How to Choose a Candle : A Candle Buying Guide

How to choose a candle, especially online, can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. So, we've put together our comprehensive buying guide on how to choose a candle for your home. There is a lot that goes into a candle and each element has its different options and benefits. By thinking about all the different types, you'll be able to narrow down the perfect candle for you.

Fragrances

One of the most desirable elements of a candle is the beautiful fragrances they create in our homes. But not everyone loves certain scents or fragrances. The first thing to decide is whether you want a scented candle or a scent-free candle. Some people are sensitive to smells and find them overpowering, so if the glow of the candle is more important than the smell, look for a fragrance-free candle.

If, however, you love the fragrance of candles, there are countless options. It's all about personal preference and what scents you love. There are general fragrance families that can help you find a candle in the right scent style for you. Some perfumers use different variations on these families but most feature these four types.

• Fresh - Fresh fragrances usually comprise of citrus, water and green scent notes. They have refreshing, zesty and vibrant smells producing an uplifting and energising vibe.

• Oriental - Oriental fragrances are warm, sweet and even a little spicy. They are often warming, rich and may have hints of food flavours such as vanilla or chocolate. They are luxurious and sensual

• Floral - Floral fragrances have a large range from being light and delicate to more complex and intense. They have, as the name implies, a floral profile but can vary greatly. Floral scents are generally fresher and lighter smelling but can move towards more woody scents with aromatic herbs such as lavender or rosemary.

• Woody - Woody fragrances are a warm family with earthy, woody and leathery aromas. They can be lighter in scent when mixed with citrus or floral notes or be reminiscent of oriental scents when drier.

Wax types

There are several materials a wax candle can be made from.

By far the most popular, paraffin wax candles are usually mass-produced by large companies. They are cheap to make and come in a variety of sizes, scents and designs. However, paraffin wax is made from Petroleum which comes from oil. A lot of energy is used to extract the oil and then turn it into paraffin. When you burn the candle, this releases oil and carbon once more into the atmosphere. As such, paraffin wax candles are not very good for the environment and are very bad for your health. Paraffin candles release a plume of carcinogenic materials into the air whenever they’re lit and can leave soot damage behind, even with a properly trimmed wick.

A more eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax is beeswax. Hundreds of years ago, candles were made from animal fats, including pig and beef. Their fat was rendered down and made into candles, which were particularly favoured by rats, who chewed on them to get the fat. Nowadays, animal fat candles are rare, but beeswax which has also been used for centuries has taken its place. Beeswax is a natural, renewable material produced by bees when they create honey. They undergo no chemical processing so their production is better for the environment and they are biodegradable. Plus, they are Hypo-allergenic, benefiting those with environmental allergies, sensitivities, and asthma. However, as beeswax is an animal product, it is not suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

And finally soy wax, they are better for the environment because it is a natural and sustainable resource. It's better for your home and better for your family because it doesn't release toxins. Soy produces 90% less soot into the air, allowing you to reuse your container and keep your walls and ceilings safe in your home. Soy candles burn slower, meaning fragrance is released gradually, rather than an instant hit of scent which doesn’t last. Wax made from soy is also biodegradable so if it spills on your tablecloth or clothing, it's a lot easier to clean than paraffin.

Wicks

The purpose of a wick is to deliver fuel (the wax) to the flame. The wick draws the liquefied wax up into the flame to burn. Different wick sizes allow for different amounts of wax to be drawn into the flame. Too much wax and the flame will flare and soot; too little wax and the flame will sputter out. It's a balancing act. Scented candles frequently contained lead-core wicks. Fragrance oils soften wax, so the manufacturers used lead to make the wicks stand firm. Most candle companies in the UK stopped using lead in the 70s but that doesn't mean cheaper imported candles do not still use it. It's always best to choose a candle that has a 100% natural wick to avoid releasing poisonous toxins into your home. The wicks of our candles are made of 100% natural fibres and do not contain lead, so are 100% safe to use.

Packaging & Containers

You may want to consider the container and packaging of your candle when it comes to how to choose a candle. Many people may not consider it but we think how your candle is packaged is just as important. With filled candles, does the candle container match your home style? It's not just about the container though. Choose a candle that comes in simple packaging that is recycled or can be recycled. Not only is this better for the environment, but you will also avoid paying extra for fancy or excessive packaging.