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. Its up to you to decide what kind your 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, they 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 and 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 2 inchs 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
	Speciality 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 to be able to  float on water
• Birthday Candles  - Adorn baked goods such as cakes or cupcakes 
• Tealight Candles  - Small and cylindrical (around one an half inches high)

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 center pieces for dining table or coffee table
• Great for setting a romantic mood or a relaxing atmosphere

• Bathroom
• Scented candles go great in bathrooms for keeping your bathroom smelling clean
• Don't use scents that will overwhelm the space of your bathroom
• Use light and fresh scents such as a citrus  to keep your bathroom airy

• Make sure the candles aren't in close proximity to the 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 sil)

• 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 

External Links

• For more information on candles in general check out National Candle Association
• If you would like to learn how to make candles check out My Craft Book