch the melted wax.
	Taper Candles  Long, slender and usually around 6 to 18 inches long. They are great for dinning rooms and are often called dinner candles.  They cannot stand on their own and need to be placed securely in a candle holder.
	Gel Candles   Made out of gel rather than wax, and are rubbery and transparent. Although often placed within a container, some are free standing. Melted gel is hotter than melted wax. Make sure its container can withstand the extra heat. Don't let it burn for more than an hour or two.
	Votive Candles  Small (around two inches high) and are usually round or square shaped. They are usually placed in a glass container or votive holder that will hold the melted wax. Generally unscented, they originally only served religious purposes.
	Specialty Candle  Usually freestanding and sculpted into a variety of three-dimensional objects. Serve more decorative than functional purposes.

Some other types

• Floating Candles : Small and stable so they're able to float on water.
• Birthday Candles : Adorn baked goods such as cakes or cupcakes.
• Tealight Candles : Small and cylindrical (around one and a half inches high).

Popular Brands

• Yankee Candle Company : Yankee Candle Company has some of the best smelling jar candles around. Their sugar cookie scent will make your entire house smell like fresh baked cookies. They also have tons of candle accessories  for their votives  and tea lights.
• Caterpillar's Candles: These are a great all-natural option for any green household. Their candles are hand-crafted with all-natural cotton wicks and organic soy wax.  Even the packaging is hand wrapped and recycled!
• Beeswax Candle Company: Beeswax  is another natural alternative to paraffin candles. They tend to burn cleaner and for a slightly longer time period, all while being eco-friendly.

Common Uses

• Home Decor
• Dining Room or Living Room
• Always use unscented candles while dining.
• Taper,  pillar,  floating  and votive  candles are most common.
• Combine different styles and colors to make unique centerpieces for dining or coffee tables.
• Great for setting a romantic mood or a relaxing atmosphere.
• Bathroom
• Scented candles are great for keeping your bathroom smelling clean.
• Don't use scents that will overwhelm the space of your room.
• Use light and fresh scents, such as a citrus,  to keep your bathroom airy.
• Make sure the candles aren't in close proximity to water or use containers or holders that will keep water from them.
• Pillar candles  (in a candle holder) or container candles  are good for bathrooms.
• Shelves, if you have them, are the optimum places for candles.
• Bedroom
• Since the bedroom has a variety of purposes, you'll need different candles to serve all your needs.
• For soothing or relaxing use lavender  or vanilla  scented candles.
• For creating romantic atmospheres use scented votive candles  (you can place them along the window sill).
• Keep all candles in flame resistant containers (away from clothing, curtains, and bedding).
• Don't put candles in children's bedrooms.
• Outdoors
• Candles provide some lighting and heat for hanging out on patios or decks.
• Scented candles can attract insects, instead try to use candles with bug repellent  scents.
• Container candles  are the best type for outside use.
• Occasions
• Holidays
• Candles make great decorations, especially for Christmas,  Thanksgiving,  Valentine's Day,  or Halloween. 
• Parties
• Candles can help set the tone at dinner parties and add elegance to the atmosphere.
• They also make great table decorations.
• Birthday candles  are a necessary accessory for any birthday cake.
• Weddings
• Candles can be used as wedding decorations  or as wedding favors  to be handed out to guests.
• They also go with almost every theme.
• Aromatherapy 
• Aromatherapy is the process of taking essential oils  or plant materials from nature and using them in products to effect your mood. The idea behind it is that certain smells evoke certain feelings. Candles are one of the most popular aromatherapy products on the market. 
• Relaxation: Try something with lavender  or vanilla  in it to help promote relaxation.
• Energy: Peppermint  is said to help lift your spirits and give you a boost through the day.
• Sleep: If you're going to be burning candles before a nap, try something with chamomile  in it to help you sleep.

Accessories

• Votive Holders : Never burn a votive without a holder. They are specially designed to melt entirely and without a holder they will not burn correctly, leaving a misshapen lump of wax. That's never fun for anyone. The good thing is, candle holders are great decorations to have around the house and come in almost any design!
• Wick Trimmer : We all read the warnings on candle label that say 'trim to 1/4 in' but hardly any of us actually do it. However, following the directions will make your candle burn longer, produce less smoke and maintain its shape. The Clipawick  is a nifty little tool that will get into any container. 
• Candle Shades : These are a cool addition to any candle holder and always made out of fire proof materials! For large, bright candles it will produce a softer glow and also adds to the decorative appeal. Try some of Yankee Candle's shades.  

Related Guides

• Candle Making: If you're feeling adventuresome try making your own candles for a customized look and scent.
• Home Decorating: Once you add decorative candles to your house, check out how else to decorate.
• Green Guide: Burning candles is especially eco-friendly by cutting down on electricity costs. And if you are buying soy or beeswax candles you're already going green! For more tips in other parts of your life check out our Green Guide.

External Links

• Candles.org: For more information on candles in general check out the National Candle Association.
• MyCraftBook.com: Tips on learning to make candles.