Candles come in various shapes, colors, sizes and aroma, and are used for different reasons depending on the form they come in, for instance, a pink colored short candle made solely from cotton wick, paraffin wax and the pink dye may be used for its aesthetic value rather than as a source of fragrance.
In the past candles were solely used as light sources and because of that, not much attention was paid to its potential use in other areas of life and hence not much was done about modifying it to create “effects”. In modern times, candles are used for so many functions rather than as light sources and of the many use of candle is ‘to effect change on the immediate environment’ through provision of fragrance and color. Candles used for provision of fragrance particularly smell nice, while those that are used for provision of color look good.
Good looking candles come in different colors and sizes and they are majorly used for decorations. Their distinctiveness is seen in their color and that is why they are referred to as ‘colored candles’. Colored candles come in different colors while scented candles come in different flavors of aroma.
In choosing whether to buy scented candles or colorful candles one has to ask and answer the following questions:
- What do I want to use them for?
- How much do I want to spend on candles?
- Allergies?
1. WHAT DO I WANT TO USE THEM FOR?
Colored candles as well as scented candles are used for many purposes. To select which to get between them, one has to consider what he wants to use them particularly for. The table below shows the different uses of candles and questions you should ask yourself before choosing between a good looking candle and a well scented candle.
| Use | Question | |
| a. | Candles are used for decorations | What kind of decoration do I aim to achieve? What part of my house I’m I decorating them with- my bathroom or kitchen? |
| b. | Candles are used to create ambience | What kind of mood or atmosphere do I wish to create with my candle? Do I want to create a romantic atmosphere, a warm atmosphere or a soft atmosphere? |
| c. | Candles are used for celebrations | On what occasion would I be using the candles- Birthday celebration, honeymoon, romantic dinner or an exclusive couple night? |
| d. | Candles are used to chase bugs | Do I want to use them as bug repellents or not? |
| e. | Candles are used to add fragrance to a space | Do I want to add fragrance to my space? |
| f. | Candles are used for religious reasons | Of what religious purpose will my candle be useful? Meditation, prayer, or rituals? |
| g. | Candles provide health benefits in form of therapy | Do I want to use my candles for aromatherapy or for color therapy |
What kind of decoration do I aim to achieve? What part of my house I’m I decorating them with- my bathroom or kitchen?
Colored candles are best for decorations whether in the bathroom or living room, but apart from decorations you may want to introduce a new aroma to your space, in that case, a scented candle would be better.
What kind of mood or atmosphere do I wish to create with my candle? Do I want to create a romantic atmosphere, a warm atmosphere or a soft atmosphere?
Scented candles are best suited for creating romantic atmospheres, but a warm or soft atmosphere can be created using a candle of light colors. Red candles can also be used to create a romantic ambience.
On what occasion would I be using the candles- Birthday celebration, honeymoon, romantic dinner or an exclusive couple night?
Different kinds of candles are used for different occasions. A colored candle may be best suited for a birthday celebration in decorating the cake or an outdoor romantic dinner to create a soft and warm ambience, whereas a scented candle would be best for an exclusive couple’s night or a honeymoon.
Do I want to use them as bug repellents or not?
Some scented candles (e.g. citronella scented candles) double as bug repellents, so if you don’t mind using your candle as a bug repellent, you may want to choose a scented candle over a colored candle.
Do I want to add fragrance to my space?
If one of the reasons for you using candle in your space is to add fragrance then, scented candle is your best option. Scented candles come in different flavors and mixture of flavors you can pick from to make your space just have the perfect aroma.
Of what religious purpose will my candle be useful- Meditation, prayer or rituals?
Different religions use different kinds of candles for different reasons. Scented candles and colored candles are used for religious purposes, but they are selected based on the particular use. For instance colored candles may be used for praying in some religions, while scented candles may be preferred for meditation. Rituals in some religions make use of scented candles rather than colored while others prefer the latter.
Do I want to use my candles for aromatherapy or for color therapy?
Candles can be used for therapy. While scented candles heal the mind, body and souls using their fragrance (i.e. for aromatherapy), colored candles are used for color therapy- healing the mind the mind, body and soul, using their colors.
2. HOW MUCH DO I WANT TO SPEND ON CANDLES
You may also consider your budget when thinking of the kinds of candles to go for, that is if your do not need them for any special reasons. Scented candles are generally more expensive than colored candles.
3. ALLERGIES?
Some people are allergic to certain aromas. If you are allergic to the scent of scented candles, you may want to go for colored candles
Some candles smell good and also look good and they might just be what you need instead of just a scented candle or just a colored candle.
